Do you want to expand your career inside the classroom? Do you love teaching but also want to open doors to job opportunities beyond the classroom? A master’s degree in education could be your next step.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our M.A. in Education empowers you to elevate your educational techniques, invest in your future and that of your students, and put yourself on the path to a successful career in and out of the classroom. Here, we discuss why you should earn a master’s degree in education. We also talk about our online program and what we offer to help set you apart.
Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Education
An M.A. in Education gives you in-depth knowledge and insights into the education system and how it works. It equips you with the tools and learning you need to effect change in the classroom and at the administrative level. This degree can open doors to exciting career opportunities, personal growth, and professional benefits.
Personal Satisfaction
Maybe you were drawn to the field of education because you want to make a difference in young people’s lives. Furthering your education can allow you to pursue this passion more deeply. You can help students reach their full potential while chasing your dreams. With a master’s degree in education, you’ll learn curriculum design, gain new teaching skills and methodologies, and find ways to inspire your students and help them achieve their fullest potential.
Career Advancement
A master’s degree allows you to either stay in the classroom or move vertically into other roles within education. These roles include:
- Instructional Coordinator: Develops and assesses curriculum and teaching standards. Textbook companies also hire instructional coordinators for research and development.
- Corporate Trainer: Plans and coordinates development programs. Corporate trainers instruct employees in new company-wide methods and policies.
- Educational Director: Directors for programs at museums, zoos, and other nonprofits. Educational directors plan special events, host school groups, and engage children and adults with educational programming.
You can also work to become a school principal by completing additional coursework and licensure.
Increased Salary
According to the National Education Association, teachers with master’s degrees have an 8.7% higher starting salary on average than teachers with only bachelor’s degrees. Other factors influence this as well, such as:
- Experience level
- Location
- Work setting (i.e., public or private school, elementary, secondary, or post-secondary)
Additionally, administrative and supervisory roles tend to have higher average pay than teachers.
Gain a Competitive Edge
Completing a master’s program enables you to stay up to date with current teaching practices and broaden your knowledge base. This in-depth knowledge may help differentiate yourself from other job seekers in a competitive job market.
You’ll learn:
- Complex concepts in education theory
- How to apply your knowledge to real-world applications
- Best practices for instruction
- Leadership skills
- A better understanding of quality decision-making skills
- Analyze student assessment data
Additionally, a master’s program allows you to continue to professional licensing courses or doctoral programs, such as a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership.
Highlights of SMUMN’s Online Program
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we designed our program to help licensed teachers enhance their skills to address the challenges of today’s education system. Our 30-credit program is fully online, allowing you to continue teaching while advancing your education. This two-year asynchronous program allows you to watch lectures, attend classes, and complete coursework according to your schedule.
You can tailor your master’s degree to fit your professional goals by choosing from five content specializations:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Custom specialization (Educate-WI ONLY)
- Education Technology
- Lasallian Education
- Mental Health
Whichever path you choose, you’ll learn basic principles you can carry with you to teaching or leadership. These principles include supporting growth, management strategies, research, and ethical decision-making.
Become the Teacher You Want to Be
We are an institution committed to cultivating moral leaders. Our mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners uses the Lasallian education model to set the tone of our degree programs. Using this ethical education model, we help our students and staff enrich their integrity and leadership. These two qualities are essential for teachers, administrators, and those in the educational field.
Teachers and other educators serve as models for children and young adults. The impact of this role can affect students for a lifetime. As a teacher, it’s important to be a source of inspiration for your students. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our School of Education utilizes a hands-on approach to create teachers who are focused on being positive role models for their students, schools, and communities.
Advance Your Career at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Whether you’re ready for a career change or want to improve your prospects in teaching, a master’s in education can help. The admission team at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is available to answer questions you may have about our program or financial aid and scholarships for students who qualify. Are you ready to dream big and make a difference in the lives of future generations? Request more information about our M.A. in Education program today.
