Category: Education & Human Development Programs

Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville
Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

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Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

Returning to school and earning your degree can open new doors in your career. For students balancing family, work and school, though, the time commitment can seem daunting. Fortunately, UofL’s Healthcare Leadership track of the Bachelor of Science in Organization Leadership and Learning degree program is offered 100% online, allowing students to fit the classroom into their own busy lives.

The healthcare track also incorporates a Competency-Based Education model (CBE) which can help speed your path to graduation in three important ways.

How Does Competency-Based Education Work?

The driving force behind the Competency-Based Education model is to award credit for what students have already learned inside and outside the classroom. The aim is to make finishing your bachelor’s degree as easy as 1-2-3.

1) CBE rewards your previous college work

Whether you have started or even completed your associate’s degree, or have earned credit at a four-year college, applicants to the Healthcare Leadership program are eligible to transfer over 36 credit hours towards the general education requirements of your degree.

2) CBE gives credit for on-the-job knowledge

The Healthcare Leadership track of the Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning degree begins with a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that allows students to demonstrate their professional knowledge and earn up to 48 credit hours tuition-free.

3) CBE allows you to set the pace

After transferring credits and completing the PLA, students may take the core curriculum of the Healthcare Leadership (36 credit hours) track in a competency-based model. There are also two enrollment paths available, offering varying degrees of flexibility:

  • Flex Pace: Students have 32 weeks to move through the program materials at their own pace, providing more flexibility and self-direction.
  • Set Pace: Students enroll in 8-week courses and complete each course within a pre-determined time frame, offering the benefits of accelerated courses within a more traditional university structure.

Your Degree is Nearer Than You Think

Between transfer credits, on-the-job knowledge and competency-based coursework, the Healthcare Leadership bachelor’s program is designed to bring your career and education goals within reach.

The Healthcare Leadership program at University of Louisville starts the first Tuesday of every month except December, so you can begin the next chapter of your career right away. Visit the online program’s homepage to learn more and apply today!

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

UofL Launches New Concentrations in the Online Higher Education Administration Master’s Program
UofL Launches New Concentrations in the Online Higher Education Administration Master’s Program

UofL Launches New Concentrations in the Online Higher Education Administration Master’s Program

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UofL Launches New Concentrations in the Online Higher Education Administration Master’s Program

Finding your niche can be a crucial part of carving out a career in higher education. The online master’s in higher education administration program at University of Louisville recently incorporated three new concentrations into the curriculum to help students take the strong foundation they develop as they work through the core curriculum and add distinction to their degree through focused specialization.

Concentrations are available in three areas: Administration, Teaching & Learning, and Policy & Equity.

Administration Concentration

Hone the art and science of running a world-class institution. The Administration concentration curriculum focuses on post-secondary organizational contexts and explores the practices of administration, management, and leadership.

From the day-to-day administrative challenges of running a large organization with multiple facilities to the interpersonal opportunities to build relationships and help others pursue their own career goals, this concentration helps students build the skills and knowledge needed to earn the trust of their peers and help lead organizations through the 21st century.

Teaching & Learning Concentration

Develop the skill set to collaborate with faculty and deliver academic excellence. By studying instructional design and strategy, as well as academic advising practices, students in this concentration learn to partner with faculty on their mission to offer a world-class education at their institution. Students are also prepared to understand and support teaching and learning in both instructional and administrative roles.

Policy & Equity Concentration

Navigate the ever-changing college landscape with a dedication to diversity and inclusiveness. Students in this concentration study policy as a theory, as well as the history of education policy, in order to chart a path forward that welcomes students from all backgrounds to pursue their goals.

Because policy does not always originate in the college or university, students in this specialization may pursue careers in professional organizations and advocacy and lobbying groups that seek to influence education policy at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Sports Administration Concentration

This specialization focuses on the intricacies of administration, management and leadership within collegiate-level athletic programs. Students in this specialization will learn about the context of sports in higher education and how to effectively manage sports teams by studying current industry trends and issues.

Online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

Learn more about UofL’s Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration degree including descriptions of the courses involved in each concentration. Find your niche and apply today!

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

Irina McGrath UofL Faculty Education
UofL Master of Education Faculty Spotlight: Irina McGrath

UofL Master of Education Faculty Spotlight: Irina McGrath

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Irina McGrath UofL Faculty EducationIrina McGrath navigates a variety of worlds.

Her classroom experience as a current JCPS teacher translates directly to her curriculum as a UofL instructor in the online Master of Education and ESL endorsement programs.

On top of all that, she also finds time to pursue her own education and personal life. She is the embodiment of the career and education opportunities that online learning offers.

Tell us briefly about yourself and your teaching career. Why UofL?

I work as a JCPS Middle School Resource Teacher, and I’ve been a UofL adjunct since 2007. I’m also a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction and I’m pursuing my Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in the Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development at the University of Louisville.

One of the reasons I chose UofL is because of its incredible faculty. Everyone I have worked with has been extremely knowledgeable, passionate about their work and supportive.

What do you like best about teaching online?

Online teaching encourages creativity and challenges your thinking as an instructor. Oral language, a preferred and commonly-used mode of communication in a face-to-face class, is not the main mode of communication in an online class; therefore, you need to find other ways to engage your students and facilitate their learning.

