College of Education Alumna Ivy Briggs ’17, ’21MED Earns M.Ed. in STEM Education Online

Ivy Briggs comes from a long line of Wolfpackers.

Briggs’ grandfather graduated from NC State in 1959, followed by her mom, uncle and sister. Naturally, Briggs attended NC State for her undergraduate degree as well — earning a bachelor’s in mathematics education in 2017. 

When it became time for Briggs to consider graduate school, choosing NC State’s Master of Education in STEM Education online program was a no-brainer. 

“My experience in the online program has felt much more personal than what you typically think online graduate school will be like. The majority of my classes have had synchronous sessions where you get to know your professors and fellow students,” Briggs says. “The professors have been very approachable and easy to work with. This has made going to graduate school and working full time possible.” 

Briggs is a math teacher at AC Reynolds High School in Asheville, North Carolina, where she’s already seen her degree paying off.

“My education classes have had a tremendous impact on my teaching practices,” says Briggs. “I have been able to apply what I have learned in my classes with a deeper understanding than I did in undergrad.” 

Working full time and earning a graduate degree doesn’t come without challenges, but with organization and the help of incredible professors, Briggs made it work. 

“[Teaching Assistant Professor] Cynthia Edgington has been a wonderful source of guidance for me since 2016. She was my undergraduate senior seminar professor, helped me navigate the graduate school application process and was my graduate advisor as well as a graduate professor,” says Briggs. “She also supported me through a challenging first two years of teaching. I am so thankful for Cyndi!”

Briggs’ key to success and advice for others working full time is self-discipline. 

“Working and learning at the same time is a marathon, not a sprint. Be realistic about your personal timeline and limitations, and do not take on more than you can handle. You will be happier in the end and throughout the process,” says Briggs. 

Briggs and her family are looking forward to celebrating her achievements at the in-person commencement ceremony Saturday, May 15. 

“This will be a great reward for a challenging journey,” Briggs says. 

“NC State is my home away from home. I will forever be thankful to the College of Education and all it has done for me. And always, GO PACK!!!” 

Congratulations to Ivy and the rest of #NCState21! 

Are you interested in advancing your career by earning an online Master of Education in STEM Education? Visit the program page or online.ncsu.edu/programs for a full list of degree and certificate programs.

This post was originally published in Online and Distance Education News.