Master's degree-holders may qualify for a variety of non-teaching educational careers. Graduates can work as principals, educational specialists, teacher trainers, consultants, and school counselors. An MA is a research-oriented, scholarly degree that prepares students for advanced teaching careers and doctoral programs.
Master's programs typically require applicants to take entry exams, submit bachelor's transcripts, and meet minimum GPA requirements. Most programs prefer applicants who plan to teach a specific subject to have a related undergraduate degree. For example, an aspiring social studies teacher might have a bachelor's in history, sociology, or anthropology. Master's programs designed for practicing teachers usually admit applicants with current teaching licensure or certification.
Many programs, particularly those that lead to certification or licensure, include student-teaching or internship experiences. Students earning their education master's degree online often fulfill these requirements locally. Learners may also need to complete a portfolio, fieldwork project, or thesis. Colleges and universities offer a variety of master's degrees in education. Programs may prepare aspiring teachers for certification, enhance practicing teachers' pedagogy, or qualify graduates for specialized positions.
Curriculum content depends on the program's focus, but coursework typically covers fundamental topics in educational theory, classroom management, and instructional design. Throughout their master's studies, learners gain experience conducting, analyzing, and applying research. Specialized courses may prepare students to teach English language learners, special education students, or gifted students.
Subject teachers receive advanced training in their focus areas, and prospective administrators take leadership courses. Many master's programs in education offer the classes below. However, course availability varies by school and program. Aspiring teachers begin their studies by earning a bachelor's degree. Many prospective teachers major in education. Others, particularly those who intend to teach a certain subject, major in their intended content area with an education minor. Learners with a bachelor's degree in a field other than teaching can enroll in master's programs to fulfill education requirements for state certification.
Aspiring principals, curriculum specialists, instructional technology specialists, and special education teachers often pursue specialized master's degrees. After earning their degree and completing student-teaching requirements, graduates who plan to teach in public schools sit for certification exams. Many private schools do not require teachers to hold state licensure. All educators working in U. This approval may be called licensure or certification, depending on the state.
Many states participate in reciprocity agreements, which allow teachers to transfer their credentials between states. Teachers can expand their job prospects by earning certification in multiple areas. States certify instructors to teach specific grade levels and subjects.
States also grant specific certifications to specialists and administrators. Licensure requirements vary by state, but candidates typically need a bachelor's degree.
They must also complete student-teaching requirements, pass a background check, and pass licensing exams. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards administers this voluntary credential , which can lead to leadership opportunities and increased salary potential.
The board grants certification to teachers with a bachelor's degree, a state teaching license, and at least three years of classroom experience. Applicants must pass an exam and submit a portfolio. Christian schools recognize this alternative credential , which demonstrates that the holder meets standards set by the Association for Christian Schools International. The association offers the certification to teachers at the early childhood, elementary, and secondary levels.
Specialists and administrators can also obtain the credential. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and must meet criteria for educational and biblical studies. Membership with professional organizations can provide a variety of benefits for education students and practicing teachers. Many organizations offer networking opportunities, career guidance, and access to the latest writing and research in the field.
Student members often develop professional connections that can help launch their careers. Undergraduate and graduate students in all majors can qualify for scholarships. A variety of national, regional, and institutional scholarships are reserved for education majors. Students may also be eligible for general scholarships based on factors such as residency, ethnicity, gender, age, and veteran status.
The list below includes a few of the scholarships available to learners pursuing an education master's degree online. Who Can Apply: This merit-based award from the Daughters of the American Revolution is available to students over age 25 who plan to become elementary school teachers.
Applicants must attend an accredited college or university and need a minimum 3. The DAR encourages applicants to contact local chapters for application assistance. Who Can Apply: With more than 30 awards, PDK International's scholarship program supports full-time and part-time students pursuing careers in education. Applicants must hold membership with one of the student or professional organizations under the PDK umbrella.
