What Are Advanced Education Degrees?
Teachers who want to become specialized or expand the subject matter they're qualified to teach may pursue an advanced education degree. Many degree programs are also designed for aspiring administrators, like principals and instructional coordinators. Program options are numerous, and your aspirations within the field of education can help determine which advanced degree you should pursue.
Overview of Advanced Education Degrees
Advanced education degrees are found at both the master's and doctoral levels. Individuals pursue these degrees for several reasons, including changing careers, expanding professional skills, or as a condition of license renewal or attainment. Programs are varied, and concentrations of study can range from teaching to non-teaching programs that allow for positions in school districts, academia, and public or private organizations.
Important Information On Advanced Education Degrees
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and sometimes specific coursework |
| Online Availability | Full and partial programs can be taken online |
| Common Courses | Research methods, instructional leadership, psychological perspectives on education, public leadership |
| Possible Careers | Special education director, school superintendent, assistant principal |
| Median Salary (2020) | $47,310 (for preschool and childcare center directors) |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 6% growth (for preschool and childcare center directors) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Master's Degree Programs
You'll commonly see master's programs in teacher education or educational administration. These programs can be designed for those with an undergraduate's degree in something other than education who desire to become teachers, or for those who wish to add a credential to an existing teacher certificate or specialize in a particular area of education.
Additionally, master's programs exist for individuals interested in non-teaching positions. Individuals in these positions commonly are involved in shaping educational policies or enhancing learning environments. Below is a brief list of some of the master's programs you might find:
- Special education
- Reading specialist
- Instructional technology specialist
- Educational administration
- Educational public policy
- Early childhood education
- Educational technology design and development
Doctoral Degree Programs
Typically, doctoral degree programs are geared towards those seeking leadership or research positions. Additionally, holding a tenured professorship within a university usually requires a doctoral degree.
Doctoral degree holders are employed within grade school systems, higher education institutions, and private companies or governmental agencies. At this level, you might work to shape policies, build curricula and improve instructional methods. You might also be in a position to manage an individual school, school district, or university department. Listed below are common doctoral degree programs:
- Educational leadership
- Higher education management
- Educational administration and policy
- School psychology
- Learning technologies
- Literacy and language
- Curriculum studies