Best Online Masters in Education Degrees Requirements | University HQ | (800) 793-5011
Are you interested in pursuing a career in education? Whether you are currently teaching or almost finished with your undergraduate program, choosing to earn a master’s degree in education may be beneficial and move you toward your future goals. Depending on the specific program type completed, graduates often qualify for teaching positions at public and private schools for middle and high school grade students. Many states offer higher salaries to individuals with a master’s degree. Additionally, you cannot teach at a college or university without at least a master’s degree.
While a master’s degree in education greatly helps individuals interested in teaching, other employment options are also available. It is not uncommon for graduates to find work in the following positions:
School Principal
School District Administrator
Curriculum Specialist
Corporate Trainer
Higher Education
Digital Learning and Classroom Technologist
Child Care Director
Educational Consultant
Educational Policy Analyst
Education Degrees & Career Paths
PROS
Every state requires public school educators have a teaching license or certification. To attain the appropriate credentials, earning an undergraduate degree in education is essential, but earning a graduate degree is not. However, while it is common for educators to find work with only a bachelor’s degree, there are many reasons to consider enrolling in a master’s program. Keep the following advantages and disadvantages in mind.
• There many benefits to pursuing a master’s degree in education. One of the most alluring benefits is the potential for a higher salary. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, many occupations pay more to individuals with a graduate degree. Because educational institutions want to offer the best education possible, they are often willing to pay more to ensure employees are highly qualified.
A master’s in education also serves as a means to improve teaching skills and update knowledge of relevant teaching practices. Education is a continually changing field with new and more effective methods of instruction being developed all the time. Completing another program not only strengthens knowledge in a specific subject area but also enhances understanding of the teaching process itself.
Additionally, a master’s in education can lead to more employment opportunities. Employers often give preference to these professionals when making hiring decisions and are more likely to consider them for administration positions as they become available. Jobs in administration offer higher salaries, more benefits, and a greater ability to positively impact learning environments.
or some, earning a master’s degree in education provides an alternative means of becoming certified. Those who have already completed an undergraduate degree program in an unrelated field can enroll in a graduate program that offers licensure as part of the degree. This can be immensely helpful for new educators as it ensures they have all the necessary resources and guidance while they are getting started.
Further, those who intend to pursue a doctorate will need to first earn a master’s degree. Aspiring public college and university professors or administrators should plan accordingly.
CONS
While there are many reasons to consider pursuing a master’s degree in English, it is important to be aware of potential drawbacks as well. The most significant of them being the additional time it takes to complete a graduate program. A bachelor’s degree already takes approximately four years to complete; pursuing a master’s degree afterward adds about two more years, and individuals enrolled part-time could be in school much longer.
Spending more years in school may also mean accruing more debt. Students will be responsible for paying off any loans after graduation. Those who opt to find work after earning a bachelor’s degree will likely owe less and be able to start making payments sooner.
Overview of a Master's in Education
What Education Master’s Degrees are Available?
There are a few different types of education master’s degrees available. It’s important to realize that specific program titles and concentrations can vary widely from institution to institution, but most colleges and universities offer one of the following: Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), or Master of Science in Education (MSEd). All three degree types help prepare graduates for employment, but there are some differences worth noting.
Master of Education (MEd)
A Master of Education (MEd) is a good option for seasoned professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills in a broader sense. Most programs are geared toward moving beyond the classroom, though it’s not a requirement. Students usually take courses on research methodologies, instructional material development, and educational material effectiveness. Graduates are often better prepared for administrative jobs.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is often preferred by professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills within a certain concentration, but is also ideal for people interested in entering the field. This flexible degree option has numerous concentrations and usually includes licensure. Although many programs also include classes in educational philosophy, child psychology, educational ethics, and education research methods, much of the coursework will relate to the specific area of study.
Master of Arts (MA)
A Master of Arts (MA) degree generally offers exposure to various liberal arts subjects. In addition to education courses, students may also be expected to complete coursework in English, social sciences, and language. These programs offer flexibility and can be customized by taking a number of elective courses. Licensure is often included.
Master of Science (MS)
A Master of Science (MS) degree can vary quite drastically depending on the institution offering it. In most cases, this option is available to individuals who already have an undergraduate degree and are certified to teach, as licensure is rarely included. They are generally designed to provide enhanced knowledge and skills in the field but may also help graduates qualify for advanced positions in education.
Admission Requirements to Enter a Master’s Education Degree Program
Every college and university has standards they expect incoming graduate students to meet before enrolling. Every institution is different, but some of the most common requirements include:
Bachelor’s degree in education or a relevant field
Minimum overall academic grade point average
Passing GMAT or GRE scores
Professional/academic resume
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Teaching licensure may or may not be required, depending on what degree type you’re going for and your career goals. It’s also possible that the institution will stipulate that candidates have professional experience.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Master’s Degree in Education?
