MC’s Online Master’s in Education Programs Draw U.S. News Ranking
One of the nation’s most prestigious consumer media publishing companies has named the online Master’s in Education Program at Mississippi College one of the best available in the state, according to rankings released Jan. 25.
In its 2022 Best Online Programs rankings, U.S. News and World Report includes the education programs offered by MC among the finest online Master’s in Education programs in Mississippi.
The news of MC’s placement as one of the state’s best came as no surprise to Lindsey Martin, a recent graduate of the online Master’s in Education Program.
“When choosing the best master’s program to attend, I asked myself the typical questions most students ask: ‘Would the program be affordable, would it be attainable while working full-time, and would it be rigorous enough to support me with future job opportunities?’” said Martin, a third-grade language arts instructor at Oakdale Elementary School in Rankin County. “After thorough research into the online Master’s in Education Program at Mississippi College, I answered ‘Yes’ to all of these questions.
“The program’s design and organization allowed me to obtain the degree over two years, while successfully teaching full-time. The program’s curriculum allowed me to be paired with an administrative mentor who guided me in real-world scenarios and situations. Each professor was so knowledgeable of their content and supported me with any questions that I had.
“Using the faith-based approach, I was able to learn Christ-like characteristics that leaders need in order to inspire others. MC is so very deserving of this honor, for all of these reasons and many more.”
To compile its rankings, U.S. News measured services offered remotely and course delivery best practices. The rankings measure whether the online degree programs have academic standards commensurate with quality brick-and-mortar programs that are properly adapted toward the unique pedagogy of distance education. Only predominantly online degree programs, from entry to completion, are included in the rankings.
U.S. News assessed 1,728 online degree programs and ranked 1,646 – both all-time highs. The rankings measure the overall academic quality of degree-granting programs housed at regionally accredited institutions offering predominantly online classes needed to complete the degree. U.S. News ranked schools based on five categories: engagement, expert opinion, faculty credentials and training, services and technologies, and student excellence.
According to Dr. Cindy Melton, dean of the School of Education at MC, the Christian University offers a robust array of online degree programs in education.
“We currently offer online degree programs in many areas of specialization, including Educational Leadership and Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education, and Special Education, with degree opportunities at both the Master’s and Education Specialist levels,” Melton said. “This range of programs allows current educators the opportunity for professional growth and development in many areas so they can continue their educational journey while preparing for a variety of roles within the field of education, from honing their skills as classroom teachers to opening doors as program and curriculum coordinators or preparing for administrative positions, such as principal or superintendent.
“Our full-time faculty within the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership serve as the advisors and instructors in these programs, so our students are learning from faculty who have not only the experience and credentials to help prepare their students, but also the compassion and commitment to Christian Higher Education for which MC is known.”
She said the online Master’s in Education Program at MC offers increased flexibility for graduate students.
“Students in these programs are able to work from their office, classroom, or home, and within timeframes that fit more comfortably with their own busy schedules,” she said. “Our fully online programs also allow educators to enroll and participate as an MC student from anywhere in the state, country, or globe, and complete a degree from our fully accredited and reputable University.”
As a Baptist-affiliated higher education institution, MC’s faith-based curricula contribute to the excellence of its online educational degree programs, which attract many students back to the Christian University to obtain their graduate degrees.
“These programs are taught by our full-time faculty who have a deep commitment to their Christian faith and teach from a Christ-centered perspective, which allows us to discuss the challenges of the teaching profession from a faith-based view,” Melton said. “We are delighted to see so many of our undergraduates return to MC for a graduate degree. They know, expect, and appreciate the academic preparation and personal investment that our faculty provide, along with the faith-based perspective and the sense of community, which makes us distinctly MC.”
Having its online Master’s in Education Programs ranked by a nationally respected organization as U.S. News is yet another feather in the University’s cap.
“Mississippi College has a longstanding reputation of academic excellence throughout our state,” Melton said. “It is very encouraging to see our programs receive national recognition for the quality of the programs we offer as well as the commitment and personal connection we provide for our students.”
For more information about MC’s online education programs, visit online.mc.edu.
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