One education myth is that the education field does not allow for real upward career mobility. That is not true, as a variety of positions and specialties in education are in demand. Acquiring a master’s degree is perhaps the most common and direct way to expand career opportunities for educators and represents a strong option for pursuing further aspirations.
The online professional learning site TeacherPH outlines several benefits of a master’s degree for educators. Even if a teacher is not changing roles or positions, master’s degrees can enhance job stability or warrant increased compensation. It’s also a good way to specialize teaching knowledge or simply deepen teaching abilities and strategies.
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) offers a breadth of online graduate programs that allow educators to tailor their higher education experience. All of its education Master of Science (M.S.) and certificate online programs provide convenient access for working educators and expose them to a wide knowledge base that furthers career opportunities on various fronts.
Students can complete all programs in 16 months or fewer (most are 12), and all require 33 credit hours or fewer to complete. Courses follow an accelerated 7-week format thanks to the online structure.
M.S. in Bilingual Education Options
With growing numbers of bilingual individuals in Texas, bilingual education has never been more important. According to one Edutopia article, bilingualism helps students in a number of ways: it strengthens students’ executive functioning skills, improves people’s multitasking skills, can positively impact math and reading performance, can increase students’ future job opportunities and more.
Here’s a look at some of the online graduate-level, bilingual education programs through TAMIU:
- M.S. in Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Curriculum & Instruction
- M.S. in Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Educational Leadership
- M.S. in Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Reading
- M.S. in Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Special Education
These programs dive into the unique learning needs of bilingual and/or ELL students. The programs share core coursework that includes History and Philosophy of Bilingual Education, Teaching Reading and Language Arts in a Bilingual Setting, and other courses that address special issues and teaching strategies for bilingual education. Career outcomes range from school administrator to specialized instructor.
M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction Options
Curriculum and instruction are critical elements of education. As 21stCentEd notes, a strong curriculum creates and reflects culture and identity, helps educators and students stay up-to-date with the world, promotes high-quality instruction, facilitates collaboration, provides measurable targets and more.
TAMIU offers the following online M.S. in curriculum and instruction programs:
- M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Bilingual Education
- M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership
- M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Technology
- M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Master Teacher
- M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Reading
- M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Special Education
These programs provide graduates with the insights and understanding necessary to build dynamic, robust curricula specialized in specific areas such as reading, professional development and educational technology, as well as bilingual education and special education. Foundational theories and the evolution of curricula are shared in core coursework. Job outcomes range from school-based coaching to professional training in other industries.
M.S. in Special Education Options With Specializations
As of 2021, students with disabilities comprised 11.3% of public school learners in Texas, up from 8.8% in 2012. Many state and federal laws protect the needs of these students and call for education that addresses their unique needs.
TAMIU offers the following online, graduate-level special education programs:
- M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Bilingual Education
- M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Curriculum & Instruction
- M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Education Diagnostics
- M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Educational Leadership
- M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Reading
Special education provides teachers with several avenues to specialize their knowledge. Graduates can help design curricula, work in diagnostics, train leaders or teach classes through the programs offered through TAMIU. Job outcomes primarily come in roles related to special education in schools, and the responsibilities for these different roles are extremely varied.
M.S. in Educational Administration and School Counseling Options
Educational administrators are responsible for several school elements that contribute to a safe and productive learning environment. These professionals handle school budgets, logistics, schedules, disciplinary actions, evaluations, public relations efforts and more. They have a hand in event planning, curricula development and hiring processes.
TAMIU’s M.S. Educational Administration online program puts teachers on track to become school administrators by teaching best practices in a variety of areas to ensure that graduates are well prepared for the rigorous duties of an administrator, from finances to social-emotional support. The program is designed with passing principal exams in mind.
School counselors are equally as important to school communities, according to the American School Counselor Association, as these professionals implement academic achievement strategies, help students manage emotions and interpersonal relations, plan for future academic and professional goals and seek other psychological support.
With TAMIU’s online M.S. in School Counseling program, graduates are prepared to pass necessary licensing exams to work as school counselors. They gain the skills and knowledge required to effectively navigate the complex field of counseling with an understanding of language, theory, practice and principles that are responsive to today’s educational landscape.
Certificate Options
For those not seeking an advanced education degree but who still want to expand their skills and earn certification, TAMIU offers the following online certificate programs in education as well:
- Educational Diagnostics Professional Certificate
- Principal Professional Certificate
- Superintendent Professional Certificate
Students can complete these certification programs in eight months or fewer. These programs accelerate teachers to important, specialized positions, including diagnostic professional, principal and superintendent.
TAMIU offers a wide array of graduate and certificate education programs to help education professionals pursue their careers of interest and meet real-world demand. For example, Texas middle school special education teaching positions are projected for 10% growth through 2028, while educational administration positions are projected to grow by almost 12%. Applicants have an expanse of program options that suit their goals.
Learn more about TAMIU’s graduate-level education online programs.