Full-time students can often complete a master’s degree in education in approximately two years. Students enrolled part-time, however, are unlikely to graduate within this time frame. Taking only a few classes per semester can put graduation off for up to five years.
Master’s programs generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework, but this can vary depending on the institution and concentration. It may be possible to find a college or university that offers an accelerated degree program. Students can also use graduate-level transfer credits to graduate sooner.
Associates
You may want to work in a day-care classroom as a teacher or a teacher’s aide. At this level, you need no more than 60 credits to graduate before you receive your certification.
EXAMPLE COURSEWORK:
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Health, Nutrition and Safety
Practicum - Nurturing Relationships
Bachelors
Next, you may choose to earn your bachelor’s degree so you can teach, either in elementary, middle or high school. At this level, you’ll be prepared to teach in a classroom starting at the Kindergarten level, or you may choose to teach high school students who, themselves, may be thinking of college.
EXAMPLE COURSEWORK:
Assessment Issues
Curriculum Development
Educational Foundations
Masters
Finally, at the master’s level, you’ll be able to specialize in one area of education, such as special education. Depending on the school level you’re most interested in, you’ll also take courses that focus on that level.
EXAMPLE COURSEWORK:
Foundations of Disability
Foundations in Early Childhood & Early Intervention
Behavior & Classroom Management
Earning Potential and Career Salaries for Education Major Graduates
If you’re considering earning a degree beyond your high school diploma, take this into account. On average, if you have a diploma, you’ll earn about $700 per week in median wages. If you have an associate degree, you’ll find your median weekly salary increasing to between $825 and $850. With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll see a big jump, with your median weekly salary rising to about $1,175. After earning a master’s, your median weekly salary increases to roughly $1,400 and with a professional degree, it may rise to $1,800. With a doctoral degree, you may see a small drop in your median weekly earnings—it falls to just below $1,750.
You may decide to earn your associate’s first, then decide if you’re going to advance any more. This is fine. It can be daunting to consider being in school for four years or more. Earning a two-year associate in applied science in education means you can get into a classroom (and begin earning) in about two years. Some education jobs require you to have at least 60 credit hours in education. This is where an associate’s fits the bill perfectly.
Maybe your career plans will require a bachelor’s degree or higher. If so, you’re going to have to work hard in your classes so you can graduate in four years.
Yes, making your master's level will certainly be effort, but when you really enjoy what you research study, your persistance, devotion, as well as motivation will absolutely come usually. If any of this resounds with you, afterwards you may prepare to use. Consider our ranking lists for the finest master's degree programs in your advised area.
Below are some regular reasons both great as well as bad for going back to grad institution, and also some point of view on them that can aid you make a decision. Various students pursue a master's in interactions desiring it will certainly supply an inexpensive advantage since a graduate level can aid you stick out among your peers by getting brand-new capacities in addition to experiences.
You'll learn about finest practices in your area and also gain concrete experience in every little thing from job management to research study as well as writing (added on that particular later). Nevertheless, there are various other approaches to obtain brand-new proficiency without returning to grad establishment. Asking to tackle tasks outside your expertise, choosing coaches, as well as even volunteering can similarly assist you get brand-new skills.
These research and also public speaking abilities are specifically beneficial if you're operating in marketing, public partnerships, business interactions, human links, or various other business attributes. If your work will absolutely include investigating your market's practices or programs as well as sharing your findings, an MA in interactions is suitable experience. In order to finish your thesis (along with great deals of numerous other program demands), you're probably to need to figure out to make up for both expert as well as lay audiences.
These composing skills are very appropriate for a career in communications, likewise. If your work entails linking regarding your company both inside and also on the surface, you'll need to be able to leap between expert and additionally regular language with ease. And also master's-degree coursework will help you discover specifically how to do just that.
A master's degree in education is a sophisticated level for teachers or managers that typically requires one to three years of research study, relying on whether the program is full-time or part-time. While a master's in education is not a demand to acquire teacher qualification, in some states teachers need to make a master's after a particular variety of years of holding an initial certification in order to proceed the qualification as well as proceed training.
Use the directory site listed below to browse this web page as well as likewise situate the appropriate area for your concerns pertaining to making a master's degree in education and discovering. There are various aspects to seek a master's level in education and also understanding. Amongst them are these six major factors: An expanding number of states are mandating higher wages or advanced licensure for master's- degree teachers as well as managers, which is one reason that a number of look for a master's in education degree.
