More Information About Education Specializations

What should I know when considering a degree in Education Specializations ?

Specializations within the education major make it possible for students to pursue a career path that they will enjoy within the field of education. There are several specializations open to students. These specializations are diverse in nature and appeal. Whether you would like to become an education administrator or a special education teacher there is a specialization to suit the ambitions of all students. Education students may choose to earn a degree traditionally, through campus courses, or with an online education. When assessing career goals students have many choices that will make their education fulfilling and easy to schedule.

Teaching Specializations
Special Education Endorsement

Upon receiving a teaching degree a teacher may decide to pursue an endorsement in special education at the graduate level. The courses required for this endorsement cover topics such as writing student learning plans, assessing the least restrictive environment for students, and working within a team of professionals. These graduate-level courses usually encompass one extra year of schooling after the bachelor's degree. Other subjects covered will include special education laws and mandates as well as techniques for teaching students with disabilities. A more in-depth study of child growth and development is also presented in this curriculum. Many undergraduate degrees in education offer introductory courses to these subjects that will later be counted toward the special education endorsement. Those who pursue an endorsement in special education earn an average of $46,350 per year.

College Education

Other education majors may decide that teaching at the post-secondary level is the career they desire. University and college professors are often required to have a master's degree or higher in their given subject. These courses will require the student to present a thesis on a subject as it pertains to the education field. Pursuing a doctorate-level degree requires approximately four years of schooling beyond the bachelor's degree and the curriculum is academically rigorous. Doctoral candidates must perform research and provide proof of their theories with concrete studies. At the end of their schooling they will present and defend their findings before a board representing experts in the field.

Music and Art Education

Music and art education in schools has been linked to higher performance in math on standardized tests. Education majors that wish to become choir, band, theater, or visual arts teachers in elementary schools are required to pursue an endorsement after their bachelor's degree. Though the amount of classes needed varies from state to state the typical course load after the bachelor's degree is twelve or more semester hours for art education. The Department of Education in each state maintains a checklist of requirements that are specific to that state.

Math and Science Education

There is a high need for math and science teachers at all levels. Teaching these subjects in elementary, middle school, and high school require an undergraduate degree in education, a teaching certificate, and an endorsement or major in either math or science. Endorsement criteria are available from the Department of Education on a state-specific basis. Endorsements are necessary for teaching math or science in kindergarten through grade 8. A major in the field of math or science is required to teach at the high school level. Math endorsements are often academically challenging and may require the student to master a level of math equal to calculus. This ensures that the teacher has a solid foundation in the discipline and can easily teach others the concepts related to it.

Administration Specializations

Education administrators are responsible for the daily operations of their educational institution. They usually have years of experience in the classroom and enjoy continuing their education through classes and training. To become a building principal, assistant principal, dean, or district administrator a student will need graduate coursework in education administration. This coursework can be completed through an online program or on a university campus. Many campuses recognize that those seeking a master's degree in education administration have ongoing classroom responsibilities and offer courses on weekends or through once a month, intensive trainings. This allows students to earn their degree and continue working at the same time. The master's in education administration requires 60 quarter credits designed around leadership and organization within a school or school district. Courses required include budgeting and financial analysis, leadership and supervision, and curriculum development. Education administrators are also offered elective courses that align with their chosen educational level.

For those planning to become administrators in elementary schools they must take a course that is specific to the issues involved with the management of these schools. The same is required of middle school, high school, and post-secondary administrative students. The average salary for an education administrator is $77,740 per year.

Many of these degrees and endorsements are available through local community colleges, university campuses, and through online education. Receiving an online teaching degree means that the student is able to complete coursework at a personal pace. This kind of flexibility is enabling more people to earn higher education degrees while working and raising their family at the same time.

Article References

California American University
http://www.calamuniv.edu/med.html

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Administrators
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm
Special Education Teachers
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm

State-by-State Endorsement Criteria: Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html?src=gu

What are the leading schools offering programs in Education Specializations ?

• Liberty University Online With more than 40 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. ( More Info )
• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Regis University Online Founded in 1877, Regis University Online offers college education in the form of Bachelor and Master Degrees in Business, Information Technology, Education, and Management. Accelerated online learning allows students to progress at an individually comfortable pace and tailor-fit courses to match their career goals. ( More Info )
• Western Governors University Western Governors University emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning. WGU offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Healthcare, Business, MBA, IT and Education. ( More Info )
• Jones International University Founded in 1993, Jones-International University is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. JIU offers customized degree programs for a Bachelor Degree in Business or an MBA, Masters in Education, and Masters in Business Communication. ( More Info )
• Capella University (Graduate) Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities - all without entering a classroom. ( More Info )
• Ashford University (Graduate) Founded in 1918, Ashford University (Graduate) specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from Master degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion for a degree in MBA or Master of Arts in Teaching/Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. ( More Info )
• Graceland University Founded in 1895, Graceland University is a religiously affiliated school which offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The school offers Nursing and Education degrees in an entirely online format via its Global Campus. The Global campus offers convenience for busy working professionals who want to further their nursing or education careers. ( More Info )
• University of Maryland University College Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. ( More Info )
• Grand Canyon University Graduate Programs Grand Canyon University is an accredited, private, Christian university located in Phoenix, AZ. The institution offers online and on-site graduate programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional. ( More Info )
• Kaplan University - Education Programs Kaplan University Online offers accelerated online career training through associate and mastersdegree education. Students choose from a variety of education degrees to advance and build on existing teaching skills or work toward a new teaching career. ( More Info )
• California University of Pennsylvania California University of Pennsylvania provides career-oriented online training to those students interested in professional careers in education and legal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules. ( More Info )
• Colorado Christian University Online Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is a private, Christian university located a few miles from Denver, Colorado. The school offers a large number of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees online, as well, through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies' Global Online program. All programs allow students to integrate their faith into the knowledge and skills they acquire in the classroom. ( More Info )
• Abilene Christian University Since 1906, Abilene Christian University has provided a four-year private education to students desiring a Christian-based focus. Students have a variety of undergraduate majors to choose from, including healthcare, business, human services, criminal justice, and education. Online education allows busy working adults to take advantage of an ACU education. ( More Info )