Why Should You Get A Master’s Degree in Education?
Whether you are mapping out your undergraduate level education or currently work as a licensed teacher, it can be a good career move to earn your master’s degree in education.
Not only can this degree help you earn a higher salary, the career options can open up as well. At the master’s level, there are many types of specializations in a variety of areas that are in-demand in public and private schools.
Those who earn their masters in education can also work for government agencies and private businesses that need knowledgeable educators for their services, products and business practices.
What to Look for When Choosing a Masters Program
The great thing about this type of teaching degree program is the myriad of options available for campus-based and online programs. Now that almost every accredited college and university offers both types of programs, employers now recognize the quality of online learning is equivalent to campus programs.
Even traditional programs utilize the convenience of online learning tools for professor-to-student and peer-to-peer communication and other efficiencies. While many online programs are 100% distance-based, some programs will require you to show up for test-taking, internships, and other types of coursework.
That’s why it is essential to compare several programs and speak with school counselors before applying to any program.
You will also want to know what types of licensure and certification you can qualify for once you graduate. Your state’s teaching requirements will play a role in this determination.
While there are many Master’s degree in Education Programs that are more general in nature, you can choose programs that concentrate in several areas, including: curriculum and instruction, English as a second language, Pre-K-12, educational leadership, and many other options.
The main factor in choosing a specialty is what career path in education you want to take. If you want to work in school administration, you will want to look at programs that emphasize leadership. Or, if you want to work with children who have special needs or design subject-specific curriculum, you can pursue programs that help students achieve proficiencies in these areas.
Accreditation is critical when choosing a master’s program. After all, you don’t want to spend money going through a two-year process and learn your education isn’t recognized by your state.
That’s why you should look for programs that are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This is the nationally recognized accrediting organization for teacher accreditation. The Department of Education recognizes the high quality of standards that the NCATE looks for when evaluating programs. When comparing programs and narrowing your search, add this accreditation to your list of qualities to look for before making a decision.
Salary Potential
When it comes to your salary potential, there is reason to believe a master’s degree can pay off for graduates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s level careers in education, such as Postsecondary Education Administrators, can pay a median wage of $88,580 per year, according to 2015 data.
Of course, every position is different, and your location will also play a role in what kind of salary you can expect. That’s why it’s also important to discuss your career options, potential salary, and placement rates when choosing a master’s in education program.
If you want to reach the top levels in the field of education, earning a master’s degree can be the next logical step. But first, you’ll need to find and compare reputable programs in your area, and online programs that can help you meet your state’s qualifications. Start by contacting the schools below.
