I'm really inbetween these two for Universities for my MA is Teaching.

They both have a reciprocity to NJ

Saint Josephs University is really expensive, but I kind of feel better about it being closer to NJ

Do anyone have anything to add about these two schools?

Hi SnoAngel!

Which Saint Joseph's University are you referring to? I can think of three schools with that name. Thanks!

Victoria

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Victoria is the Web Producer at eLearners.com. She earned a traditional Bachelor's degree in History from Smith College in 2005. She is currently an online course in English grammar.

It's funny that you should mention the distance being a factor in your school selection. I am just now writing an article (for another site) that specifically proposes just the opposite. My general premise is that it should not matter unless:

• you think you might want to go visit the administrative offices; and/or
• you think you might need to go visit the administrative offices; and/or
• it has a real campus and you might want to participate in activities at that campus.

In reference to visiting those administrative offices, there is absolutely something to be said for being able to go stand in an office until you get an answer to your question.

However, if it were me and all things being equal, I see no discernible difference between those two choices. I would choose either the less expensive option unless attending the alternative is more likely to get you a job where you live. This is probably not the case here, though.

 

Tom Nixon
 

tcnixon:

In reference to visiting those administrative offices, there is absolutely something to be said for being able to go stand in an office until you get an answer to your question.

And for this reason alone I'd prefer a school that's close to one that's far all other things being equal.  I needed a transscript once from GW and was very glad I could just drop by and get it same day. 

Those who are concerned that prospective employers might not like distance learning have another reason, in that a degree from a nearby school may not be assumed to be by distance, while one from far away clearly is.

-=Steve=- 

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B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

I graduated from Grand Canyon University back in December of 07 with a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Technology.  My experience there was great.  They offer 8 week courses and its about 400 dollars per credit hour, so I dont know how much Saint Josephs is.  If you are just looking to work in the education field, then check with your state licensing requirements, you did said they have reciprocity in NJ, so thats a plus.  As for distance thats ok but if you arent planning on attending the campus, why not just attend Grand Canyon University or some other school thats online and probably cheaper than the 2?  I live in NC and GCU is in Arizona, so that was quite a gap, I had alternatives I could of attend in my back yard, but they were either too slow, meaning offering 16 week courses or required a standardized test, which I didnt mind taking, but just didnt want to spend the money on.  Plus at GCU they have start dates every 8 weeks and you can take 2 courses per 8 weeks.  I know I sound biased, because I am an alumna, but I just had a great experience.  On another note, at the public school district I used to work for, many teachers were getting masters from GCU in order to be bumped up to master teaching level pay, thats how I found out about GCU, from another teacher who had gone through the same program.

Both are certainly reasonable. Access to administration can be helpful, to be sure. While I have never needed it in my own online endeavors, I know others who have.

Also, there are certainly employers who have not figured out the whole online thing and might "punish" you in the interview process. I personally believe that the number of those folks is shrinking, but there some still out there.

 

Tom Nixon 

P.S. And aren't you the smart person for even knowing that they needed to have reciprocity. If I had a dollar for each email I've received wanting me to help fix it...

For those who don't know: Teaching credentials/certificates/licensure earned in one state need to have reciprocity with another state for them to be valid in that second state. There are ways to get around this, but the easiest is to know about it and choose wisely the first time around.

Tom Nixon 

tcnixon:

P.S. And aren't you the smart person for even knowing that they needed to have reciprocity. If I had a dollar for each email I've received wanting me to help fix it...

For those who don't know: Teaching credentials/certificates/licensure earned in one state need to have reciprocity with another state for them to be valid in that second state. There are ways to get around this, but the easiest is to know about it and choose wisely the first time around.

Tom Nixon 

Sometimes reciprocity isnt enough either, in my state of NC we have reciprocity with some states, but that alone doesnt determine if you are licensed to teach or not in some states.  In one state the degree has to be regionally accredited and you can either teach with 24 semester credit hours in a particular subject or hold a degree in the subject, or take the praxis 2 exam to be able to teach in NC.  Having a masters can lead to licensure but its up to each school district to determine if your masters meets the qualifications to obtain master's level teaching pay.  Normally such a masters degree has to be in education or in the subject you are currently teaching or want to teach.

It is most decidedly an insane system. In my home state of California, even if your state has reciprocity with CA, you could still end up having to take tests.

And for most grade levels, it makes no sense. Yes, if you are teaching something specific to your state (state or local history), then perhaps you need more training. However, my guess is that U.S. History or English is the same whether you are in California or New Mexico.

 

 

Tom Nixon
 

To answer your question it's Saint Josephs University in Philadelphia, PA

I  am in NJ and about an hour away from the school. They are apparently 530 a credit for education majors. I was told by admission this price, but on the website it's considerably higher. I even pointed that out to her and she said it's because they discount education majors by 30%! Weird??!!

 GCU has gone up to $420 a credit now. I calculated a $4800 difference in price. I think SJU is the way to go for me because it's a dual major for both elementary and special education and GCU doesn't offer a dual major. Besides I have to allow for flying out there to graduate in Arizona. I just figure since SJU is in the tri-state area, they hold the same high standards like NJ and it could easily be converted.

My old neighbor went to York College in PA and now teaches in NJ

The department of Edcation said I need to be certified for both Special Ed and Elementary in order to be a Special Edcation Teacher, so then would that mean I'd have to major in both or take a test? Admission at GCU was talking abot testing out of Elementary subjects I kept on asking how do you just "test out?"

 

GCU does have a dual major .........I know I am in it. Elem. Edu w/dual in Special Edu. Will graduate soon. So check it out .....