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Guide to Master's Degree

How to Get a Master's Degree in K-12 Education

Making the decision to earn a master's degree online or on campus marks a significant commitment--one that involves time, personal initiative, and, often, a substantial financial investment. As an increasing number of educators obtain campus and online master's degrees to further their careers, it is becoming a new standard for employment in the field of K-12 education.

K-12 education offers seemingly endless possibilities for professional development. As new technologies emerge, childhood development research advances, and education standards change, remaining up-to-date, let alone building new skills, can be challenging.

This is one of the many reasons that a master's degree in K-12 education can be an excellent educational goal. In addition to providing an opportunity to develop skills and proficiencies, a campus or online master's in K-12 education can offer

Use the following guide to help you determine whether a master's degree in K-12 education is the right degree for you. If you decide to advance your education to the next level, the steps below show you how to research and apply to the programs that can help you meet your educational goals.

Overview of the Master's Degree in K-12 Education

Two hundred years ago, requirements for entry into the field of teaching were a far cry from today's standards. One merely had to demonstrate high moral character and pass a test of general knowledge. Over the course of the 19th century, testing requirements became more rigorous to include reading, writing, and arithmetic. By 1867, most states required teachers to obtain a state certificate, which was granted based on proficiency in basic skills, as well as U.S. history, geography, spelling, and grammar.
Around the turn of the century, undergraduate and graduate schools of education formed, as did specializations within the field of education, such as administration, educational psychology and sociology, and curriculum development. These specializations required advanced degrees.

Today, while master's degrees are usually not required for educators starting out in the profession, they are common among job applicants and desirable to employers. Because many states offer bumps in pay for teachers with master's degrees, the number of teachers holding master's degrees has been steadily increasing--and that trend is likely to continue, making the field increasingly competitive. In fact, in New York, a state that requires teachers seeking the highest level of licensure to hold a master's degree, 78 percent of all teachers possess one.
For additional information about education as a field of study, visit WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to Majors.

Degree Options for a Master's Degree in K-12 Education

If you have begun to explore a campus or online master's in K-12 education, you have noticed a variety of degree titles.

(MA) in K-12 Education is, perhaps, the most common degree title. It can represent either an academic degree, in the respect that it prepares students for doctorate-level work, or a practitioner's degree, depending on the program's orientation.

(Ed.M. or M.Ed.) in K-12 Education is often considered an advanced master's degree that falls between a Master of Arts and a doctorate. An Ed.M. or M.Ed. is usually geared toward practitioners working in the field, and prepares them to advance to administrative positions or build a particular specialization.

(MS) in K-12 Education is often comparable to a MA, although a few schools prioritize research and theory through this degree option.

(MIT) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) prepares teachers to work in a classroom, and often includes a teaching certification component.

Because schools use the degree titles differently, your decision as to which to pursue should be based on the orientation of the program itself rather than the degree title. Learn more about master's degrees in education at WorldWideLearn.com

Choosing a Format: Campus or Online Master's in K-12 Education

One of the first decisions you have to make is whether to pursue an online or campus graduate degree program. There are advantages to each format.

traditionally prepare students for careers in academia as researchers or teachers. While this is truer for doctorates than it is for master's degrees, if a doctorate is in your future, then a campus degree program probably offers you the best preparation.

are usually tailored to the needs of working professionals seeking to apply current research and a deeper knowledge base to their work. The format offers considerable flexibility for busy adults with family and other commitments because students can take courses during the evenings and on weekends from the comfort of home. Students benefit from the real-world experience held by their peers and the networking opportunities online education offers.

combine online courses with face-to-face residencies. This is a popular option for working educators, whose time available for classroom-based instruction is usually limited to the summer months.

What You Can Do with an M.A. or Ed.M. in K-12 Education

Whether you choose to earn a master's degree online or on campus, your master's degree in K-12 education should reward you with a deeper skill set and greater career opportunities. Your degree can prepare you for myriad career paths.
Teacher or supervisor of:

Director of:

Administrator in charge of:

WorldWideLearn.com's Career Pathways resource offers tools to help you find the right career by assessing your skills and learning about career options in your field.

Finding the Right Master's Degree in K-12 Education Program: The Research and Application Process

The following three steps can help walk you through the process of identifying and applying to the graduate schools in K-12 education that best meet your needs.

Step 1: Find the MA or Ed.M. in K-12 Education That Fits Your Needs

1. Identify Your Baseline Criteria
You can narrow your options right off the bat if you take the time to think through your core criteria for an MA or Ed.M. in K-12 Education. Be sure to consider the following:

If a doctorate is in your future, a campus program could be the best choice. If not, an online master's degree could offer you the flexibility that enables you to balance your career and your education.

If you choose a campus, do you have to relocate?

* What are they? Is current teaching certification or a particular bachelor's degree required for admission?

You can explore program format options at WorldWideLearn.com's Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections. To find a campus-based program near you, search campus degrees by location.

2. Develop a List of Accredited Graduate Schools in K-12 Education
Whatever your baseline criteria, be sure to limit your search to accredited programs. Accreditation means that a school has met standards of excellence set by an authorizing body.

3. Explore Academic Programs in Depth
In order to whittle down your list of programs, you need to gather details for each of the schools you are exploring. Following is a list of some of the key areas you want to consider.

Specializations.In K-12 education, specializations are varied and reflect the diversity of career options available to practitioners. Some specializations are organized by level and subject:

Other specializations include broader topics within the field of education:

While master's degree specializations can be quite specific--a handful of schools offer a specialization in vision rehabilitation therapy, for example--some schools offer general master's degrees in K-12 education. When deciding on a specialization, consider your personal interests and career objectives.

Look at program quality when determining a program's caliber:

Program cost can also be an important consideration. Will the master's degree program fit into your budget? Many schools offer scholarships or fellowships to qualified students. Find out what kind of financial aid is available.
Consider the program's admissions requirements. Can you get in? Some master's programs in K-12 education require a minimum GPA and GRE scores. Make sure you can meet the admission requirements.
Does the campus offer any special resources for graduate students, such as student publications or professional groups? If you choose to earn a master's degree online, is the school set up to support peer-to-peer networking and offer career guidance? Other Resources

can help you assess a program's overall quality. U.S. News & World Report ranks 278 graduate programs in education.

usually offer a wealth of information about admission and program requirements, faculty research areas, graduate placements, and other useful pieces of information.

makes the research process easier by putting you in touch directly with schools that meet your criteria. Just fill out a form online and program representatives contact you, saving you time and effort.

can help you identify scholars who are exploring your areas of interest and who can steer you in the direction of high-quality programs in K-12 education. There are many to choose from, including:

STEP TWO: Apply to Master's Degree Programs in K-12 Education

Now that you have selected your top programs in K-12 education, you can begin the application process.
1. Gather Application Materials
Carefully review each school's requirements--creating a folder for each program can be helpful--and begin to gather your materials. Common requirements include:

2. Apply for Financial Aid
Begin the financial aid application process as soon as you apply to schools to better your chances of obtaining funding. Aid can come from several sources:

WorldWideLearn.com offers extensive information about financial aid options.

STEP THREE: Prepare for Your Master's Degree in K-12 Education

Whether you've chosen to earn a master's degree online or on campus, you can begin to prepare for your graduate education by familiarizing yourself with your academic community. Build your expertise in the field by:

Finally, remember that you may have the most success in graduate school if you keep your career objectives firmly in mind. By embarking on this educational journey, you are joining thousands of educators who have chosen to become masters in the field of K-12 education.
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Pursue your K-12 Education degree today.

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