A Master of Education is an academic master's degree that can be obtained from a large number of universities. A Master of Education degree often include curriculum and instruction, administration, and counseling majors. In some states, such as New York and Massachusetts, a Master's degree is required to earn a teaching license, and in most states you need to have a Master's degree or higher to pursue a school counseling or principal job. There are a number of different categories of study that one can explore when pursuing a Master of Education degree.
Curriculum and Instruction/Curriculum and Teaching
In this area of study, one works to advance their knowledge of, and practice in, learning and teaching. Coursework in the field of curriculum and instruction generally focuses on public service, teaching, and scholarship. Many times, students majoring in curriculum and instruction or curriculum and teaching participate in educational research. This major prepares students to enter educational careers including but not limited to classroom teaching.
Guidance Counseling
Guidance counseling is the area of study where teachers prepare to enter the field of school counseling. Students majoring in this area study social work issues, law, and psychology.
Counselor Education
This major is where students study to become mental health professionals. Students majoring in counseling education work toward a state license in some type of mental health counseling. A state license typically requires ninety credit hours in a quarter.
Academic Enrichment
This major is typically where teachers work to increase their knowledge in a specific field or branch to another area within teaching. This is generally the path of study for teachers who are looking to maintain certification or move into a new more marketable bracket. Some examples of academic enrichment are anything related to subjects such as math, social studies, English, and science, or school areas including special education, elementary, and secondary.
Adult Education
This area of study generally serves people over eighteen years of age. Some classes including high school diploma programs, English as a second language, parent education, adult literacy, and some job training classes are sponsored by the government. Other programs such as dance and art classes that are pursued cost a fee. A Bachelor of Education degree or teacher's certificate is not generally required for admission into an adult education program.
Higher Education and Student Affairs
Generally the only requirement for admissions to a higher education and student affairs program is an undergraduate degree. Coursework when pursuing this degree is aimed at the study of universities and colleges, and the administrative operations of higher education institutes.
Prep for Ed.D. Of Ph.D.
This is the area where teachers will study for continuing work into doctoral programs. Students in this area will work on specific educational issues and often pursue educational research in preparation for doctoral work. This is considered the broadest area of Masters work for education related degrees.
Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Degree in Education
Education in the case of this degree denotes the learning process in humans versus the institution or profession of education. This degree, depending on the students class choices, might have no more than an hour or so as an overview course on education. Harvard University is noted for having an interdisciplinary neuroscience master's degree which is given as an Ed.M.
