Masters of Education Degree in South Carolina
A teacher employment study released in January of 2017 by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) emphasized the shortage of teachers in key areas in the state, which indicates that job hunters with the right qualifications seeking a teaching position may find success in South Carolina easier than in some past years.
For those with a master’s degree in education, the job hunt will be even easier. Better yet, according to CERRA, the average South Carolina teaching salary for someone with a master’s degree is about $11,000 higher per year than those with a bachelor’s.
If you’re wondering “what are the different master’s degrees in education?” or “what is the best master’s degree for teachers to get?” look no further. We’ve outlined your different options and schools you can enroll at in South Carolina and careers (not just teaching!) for those with a graduate degree in education. If you’re ready to take your first step towards earning your advanced degree in education, request information by clicking on any of the school links!
Earning your Master’s in Education in South Carolina
If you’re looking to get a master’s of education, South Carolina is a great place to do it. South Carolina offers multiple opportunities to earn a Master’s in Education in a traditional campus setting, online, or through a hybrid program that combines both approaches.
| Clemson University | The Clemson College of Education offers a number of Med programs. | Clemson |
| University of South Carolina | Multiple M.Ed. and M.A.T. programs are available. | Columbia |
| South Carolina State University | Master of Education and Master of Arts in Teaching | Orangeburg |
| Charleston Southern University | Master of Education in elementary education, as well as administrative master’s degrees for both the elementary and secondary levels | North Charleston |
| Coastal Carolina University Conway | Master of Arts in teaching degree, as well as Master of Education degree in educational leadership, early and elementary grades, instructional technology, and special education | Conway |
If you’re interested in earning a master’s degree in education but are worried about the costs, you aren’t alone. We’ve researched some funding options for education graduate school in South Carolina, and we’ve put together this list of options:
- Aspiring math teachers are eligible for the South Carolina of Teachers of Mathematics scholarship.
- The TEACH Grant is a great option for students who are willing to teach in an underserviced community for two years post-graduation.
- Some scholarships are also given out by the school, so be sure to check for scholarship details for the programs you’re interested in.
Working in South Carolina with a Master’s in Education Degree
The overall national outlook for the employment of teachers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024. Job prospects are strong for teachers in South Carolina. As in most areas of the country, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teachers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teachers are in high demand.
According to the South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Research & Data Analysis, the average salary for South Carolina teachers with a bachelor’s degree is $39,461, while those with a master’s degree have an average salary of $50,627.
A Master’s in Education degree opens career opportunities with greater responsibilities such as Lead Teacher, and can lead to higher paying jobs in school administration or higher education.
Additional Opportunities
Opportunities are available in South Carolina for educators and graduate students interested in research to benefit education. There are also opportunities outside the field of education. Many teachers have moved into positions as corporate trainers and education consultants. They work with textbook or other instructional companies, as well as nonprofits and professional organizations.
A person holding a Master’s degree in Education has developed strong time management and leadership skills. They know how to motivate others and how to communicate effectively. These skills transfer into other fields. That means a variety of opportunities exist in the business world in South Carolina, depending on an individual’s unique strengths, talents and interests.
A sampling of careers for South Carolinians who have a master’s in education include:
- Education research at firms like the Research to Practice Institute
- Education nonprofits like Together SC
- Book publishers such as Advantage Media Group
- Education technology companies. See the South Carolina Association for Educational Technology (SCAET) for more information on companies and initiatives in the state.
If teaching or any of these other career options sound appealing, take your first step towards earning your degree by requesting information from any of the schools linked on this page!
