Attending a graduate program allows professionals to continue their education and grow in their respective fields of study. For teachers, graduate school might help them gain the necessary credentials they need to next the step in their career. Earning a graduate degree can help them gain the necessary expertise to land a promising job with better pay and can aid them in learning how to teach more effectively.
Teachers who are looking into grad school to further their careers in education have many options, including master's degrees in education and doctorate degrees. Master's degree programs in education typically require a bachelor's degree, while doctorate degrees need the completion of a master's program. Specialized programs will have separate requirements as well. Teachers who apply for these programs will need to consider various parts of the application process, including personal statements, the submission of necessary documents, and resumes.
Master's Degree in Education
A master's degree comes after a bachelor's degree and provides a more advanced level of knowledge in a particular subject area, providing expertise for the student in their discipline. Generally, a master's program requires at least 40 credit hours to graduate, and students might earn either Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). Education programs may be classified as either art or science, depending on the area of study.
Teachers who want to apply for grad school should first look into master's programs before considering earning a doctoral degree. Common master's degrees in education, such as the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), help teachers who want to move up in their careers by preparing them for various roles as specialized educators and for leadership positions. Those who are aspiring teachers with bachelor's degrees in a field outside of education or teaching can also find master's programs in education that can provide them with the degree needed to teach in a classroom.
A master's degree in education program prepares teachers and other professionals for a variety of career fields within education. Some examples of roles that teachers can obtain after graduating with a master's degree include:
Principal
Instructional coordinator
Educational developer
Corporate trainer
University instructor
School counselor
District administrator
Master's Programs in Education
There are many different types of master's programs in education available. These degrees help teachers develop additional skills that are necessary for achieving higher-level positions. Master's programs take time and effort but can be worth it for teachers who want to earn higher salaries. These degrees also help teachers gain expertise in education concepts, teaching aspects, curriculum development, and other education specialty subjects.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a degree that helps prepare teachers for career advancements with expertise in teaching methods and concepts. This degree focuses on teaching aspects and disciplines, whereas the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) focuses on concepts throughout the entire education system as a whole. While both degrees may essentially help teachers land similar jobs, there are some differences in the topics covered within these curriculums. The Master of Education (EdM) is another degree that also focuses on a combination of various education concepts and may consist of a specialty in concentrated areas.
Teachers can also specialize in specific roles in the school system. For example, a master's degree in elementary education is designed specifically for teachers at the elementary school level, providing a specialized curriculum focusing on standards that apply specifically to students in elementary starting at the kindergarten level. The Master of Arts in Special Education is an option for teachers who want to work with students who have disabilities.
Doctor of Education
A doctoral degree is the highest degree level offered by universities, and they take a lot of effort and time to complete. These programs often consist of analytical concepts, research, and theoretical concepts within the area of study. The two main doctorate degrees used for general education purposes include the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD). However, there are also more specialized degrees that also focus on education that teachers can opt for, such as the Doctor of Physical Education (DPE) and the Doctor of Music Education (DME).
So, what is an EdD degree? It is a type of advanced degree that provides expertise in education by focusing on educational concepts that prepare students for leadership roles. The curriculum may include some topics focused on research, though the program, in general, is geared toward practical concepts that can be applied in leadership roles in the business world. Doctoral programs require students to already hold a master's degree, and, like other doctoral programs, it consists of about 40 to 60 credit hours of coursework, depending on the school, along with a dissertation.
Having an education degree at this level provides expertise that can be shared among other industries as well. The EdD prepares professionals for leadership roles and gives them the expertise needed to teach other professionals in various fields, including non-profits and healthcare.
There are a variety of careers that can grow with an EdD, some examples of common positions being:
College dean
Provost
Healthcare educator
Business executive
Curriculum designer
School administrator
EdD vs. PhD in Education
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education is another degree teachers can choose at the doctoral level. This degree has a general focus on academics and research. It also takes a more theoretical approach when it comes to coursework. This degree can prepare students for careers that involve academic research. Those who opt for a PhD instead of an EdD might be looking for careers in research-related roles and other positions that focus specifically on academics.
Some examples of careers for those with a PhD in Education include:
Professor
Chief learning officer
Senior school administrator
Academic researcher
The PhD and the EdD both are doctorate degrees that greatly expand the knowledge of those working in the education field. While both provide an equal education level, there are some differences to consider. In general, a PhD in Education is more focused on research, while an EdD is more focused on leadership. EdD programs can better equip those in education who want to move up into management roles. A PhD in Education is great for those who want to be professors or conduct research about education concepts and trends.
Coursework in PhD in Education program will typically consist of theoretical approaches and concepts, with the EdD focusing on more practical concepts to apply in real educational settings. There is also more focus on qualitative research and quantitative research for students in a PhD in Education program, as compared to the more concepts in problem-solving in the EdD program. Earning a PhD in Education also takes much longer than earning an EdD, as it can take anywhere from four to six years, while the EdD takes about up to three years to complete.
