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Overview of Master of Science (MS) Degree Program in Education

Majors Overview August 5, 2015

This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Education and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Programs in Education

Teachers keen on developing their instructing skills and becoming better educators could benefit from enrolling into a master’s degree program in education. The focus of coursework is in classroom management, curriculum design, and teaching methodologies. Students are taught to create more productive learning environments, and learn how to become an instruction specialist in a specific subject area. Teachers keen on leadership roles in education may also benefit from enrolling in the program. Students may also explore concepts in policy, school economics, education reform, and personnel administration.

Education Requirements

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. In some programs, candidates must have teaching certification. Submission of transcripts meeting a GPA standard in undergraduate coursework, and letters of recommendation may also be requirements.

Coursework

Students take two years to complete degree programs in this field. Some programs aim at employed teachers. Consequently, schools may offer coursework online, through evening classes or during the summer. Apart from classroom lectures, coursework may also incorporate a thesis project or field experiences. Specializations such as curriculum design, mathematics education, leadership in education, reading instruction, gifted program education and special education may be available in the degree programs. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:

•Education reform
•Classroom management
•Educational effectiveness
•Politics of Education
•Classroom diversity
•Mentoring Educators
•Economics of Education
•Gifted academics
•Technology in the classroom
•Faculty Administration

Career Choices

Program graduates may seek teaching jobs in a high, middle or elementary school. They may also seek career expansion via administrative positions in district offices or schools. Varying with the specialization, program graduates may seek possible job titles such as:

•Reading specialist
•Curriculum developer
•Principal
•Gifted teacher
•New teacher mentor

Job and Wage Outlook

Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 13% has been predicted for instructional coordinators (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the same period, postsecondary education administrators are expected to see a 15% job growth (BLS). In 2012, coordinators brought in an average annual wage of $62,420. Elementary and secondary administrators earned $90,800 on average, per annum (BLS).

Continuing Education Choices

Individuals seeking better career opportunities can pursue graduate certificate programs. Certification may be available in special education, educational technology, English language learning instruction, and reading specialist. Graduates keen on educational research can enroll into Ph.D. degree programs. Schools may offer areas of concentration in literacy, mathematics, or general learning. Those who want to pursue careers in administration can seek Ph.D. degrees with specializations in school organization. A Ph.D. degree could lead to a career in university level teaching.

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