California Masters in Education Degree M.Ed. Programs (On-Campus)

Masters in Education on Campus​ (M.Ed.) programs are designed for educators who seek to enhance their professional knowledge and skills and to develop new areas of specialization. Teachers who wish to work with a specific population group might be interested in Masters in Special Education or Masters in Early Childhood Education. Current teachers wishing to move up the ladder into management roles might choose an Education Leadership & Administration masters programs. Those who aspire to roles as guidance counselors or school psychologists might choose a master’s in school counseling. Whatever your academic and vocational preference, earning a master’s degree is the required credential of several roles in education, as well as a support to the EdD or PhD required in other careers.

Masters in Education on Campus​ Degree Programs: General Information

In general, Masters in Education on Campus​ degree programs help educators communicate more effectively, as well as learn to implement instruction methods for diverse populations. Many programs link the theoretical component with practice and may involve supervised fieldwork. Since educational technology is evolving, advanced education for current teachers may involve learning the new technological resources or keeping abreast of the latest codes of professional ethics and values.

Prospective applicants to an Education masters program should possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including certain coursework required by the department. In addition, many M.Ed. programs require one or more years of successful teaching experience, a statement of professional goals, and one or more letters of recommendation.

Students may be required to spend time on research for a thesis, and may also have some associated fieldwork. On average, a Masters degree in Education consists of approximately 30-45 credit hours

Certification, Licensure and Your Masters in Education on Campus Degree Program

Some M.Ed. programs prepare students for state or national certification. Students are advised to verify what the licensing requirements are according to the State they plan to work in.  Most states require educators to earn a license before they teach. In researching Masters degrees in Education programs, candidates should find out which programs offer licensure in addition to the graduate degree. Many programs also offer optional certificate programs that students may pursue through elective credits.

Why Choose an Masters in Education on Campus Degree Program?

Studying a Masters in Education on Campus may be a great fit for those who learn best in a group, whether to study, stay motivated, interact, network, or stay motivated by the classroom experience. Many accredited colleges and universities are designing masters programs in education to suit the needs of working teachers, offering courses in the evenings or on weekends, so they are worthwhile looking into.

Apart from hands-on learning, and face-to-face time with faculty, campus programs offer access to their facilities. From libraries to laboratories to student services, your university or college is not only a place to attend class, but also might be a place to participate in other activities or interests.

Sound interesting? If so, you can start a general search on GradSchools.com by location to find graduate programs by city, state or country. You can also go directly to the ‘subject selection’ to investigate campus programs based on a specific type of Masters Degree in Education (ie: Adult education, higher education, K-12, ESL/TESOL). Opening up a few options in different browser windows and requesting information from the school you are considering, or even visiting the school site directly from GradSchools.com is a great way to help your selection. Some of the listings for campus-based programs might include Master of Education and Teaching Certifications, master of Arts in Special Education, Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Ed.S. School Psychology or Master of Science in Educational Technology.

FUN FACT: Some postsecondary teachers gain teaching experience by working as graduate teaching assistants—students who are enrolled in a graduate program and teach classes in the institution in which they are enrolled.^[i]

Which Masters Degree in Education Aligns With Your Goals?

There are different degrees associated with Education Masters Programs as well as different specializations. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is aimed more for primary teacher licensure and focuses on practical classroom skills and teaching specific subjects. The Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) is generally geared for experienced educators and offers more in-depth learning designed to prepare teachers for new roles. A Master of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Education are similar to the M.Ed.

Masters Degree in Education Specializations & Career Goals

Choosing a Masters degree in education specialization should align with the career you have in mind. For instance;

Masters in Higher Education: The job of higher education administrators is enormously complex as they are responsible for overseeing not only the well-being and education of their students, but the progress of their faculty in research projects and the engagement of their institution with the community. A master's degree in higher education might emphasize coursework in:

• Theories of student development
• College student affairs
• Leadership and institutional strategy
• Administration of large, complex organizations

FUN FACT: Provosts and deans often must have a Ph.D.^[ii]

Masters in early childhood education:  A master's degree in early childhood education (ECE) is designed for professionals seeking expertise in this critical and highly specialized field. ECE usually covers education and development of children from birth to about third or fourth grade. ECE coursework varies, but generally might include classes on:

• Instructional strategies
• Teaching methodologies
• The impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood
• Theories of early childhood development

FUN FACT: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers are frequently required to complete annual professional development classes to keep their license. Some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree after receiving their certification.^[iii]

Masters in Curriculum and Instruction programs offer an understanding of educational theories. This type of  M.Ed. program also prepares teachers to create effective curricula and instruction material for diverse populations and settings, and may emphasize contemporary educational issues with courses on subjects such as:

• Effective classroom behavior management
• Diversity issues
• Learning styles
• Integration of technology in the curriculum

FUN FACT: Instructional coordinators need a master’s degree and related work experience, such as teaching or school administration. Coordinators in public schools may be required to have a state-issued license.^[iv]

The Master's degree in Special Education prepares teachers to work with students who have various physical and learning disabilities Educators may specialize in such areas as:

• Deafness
• Autism
• Learning disabilities
• Visual impairment
• Vocational special education
• Physical and health impairments

FUN FACT: To become fully certified, some states require special education teachers to complete a master’s degree in special education.^[v]

Masters in School Counseling programs are designed to prepare students to work as guidance counselors, elementary, middle or high school counselors. School counseling masters programs teach students about fostering academic development; conducting group and individual counseling; working with parents, school staff, and community organizations; and using data to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs for all students.

FUN FACT: As enrollments grow, schools will require more counselors to respond to the developmental and academic needs of their students. Colleges will need to hire additional counselors to meet the demand for career^[vi]

Ready to Review Masters in Education on Campus Programs?

By earning a Masters in Education on Campus, you will have a better understanding of learning theory, research and assessment, curriculum development and educational technology. This combination of skills may provide a strong foundation for a number of potential career paths in diverse areas within the field of education. Why not search for a graduate school to begin working towards your goals and a renewed future!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm | [iv] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm | [v] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm | [vi] bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm