K-12 Education Masters Programs in California

Whether you’re hoping to begin a new teaching career path or enhance an existing role, pursuing a masters in education k-12 program might be on your mind! Depending on your state, earning a master’s degree may be a requirement to maintain your teacher certification. Or, if you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than teaching, you may hope to pursue a masters of education degree to discover more about the theory and best practices of teaching (BLS).

Masters in Education K-12 Programs in California

Whatever your goals, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about what top education masters programs may involve, what degree types you may encounter, and what you could potentially learn! Let’s get started with Masters in K-12 Education programs.

Do Teachers Need to Earn a Master’s Degree Program in K-12 Education?

That may depend on the state. A bachelor’s degree program is the minimum requirement to pursue a teaching career, and public school teachers need to earn licensure or certification. However, the process for earning certification may vary widely, depending on where you live and work. For example:

In Pennsylvania, teachers need to pursue a level II professional instructional certificate, which requires candidates to earn at least 24 post-baccalaureate credits, in addition to ongoing professional development.

In West Virginia, teachers must work toward a permanent professional certificate; earning a masters in education may be one possible way to fulfill the certificate’s educational requirements (peteacheredu.org).

Since it’s different for every state, be sure to get the details on yours! Teach.org may be a good place to start.

DID YOU KNOW? About 24% of secondary school teachers earned a master’s degree (O*Net), compared to 11% of elementary school teachers (O*Net).

What are Some Types of K-12 Education Masters Programs?

You may encounter a few degree types, so it may be a good idea to compare several programs to identify one that’s perfect for you. Keep in mind that there could be some overlap among these different programs, since they often share a common goal: to help current and future teachers grow into awesome educators! Types of K-12 education masters programs include:

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

One degree program type you might spot is the M.Ed. A masters of education may be viewed as an applied or professional degree program, exploring both the theory and practice of teaching. Topics you could potentially cover include:

• The inclusive classroom
• Child development
• Literacies
• Teaching mathematics

Master of Arts in Education

Candidates pursuing an M.A. in education may have a particular subject area in which they hope to teach, like English or History. In this program, they may further explore that subject, along with teaching methods. You might learn about:

• The Philosophy of education
• Curriculum and assessment
• Educational research
• Courses in your chosen subject – whether it’s Biology, French, or Physics!

Master of Science in Education

Master of science in education programs may be theoretical and based on research, with the potential option to choose a concentration like applied behavior analysis or career and technical education. Every institution may define an M.S. in education differently, so check with the program you’re interested in for more details! Here are some possible courses:

• Tests and measurements
• Computer-based teaching
• Verbal behavior
• Research design

Master of Arts in Teaching

An M.A. in teaching may focus on teaching strategies and methods more so than other programs do. So, earning this degree may potentially be a good fit for those who are new to the field or wish to focus on curriculum and instruction, classroom management, and more. You may learn about:

• Educational psychology
• Curriculum development
• Assessment
• Student teaching

Should I Pursue a Campus, Hybrid, or Online Masters in K-12 Education?

Unsure whether to earn your masters in education the traditional way, pursue online master’s degree, or consider some combination of the two? Let’s talk about the different degree formats you might encounter.

Earning a Masters Degree in Education On Campus

If you’re hoping to be active on campus, or if you prefer to learn face-to-face, perhaps education graduate programs on campus are a perfect fit! You could potentially enjoy social benefits, get involved in student organizations, and lots more. These programs also tend to provide more structure, which could be great for those who desire a set schedule.

Earning a Masters in Education Online

If you currently work as a teacher or have other fulltime obligations, or you don’t live close to campus, online learning may be a potential path worth considering. Earning an online masters in education could offer just a bit more flexibility than a campus program. And, 90% of students who had experience with campus-based classes said they felt their online learning experience was as good or better!

