Earning a Master of Education degree is a great way to broaden you career horizons. Choosing a concentration is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. If you have specific career goals in mind, it shouldn’t be too difficult. Still, it never hurts to keep an open mind. You may already have an idea about what you’d like to do, but there could be options you haven’t considered that are even more suitable. Familiarize yourself with the most popular concentrations for M.Ed. degrees to make an informed decision.
1. Educational Administration
A role in educational administration is easier with the right credentials. By earning a Master of Education with a concentration in educational administration, you will have the credentials you need to take your pick from a broad array of career paths. This type of program will prepare you to lead students, staff and faculty and to be at the helm of the day-to-day operations of educational institutions. From personnel administration to instructional supervision, the courses you’ll complete will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective administrator.
2. School Psychology
School psychologists help students work through personal issues that may hinder their educational progress. By earning a Master of Education degree with a concentration in school psychology, you will not only qualify for more prestigious positions, but be better able to competently assist students. Successful completion of this type of program, equips you to address students’ cognitive, educational, social and behavioral needs and prepares you to participate in interventions and other activities that routinely change students’ lives.
3. Secondary Teacher Education
If you aspire to assume a leadership position in secondary education, this is the concentration for you. Earning a Master of Education with a concentration in secondary teacher education prepares you for demanding roles in middle schools and high schools. For example, such a degree can help you set the stage for eventually becoming the head of a department at a secondary school, which could eventually lead to a role in administration. Whether you’re mid-career or just starting out, this is a valuable credential to add to your resume.
4. School Counselor Education
Whether you’re currently working as a school counselor or would like to hit the ground running on such a career, earning a Master of Education with a concentration in school counseling is a smart move. This degree not only gives you the credentials you need to become a competent school counselor, but it also lays the foundation for eventually assuming a leadership role in the discipline. If you enjoy advocating for students and helping them make the most of their educations, you are sure to get a lot out of such a program.
5. Curriculum and Instruction
As you progress in your educational career, you may repeatedly run into issues regarding curricula and the methodologies that are used by teachers and administrators. By earning a Master of Education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction, you can make positive changes in such areas. This degree gives you the credentials you need to develop and implement curricula that are appropriate for specific ages and skill levels and to make changes to existing curricula. In this way, you will have a direct and considerable impact on students’ lives and educations.
Choosing a concentration for your Master of Education degree program is a big step. Research the most popular options and delve more deeply into concentrations that relate to your field to ensure you make the right choice the first time.
