Chicago Master's Degree In Secondary Education Programs

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On campus secondary education masters degree programs could be a great fit for educators looking to incorporate a degree program into their weekly routine. Or, for those seeking to enter the field and looking to tackle their degree with full-time fervor.

Secondary Education Masters Programs On-Campus

Earning a secondary education master’s degree could be your first step to top career enhancement, a reinvigoration of your best teaching methods, or the final push into pursuing a new occupation. With a campus’ facilities within your reach, and professors to support your progress, pursuing an on campus secondary education master’s degree program may be a great choice for you.

On Campus Secondary Education Masters Degree Programs

Pursuing On Campus Secondary Education Masters Degree Programs: The Basics

You may be asking yourself why you would pursue a secondary education master’s degree program. A master’s degree is not required to earn a teaching license, after all. While an advanced degree is not mandatory for initial licensure, some states do require one to maintain your teaching privileges.[i]  Additionally, the comprehensive course load could benefit your own students as you study contemporary teaching methods as part of your curriculum. New educators aren’t forgotten, either. Those seeking licensure could obtain it and possibly, their state required advanced degree at the same time. That could take some pressure off their teaching career.[ii]

Possible benefits may also be seen in the future of your teaching career. Education administrators who have earned their master’s degree may have a wage premium of $23,000 over their colleagues who earned only a bachelor’s degree[iii]. For those seeking to enhance their career, a master’s degree could help you pursue roles such as instructional coordinators, administration leadership, or even principals, which require one as a prerequisite.[iv]

Common Admissions Requirements for On-Campus Secondary Education Master’s Degree Programs

Admissions may request an array of documents in order to apply for a master’s program in secondary education. In addition to requiring students to usually have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, some schools may ask students to submit:

  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • CV or resume
  • Professional teaching portfolio

For those just entering the educational field, be sure that your intended degree program offers simultaneous licensure programs. This could help you be able to practice teaching as soon as you’ve graduated, and not need to seek licensure post-graduation.

Of course every program is different so be sure to check with your intended school for details and requirements.

Which Secondary Education Master’s Degree Program may be Perfect for You?

Picking a perfect master’s degree program may seem intimidating. By focusing on your unique academic goals and desired outcomes, you could more easily pinpoint an appropriate program from the sea of potential schools. To help you find a great one, here’s some helpful information to apply to your search:

  • A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a concentration in Secondary Education may prepare educators for their time in the classroom: placing the emphasis on core 5-12 subjects. This could be a great opportunity for new educators because it covers what could be your day-to-day curriculum.  
  • The Master of Science in Secondary Education, while similar to the MAT, differs by delving more in-depth into core subjectes and general teaching methods.
  • Master of Education in Secondary Education degree programs split their attention between liberal arts education and incorporating modern education research to improve classroom methods. This is another great choice for those beginning their teaching career because it could give you techniques to address a contemporary classroom hurdles.  

Teaching Licensure

It’s important for new members of the educational community to be aware that educators require a license in order teach.  Requirements for licensure vary by state[v], but many may require:

  • Written examination
  • Background checks
  • Verification of Bachelor’s Degree
  • State issued education courses

Be sure to check with your state for specific requirements.

Accreditation

Earning your degree from an accredited master’s degree program is not necessary to obtain licensure, but the standardized educational curriculum inherent in the program may be easily recognizable by school districts and fellow educators. The U. S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as a professional accrediting body for teacher preparation. The NCATE accredits schools, colleges, and departments of education in U.S. colleges and universities, as well as non-university entities that prepare educators for P-12 schools[vi].

Why Pursue On Campus Secondary Education Master’s Degree Programs?

Now that you’ve decided on a secondary education master’s degree program, it’s time to consider which format you’d like to pursue. An on-campus secondary education masters program could be the ideal choice for students who want a structured academic program. On campus programs schedule weekly lectures and courses that could be easily integrated into your own routine. The traditional on campus experience also has other potential advantages, like having access to a college or university’s libraries and technological facilities. Don’t forget about the fun aspect too! Being on-campus may mean having the option to participate in things like football games, homecoming, and musical performances to name a few.

Find a Perfect Secondary Education Masters Degree Program Today!

Whether you’re planning to stay local or explore a new city, GradSchools.com is ready to help you find a perfect on campus secondary education master’s degree program. Once you’ve selected your preferred on campus program, you might narrow down your findings further by your desired location. From there, browse the recommended sponsored links to find a degree program that addresses your specific goals. No matter if your school is down the street or across the country, you could find great On Campus Secondary Education Masters Degree Programs today!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-4 | [iii] www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm#Education | [iv] www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-4 | [v] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-4 | [vi] ncate.org/

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