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Education Specialist Degrees
There are many other specialist degrees in education, some of which are in the form of a degree in a particular area within education and others in the form of concentrations in master's or doctoral degrees. For example, teachers wanting to specialize in teaching music can opt for a Master of Music Education (MME), which can provide expertise so they can teach complex music concepts and theories. Others may opt for a Master of Physical Education (MPE) to gain expertise that allows them to become physical education instructors or coaches.
There are many options for education specialist degrees and most of these offer specializations that prepare students to teach specific grade levels and subjects. Some examples of the specializations for master's programs include:
For doctoral degrees, there are fewer options for specialization. Still, students in these programs may choose concentrations for their degree. Some options include the Doctor of Music Education and the Doctor of Physical Education, as well as concentrations for both the EdD and PhD in other areas, such as special education, early childhood education, and literacy.
Applying to Graduate School
Applying for graduate school consists of several steps but is similar to applying for college programs at the bachelor's degree level, though there are some added requirements due to the advanced nature of the program. Further, each grad program will have different processes for applying. Many are competitive and require several materials to be submitted to that the committee can choose the best candidates for the programs.
Teachers who are interested in grad school should consider preparing early on. This includes conducting research about potential schools and understanding what is required for the application. In general, the steps to think about for the graduate school application process include:
1. Conducting Research
Teachers interested in pursuing grad school should first conduct research by looking into various schools and getting familiar with the overall application process. From there, they should narrow down the degree programs and schools they are interested in and that fit with their goals so that they can move forward with learning more about the individual application process for each. They should also start researching grants and scholarships that can help them pay for grad school.
2. Filling Out the Application
The application portion is a relatively easier part of the process. It will ask for basic personal information and other necessary information that is needed for registration purposes. This is typically filled out online but generally requires all other portions and materials to be uploaded at the same time.
3. Essays and Personal Statements
The application typically requires an essay portion, which may be referred to as a personal statement. The word count will vary, but this typically asks the student to explain why they want to attend grad school and how it will help their career. Students can discuss their relevant experience and their career goals in this essay.
4. Resume for Teachers
Teachers may also need to create a resume and upload it with their applications. This allows the admissions committee to see a candidate's relevant experience and how it can apply to their degree program.
5. Submitting Test Scores
Many colleges require testing before getting accepted into the program. While some GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test requirements have been waived at many schools, it is important to determine if this test, or any other test, is required before applying.
6. Submitting Transcripts
Students must submit all required transcripts as requested by the university. This typically includes all transcripts from any institution that the student attended. Schools may have different methods for submitting transcripts, while others may only accept one method, such as uploading it online as a PDF or mailing it directly to the school.
7. Application Fees
There may also be application fees to consider. They are typically smaller fees but are necessary at the time when the application is submitted. There may be waivers available for those who are eligible.
8. Other Requirements
While these are some of the basic steps for most grad school application processes, there might also be more things to consider. The school may also have requirements for letters of recommendation and cover letters, as well as other more specific testing requirements depending on the program. Looking into these requirements early on can help the candidate to ensure they can submit a complete application in time.
How to Write a Personal Statement for Grad School
A personal statement, or a statement of purpose, is a type of essay that is written to explain professional accomplishments and goals. The personal statement is a crucial part of the application process as it provides an opportunity for the applicant to set themselves apart from others, especially those who may not have as much experience compared to their peers. The specific program will set certain requirements, such as the word count and the content of the essay, for students to follow during the application process.
Students should make sure to include any relevant experience that they want to discuss and explain how it adds benefit to the education field. Students can highlight their strengths and discuss why they want to work in education or grow their careers in the field. This essay provides the opportunity for applicants to showcase other talents and abilities that are not listed on their resumes or the application. They can expand on examples of their previous work experience, as well as the goals they have established for their career.
Resume Tips for Teachers
Resumes are often required as part of the grad school application process. They typically should be uploaded with the application when it is submitted. The resume what applicants have achieved in their careers and how they have been successful in education settings. Teachers who are applying for grad school should set aside some time to draft a unique resume that will highlight their strengths in the field.
Resumes for teachers should include any relevant experience in education, even if it was part-time or temporary. Colleges want to see what applicants have done in their careers and how their particular program can help them move forward. Jobs like tutoring, volunteering at schools, working as a teacher's aide, and other jobs in education settings are beneficial to include.
It is important to keep the resume brief. Generally, resumes should be one page long. It should be a concise summary of a candidate's background and experience. Make sure to condense the information and ensure it is brief and concise. Highlight all relevant experience and remember it does not include all work experience. Make sure all formatting is consistent within the document, and create a layout that is easy to read and understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a masters degree in education worth it?
To determine if a degree is worth the time and money, it is important to evaluate what the teacher wants to do in their career. The degree can be great for those who want to move up into better roles, but teachers should research what programs work best and are more affordable.
How long does a PhD in education take?
A PhD in Education takes much longer than the EdD. On average, it can take anywhere from four to six years.
Can you teach with an EdD degree?
The EdD, or Doctor of Education, provides expertise in overall teaching and education concepts. It allows graduates to teach at various levels, including teaching professionals in other industries.