Online Format
Being a full-time educator while pursuing a master’s degree was attainable due to the online format at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago. The online platform is very user friendly and consistent throughout the duration of the program. Once you learn where to post, check grades, upload documents, etc., the process is the same for every course. I also found it helpful that there is an application you can download to your phone in order to check the status of your grades and assignments on the go!
Additionally, the professors provide an electronic, scaled rubric for every written assignment that is due. With everything online (from assignment guidelines to articles), the expectations were clear and easy to manage.
Great Communication
From early on with the admissions process all the way through graduation, I felt supported during the entirety of the program. Whether I had a question for a professor regarding an assignment or needed course scheduling assistance with student services, I consistently received a reply within 24 hours.
Additionally, the online format made it easy to communicate with colleagues in my courses as well. There is an option for individual chats as well as whole group conversations. Through weekly online discussion posts, I was able to understand my colleagues’ backgrounds and what their current teaching environment was like. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss questions as a group or engage and learn from local educators in a 1:1 dialogue.
As previously mentioned, the online platform was also helpful in clearly communicating the expectations of each discussion post and assignment. The scaled rubrics described the topics and headings for every paper.
No Set Login Times for Course Work
While researching graduate programs, one priority for me was not having to login at a specific time each week. Balancing a full-time career while wanting the flexibility of when I completed school work was critical in choosing which program would be best for my schedule.
The structure of assignments and due dates within the program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago are consistent. At the start of each course, you are provided with a syllabus that includes due dates for all projects and assignments.
Because each course had similar expectations as to when discussion posts and responses were due, I was able to plan my week and work times. With no set login, I could determine my work and personal commitments and block times that were the most convenient for my schedule and not vice versa. I found this to be a huge benefit in having the program work for me rather than me having to navigate around set logins each week.
Discounted Tuition
The thought of starting a graduate program while being a full-time educator is stressful for a few reasons. I remember thinking:
- How am I going to find time to get the work done?
- Are my students and career going to temporarily suffer because I’m taking courses?
- How am I going to afford more student loans?
The program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago makes it attainable to get the work done in a flexible manner that works for your schedule, and it was affordable! At the start of the program, I had recently paid off all of my loans from undergraduate school and my first master’s degree, so the thought of taking out more loans was daunting.
However, while working with the student services department, I learned that OAESA with Concordia University Chicago was almost one-fifth of the cost of my first master’s degree! This helped tremendously with making my choice. Of course, my reason for pursing another master’s degree was to reach personal and professional goals, but it was also helpful knowing that I wouldn’t be coming out of the program with tens of thousands of dollars in debt.
100% Licensure Program Internship Passing Rate
While I was researching graduate programs, there were several options that met some of my requirements but not all. Many across the country had the benefit of an online platform but had set login times. Many more had an online platform but could not guarantee that the license would transfer seamlessly to Ohio. Because OAESA partnered with Concordia University of Chicago, I was able to complete the coursework knowing that when I graduated my license would be valid in the state of Ohio.
All of the courses and assignments prepared me for the licensure exam. The discussion posts throughout the program aided in problem-solving skills and flexible thinking when making leadership decisions for a school setting. Additionally, the program included recursive review of concepts taught in previous courses that helped in the retention of educational laws, which was also expected on the exam.
After completing the program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I reviewed practice questions online in order to know what to expect when taking the licensure exam, but I did not purchase a review book or manual, and I passed on the first try! The program 100% prepared me for what I needed for the written exam; but more importantly, in my opinion, the program prepared me to be a leader in education that is able to problem solve and cultivate a team of educators that partner to ensure the success of every student!
Convinced OAESA with Concordia University Chicago is the perfect place to begin your next educational journey? Explore our available programs to get started today!