There is a lot that an educator can do with an online Master's in Secondary Education, both inside and outside of the classroom. From becoming a principal to moving into becoming an educational director at a museum, the career possibilities can open an educator into a new world. But with a full-time career, many professionals are forgoing a master's degree in order to focus on their obligations.
There's no reason to let go of the dream of earning a master's degree; there are several online opportunities available. Online programs are also the best way for working professionals to pursue their educational goals. Flexible and more affordable than traditional programs, online degrees give students the freedom to pursue their education whenever their career permits them. The 10 schools listed in this ranking also come with a variety of features, which are discussed below.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Most Affordable Master's in Secondary Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Your Career Options for an Online Master's in Secondary Education Degree?
Many teachers choose an online Master's in Secondary Education to enhance their job and salary prospects in their current career. However, there are a variety of other options that are available to those who earn this degree. While many of these career options are rooted in the school system in America, some are not, and they deserve to be notated here.
Schools, both public and private, as well as school districts, hire secondary education professionals for a variety of positions. This can include as a teacher, a principal, an administrator, or an AP teacher that focuses on dual-credit courses. Some private schools also hire tutors and educational consultants who work as freelancers; they are contracted to help with curriculum development as well as a referral service for students who need extra help with their schoolwork.
Outside of the school system, it is possible for these graduates to work as SEO content writers, specializing in education. This is an in-demand position, as many educational websites and companies require content from experts in the field. They may also work as media and technology specialists, creating educational content for everything from websites to television shows.
The list is endless. Education is necessary for everyone, regardless of age, so these graduates will find no shortage of career opportunities that are available to them. One need only do a little research to see what exciting opportunities exist.
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The current salary range for secondary education professional ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. This range accounts for a variety of work experience levels and positions held by those with a master's degree in this field. It also accounts for teachers in both public and private schools and institutions, with those in private schools making more than those who work for public schools.
While most secondary school teachers with a master's degree have salaries that start at $50,000, America is facing a shortage of teachers who teach math and science. Therefore, it is important to note that secondary school educators that focus on these content areas will make substantially more than their liberal arts counterparts.
What are the Various Disciplines of Secondary Education?
Secondary education is influenced most of all by education. This will come as no surprise, as the main duty of a teacher is to educate adolescents. But teachers have other disciplines that inform their careers, which will be briefly discussed below.
Secondary school teachers often focus on one content area, which is the subject they teach in the classroom. This is the secondary discipline that informs their duties; they must be well aware of any advancements in that content area and stay updated with the issues and trends that affect their subject in the classroom. From research studies to global concerns, this is where a secondary school teacher focuses most of their time and energy.
Regardless of content area, teachers will also work in other disciplines. Management, curriculum, instruction, and administration are two of the daily disciplines professionals will interact with most; this has to do with curriculum study plans, managing students with behavioral issues, adhering to state education regulations, grading papers, and more.
Finally, psychology and adolescent development, as well as cultural studies, also play a role. Students are going through developmental changes, and while at the secondary school level, they are close to becoming adults, they still may have behavioral issues. Cultural studies as well play a role; America is a diverse country with multicultural communities and understanding all cultures is required by teachers in order to ensure they are providing students with a proper education.
Do You Need Advanced Licensure if You Already Have an Initial Teaching Licensure?
Initial teaching licensure is the base professional certificate for teachers. It is required by law that all teachers who teach in schools, public or nonpublic, hold a state initial professional license. This is the basis of all bachelors-level teaching and education programs.
Advanced licensure, however, is optional. Teachers are not obligated by law to apply for advanced licensure, which is also known as National Board Certification, and therefore many teachers choose not to apply for this license. It can be time-consuming, challenging, requires a master's degree, and also requires recertification every three to five years depending on state regulations.
But if a teacher would like to achieve the highest possible salary range for their content area, would like to access better professional opportunities, and make the move from state to state easier, advanced licensure is highly recommended. This is especially true of all teachers who are earning a master's degree in secondary education.
Advanced licensure is the highest level of professional certification available. Available only after a teacher has earned their initial license and has taught for three years in a classroom, it can be a prestigious distinction that sets teachers apart, especially during the job hunt process. Every teacher who wants to pursue a graduate degree should seriously consider advanced licensure after graduation.
What are Content Areas? Can You Choose One Different From the One You Teach?
Schools use the term "content areas" when describing the different subjects taught at American secondary schools. These can include Biology, History, Economics, Art, English, and more. Content areas generally make up half of the online Master's in Secondary Education. They are important because all states provide certification in one content area to teachers with valid teaching licenses.
It is possible to change content areas for both in-service and pre-service teachers; however, this is decidedly easier for pre-service professionals. This is because teachers who have yet to be hired in their field, or for those changing careers, don't have a set content area just yet. The master's degree helps them specialize, which, in turn, makes it easier for employers to decide whether they need a teacher in that specific content area.
In-service professionals will find that changing content areas may be difficult. If they wish to remain employed with the school that they teach, changing content areas may mean the loss of their job, especially if a position in that content area is already filled. They may also find it difficult if they have previous work experience in one content area yet wish to become employed in their new content area.
It is still possible for teachers to make the change. Advanced certification takes precedence over previous work experience and as long as they earn a degree from a program that requires practicums, the decision to change or add a new content area should not drastically alter their career path.
Secondary education is a field that is just as important as early childhood education; this is when students begin to learn advanced concepts at the high school level, which in turn prepares them for their university education. Without qualified secondary educators, a student's prospects can wither. That's why so many dedicated professionals are choosing to pursue an online Master's in Secondary Education which enriches both their lives and the lives of each of their students.
