One of the requirements for a master's degree in education is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The bachelor's degree does not have to be in education. Master's degree candidates will also have to choose a specialization. Candidates will need to decide if they wish to focus on elementary, secondary or special education. Counseling is also another popular option for masters degree candidates.
Cost for master's degree programs can vary widely. Public institutions are generally cheaper than private schools. Costs for the degree are usually calculated per credit hour. Usually a master's degree requires 36 hours of study. Some of the costs might be offset with the help of loans, grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
There are several advantages to gaining a master's degree in education. Teachers with masters degrees often advance their teaching careers at a faster rate than those with bachelor's degrees. Additional options often exist for department head, advanced teaching and administrative positions. School districts often have an entirely different pay scale for teachers that have completed a masters program.
There are several more flexible options available today for master's degree students who are unable to participate in full-time traditional study. On line master's degrees are becoming an increasingly popular choice. For teachers that are currently working full time, they offer the flexibility to schedule studies around the demands of their teaching job. Online degrees also can save money in terms of transportation and living costs. According to Finaid.org online degrees cost on average $12,000, where traditional programs average over $35,000.