Earning a master’s degree in education is a great way to set yourself up for a more advanced career in the field of education. A master’s degree will qualify you to apply for certification and licensing as a principle in your state. It can also help you become a more competitive candidate for some of the more desirable teaching jobs available.
If you have decided to earn a master’s degree in education so that you can open up more career opportunities for yourself down the line, it is important that you take the time to find the right degree program for you. The fact of the matter is that not all degree programs are created equal. They vary greatly in regard to the length of the program as well as the quality of the degree that you are earning.
With that in mind, here are three things that you should know about earning a master’s degree in education so that you can make the most informed decision about what degree program will be right for you.
1. How Long It Will Take
When you are looking to invest in your future career, knowing just how much time you will be investing is good. For this reason, one of the first things you should consider when choosing a master’s degree program is how long such a program will take to complete.
Depending on the format that you choose, either an in-person program or an online one, it can take as little as 18 months to earn your master’s degree. However, some programs take much longer, meaning that you might need to invest at least two years in your education. You can almost certainly count on an Online Master’s in Education degree program to take less time than an in-person one.
2. The Specific Degree You Need
The next thing to consider when you choose a master’s in education degree program is the specific degree you need to fulfill your career aspirations. For instance, if you hope to become a school principal one day, you will want to consider a degree in education leadership or administration.
If, on the other hand, you simply wish to excel in a particular subject matter as an educator, you should look to earn your master’s degree in that particular subject. There are also degrees in curriculum development that can be helpful if you wish to work in that aspect of education.
3. Cost
As with most things in life, it is important to bear in mind the cost of the degree program that you are considering when you make your decision. Depending on where you are going to attend school and the format of the degree program that you opt for, the cost of a master’s degree in education can vary greatly.
Online degree programs tend to be more affordable than in-person ones, so it is worth considering this option if you hope to earn your degree for less.