San Diego Masters Degree in Education

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Earning a Masters degree in Education is an academic choice that has the potential to improve your teaching methods, fine-tune specialized teaching skills, and help you become a qualified and exemplary leader in the classroom.

Education Masters Degree Program Information

Many Masters in Education (M.Ed.) Programs are designed for experienced educators and may improve your ability to assist students in your current classroom as well as potentially open doors to new career opportunities.

Many students choose to earn a specialized Masters degree in education by pursuing a major such as: curriculum and instruction, school counseling, school psychology, administration, special education, and higher education. Other students use the M.Ed as a preparatory degree for a doctoral degree such as the Ed.D. or the Ph.D. in education.

Masters Degree in Education Requirements

Master's degrees in education programs commonly require students to complete a research thesis under the guidance of a faculty member; on-site or fieldwork requirements are also common. Applicants to Masters in Education programs must also have a bachelor's degree to be eligible for admission; this may need to be a Bachelors in Education or a related field.

Some states require teachers to have a master's degree in education. In other states, teachers enroll in Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs for professional development. In either case, the program generally consists of approximately 30-45 credit hours and might result in salary increases and/or licensure renewal. The typical Master’s degree in education takes 2 to 3 years to complete, though some universities offer online Master’s degrees that can be earned in as few as 12 to 18 months, or even just 1 year M.Ed. programs. 

FUN FACT: Often, high school teachers are required to complete annual professional development classes to maintain their license. Some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree in education after receiving their certification[i].

Campus-based M.Ed. or Online Masters Degree in Education?

Students have the option of attending on-site graduate school or earning an online masters degree in education. If you learn more from being in class than reading textbooks and spending your time on a computer, you may want to consider a traditional campus-based program. If you are a self-motivated learner, however, an online Masters in education program could be a perfect fit for your busy lifestyle. Distance-learning is often popular among working teachers who don't want to leave the tenure track while they advance their own education. Some graduate schools also offer hybrid programs. These combine the convenience of online learning with on-campus coursework.

Whatever your personal preference, GradSchools.com has easy-to-use search tools. Locate M.Ed. Programs by city, state, or country if you are looking into traditional campus programs, or search the directory for online masters in education programs. Some of the listings that you might find may include: Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, Master of Science in School Counseling, Master of Education in Special Education, Research Methodology M.A., MEd., or Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration.

Types of Masters Degree in Education Programs

As you review different M.Ed. program offerings, it’s important to understand the difference in degrees.

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is geared more toward initial teacher licensure and focuses on practical classroom skills and teaching specific subjects.

A Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) is generally geared for experienced educators and provides more in-depth instruction designed to prepare teachers for new leadership roles.

A Master of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Education are similar to the M.Ed.

Masters Degree in Education Program Concentrations & Curriculum

Masters in education programs come in a wide variety of degree concentrations. Some of the most common concentrations include:

Curriculums differ from program to program, but most Masters degree in education programs will include instruction on educational policy, school and community partnerships, classroom management, theories of teaching and learning, and educational leadership.

Which M.Ed Program is Right For You?

Deepening your knowledge in a particular area should definitely align with your interests.

Do you dream of working abroad? According to the BLS, “opportunities abound for qualified teachers to work abroad.”[ii] Look into ESL/TESOL masters programs.

Do you want to work with a specific type of student population? If so, review Adult Education, Early Childhood Education, Special and Gifted Education or K-12 Masters in Education Programs.

Are you hoping to become Dean of Students, a High School Principal, or move away from teaching to designing educational programs? If so, you might choose Educational Technology, Education Leadership & Administration, or Masters in Curriculum & Instruction programs.

If you enjoy psychology and counseling, Masters programs in Educational and School Psychology programs will prepare you for roles such as guidance counselor or school psychologist.

Licensing and Credentials For Education Professionals

Bear in mind that some fields require more than a Masters degree in Education. Furthermore, because licensing requirements and career outlook varies so much between states, we recommend verifying the individual prerequisites for your state for more information on job outlook, average salary and licensing requirements. You can check a site such as the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE). 

Potential Careers for M.Ed. Graduates

Popular fields for graduates with a Masters degree in education include:

  • School Counseling (Guidance Counselor, School Psychologist)
  • School Administration (Principal, Assistant Principal)
  • Adult Education (College Professor, Lecturer)
  • Special Education Coordinator
  • Career and Technical Education Teachers
  • High School, Middle School, Elementary or Postsecondary Educators
  • Instructional Coordinators
  • Kindergarten Teachers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $70,790 in May 2014, and the job outlook is favorable; employment growth is projected at 13% from 2014 to 2024[iii]

Ready to Pursue a Masters in Education?

Whether you wish to understand the learning needs of autistic students, oversee student services and academics, or design instructional curriculums, there is a Masters in Education program to bring you to the next level in teaching. Take some time to review the exciting M.Ed. program offerings on GradSchools.com today!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/careeroutlook/2006/fall/art01.pdf | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm | other sources: bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm

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