Master of Arts in Education with specializations in teaching are generally divided by grade level and areas of education. The grade levels include elementary, secondary or K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grade) with focus on a single-subject, such as math, English, life sciences, and arts or multiple-subjects.
Pursue a Master of Science degree in curriculum and teaching if you envision a career where you play an important role in overseeing school districts' programs of study. This specialization requires professionals to be knowledgeable on state and federal laws of education. Coursework might include scholarship studies, public service and research.
A Master of Science in Education with an emphasis on counseling requires a strong foundation in the field of psychology. Within this specialization, some colleges provide specific areas of study including family therapy, mental health and rehabilitation. Professionals in the field might become school counselors or academic advisers and play an active role in addressing students' behavioral and academic problems.
A specialization in instructional design will allow you to work with other professionals in the creation of new educational material, training programs for corporations, institutions or schools. It might also allow you to conduct research on developing or improving learning methods.
A Master of Science in education with an emphasis on educational administration allows professionals to balance the knowledge of law, methodology, curriculum and finance, among other fields, to become a leading actors in the academic system of schools, colleges or correctional institutions. Common professions include elementary and secondary school assistant principals, or academic deans who collaborate with staff to meet state standards of education. School principals may have a doctoral degree in educational administration.
Pursuing a Master of Science in Special Education generally consists of two main areas: One focuses on teaching students with emotional and behavioral disorders and the other focuses on teaching students with learning or physical disabilities. Both of these areas have sub-specializations that cater to different ages and types of disabilities. Programs of study might include the following courses: technology and special needs, understanding the autism spectrum and advanced research seminars in special education.
Specializations in gifted education prepares these professionals in analyzing various forms of intelligence, creativity and theoretical perspectives. It also covers important issues on gifted education as it relates to general education. Programs of study might include the following courses: intelligence and creativity, affective development, visualizing language learning, and motivations, cognition and metacognition in learning.
A specialization in higher education covers areas of study that deal with the administration, governance and policy for graduate and undergraduate academic levels. Students learn about the history and economics of colleges and universities, policies within these organizations, origins of issues concerning higher education, student relations, institution marketing and enrollment. Courses might include immigration and education, leadership and entrepreneurship, higher education and law, race, education and the U.S supreme court multiculturalism and higher education.
This specialization is ideal for students who have strong communication skills and have a genuine interest in social justice in regards to education. Professionals in the field conduct research projects in different socio-economic and multi-cultural communities. A Master of Science in this specialization gives graduates awareness of cultural diversity, and prepares students in education as it relates to international development issues, literacy in adult education and alternative methods of learning.