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Why a master’s degree in education and which should you choose?
Many teachers worldwide are looking to advance their position in the school system, and there’s no better way to do so than with a master’s degree in education. Not only does the qualification open up an extensive array of job opportunities, it also provides relevant knowledge such as digital technology and how it is used in today’s school curriculum.
An added bonus to higher education for educators is that with higher rankings comes a higher salary. All schools from elementary to university strive to offer the best education possible to their students, meaning they are willing to pay extra for the most qualified professionals. As reported by Zion Market Research, the market size of the education sector in the USt\ was about 1.350 trillion US dollars in 2017. The value of the market is expected to reach US$2.040 trillion by 2026.
| Sep 24 | 3 mins readThe education industry is growing rapidly and is known to be one of the most stable occupations in the US. The Labor Department says that available post-secondary teaching positions will increase by some 15% by 2022, which is higher than most others. The increase is partially due to new positions in online education being on the rise. As these positions and enrollment grow, so does the need for qualified professionals in the sector.
With a postgraduate degree in education, graduates will be able to have a greater impact on students with an administrative position. Administrators are known to have the capability to inspire and implement change while improving the status quo. They do this by carefully selecting teachers, sitting in on classes to observe how classrooms are handled and offering suggestions that will improve the institution’s learning environment.
Apart from being rewarding and fulfilling, a career in education comes with many benefits. While most industries are experiencing a decline in salaries and available benefits as their companies feel the brunt of COVID-19, professors are seeing an increase in benefits due to the escalating competition for their services. While benefits vary institution to institution, most careers in schools come with attractive perks such as vacation breaks, access to campus amenities, paid sabbatical leave for educational reasons, medical benefits and more.
There are many routes to take in securing a master’s degree in education, but it is important to be aware of which will best meet your career goals. For a fruitful career in education, here are the different types of master’s degrees in education to choose from:
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
The most common option, the key difference between this and other programmes is that it’s a better fit for candidates of varied backgrounds. With this degree, graduates will be able to apply the skills they acquire and practice them in a wide array of industries, not just education.
Whether you wish to advance your existing careers in education or begin a new one in corporate training, this is an extremely beneficial qualification to consider. Especially for current educations looking to progress in terms of ranking, many M.Ed. programmes provide an opportunity to specialise in new concentrations while gaining increased expertise in their current specialities.
Master of Arts in Education (MA.Ed.) or (MAE)
A Master of Arts in Education qualification provides a degree that is tailored to a specific subject or a specific range of subjects. It is a much better fit for those interested in enriching their knowledge and expertise in a specific subject.
A Master of Arts in Education degree is very similar to the Master of Education programme with its array of teaching specialty options, however, this programme usually emphasises subjects like education psychology, ethics and philosophy.
Master of Science in Education (MA.Ed)
A Master of Science in Education, depending on the institution typically focuses on pedagogy, curriculum methodology and instructional design related to areas such as mathematics and sciences.
A Master of Science in Education degree can also prepare school administrators for the challenges they will face during their careers, allowing professionals to concentrate in areas such as curriculum development, educational leadership and instructional technology.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is a suitable choice for students who wish to gain an expert grasp on teaching and the different strategies that can be used to teach effectively. It might be an even more attractive choice for those without teaching certification, as this degree is known to be hands-on with classroom experience being a core part of the curriculum.
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