If you have just obtained your master’s degree in education and you are wondering what the next step will be in your journey, then here are some ideas and opportunities that may be a good fit for the next stage in your career.
Doing any form of degree can be hard, and going for a master’s degree was probably something you didn’t initially think about, but hopefully, it has set you on a path that you are happy with.
Whether you have been looking at what educational consultants do or want to be a corporate trainer, it is important that you make sure you have the necessary training required to make your way into these fields.
What is a Master’s Degree in Education?
A master’s is classed as a postgraduate degree that students can enroll on after they have completed their bachelor’s degree in their field of study. This specific type of degree is all about teaching instructional theories as well as the practices within education.
Some of the topics that you will cover in this degree are as follows –
- Educational Leadership
- Curriculum Development & Design
- Instructional Design
- Differentiated Learning
What is taught will depend on what education program students enroll in, and those who take these programs could become corporate trainers, special education teachers (in some school districts), career counselors, assessment and education researchers, and maybe even a guidance counselor who is solely based in school counseling.
What is The Earning Potential of Someone With a Master’s Degree?
Wages can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, e.g. where some are based, how long they have worked, education level, etc., but according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a master’s degree earn, an average salary of $80,000 per year.
How Long Does a Master’s Degree in Education Take to Complete?
On average, it will take two years to complete this degree, but that can vary depending on whether this degree is done on a full-time basis or part-time. It is also reliant on the structure and contents of the program, but that will be discussed when people apply.
What are The Career Paths For a Master’s in Education?
After you have completed your master’s degree you may have your mind set on a specific career choice, e.g. an educational specialist based in educational programs for students in secondary education (education being your main theme here).
However, before you cement your mind on that particular course, you may want to see what other career options are available to you and what that could mean for your future.
Educational Consultant
Being an educational consultant requires you to support students in transitioning from one school/education program to the next, for example, moving from middle school to high school, and so on. By working with educational consulting firms, such consultants can advise schools and other educational institutes to find the best ways to help reach students their full potential.
They are focused on making learning environments positive and beneficial for all students. They need to keep up-to-date documentation for school records and be a part of school communities.
Before moving into this position, educational consultants will need to have taught for three years before being certified in consulting.
Average Salary
Around $20 per hour. This will change depending on location.
Career Counselor
Career counselors have the goal of not only helping students but job seekers and professionals find their career fit so they can thrive within their chosen sector. Some people may have a job for a number of years and feel like they need to move on and make a change to what they do.
This is where career counselors come in to help them find what they are looking for so they can find career options that work for them.
These counselors will use career development theories, case management, facilitation skills, and assessments to determine what people are looking for and how they feel about their careers.
Average Salary
Up to $26+ per hour. This will change depending on location.
Corporate Trainer
If you have not heard of corporate trainers before, then it may interest you to know that they teach knowledge and skills to employees which will hopefully improve productivity within a business so it can grow.
They will develop training programs and then evaluate the success of these training programs to see what can be done or improved upon so that employees get the best support possible.
They will also maintain training materials, do law and regulation compliance checks, and evaluate job performances to see current needs.
If you have an education degree and you want to incorporate business practices with skills in management, then this may be a good career choice for you. Your graduate degree doesn’t just mean that you need to work in a specific school district.
Average Salary
It can be around $26 per hour. This will change depending on location and further training as this job requires certification from training and development programs.
Education Specialist
These types of specialists will offer help and recommendations that will improve class lessons, teaching methods, and the planning of the curriculum (they can bring in a curriculum specialist for this if required).
They will also be a part of communication with parents and guardians, as well as school counselors and teachers. They will go from start to finish to see if the plans they have put in place will work for the area they are in. This includes creating questionnaires, conducting interviews, and they may observe too so they can make a full report.
A master’s degree will help them get into this, but additional certification is required so they are qualified to make these recommendations and interview people. This will mean that they will need to become licensed through a Specialist in Education Program.
Average Salary
Around $22 per hour. This will change depending on location.
Academic Coordinator
They are responsible for meeting an organization’s targets as well as their benchmarks, plus helping them meet department goals and learning outcomes.
They make sure that student records are maintained at all times and will develop as well as manage academic support programs.
If a student needs help with their education then an academic coordinator will provide the support required so that they keep their academic performance at a good level and reach their goals.
Average Salary
They earn less than others on this list at around $18. This will change depending on location.
Tutor
One of the most well-known careers is a tutor. They help students understand a variety of academic subjects and help them with this process with assessments and small tests (if required).
They help them improve their learning and provide them with the tools needed to achieve their education goals which will help them get work or move on to the next stage of their education.
Average Salary
$24 per hour. This will change depending on location, plus their level of education in the subject they are tutoring.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have been able to see what else you can do with a master’s degree in education and how that may influence your decision. There is a world out there that will benefit from your degree. So take some time to make a decision and ensure that it is the right one for you.