In addition, a master's credential can help individuals enhance their capabilities, follow the current research study, and likewise come to be a whole lot a lot more effective teachers. Considered that master's degrees in education are generally made to be much more concentrated than bachelor's degrees, grads of these programs might discover brand-new capabilities that will certainly assist them progress teachers.
The Masters Degree in Education can be a good thing to have if you are a teacher. Many educational programs will have a higher education aspect to them. If you are considering getting your Masters Degree in Education, the best way to start is to determine what kind of educational program you would like to get into.
The Masters Degree in Education is usually a bachelor's degree given by some colleges in most states. This degree usually includes the following areas: curriculum and educational management, classroom psychology, school studies, and administration in education. It may also be conferred for teachers advancing in their field of study. The program you choose will depend upon what kind of career you are interested in.
It can be easy to get started with a Masters Degree in Education because there are some basic requirements that need to be met. To take this course, you will need a bachelor's degree in a field that has an emphasis on education and someone who is willing to give you a try.
In the course work for a Masters Degree in Education, you will need to take several classes. The requirements may be different depending on where you are going to school. This is why it is important to do your research before you take any courses.
The first part of the program to take is a Master's of Education. This is where you will learn about the different areas of learning. You will learn about curriculum planning and development, teacher assessment, learning theories and methods, and school management. You will also learn about school psychologists, school psychologist certification, and professional ethics and practice.
The second part of the course work is very hands-on, with a focus on classroom psychology. This course work consists of courses such as instructional theory and methodologies, research techniques, classroom procedures, assessment, and classroom management. The classroom psychology class will teach you how to work with students, how to get their attention, and how to handle difficult situations in the classroom.
The last part of a Masters Degree in Education course work is classroom psychology. You will learn about teaching processes such as the role of the teacher, teaching methods such as the power of the student, learning the theories of cognitive processes and learning, and processes of learning, as well as classroom techniques such as how to make the learning environment engaging. This part of the course work also involves teaching theories of assessment and the concepts of practice.
Once you have completed the Masters Degree in Education program, you will receive your degree. This is an excellent choice if you want to further your career in teaching and get a higher pay scale. With a Masters Degree in Education, you can easily advance to an advanced education degree as you study to help teach future teachers.
You can find Masters Degree programs in education at many different colleges. You can also find many online Masters Degree programs as well.
When it comes to a Masters Degree in Education, schools may require additional training or experience in order to teach. Your schooling and training may also determine whether or not you are eligible to get a Masters Degree.
If you are thinking about getting a Masters Degree in Education, consider going to a program that offers the opportunity to earn your Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in Education. or a Bachelor of Education degree. These are often two-year programs. The Master of Education degree usually requires three years to complete.
The coursework for a Masters Degree in Education includes subjects such as: Teaching Methods, Curriculum Development, Educational Theory and Methods, Educational Research, and Practice, and Educational Assessment. As you complete the course work for your Masters Degree in Education, you will get to learn how to apply your knowledge and experience to the classroom. You may be asked to write an essay to present your research findings to a group of students and then present your findings at a presentation.
Scholarships
Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers
Amount: $8,000 (Renewable)
Deadline: Varies
This Texas scholarship awards $8,000 in annual funding for up to four years to winners. In addition, scholarship recipients can take part in development opportunities and ongoing training, which will better equip them for their classroom duties.
Students can benefit from mentorship opportunities, working with sitting public-school educators. In this, recipients would be just one in a statewide network of aspiring teachers. This has been facilitated by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation.
This new scholarship is awarded to students for the first time in the 2018-2019 school year. Roughly 100 education majors receive funding in the first academic year. This funding will be disseminated across 11 partner university teacher prep programs. Within the next few years, this program is slated to grow, eventually including 500 education majors each year.
The R.H. and Jane Logan Scholarship
Amount: $4,000 (Renewable)
Deadline: January 31
This is the largest endowed scholarship fund gifted to Washington State University. WSU alumnus Roscoe “Rock” Logan and Jane, his wife provided the gift through their estate. Students of education are awarded $4,000 annually for up to four years.
Students in the undergraduate or graduate education program qualify, as long as they intend to teach in a public-school Additional qualifications include a 3.0 or higher grade point average and a documented financial need (as stated on FAFSA). To be considered for this scholarship, students must submit their WSU General Scholarship Application by January 31; their FAFSA should be completed by November 30 of the preceding year.
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
Amount: $10,000 (For Up to 2 Years)
Deadline: Varies
This award provides teaching fellowships to education students who plan to teach mathematics and science. These students should have earned, at the least, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or science; they will be required to demonstrate their commitment to teach these subjects in a high school setting. This fellowship offers financial and professional support for a period of up to five years. In addition, students receiving this award will be provided up to $10,000 to go toward their tuition each year for up to two years. They will also receive a monthly stipend as long as they are enrolled in a recognized teacher credential program.
