In today's economy, having a degree is a necessity to make it in the highly competitive job market. In most cases, the majority of applicants will have at least a bachelor's degree, so in order to stand out, competitive job seekers are getting their master's degree in the field of their choice. The advent of distance learning is now a tried and true aspect of higher education, as bachelor's and advanced degrees are offered in a wide range of fields by notable private and public institutions. Taking an online course doesn't just apply to those with full-time jobs or families. 
According to a recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics, as recently as 2013, there were over 5 million students enrolled in distance learning courses, and more than 40% of those students were also currently enrolled at a public or private institution at the same time. The truth is that online courses are a great way to further your career while saving your time and getting the most out of your investment. Here are the top reasons you should think about getting your master's through an online degree program:
1. This one is obvious - online master's degrees are location-neutral
Because online master's degrees rely on technology instead of concrete resources like classroom real estate, the ability for anyone anywhere to attend a school of their choice is greatly increased. An online master's degree in key STEM areas from a university like Florida State University is now attainable for people who live as far away as California.
2. Distance learning is no longer a way for "for-profit" colleges to make a quick buck.
Online courses have received a bad reputation as a way for institutions to maximize their profit and minimize their overhead by offering cheap online courses to desperate individuals looking for a quick fix on their career path. Today, you can get legitimate master's degrees from internationally recognized institutions like Harvard, Wharton, and Florida State University.
3. An online master's degree allows you more flexibility with your time.
This makes higher education more attainable to those who would otherwise not be able to gain access to it. Let's face it - some people have family and work obligations that make pursuing an advanced degree on a campus a non-starter. An online master's degree opens the door for more people to further their knowledge in the field of their choice.
4. An online master's degree is the best way to advance your career.
Not only will a master's degree provide you with a deeper understanding of your field of study, but it will also help advance your career, open more doors, and give you the skills and knowledge to take on new and exciting challenges in those new positions. It's also a great way to maximize your investment in your own education. Because standard in-state or out-of-state tuition rates apply to most online degree programs, the costs are comparable to getting a degree on campus. Instead of spending money on the cost of living on or near a campus, you can instead put all of your money into getting a master's from the college of your choice. Florida State University offers an online master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. The program is designed for currently certified teachers to better their understanding in addressing the needs of diverse student populations, navigating a dynamic policy environment on local, state, and federal levels, and cutting edge approaches to teaching. FSU's online master's in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to build upon an already strong foundational understanding of instruction in a convenient online, asynchronous format so that master's candidates can attain an advanced degree with a hectic teaching schedule. Specializations within the program include:
- Elementary Education
- English Education
- Foreign and Second Language Education
- Mathematics Education
- Reading Education/Language Arts
- Science Education
- Social Studies Education
- Special Education
Learn More About Our Online Master's Programs in Curriculum and Instruction
