What Is an Online Master's in Secondary Education?
Teachers can pursue master's degrees to strengthen their training, specialize their skills, and advance their careers. An online master's in secondary education can offer a flexible route to a graduate degree.
This degree may appeal to current teachers and individuals looking to shift careers into education. Teachers often increase their earning potential or move into specialized career paths after earning a master's degree. Some programs offer licensure for those without prior teaching experience. Students seeking a career change can also consider bachelor's degrees in education.
During a master's degree, graduate students complete courses in education and their teaching areas. Many programs incorporate practicum hours to gain practical experience. Graduate students can also complete requirements to add certifications or endorsements to their teaching licenses.
Why Get an Online Master's Degree in Secondary Education?
A master's degree in secondary education helps educators add specializations to their teaching licenses, move into leadership roles, and increase their earning potential. The degree also helps professionals launch their teaching careers.
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Educators with master's degrees often earn higher salaries. In many districts, a graduate degree qualifies teachers for higher salary schedules.
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During a master's program, graduate students complete coursework in their subject areas. This degree meets the requirements for a teaching endorsement or certification.
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Some programs offer initial licensure for professionals moving into education.
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An online program offers flexibility for current teachers and working professionals.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Secondary Education?
Earning a master's degree in secondary education online typically takes two years for full-time students. Some programs offer accelerated one-year pathways to the degree. Learners can also consider part-time enrollment options.
During a master's program, secondary education students complete online coursework and meet student teaching or practicum requirements. Learners can choose concentrations and electives to focus their coursework. For example, some programs offer courses related to online teaching. Programs may also require master's exams or master's thesis projects to graduate.
Secondary Education Concentrations and Certifications
Most middle school and high school teachers need a teaching license or certification. Educators also need an endorsement or certificate in their subject area. Students earning a master's in secondary education often choose concentrations to focus their coursework. These concentrations prepare educators for certification in their subjects.
Common secondary education concentrations include English language arts, science, history/social science, and mathematics. Educators can also specialize in special education, teaching English as a second language (TESL), gifted and talented education, and educational technology. This section introduces common concentrations in master's in secondary education programs.
A master's in science education combines graduate courses in science with classes in teaching methods and strategies. Learners take classes in their science subjects while studying classroom management, differentiated instruction, and inclusive classrooms. The program may also include practicum hours. This degree prepares educators for board certification as science teachers.
A concentration in English/language arts emphasizes teaching secondary-level reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Educators study research on English education, curriculum development, and program evaluation. The concentration may include classroom practicum hours. A master's helps teachers become board certified English Language Arts teachers.
A mathematics concentration provides graduate-level coursework in core math concepts and the best practices in math education. The concentration covers topics like algebra, geometry, and calculus. Learners also strengthen their approach to teaching math. After earning a master's degree, graduates can become board certified math teachers.
History and social studies teachers at the secondary level cover core topics like U.S. history, U.S. government, world history, and civics. This concentration combines graduate courses in history with training in education methods. Graduates can pursue board certification as social studies and history teachers.
A concentration in TESL emphasizes language acquisition education. Educators learn how to explain language structure and teach language skills to secondary students. The coursework also covers topics like technology in TESL and English immersion techniques. Graduates can work as ESL teachers in middle schools and high schools.
Prerequisites for a Master's Degree in Secondary Education
Master's programs in secondary education set prerequisite requirements for admission. Each applicant typically needs a bachelor's degree, and some programs require an education or teaching major. Certain programs may also require a current teaching license.
Applicants must also meet minimum GPA requirements and potentially submit standardized test scores from the GRE or Praxis. Finally, a program may require letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Before selecting programs, prospective students should ensure that they meet the admission requirements.
How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Secondary Education Cost?
Earning a master's degree in secondary education typically costs $9,000-$22,000. The total cost varies depending on the program, enrollment status, and credit requirements.
Master's students can lower the cost of their degree in several ways. Applicants should seek out affordable programs. An online learning format makes it easier to attend an affordable program in another state. Prospective enrollees should research scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid opportunities. Master's students qualify for the TEACH Grant and other forms of financial aid.
Choosing an Online Master's in Elementary Education Program
When researching online master's in secondary education programs, applicants should consider several factors, including cost, program length, and class formats. Some schools offer tuition discounts for fully online learners, and working educators may prefer the flexibility of an asynchronous learning format.
Applicants should also research topics like specialization options, student teaching requirements, and licensure eligibility. For instance, some master's programs offer initial licensure, while others do not. Educators interested in specific career paths should make sure the program meets the requirements in their state for a license or endorsement.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Elementary Education Degrees
Prospective master's students should research college accreditation before applying to secondary education programs. Accredited universities meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. In addition to school accreditation, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) grants accreditation to education programs. In some states, only CAEP-accredited degrees meet the requirements for an educator license.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Secondary Education?
A master's in secondary education prepares graduates for many diverse careers. Educators can pursue careers as middle school teachers, high school teachers, special education teachers, and school administrators.
| Median Salary (2020):$66,970 |
Instructional coordinators manage a school's curriculum and teaching standards. These professionals develop materials to meet curriculum standards and assess their effectiveness by reviewing test data. Instructional coordinators introduce educators to teaching techniques and technologies. They also recommend changes to improve student learning. An instructional coordinator needs a master's degree. In some states, the position requires a school administrator license.
| Median Salary (2020):$62,870 |
High school teachers prepare learners for the workforce or college. They educate students in subjects like science, history, English, and mathematics. High school teachers prepare and deliver lesson plans, assess each learner's strengths and weaknesses, and enforce classroom policies. They usually hold a secondary education degree with coursework in their teaching field. Public school teachers generally need teaching licensure or certification.
| Median Salary (2020):$62,460 |
Career and technical secondary education teachers train high schoolers in vocational skills like automotive repair, culinary arts, and technology. They teach students how to use machinery or master techniques. These teachers also demonstrate lessons and guide students through practical assignments. Typically, career and technical education teachers need professional experience in their subjects. Many states offer separate licensure tracks for these educators.
| Median Salary (2020):$61,420 |
Special education teachers educate learners with disabilities. At the secondary level, they adapt lessons for students with mild or moderate disabilities. Special education teachers also help learners with severe disabilities learn basic skills. In addition to specialized coursework, a special education teacher often needs a teaching license with a special education endorsement. A master's in secondary education with a special education focus generally meets the requirements.
| Median Salary (2020):$61,410 |
ESL teachers specialize in educating English language learners. At the secondary level, ESL teachers work with middle schoolers and high schoolers who do not speak English as their native language. They educate learners in core secondary subjects while strengthening their English grammar, writing, and communication skills. ESL teachers at public schools typically need teaching licenses.
| Median Salary (2020):$60,810 |
Middle school teachers prepare students for high school by educating learners in core subjects. They specialize in subjects like social studies, mathematics, science, and language arts. A middle school teacher creates lesson plans that align with their district's curriculum. They assess student learning and identify areas for improvement. At public middle schools, teachers generally need state-issued teaching licenses with endorsements in their teaching areas.
