Useful Specializations for a Master’s in Education
- Special Education
- Science and Mathematics
- Educational Technology
- Language Skills
- Academic Entrepreneurship
Any kind of master’s degree in education is a significant achievement and milestone for an aspiring teacher, but their choice of concentration can also play a big role in shaping their career trajectory. There are dozens of different disciplines and areas of study within the field of education, so students pursuing advanced degrees typically enjoy flexibility in specializing their program. While a concentration isn’t binding or limiting, choosing the right one can create opportunities to pursue rewarding professional experiences.
You may also like: 20 Best Online Schools for Education
1. Special Education
Many master’s students choose a special education concentration as a way to boost their value to employers, as this skill-set is in rising demand across the country. This specialization helps prepare teachers to work with students who have special educational needs or disorders that impact their academic performance. Some people with this concentration seek jobs that primarily or exclusively focus on addressing the needs of children with special needs.
2. Science and Mathematics
Middle and high school teachers often teach different grades and subject matter during the course of their career. A sturdy curriculum, textbook, and other material are often enough to support educators who aren’t intimately familiar with a subject. However, the technical and procedural nature of math and science classes often demands a higher level of personal understanding of the topics. Many schools require or prefer applicants to have a specialized background to qualify for teaching positions involving math or science.
3. Educational Technology
The use of technology in education is ubiquitous and inevitable, which has forced many schools and universities to consistently modernize their approach. Students who choose an educational technology concentration are prepared to harness the power of modern digital tools to educate their future pupils. Even basic computer and internet skills can place a vast amount of educational resources at a teacher’s disposal.
4. Language Skills
Prospective educators who want to make a career out of teaching students to read, write and comprehend have several ways to specialize their degree. Some focus on teaching non-native speakers who are learning English as a secondary language, which has applications for teaching both youth and adults. It’s also possible to concentrate a master’s program on teaching a foreign language, which can broaden future career opportunities.
5. Academic Entrepreneurship
Educational entrepreneurs are professionals who leverage their knowledge and experience in the field of education to launch a commercial or charitable enterprise. Students who choose this specialization shift their perspective to include the marketing and business aspects of educational products and services. This kind of concentration has only been around for a few years but is gaining popularity in universities around the country, according to Forbes.
Choosing a specialization can be one of the most important decisions a student makes as they plan their academic path. Anyone pursuing a master’s in education should carefully consider their concentration and its potential value for their personal and professional goals.
