A college in Illinois has announced that it will add graduate courses for aspiring teachers in January of 2011, and it plans to offer an online master's degree in education by next fall. 

According to The Greenville News, the school recently received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to add a master of education degree in the upcoming spring semester. The institution already offers graduate degrees in Christian ministry and business administration.

The education degree is designed for working professionals who are available to enroll in evening and weekend classes. The program can be completed within two years, according to the news provider. The school is hoping to offer the christian ministry, business and education degrees to distance-learning students during the 2011-2012 academic year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school teachers is expected to increase by 13 percent over the next eight years. Due to increased federal funding, there is projected to be significantly more career opportunities in lower-income and urban areas. Government officials hope to decrease the achievement gap between ethnic students, as well as lower the dropout rate for at-risk and minority individuals.

According to the BLS, education requirements for professionals vary by the grade level that they wish to teach. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically take courses that focus on the psychology of learning and instruction methods. They also are expected to have general knowledge in several subjects, including mathematics, physical science, social science, music, art and literature.

Individuals who have career or domestic responsibilities may consider pursuing an early childhood education degree online.

According to The Laramie Boomerang, individuals who are studying this field at a Wyoming-based college are required to complete a three-phase degree program before graduation. Beginning during their sophomore year, the first phase allows aspiring educators to observe professionals in the field.

During their junior year, they receive more real-life experience by planning and teaching a lesson in a classroom. During their senior year, students are paired with a mentor during the fall semester, and then they integrate their observations and knowledge into a full-time teaching position during the spring semester.

According to the news source, the Wyoming-based college is hoping to attract early education teachers from across the state by offering distance-learning opportunities and credit-transfer options at community colleges. The statewide program requires students to complete the first two years of their education at a junior college, then take a combination of web-based courses, video lectures and on-campus classes for three years.