Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree Program in Secondary Education Overview
Majors Overview August 5, 2015This article talks about Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree programs in Secondary Education and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, continuing education and certification choices.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs in Secondary Education
Current educators who teach specific subjects to children in grades 7-12 and want to enhance their skills could benefit from enrolling into the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Secondary Education program. Research projects, classroom lectures, and hands-on training are both in the program to teach enrolled students advanced education topics and teaching methods. Some schools offer flexible programs that use elective courses, allowing students to chart their program. Some schools offer courses in online formats.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require the coursework to meet specific guidelines or an applicant hold a bachelor’s degree in the subject that the incoming student wishes to teach. A current teaching license is required to be held by applicants to most programs, but applicants without one may also find consideration. While a teaching license is compulsory, schools may also insist on prior teaching experience.
Coursework
Program coursework is devised to teach students about the growth and development of youth in grades 7-12, and encourages the exploration of a variety of ways for teaching them. Program enrollees learn about implementing technology in their classrooms, planning curricula and assessing student needs while becoming adept at conducting educational research. Core coursework may cover subject areas such as:
•Technology for the Classroom
•Literacy
•Diverse learning strategies
•Child development
•Education research techniques
•Curriculum theory
•Classroom diversity
•Curriculum theory
•Secondary instruction methods
•Classroom management
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of six percent has been predicted for high school teachers. Over the same period, kindergarten and elementary school teachers are expected to see a better job growth at twelve percent (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In rural and urban areas, the best job opportunities are expected to go to secondary teachers.
Additionally, there is high demand for secondary teachers who teach subjects such as chemistry, math, other sciences, physics, foreign languages and bilingual education. Bilingual teachers have a competitive edge, owing to the continual rise of non-English-speaking student populations. In May 2012, high school teachers – excluding vocational education teachers and special education teachers – brought in an average annual wage of $55,050 (BLS).
Continuing Education and Certification Choices
Licensure is mandatory in all states for those seeking teaching careers in a public school. States don’t mandate licensure for teachers at private schools though the schools themselves may insist on it. Licensure requirements vary by state, but commonly require teachers to have student-teaching experience and to complete an approved teacher training program. Teachers in some states may have to graduate from a master’s degree program within a time deadline (BLS).
Master’s degree program graduates may seek continuing education by enrolling in a doctorate program in secondary education. A dissertation that students are expected to defend may mark the culmination of these research-based programs that may lead to advanced positions in education, such as those of administrative personnel or curriculum coordinators. Alternatively, doctorate program graduates may seek university-level teaching careers.
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