UTA College of Education online master’s degree ranks No. 5 nationally
Program addresses critical needs for teachers in Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington College of Education’s national reputation for excellence has once again been affirmed by Intelligent.com’s No. 5 national ranking of UTA’s online master’s in education degree.
Teresa Doughty, UTA College of Education dean, said today’s world of higher education requires universities to have excellent online programs.
“Pursuing an online master’s degree in education through UTA’s College of Education ensures that students are well prepared for the education profession,” Doughty said. “The academic content taught in our online program is identical to that required in our traditional, on-campus courses. Students continue to meet the same rigorous academic standards. While instruction and class participation may look a little different in an online class, students continue to receive world-class preparation in a nationally ranked program.”
Intelligent.com looked at more than 350 programs from 84 universities. UTA’s online master’s in education was the only Texas university in Intelligent.com’s list and was also named as the best value among 30 state programs. Programs were accessed on three factors: academic strength, student engagement and return-on-investment potential.
What makes UTA’s online master’s degree even more valuable is that it answers a critical shortage in the teaching profession according to the Texas Education Agency.
Doughty said Texas and the nation continue to experience shortages in certain sectors, including English as a Second Language.
Jeannie Winn, a K-2 reading interventionist at Liberty Elementary School, in Franklin, Tenn., and a 2018 College of Education online master’s degree graduate, said she was referred to UTA’s online program through a colleague at work.
“During the entire online experience, I never felt left in the dark. The professors responded immediately to all of my questions and concerns. They were quick to respond and help guide me and the other students through each course,” said Winn, who started college at 43. “The course work prepared me to excel on my professional exam. The course work also prepared me to teach phonics and the foundational skills needed to support struggling readers.”
Winn also said the professors impressed her.
“They were so supportive through every course. They supported all of us in meeting the course goals,” Winn said. “The course prepared me for my current position. I have referred three colleagues to the program who have now started their coursework.”
Doughty said, “UTA’s College of Education stands as a leader in high-quality educator preparation, especially in shortage areas. At the graduate and undergraduate levels, UTA prepares teachers in special education, bilingual/ESL and mathematics education. These represent three of the four shortage areas identified by the U.S. Department of Education and the Texas Education Agency.”
Among the many successful graduates of UTA’s online master’s in education program is Shanna Peeples, M.Ed. ’13, who was named the 2015 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. She was the first Texan to be named National Teacher of the Year since 1957.
UTA President Vistasp Karbhari said, “Our best evidence for the great education UTA provides is from former students. The College of Education is extremely important to UTA’s mission, especially since we are teaching the instructors of tomorrow. Our online master’s program offers students the opportunity to prepare and advance on their terms, and with the support of our world-class faculty and staff.”