Master’s in Education plus Certification Online

What You Should Know

Think about some of the requirements you’ll need to meet in order to earn a master’s degree in education leading to teacher licensure. Research the different educational opportunities available to you, and develop questions to ask your admission’s officer about the offerings of various online master’s degree programs.

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Overview

The job market requires professionals to work hard to show they have the skills and experience needed to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. For many, this means earning advanced degrees that showcase their hard work, dedication, and commitment to becoming as knowledgeable as possible in their chosen area.

Sometimes, a professional may have earned a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts area, only to discover their passion for teaching later in life. However; to become teachers, these professionals must first complete a teacher preparation program and earn licensure.

If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree, but never completed a teacher preparation program, many schools offer master’s degree programs that will also ensure you meet teacher certification standards at the same time.

These master’s “plus” certification programs will allow you to develop advanced teaching techniques, content knowledge, and research abilities while leading to licensure, and hopefully, a lengthy career.

Individuals who enter a master’s plus program pick from a few different specialization areas to concentrate in that will also lead to certification. Some of these areas include:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
    • Math
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • English
    • Special Education

During your master’s degree program, you’ll explore current perspectives on education, in addition to the advanced theories behind teaching techniques and methods. Compared to bachelor’s degree programs, master’s programs dive deeper into the theories and psychological reasons behind proven teaching methods, giving you a more complete understanding of teaching practices.

Attending school full time is a major life commitment, however. Many people find themselves caught up in the rush of life, and can’t find the time to push themselves to enter a traditional university.

Today though, more people are looking to earn their degrees online, where they enjoy a flexible schedule in addition to a high quality level of education. Earning a master’s degree in addition to teacher certification at an online university might allow you to switch direction mid-career, exploring opportunities in the Field of Education.

Your master’s plus licensure program will give you opportunities to discover new teaching techniques, and then apply them in a professional setting.

In order to earn certification, you’ll need to complete a number of hours in student teaching scenarios, giving you first-hand experience in the classroom. During student teaching, you’ll be paired with a professional teacher who will help you apply what you’ve learned in your degree program.

Many teachers report that their student teaching experiences are some of the most formative periods in their education, giving them the tools to manage classrooms and interact with parents.

If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, make sure to ask yourself if now is the best time to earn a master’s degree.

Should I Earn a Master’s Degree?

While earning a master’s degree is a smart career move, you also must ensure you’re ready to take on additional responsibilities and commitments. Ask yourself some of the following questions:

  • Do I have time in my life to study and complete coursework?
  • Will an online degree program meet my needs?
  • Am I interested in learning more about the Field of Education?
  • Does earning a master’s degree in addition to teacher certification meet my career goals?
  • Do I want to learn about new teaching theories that will improve me as a teacher?

A master’s degree will help improve you in your desired teaching area. If you’re interested in becoming a secondary education teacher, you might learn about ways to analyze and explain literature to high school students, or maybe you’ll explore new scientific theories in biology.

Through your online program, you’ll stay in communication with advisers who will guarantee you’re on track to earn certification in your desired state. These advisers will help you pick classes and schedule student teaching or internship opportunities.

When enrolling in an online master’s degree program, make sure to ask your admissions adviser some of the following questions:

  • Will this program lead to teacher certification in my desired state?
  • How much of my coursework will take place offline?
  • How will I communicate with my teachers and classmates?
  • How much will my courses cost? Is financial aid available?
  • What sets this program apart from others? What can you offer me?

Because your master’s degree program will also lead to teacher licensure, you’ll find many additional career opportunities in the Field of Education. Be sure to ask your adviser about the kinds of careers program graduates enter, and explore some of the options that are attractive to you.

Careers

With a master’s degree in education, you should expect to be viewed as a source of knowledge at the school where you teach. Master’s degree holders often assume leadership roles at their schools, where they advise other teachers and introduce new curriculum and teaching methods.

The following careers are available to those who complete master’s plus licensure programs:

  • Lead teacher
  • Assistant Principal
  • Department Head
  • Teacher

The time you spend advancing your knowledge of content and pedagogy in graduate school will show employers that you’re significantly committed to the field and have the drive needed by leaders in education.

Additionally, because your program will not only lead to an advanced degree, but also a license, there’s no chance that you’ll be disqualified from the position for licensure reasons. Some online universities offer master’s degree programs that do not lead to certification in many states, so if you’re enrolled in a master’s plus program, you’ll be fully prepared for certification standards.

If you’re interested in becoming a fully certified teacher and earning a master’s degree at the same time, request information from online universities offering master’s degrees in education.