Why Pursue a Masters in K-12 Education Online?

if you have limited experience with online learning, you may be wondering if this path could suit your lifestyle, educational preferences, and goals. Here are just a few potential reasons why earning a masters in teaching online may be a best fit:

You could potentially keep working – Hoping to continue working or teaching full-time while you study? (Not to mention all the family and household responsibilities you may have to juggle!) Online learning may allow you to pursue your master’s degree from anywhere with an internet connection, and at times of the day or night that may be more convenient for you. That doesn’t necessarily mean that pursuing online masters programs in education require less of a time commitment, just that you may be able to fit online graduate courses for teachers into a busy schedule.

You may not have to leave home – Not every budding education professional wants to relocate in order to attend grad school, or even commute to a local campus. If you have your heart set on a program that’s far from home, you may wish to find out if the school offers education masters programs in an online format. You may be able to pursue an online masters degree in education from a grad school across the country, or in the next county, while remaining in the comfort of your living room!

You could learn independently – If you’re like the over 25% of graduate students under age 24 who chose online learning in 2016, you might have a bit of an independent streak! * While some students may learn best in a traditional classroom, others prefer the experience of learning online. And among students who have experienced both campus and online learning, 90% said their online courses were as good or better!

How Do I Choose an Online Masters Degree Program in K-12 Education?

There are a few potential factors you may want to check out, as you explore online masters programs in education! Here are just a few Online Masters in K-12 Education programs to consider:

An accredited school – Accreditation by an organization that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be a major indicator of your prospective school’s quality, and it’s required if you are eligible for federal financial aid. (Source: studentaid.gov)

Curriculum and concentrations – Naturally, you’ll want to identify potential online education masters programs that may offer the area of study you’re most interested in pursuing! Review available concentrations and courses to see if a prospective program catches your interest.

Course delivery – Online learners may have an extra consideration: how their lessons are delivered! A program may take a multimedia approach, using tools like Blackboard and other interactive content. So, make sure you can meet the program’s technology requirements, and that you like the sound of your program’s curriculum delivery methods.

Reputation – Is your prospective masters in education online program known for helping current and future teachers prepare for their professional goals? Do a little digging to find out if the program you’re interested in seems reputable!

Anything else that matters to you – It may be a good idea to make a list of everything you’re looking for in a masters in teaching online program – whether that’s resources like career counseling or features like low student-to-faculty ratios. You not find a program that has everything, but hopefully you’ll identify one that seems like a good fit for you!

What Might I Learn in Online Masters in Education Programs for K-12 Teachers?

Great question! Especially for teachers who already have some experience, it’s natural to wonder what an online masters in education program may cover. Here are a few knowledge areas you could potentially study:

• The diverse classroom
• Educational research
• Computer applications for teachers
• Curriculum development
• Inter-group theory
• School law and policy
• Current issues in education
• And more!

What Online Masters in Education Concentrations Might I Choose?

Master’s degree candidates may be able to select a particular area in which to focus, based on their professional interests and goals. Of course, available concentrations may depend on the online education masters programs you’re considering, as well as your intended career path! But here are a few potential top concentrations:

• Special education
• Educational leadership
• Curriculum and instruction
• Grades Pre-K to 4
• Grades 4 to 8
• Grades 7 to 12
• Among others

Exploring hybrid education graduate programs in California:

Hybrid programs could potentially allow you to take both campus-based and online graduate courses for teachers! You may be able to blend the flexibility of online learning with the potential resources and benefits of a vibrant grad school campus.

How Might I Find a Perfect Education Grad Schools for My Goals?

While there’s no easy answer, it certainly may be a great idea to start exploring Masters in K-12 Education programs that seem to suit your professional and academic interests. Check out the curriculum, and see what concentrations may be available. Also, look for education graduate programs that are accredited, as this designation may indicate your school adheres to industry standards of quality (studentaid.gov). And don’t forget to visit campus if possible, or talk to a representative to learn more about your prospective masters in education program.

Masters in Education K-12: Ready to get the ball rolling?

Below, you’ll find listings for education masters programs that may be worth checking out! Click to learn more about Masters in K-12 Education programs, and don’t forget to sort by program format: campus, hybrid, or online masters in education. Best of luck on your Masters in K-12 Education programs search!

GradSchools.com offers 18 Graduate Schools with K-12 Education Masters Degrees in California