Alumna Says NC State Online Master of Education Program Pays for Itself

For NC State Online and Distance Education alumna Amy Nelson, having a master’s program that allowed her to balance a full-time career with family and classwork was important.

“I was looking for an online master’s [degree] program in training and development. I read the introductory materials and was sold,” Nelson said of the College of Education’s online master’s program. “The best advantage of the program was completing coursework on my own time, according to my schedule,” Nelson added.

While enrolled in the online Master of Education in Training and Development program, Nelson worked full time. At first, she worked in Winston-Salem for Wake Forest Health Sciences before moving to Raleigh to become the learning experience principal at LexisNexis, which is based on NC State’s Centennial Campus. In her current role with LexisNexis, Nelson manages the customer-facing training initiatives for the company’s software products.

“I have already advanced my career. The training and development program targeted working professionals so I was already in the field,” Nelson said. She feels the program gave her added confidence and skills that allowed her to pursue career opportunities that may otherwise have not been unattainable.

“This program has paid for itself many times over,” Nelson said.

And for those hesitant about starting an online master’s degree in education, don’t be.

“The program is online but I never felt alone. There was always a lot of discussion and interaction between students and the instructors,” Nelson explained.  “I felt like I was part of a group,” she added.

Nelson said every class within the program was extremely valuable and she never felt that a class didn’t apply to her or what she was doing in her career.

“What stood out to me is the opportunity to research ideas and theories put forth in class, the opportunity to debate those ideas and hear opposing views,” Nelson explained.

One thing Nelson wants prospective students to know is that the program is flexible. Students may have a busy career and family life, but it can fit into your schedule as long as you are committed.

Interested in the earning a Master of Education in Training and Development online? Learn more about this unique opportunity on the NC State Online and Distance Education Website.