Whether you are looking to move up the ladder in your current teaching position or want to pursue an education job outside of the classroom, a master’s in education degree opens up many new career opportunities. Even if you are not planning to leave the classroom, an administrative leadership role can make an eye-opening difference in student learning. Here are some top careers available with a master’s in education.
Elementary Education
Having a career as a teacher is one of the most impactful ways to influence and shape children’s lives positively. With a Master’s in Education, teachers can improve their skills and teach even more students. If you feel called to teach, consider pursuing a degree in elementary education. It allows you to work with young children from kindergarten through sixth grade, and it can prepare you for various educational settings. While many educators enjoy the rewards of teaching, it’s also important to recognize that this type of career requires a substantial commitment, with most teachers spending upwards of 30 years in the classroom. If this isn’t for you, there are other career options in which to use your degree. For example, some educators who pursue a Master’s in Education choose to become instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists. These roles allow them to help teachers develop their lesson plans and work to change the policies in their school districts. Additionally, these professionals are well-qualified for positions in corporate environments where they can use their teaching and leadership skills.
Secondary Education
A master’s degree expands career options, bolstering earning potential and serving as a stepping stone to doctoral degrees for those interested in research and academia. It also demonstrates expertise in a specific subject area, making graduates more attractive to employers who seek specialized knowledge and leadership potential. There are many master’s programs, so choosing one that fits career goals and subject interests is important. Some programs focus on teaching skills, while others aim to equip educators for leadership roles in and out of the classroom.
For example, a master of arts in teaching emphasizing secondary education prepares teachers to lead students in grades 7 through 12 in subjects like language arts, math, science, history, and civics. Other programs focus on educational theory and practice.
Other specializations include applied human development, focusing on young people’s physical, psychological, and emotional development patterns. This program often leads to careers in youth program management, academic research, and work with NGOs and foundations. Finally, curriculum design and instruction programs concentrate on pedagogy, education technology, and fostering collaborative classrooms. Many of these are the preferred online masters degree for current classroom teachers who want to advance their leadership capabilities.
Learning Director
A Master’s in Education can be used to pursue a range of occupations, both inside and outside of the classroom. Those with this degree can become a learning director at a university, a trainer for a company or other industry, or even a counselor. Many of these positions require soft skills, including communication and interpersonal abilities, patience and organizational skills. A learning director at a university is responsible for overseeing teaching, curriculum development, and faculty training. They work closely with professors to ensure that they stay current on the latest research in learning and teaching methods. They are also in charge of designing and implementing faculty development programs.
Online learning directors are increasingly in demand as the higher education field continues to expand and serve a growing number of students. Their unique skills allow them to create and deliver high-quality content to students in person and online. Those with this degree can also work in museums, zoos, science centers, and other nonprofit educational organizations to develop and implement educational programming for children and adults. The job duties for these positions include organizing special events, hosting school groups, and creating engaging activities that can be used in the classroom. Many of these positions also require a lot of travel.
Higher Education
Many students pursue a master’s degree in education to advance their careers. Some go on to teach at the college level, while others work in higher education administration or become counselors for children and adults. Graduate students can also choose to work in corporate training or curriculum design. They can help people reach their vocational potential by using career development theories and facilitation skills. Some even go on to become career counselors for their communities, helping children and adults understand themselves better so that they can make strong decisions about their career paths.
Most of those pursuing an M.A.Ed are teachers who want to take their careers beyond the classroom and shape the education system. They can become administrators or even professors, although you’ll need a doctorate to become a professor. Those who choose to go into higher education can work in colleges and universities, managing student services, admissions, research teams or academics, or they can go on to be learning directors for organizations such as museums, aquariums and zoos. This role requires planning educational activities for school groups and developing engaging programming for adults and kids. It is a great career choice for those passionate about teaching and learning.
