Masters in Education Comparison Guide
Deciding the type of degree you want can have a major impact on your education career, so it’s important to differentiate between a Master of Science in Education and other online degrees available.
As schools seek to strengthen the caliber of their educators, more and more teachers find that a Masters in Education becomes necessary for career advancement. In order to remain working, many choose to pursue online Master’s programs like the Masters in Education from the University of New England because of the flexibility of the scheduling and the diversity of programs offered. Choosing the right specialization for your degree can be a crucial factor in reaching your career goals, so it’s important to differentiate the types of degrees that are out there.
There are ample ways to assess degree programs. Finding degree programs that have concentrations that excite your specific education interests can be one way. Another might be discerning how one program might lead to faster career advancement, by focusing on Educational Leadership or Curriculum & Instruction Strategies. Many people investigate the popularity of a program while others look at the reputation of the school as a whole. Be sure that your degree program has proper regional accreditation. Still, perhaps the greatest concern you should have when selecting your Masters in Education is by examining who applies to which types of degrees and what the outcome usually is.
Master of Science in Education
A Master of Science in Education, like the program offered at the University of New England, provides educators with a more scientific outlook on studying education. With a keen focus on assessment and boosting student achievement, the best strategies are studied and evaluated to create effective change in classrooms. This degree often leads to career advancement in positions of educational leadership or a more specialized role in schools. This degree does not offer a certification component but carries more weight than other Master’s degrees, as it is considered more scholarly. Most often experienced, certified educators who have previously studied education pursue it.
At the University of New England, the MSEd is offered in four unique concentrations: Curriculum & Instruction Strategies, Literacy, Inclusion Education and Educational Leadership. The degree balances the study of educational theory with the study of educational practice by offering a flexible online course schedule that depends on evaluating what’s studied in your actual classroom.
Master of Education
A general Master of Education differs from the MSEd because it typically focuses solely on practice with less research. It is usually intended for educators who are looking to move into administrative positions or are required to obtain a Masters degree in order to remain certified. Different programs offer teacher certification, so if you’re looking to become certified be sure that your program selection has what you need. This degree is offered online by many institutions as it involves a lot of classroom practicum.
Choosing an online degree has become a popular option for many educators who wish to remain active in their careers while exploring advancement opportunities through higher education. Understanding How to Choose the Right Online Masters of Education becomes very important because there are so many options.
Master of Arts in Teaching
A Master of Arts in Teaching is often pursued by professionals who have no experience teaching. The program usually involves teacher certification and attracts would-be educators who are making a career change from a different type of employ. This degree focuses on practical instruction and involves very little education theory. It is typically intended for educators who want to remain classroom teachers for their careers.
The major difference between the MAT and the MSEd is that the coursework of the MAT is predominantly focused on the subject that the educator will be teaching at the middle or secondary level, like math or science. This Master’s degree does lead to higher pay for beginning teachers.
Generally, the MAT does not offer educators specialized majors, but for many educators, specialization is the best way to segue into their desired career paths from their current careers. How to Pick the Right Teaching Career, therefore, relies heavily on which type of degree specialization you pursue.
Additional Resources
The University of New England seeks to provide the best guidance for students who are interested in pursuing advanced education. Consider some of these additional resources while researching your degree possibilities.
50+ Career Resources for Masters in Education Graduates: An exhaustive list of tools, news sources and degree information.
Career Guide For Teachers: Make sure your program aligns with your interests and career goals.
Educational Leadership: Find out how to move from the classroom to the principal’s office with this Masters in Education degree.
Inclusion Education: A Masters in Education program focused on assessing special needs students.
POSTED BY: jfisher - September 28th, 2010 at 03:49pm ( 0 )