Candidates must submit transcripts and a recommendation letter. The organization awards scholarships to graduate students pursuing STEM teaching careers.
Applicants hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM field and must submit transcripts, a resume, and recommendation letters. Candidates must also write an essay discussing their teaching philosophy and how their personal goals align with AFCEA's mission. Who Can Apply: The Pride Foundation awards this scholarship to women of color who are majoring in education, dance, or women's health.
Applicants must reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, but they do not need to study in those states. Grantees must maintain a minimum GPA. Recipients must commit to four years of teaching a high-need subject at a school serving low-income students after graduation. Located in central Arizona, Prescott College offers graduate and undergraduate degrees that emphasize social justice, interdisciplinary learning, and sustainability.
The private school's master's degree in education M. Taking most classes online, enrollees in the limited-residency program can earn the degree in just 18 months. On-campus colloquia provide opportunities for distance learners to connect with professors and peers. The program offers multiple emphases that lead to an Institutional Recommendation for Arizona Teacher Certification.
Students can specialize in areas including early childhood, elementary, or secondary education; educational leadership; administrator certification; and school counseling.
Depending on their emphasis, students culminate their degree with a student-teaching experience, practicum, or internship. The school also offers a master of arts in education. Prescott College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Part of the Chapman University System, Brandman is a private university designed around the needs of working students. Operating over 25 campuses throughout California and Washington in addition to its online division, the school offers a master of arts in education that caters to applicants with academic or vocational experience in the field.
Brandman's credit online master's in education program begins with a core course sequence covering subjects such as learning theory, research methods, and comparative education.
After completing core requirements, students select electives to fulfill one or more emphases. To culminate their degree, candidates submit a research paper, proposal, or final project, depending on their emphasis. Founded by a group of U. The university offers courses exclusively online. WGU's Teachers College offers a variety of master's-level degrees suited to diverse professional paths.
WGU's competency-based structure allows learners to accelerate through material they have already mastered through previous work or academic experience.
Most students graduate in months. Students planning to earn their education master's degree online can choose from over a dozen programs. WGU's master of arts programs cater to current teachers who want to update their resumes with endorsements in specialized subjects. Master of science programs in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction serve education professionals seeking leadership positions.
The school also offers two master of education programs, which do not require applicants to hold a teaching certificate. A private research university based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, NSU enrolls over 20, students annually across its nine campuses and online division. The school's Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice offers a fully online master of science MS in education program with multiple tracks.
NSU also offers an MS in educational leadership. Students earning the master's degree in education can pursue one of eight tracks in areas such as mathematics, reading, or science education; elementary education; exceptional students; and teaching English to speakers of other languages. A curriculum, instruction, and technology track trains future school administrators and leaders.
A Spanish language education track, taught entirely in Spanish, prepares candidates for careers as language instructors. Depending on the track, some programs prepare graduates to seek various professional certifications in Florida. Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands is a private Christian university.
The school offers two fully online master's degrees in education. Its master of arts MA program accepts current teachers. Applicants seeking teacher certification can enroll in Cumberlands' master of arts in teaching MAT program. The MA program offers concentrations in literacy specialist, school counseling, principal, and teacher leader.
MAT candidates can specialize in subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies. Both degrees may qualify graduates to apply for initial or additional certifications in Kentucky. Depending on their concentration, enrollees complete credits, with most students completing their degree in about 18 months.
Students at UWA can earn a variety of education master's degrees online through the public university's College of Education.
Designed primarily for current Alabama teachers, UWA's graduate programs in education include both certification and non-certification options. MAT students can pursue a credit non-certification track or a credit certification track.
Learners typically begin the program with courses in subjects such as educational research methods, technology, and psychology. Students pursuing an MA in teaching aim to gain expertise in lesson planning, instructions, and working directly with students. Students pursuing an M. This, in turn, makes them lead instructors or curriculum specialists in their school or district. Likewise, earning an M.
