Graduate students who wish to teach students from kindergarten to 12th grade and students who wish to research and develop teaching methods for primary school students should pursue a graduate degree in primary and secondary education. Master's degree programs prepare students to practice modern teaching techniques and often prepare them to obtain state teaching certificates. A doctoral degree in primary and secondary education prepares students for a career in educational research and developing teaching techniques for K-12 classrooms. Courses for elementary- and secondary-education students can include the evolving practice of school leaders, perspectives on school organizations, and educational foundations.
Educational administration is tailored for graduate students who wish to pursue careers as school superintendents and administrators. The program prepares students to set administrative policy at the university level. Students take courses in higher education law, the organization and administration of higher education, and strategic marketing and planning in higher education, among other topics. Some educational administration programs require that students have previous teaching experience at the primary school or university level.
Special education programs prepare graduate students to teach students with physical, mental and learning disabilities, as well as talented and gifted students. Some programs divide their special education programs between special education in elementary schools and special education at the secondary level. Courses in special education include advanced issues in family intervention, special education reading instruction, and teaching exceptional children and youth in general education. A master's degree in special education prepares students to apply modern teaching techniques in the classroom, while a doctoral degree in special education readies students for a career in researching special-education techniques.
Vanderbilt University's Peabody School of Education is the top-ranked university offering a master's degree in teaching in 2011, according to U.S. News and World Report. The school has the nation's top-ranked special education and education administration and supervision programs. U.S. News and World Report ranks Stanford as having the top-ranked educational policy program, while Michigan State University has the top-ranked elementary teacher education program.