Master’s in Education Online
What You Should Know
Learn more about institutions offering online masters degree programs in education. Develop and consider questions to ask yourself or your academic adviser about educational concepts and strategies that will influence your decision to enter a degree program.
Consider the amount of time and dedication a traditional masters degree program requires. Often, candidates must take time off from work, and place their lives on hold to meet the demanding schedule and rigorous standards of a university.
Contact Schools
- How much will my education cost?
- Where I can I learn more information about financial aid?
- Does your school offer any career planning?
- How is the program organized?
- How flexible will my schedule be?
- When can I start?
But today, many options exist for those who can’t afford to take time off from their busy lives to attend school. Online masters degree programs for education offer individuals opportunities to earn their advanced degrees on a flexible schedule tailored to their specific needs.
A masters degree in education opens doors for administrative and school leadership positions, and introduces current teachers to new, advanced teaching methods, theories, and techniques.
Many schools offer different focus areas for a masters degree in education.
Masters in Education Focus Areas
- Curriculum and Development
- Special Education
- Educational Leadership
- Instructional Design
- Educational Administration
- Educational Program Specialist
- Educational Technology
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
While obtaining a masters degree in education online, individuals further their understanding of teaching strategies and topics like motivation building, complex instructional design, and behavioral issues in students. Additionally, these individuals complete offline work in student teaching scenarios, gaining on-the-job experience in their desired positions.
The theories and strategies that masters degree seekers study pay off in the classroom. Research has shown that good teaching reflects positively on student achievement, and the best way to reinforce good teaching practice is by advancing your education.
Many online universities also offer teacher certification routes from their masters degree programs. These “masters plus certification” programs offer pathways to licensure while individuals simultaneously complete requirements for an advanced degree. The programs offer direction and instruction throughout the certification process, while providing student teaching opportunities and internships.
Today’s job market requires job seekers to do more and more to make themselves stand out from the crowd. Earning your masters in education shows dedication, drive, and a willingness to develop professionally.
Should I Earn A masters Degree?
If you’re still unsure whether now is the best time to earn a masters degree in education, you should ask yourself some of the following questions:
- Am I interested in advancing to a leadership position at my school?
- Can I take time off from my life and career to attend a traditional university program?
- Can I financially afford a traditional university program?
- If not, would an online degree program be a better choice?
- Am I interested in learning more about complex and cutting-edge educational techniques?
Demand is increasing for highly qualified educators with masters degrees in America, largely due to a desire to raise the educational standards in the country. With so many options to earn a quality masters degree in education online, it’s never been a better time than now to seek a masters degree.
One of the primary questions to ask yourself is what you want to specialize in when considering graduate school. Are you looking to become a principal? Or maybe you’re looking to instruct other teachers some day? There are many options and outcomes that can result from a masters in education, so consult with schools’ admission officers about your goals and plans.
Career Options
The biggest reason individuals consider graduate school is to further their careers. With a masters degree in education, there are dozens of career options available for individuals who communicate well, understand theories behind instructional techniques, and recognize behavioral disorders.
With their advanced degrees, these individuals are capable of bringing more effective ideas to curriculum design, often leading their departments in developing efficient teaching strategies and assignments. For example, someone with a masters degree in education might become the head of their math department, initiating more hands-on math teaching strategies to increase motivation and interest in the classroom.
The following are some of the careers available to those with a masters in education:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Department Head
- School Psychologist
- Special Education Teacher
- Program Coordinator
- Teacher
- Professor
In their degree programs, individuals gain specific skills that transfer to careers. For example, someone receiving a masters in educational leadership would study the best communication strategies needed to lead faculty members as a future principal or assistant principal. They also gain information on making tough decisions on budget, curriculum, and school maintenance.
To learn more about potential careers for teachers interested in learning advanced techniques and concepts, contact schools offering masters degrees in education.