What is a Holistic Education Degree?

<p>Holistic education is a relatively new field that examines the whole student and focuses not only on people's academic performance but also their well-being, health and spirituality. Master's degrees are commonly awarded in the subject. Programs provide a nontraditional approach to teaching that encourages student exploration and self-motivated learning. Holistic education is often community-based and collaborative. </p> <p>To apply, you usually must hold a bachelor's degree and meet a minimum GPA requirement. Some schools offer a master's degree program that is a continuation of the university's undergraduate education program. So, master's degree candidates would need to have their bachelor's degree from the corresponding university to apply. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td>Master's degree programs, usually require a bachelor's and minimum GPA</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Coursework</b></td><td>Modern teaching theories, holistic education models, creativity in teaching; may require a capstone project and examination</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Distance Learning</b></td><td>Holistic education degrees are not available online, but other master's degrees in education are; Web tools are required for online communication with classes</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Careers</b></td><td>Teacher in K-12 setting, school administrator, instructional coordinator</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---HowWillILearn">How Will I Learn?</h3> <p>During a master's degree program in holistic education, you'll often work in groups on projects. You'll take a variety of courses on modern teaching theories and examine many different teaching models. Programs emphasize student creativity, art and self-expression. Master's degree programs can end in a thesis, a capstone project or a comprehensive examination. Typical topics that you might examine during a holistic education program include: </p> <ul><li>Communication in education </li><li>Holistic education models </li><li>Integrative education </li><li>Contemporary teaching theories </li><li>Promoting creativity in teaching </li><li>Compassionate teaching methods </li></ul><h3 id="section---AreThereDistanceLearningAlternatives">Are There Distance Learning Alternatives?</h3> <p>There currently aren't any holistic education programs available online. If you're unable to learn during the day because of work constraints, you can take weekend or night classes through some holistic education programs. You can also enroll in an entirely online master's degree program in education and teacher leadership. </p> <p>During an online education master's degree program, you can learn through lecture podcasts and communicate with other students through discussion boards. You can observe teachers in the classroom by viewing recorded DVDs. Tests can be completed entirely online. To fully participate in online programs, you'll need a computer with an Internet connection and an e-mail address. You might also need a CD and DVD drive, a sound card with speakers, an antivirus software program and a printer. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3> <p>A master's degree in holistic education can provide you with advanced teaching strategies that you can bring to a career in elementary and secondary school education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school teaching jobs were projected to increase four percent from 2019-2029, which was average compared to other job sectors (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Elementary school teachers made a mean annual salary of $65,420 as of May 2020, while secondary school teachers earned a yearly mean wage of $67,340 at the same time, reported the BLS. </p> <p>With your master's degree, you might assume a leadership position as an education administrator. To do this, the BLS stated that you usually must earn your school administrator license, which requires you to receive graduate level training, pass a state licensing exam and pursue continuing education. Training with a mentor may be required as well. According to the BLS, elementary and secondary school education administrators made a mean wage of $103,010 annually as of May 2020. </p> <p>Another career option is to become an instructional coordinator. Depending on your state, you must hold either a teaching license or an educator administrator license to work at a public school, per the BLS. Instructional coordinators made a mean salary of $70,160 as of May 2020, according to BLS figures.</p>