Is this the real Penn State?
Simply put, yes. When you successfully complete the master of education degree, you will receive a diploma stating that you have earned a master of education degree, not an online master's degree. Neither the diploma nor the transcript will differentiate the mode (online or otherwise) in which the courses or degree was completed.
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How does the quality of the online M.Ed. compare with that of a resident program?
Since its founding in 1855, Penn State has established itself as one of the nation's most respected universities. The online master of education degree programs offer a level of quality and rigor consistent with Penn State's reputation for academic excellence.
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My employer will pay for my tuition. What do I need to provide with my registration so that you can bill my employer?
We will honor an "authorization to bill" letter at the time of registration. This should come from your employer and be on letterhead. Please be sure that your employer includes the contact information of the person who will be authorizing the payment.
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Do I need to have all my application materials gathered before I can register for a course?
No. Many students begin taking courses toward their degree while they are completing the degree application process. This way, while students are gathering the necessary credentials for their applications, they can begin courses right away as nondegree students. To begin taking courses as a nondegree student, you must follow the steps outlined in the admissions section of this site.
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Should I take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)?
Prospective master's students have the option of taking the GRE or MAT as their admission test. Test scores from either of these exams meet this admission requirement, and we have found that returning adult learners for this program find the MAT more appropriate. If you plan to go on in a doctoral program, however, you should know that Penn State's Graduate School (as well as many other institutions) accepts only GRE scores for admission to the doctoral program.
These tests need to have been taken within 5 years of your acceptance date to be considered a valid part of your application. If you plan to use scores from a previous administration of the test, you should have an official copy sent from the testing company that administers the test. You can find information on score reporting at:
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How can I complete my research projects from home?
You will be able to access Penn State's University Libraries system—one of North America's leading university research libraries. You can search the online catalog and review databases as if you were sitting at a terminal in any Penn State library.
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Where can I get the help I need to complete the program?
As a distance education pioneer, Penn State has developed a nationally recognized support system for students who are geographically removed from campus.
Technical support: The HelpDesk is accessible by phone, e-mail, or real-time chat from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.
Library resources: You can search the online catalog and review databases as if you were sitting at a terminal in any Penn State library.
Academic advising: Support and help is available from your academic adviser.
Student services: This office will help you with registration, scheduling, academic records, and book purchases.
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How does Penn State's M.Ed. program compare with M.Ed. programs at other universities?
According to U.S. News & World Report, Penn State's College of Education ranks among the nation's best graduate schools, and the online master's degree program in educational technology is taught by the same nationally recognized faculty.
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