Getting a Masters Degree in the Field of Education
While obtaining a bachelor's degree is an admirable accomplishment, it's important to consider your career goals before you decide if graduate school is right for you. An undergraduate degree in the field of education will open some doors in the job market, but many such education majors find themselves in lower paying, unsatisfying positions. To advance your career to its maximum potential, you should consider the possibility of earning your master's degree.
Newly graduated educators must decide if they wish to immediately enter the work force and gain experience, or start a master's program right away. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement if you work while pursuing your graduate degree. This is one possible advantage to working as you continue your education.
It's also good idea to get some teaching experience on your resume no matter which career path you choose. Understanding what it takes to keep order in a classroom and to manage the work load required by that position is an important part of managing other teachers under your supervision. It may seem like an overwhelming time commitment to work as a teacher and continue your education, but the payoff after your degree is completed is huge. When considering this option, keep in mind that if you time it correctly, you may be able to have several weeks off in the summer from both your schoolwork and your job. This is an advantage that is only enjoyed by those in the field of education.
There are also advantages to going straight into a master's program. The things you've learned in your recent college experience are still fresh on your mind and your schedule is still structured to accommodate your studies. If finances are in place to fund your continuing education, your stress level will be lower if you are not required to hold down full time job during graduate school.
Either way, obtaining a master's degree in education will undoubtedly have a positive effect on your career. With a bachelor's degree, you are limited to the classroom. Once you are a master's level educator, you become eligible for managerial positions within the field of education. School principal and even superintendent of schools positions frequently require a master's degree. Should you decide to enter a Ph.D program, a master's degree is a much better springboard.
There really is no downside to completing a master's degree in the field of education. You will leave the program with a well-rounded college experience, better job prospects down the road, and a higher level of respect from your colleagues. Research your graduate schools thoroughly and choose one that best fits your interests and location, then settle in and enjoy the pursuit of your dream.
