According to the Babson Survey Research Group, the number of students enrolled in online courses nationwide has grown to 5.8 million. Online course enrollment has increased steadily for more than a decade, and today roughly 28% of higher education students take at least one online course. Projections from education analysts have suggested that by the end of the decade, half of all college classes could be delivered online. These trends highlight the expanding role of online education in higher learning and the growing relevance of accredited online degree programs.
Online programs offer distinct advantages for adult learners, working professionals, and parents. They expand access to higher education for students who left college before finishing their degrees, often at lower cost than traditional programs. Online delivery provides flexible scheduling options that let students balance coursework with jobs and family responsibilities. For full-time workers, online degrees can support career advancement and higher earnings, while also allowing learners to build professional networks and explore new career paths.
When evaluating online degree programs, prospective students should prioritize accreditation, program quality, cost, and flexibility. One institution that has expanded its online offerings is Southeastern University (SEU), an accredited private university that delivers a wide range of online undergraduate and graduate programs. SEU’s online degrees are designed with working adults and practicing teachers in mind, emphasizing practical application, affordability, and flexible pacing.
This article features an edited and condensed interview with Dr. Samuel Bennett from Southeastern University about SEU’s online Master of Education in Elementary Education. Dr. Bennett speaks about the program structure, the benefits of online delivery for adult learners, traits that predict student success, and a memorable student story that underscores the program’s supportive community.
1. Dr. Bennett, please tell us about your background in education and how you came to focus on elementary education.
My professional journey began in law enforcement, where I served for four years on the St. Petersburg Police Department. A colleague noticed the way I connected with children and encouraged me to pursue teaching. I later studied at Toccoa Falls College and began teaching middle and elementary grades. I taught fifth grade for many years and, in 2006, became the founding Dean of the College of Education at Southeastern University. After serving as dean, I returned to classroom and graduate-level teaching, working primarily with pre-service teachers and those pursuing a master’s degree.
2. What does SEU’s online Master’s in Elementary Education program offer, and what can an average graduate student expect?
The online Master of Education in Elementary Education is a 36-credit-hour program designed for working teachers and adult learners. It provides 18 credit hours focused on elementary education content that qualifies graduates to teach at the community college and university level. The program emphasizes practical teaching methods and has been a source of hireable graduates for SEU’s own College of Education.
3. What are the main benefits of earning this degree online?
Flexibility is the program’s biggest advantage. Students can take courses at their own pace because there are no strict prerequisites among the core courses. Some learners move steadily, taking one course at a time, while others choose an accelerated path. This flexibility allows students to manage work, family, and study without sacrificing quality. Cost is another key benefit: SEU has worked to keep tuition competitive, often lower than comparable local programs, making the degree accessible for many working adults.
4. What personal qualities help a student succeed in an online graduate program?
Persistence and resilience are essential. Students need a “stick-to-it” attitude and the determination not to be discouraged by setbacks. Faculty understand the demands faced by working adults and offer empathy and support. I also encourage students to develop mentors who can provide practical guidance and spiritual encouragement throughout their studies.
5. Can you share a memorable student story from the program?
One student in our program lives in Puerto Rico and was finishing her degree during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. With limited power, water, and cell service, she often had to travel to a church to access the internet and submit coursework. The SEU community rallied after hearing her situation: a donor contributed funds to her student account to help her continue, and the student described that support as an answer to prayer. Stories like hers highlight the program’s responsiveness and the way a supportive community can make a critical difference for online learners.
6. Has teaching online been as fulfilling for you as teaching in a traditional classroom?
I find online teaching deeply rewarding because it enables me to support students from diverse locations and backgrounds as they pursue their educational goals. I do miss some aspects of face-to-face interaction, but online delivery allows me to reach and encourage many more adult learners who otherwise might not be able to pursue advanced degrees.
7. What final advice do you have for prospective students considering the M.Ed. program?
My chief advice is to begin. The hardest step is often just getting started. Once you take that first step, momentum builds and completion becomes achievable. I also encourage prospective students to seek programs that align with their goals and to embrace the support of mentors, family, and faculty as they progress.
About Dr. Bennett
Before joining Southeastern University, Dr. Samuel Bennett accumulated more than 20 years of experience in public education across elementary, middle, community college, and adult education settings. He has been recognized at local, state, and national levels for his contributions to teaching. Dr. Bennett serves on several education-related boards and advisory councils and is active in community organizations. He teaches advanced methods courses in SEU’s M.Ed. program and focuses his research on parental involvement in education, educational ethics, pre-service teacher preparation, cooperative learning, and teacher retention.