John C. and Susanne Blough Abbott Scholarship in Education
Amount: Varies
Deadline: FAFSA Deadline
This scholarship is intended for undergraduate students who either plan to major in, or are already majoring in, a teacher preparation program within the College of Education. These students should have a documented financial need for funds to further their education and meet college expenses. The first preference for this scholarship is given to students who plan to teach within urban areas once they graduate.
Terry and Constance Updegraff Eshenour Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Students who are attending full-time and majoring in education are eligible for this award. To further qualify, these students should have superior academic records, financial need and be Pennsylvania residents. In addition, they should be students from underrepresented demographics (ethnicity, gender, national background and culture), all of which benefit the university’s student body.
Choosing an Accredited College
Quite simply, an unaccredited education program or university means that you won’t be able to access federal financial aid (that FAFSA application) or receive higher salary offers. Depending on your state, you may not even have the option to take the necessary exams to receive a teaching license unless you attend an accredited program.
As you check various universities and colleges out, make sure that you dig deeply to verify whether the university or education program is accredited or not. Accreditation is a voluntary step. Not every program will be accredited.
This lack of accreditation means that you, your parents, financial aid organizations and employers wouldn’t be sure of the quality of your education. Without accreditation, they won’t know whether your professors were of the best quality.
A top-notch College of Education should have an accreditation from an education-based accrediting organization as well, or a state-approved teacher preparation program. In addition, if it has accreditations from other agencies, to cover special education, mental health, athletics, speech and hearing, school psychology, and a state education department, then you will know the program is definitely of the highest quality.
Online vs. On-Campus vs. Hybrid
On-campus classes are what you experienced, beginning in kindergarten, going through 12th grade. You were able to benefit from immediate give-and-take from your teachers and fellow students. You knew assignment deadlines were firm, unless the teacher or instructor changed them. You were able to develop a community with fellow students, getting to know them, building relationships, and becoming familiar with your teachers. You didn’t have to wait for several hours or even days to get an answer to a question you had; it was answered immediately. You were able to learn in a style that best suited you; listening, discussing, or even hands-on.
Online courses are taken 100% away from the university’s campus. You don’t have to worry about getting dressed, putting gas in your car, getting on a bus, or showing up on time to an on-campus classroom. Instead, you can wake up and, ten minutes later, still in your pajamas, “attend” class virtually. Nobody will know you’re still in your T-shirt and sleep pants. If your schedule changes from week to week, this isn’t a concern, either. Just sit down when you have a good block of time to read, study, consider, and work on assignments. While you won’t have immediate feedback from your instructors or fellow students, you will be able to sign up for a class forum, where you discuss class assignments and issues with everyone.
Hybrid courses are a good mix of on-campus and online classes. The majority of your classes will take place virtually, from your computer screen. However, you’ll be able to attend a set number of “residence weekends,” when your classes are taken on-campus. Each university sets its own residence weekend schedule; this may range from one weekend all the way up to four weekends. You’ll be able to benefit from both formats.
Additional Questions
Does the College Have Post-Graduate Job Placement and Assistance?
You can’t afford to take time to redraft your resume, write attention-grabbing cover letters, schedule job interviews, practice your interview skills, or parry salary offers. Not when you’re student-teaching and getting ready to graduate.
That is why most universities and colleges have offices where career and placement service professionals can help you with all of the above. If your resume needs to be updated or even totally rewritten, they will help you. If you need to brush up on your interview skills, they will assist you.
Some campuses even hold professional development workshops. These may include networking skills, resume writing, and interviewing skills.
Why You Need to Consider How Rating and Accreditation Can Affect Your Salary
In areas where teacher shortages are the norm, you want to have solid proof that your teacher preparation program was accredited. If so, you will be highly sought-after. Your starting salary will range from $31,000 up to about $52,000, depending on the area where you are going to work.
If you’re not sure why accreditation is important, you need to remember that employers check for this piece of information. If the school’s accreditation status is unclear or even shaky, you may not receive the job offer you want; or salary offers may be significantly lower than you anticipated. When you are in school and considering a transfer to an accredited program in another college, that second program won’t accept transfer credits from your current university.
Ratings also matter. Students from colleges and universities that have received high rankings will receive higher wage offers. Ranking publications look at:
Completion rates
Faculty salaries
STEM orientation
Universities with high marks in all four areas receive higher rankings. Which means you, as an alumnus or alumna, will receive better job offers.