Many teachers begin thinking about their Master’s in education not long after they complete their Bachelor’s. Teaching, especially, is a field in which remaining up-to-date and relevant is of crucial importance. Teachers who have been working in their field for a few years are typically expected to begin studying for an advanced degree. It can be difficult to balance employment with graduate school, but teachers know that the key to continued career success is to pursue a higher degree early on. Read about distance education Master degree to enter your desired profession.
Depending on your state, an advanced degree may be required for certification. In most places, a candidate must have an advanced degree in order to pursue administrative positions within the school, such as that of dean and principle. If you are thinking of becoming a school counselor, be aware that a Master’s degree is usually required for this position as well.
A Master’s degree in education generally takes about two years, though candidates who are also currently teaching may need to take more time to complete the degree. The degree may require as many as 90 credits to complete, and the standards for staying in many programs are rigorously high. Take note of top graduate school and acquire marketable skills.
The major or area of study you choose will depend on your career goals. Most classroom teachers major in Curriculum and Instruction, in which they engage in education research. If you wish to be an Adult Education teacher, you can concentrate on nuances of adult education including literacy, English as a second language, and other topics relevant to nontraditional students. The goal of these concentrations is to better prepare candidates for their roles as classroom instructors.
In the Academic Enrichment concentration, candidates work on furthering their knowledge in their specific area of employment. For example, an English teacher might pursue more advanced studies in the subject of English, while an elementary school teacher might further explore childhood development and psychology.
School Counseling is another major, required for those seeking employment as school counselors. The best candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or a related major. Because a school counselor must be well-prepared to advise students in areas of their academic, vocational, and personal life, a Master’s degree is always required for employment in this field.
Students can also enter an Ed.D or PhD preparatory program, a Master’s degree which is intended to precede a Doctorate. A Doctorate in education qualifies a candidate for administrative positions within a school, as well as positions within a college or university. Participants in an Ed.D prep Master’s program engage in intense educational research to ready them for a rigorous Doctorate degree.
A Master’s may be a state or school district requirement, or simply a personal decision. If you have been teaching for a couple of years, it’s time to start thinking about remaining competitive in your field. A graduate program better qualifies teachers to serve their students and allows for greater employment opportunities. Start your grad school search at Grad Schools Online and find a program for you.