This optimizes accessibility and allows for more engaging and dynamic delivery of courses, improving learning outcomes. Educators more interested in guiding students socially and emotionally may pursue an M. Only with this degree can a classroom teacher transition to a human development role that coordinates in-school and community services as part of student advocacy.
Accreditation is an important consideration when choosing an education program. Schools recognize both regional and national accreditation. Credits that students receive from a nationally accredited school may transfer only to other nationally accredited schools. Credits from a regionally accredited school are typically accepted by both regionally and nationally accredited schools.
Six regional accrediting agencies oversee institutions in their particular region. Nationally accredited schools are often for-profit colleges that accumulate revenue through enrollment or selling educational products.
They offer more relaxed admission standards and typically do not enjoy the prestige of regionally accredited schools. Learners should therefore prioritize schools with regional accreditation status. Many online programs boast regional accreditation. Note, however, that these bodies are associated with national accreditation, and credits may not easily transfer. That said, requirements vary by school. Many programs no longer require a GRE score, but some schools and specializations still do.
Some programs may require learners to be currently employed in a K school, an institution of higher education, or in the learning and development department of a corporation. Students often need to maintain a 3. Most programs also require a capstone course in which students synthesize their learning from all previous courses. Some education programs require comprehensive examinations at the end. Some specializations require credits.
Many schools deliver classes in week slots. Others still follow the more traditional structure. Often, students can choose certain areas of emphasis, such as literacy, gifted education, or English as a second language. Courses include models of training, effective instruction, and adult learning.
Learners focusing on administration and supervision may take leadership, finance, and policy classes. Students interested in education technology may take classes such as designing online learning and digital learning in the local and global contexts. In all of these courses, students practice research and analysis skills by seeking out information; reflecting; and writing about past, current, and emerging theories on best practices.
The education program gives licensed educators a chance to further develop knowledge and skills to enhance effectiveness in their role.
UC offers several specializations completely online, including literacy specialist, school counseling, and teacher as leader. Students may take up to two courses every eight-week term. The program permits lapses in enrollment for no longer than one year. With registrar, department chair, and advisor approval, incoming students may transfer up to nine graduate credits from an accredited education program.
They manage the budget, hire teachers and staff, and plan maintenance and facility upkeep. The director often sets and communicates policies to staff and parents and determines standards for instructional programs. Some directors own and operate their facility, while others work as part of a school system or nonprofit organization. Instructional coordinators can work in an individual school, school district, or state or federal education agency.
These specialists develop curricula and recommend resources for teachers. They may provide training on new standards and evaluate teacher performance.
These coordinators also review and analyze student performance data to identify a school system's needs. This position requires a master's in education or a related field , and it may also require a state teaching license. Principals serve as the chief administrative officer for their school. They manage the school budget and plan for standard and preventative maintenance.
Principals hire teachers, set class schedules, and evaluate staff performance. They also counsel and discipline students and communicate with parents about behavioral or academic concerns. Principals need a master's degree and classroom teaching experience. Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team.
Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal. At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students. Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources.
Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you. Students who earn a master's in education online can enter a growing field with above-average earning potential. Many teachers find education to be a fulfilling career, and many teaching jobs come with good health insurance and retirement benefits.
A master's in education can provide career advancement opportunities. Graduates can become a principal or instructional coordinator or enter a new education field. Schools offer various concentrations, including tracks in adult education, early childhood education, and postsecondary education. A master's in education primarily serves individuals who already have an undergraduate degree in education and some teaching experience.
The degree focuses on the practical application of new skills and techniques within a specific concentration. Many schools offer a master's in teaching to students who do not have a teaching license.
Salary potential varies by career, education, experience, and location. Public schools often maintain salary schedules that reward teachers for years of teaching experience and advanced degrees. James Bacon began his career as a middle school math teacher in Arkansas. He currently oversees outreach and operations for Edficiency , where he helps middle and high schools across the country simplify logistics for flexible intervention periods by automating the daily rosters.
0コメント