Teaching online also allows you to work in a place where you feel comfortable and can concentrate the most. Whether that is a coffee shop, your office or home. You can switch places if you wish, you just need Internet access.

How does the online learning format benefit your students?

The online format allows for continuous individualized feedback to students. It also permits me to tailor my instruction and interact with students in ways that meet their specific needs.

Additionally, the online format gives the students flexibility as far as time is concerned. Since the deadlines for each assignment are posted online, students can plan accordingly around their busy schedules. They are able to devote time to learning, as well as continue to work and spend time with their families.

What advice do you have for prospective online students who might be worried about going back to school while holding a job or taking care of family?

Online classes provide a smooth transition when going back to school. The course materials are posted electronically and you are in charge of creating your own schedule for completing the assignments on time. You get to decide when, where, and how much time you are going to spend each week on course work. Discipline and consistency are key.

Would you recommend UofL and your program to others? Why?

Yes, definitely! I strongly believe that UofL provides high-quality education and the courses we offer are well thought-out and designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Many parties are involved in creating excellent online courses: from UofL faculty members who have successfully taught online courses to the Delphi Center, which has been instrumental in helping ensure online courses meet the high standards for quality.

About UofL Online Learning

Irina is a great example of what is possible if you put your mind to it. Taking the initiative and balancing work, home and school can be a challenge, but the reward is immense. That’s why the University of Louisville currently offers online programs in many various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

As a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners, our online programs bring a long tradition of excellence into your world.

UofL Master of Education Online Degrees
How To Choose A Master’s Program for Your Teaching Career

How To Choose A Master’s Program for Your Teaching Career

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UofL Master of Education Online Degrees

You’ve finally taken the plunge to pursue your master’s degree – an exciting and rewarding decision.

While your state may not require a Master of Education or Master of Arts in Teaching, choosing to advance your degree is a smart choice for:

  • Working towards your Rank I and Rank II certifications, and increasing your earning potential
  • Becoming a better teacher, with more expertise in pedagogy and educational technology
  • Opening doors for promotions to administration positions in education
  • Improving opportunities to teach at the university or college level

Whatever the motivation, obtaining your master’s degree is an excellent way to advance your career and understand how to help your students succeed.

But, you’ve found yourself at a crossroads.

Of all the teaching graduate programs, which one is best tailored to your interests, motivations and goals?

Key Differences Between Teaching Degree Programs

At a glance, the Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education degrees seem similar, and prospective students often use these terms interchangeably. However, it is important to note the differences in curriculum and admission requirements between teacher education programs. While subtle, they can be critical to your career path.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

A MAT degree is focused primarily on advancing your teaching career by enhancing your ability to work directly with students through hands-on teaching experience.

The MAT program emphasizes advanced coursework to help you hone your expertise in a specific subject area such as Art, Music or Early Elementary Education. MAT candidates focus on pedagogical theory and developing the practical skills needed for implementing this theory in the classroom. In other words, the MAT teaches teachers how to teach.

Master of Education (MEd)

A MEd is less centered on developing skills in a specific subject area. Instead, this is the path to choose if you need to fulfill continuing education requirements, maintain or add to your teaching credentials, or expand your knowledge and skills beyond the classroom to widen your career opportunities in the field of education.

As a certified teacher, you can pursue this degree and still remain in a classroom setting. The framework of the MEd degree, however, is designed to equip you with additional proficiency in specialized areas including curriculum development, counseling, policy development or administration. In other words, the MEd focuses on attaining career-specific credentials.

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

Less popular than the MEd and MAT degrees, a MAEd primarily emphasizes classroom teaching rather than administrative work. This is the most fitting degree if you want to gain practical, hands-on experience in the classroom but do not have an interest in pursuing administrative education roles.

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

The MSEd degree, also less well known than the MAT and MEd, is an excellent choice if you are more interested in data and statistics behind different pedagogical theory and practice. This is the ideal degree for students interested in educational research.

Master of Education in Teacher Leadership (Teaching & Learning) (MEdTL)

This graduate degree at the University of Louisville is available completely online. The curriculum prepares you to serve as a leader, work strategically with learners of all ages, facilitate change at the classroom and institutional level, and coach others to lead in the teaching field.

Developed especially for Kentucky-certified teachers, this innovative program centers on pedagogical theory and practical teaching techniques that will help you pursue a successful career in supporting new teachers, developing professional training and transforming the way education is delivered.

What’s Your Next Move?

If you are already teaching and balancing life inside and outside the classroom, thinking about pursuing a master’s degree can be daunting. However, an online learning format can allow you to pursue your degree when and where it works for you.

UofL currently offers two master’s degrees 100% online: the Master of Education in Special Education and the Master of Education (Teaching and Learning) with endorsements in ESL, Classroom Reading, and Instructional Technology. Our advising team is exceptional and can help you navigate the various options available, providing guidance at every step of the way.

Obtaining a master’s degree in education can sharpen your teaching and leadership skills, improve your career opportunities and, most importantly, prepare you to best serve your students and school. Having clear career goals and knowing your options for earning your next education credential can help you choose the path that’s best for you and your students.

Know your options inside and outside the classroom, and choose the path that’s best for you and your students.

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