Master of Education

The Master of Education (M.Ed., M.A.E., or Ed.M.) is a degree conferred by American and Canadian institutions for educators moving on in their field.

Most states and provinces require a Master's-level degree and the certificate that goes with that work to be hired for educational administration (principal, assistant or vice-principal, dean, consultant, etc.) or for Licensure as a Professional Counselor (i.e., caseworker, therapist, community counselor, rehabilitation counselor). For licensure as a Professional Counselor one needs a M.Ed. in Counseling and an approved internship in which half the time of the internship must be in direct service to the client. For the superintendent level in educational administration, typically that requires doctoral-level work to be completed. Another issue is that most states require continuing course work in order for counselors (especially since new CACREP requirements were implemented) to maintain their licensure. Admission into a Master's-level program typically requires a Bachelors degree (B.S., B.A., or B.Ed.) in Education and several years' experience in the mental health setting. Education programs tend to have strict standards to stay in the program and often take more time to complete than other programs.

Categories of study

Typical programs branch into one of several categories:

Counselor Education

This is typically the area where students study to become mental health professionals and work toward state licensure in mental health counseling. Typically state licensure requires 90 credit hours on a quarter system.

Educational Administration

This is typically the area where students study in preparation to take on a building principalship . Candidates in this area study educational law, building/community issues, and faculty leadership. Programs also exist under this degree title to train administrators for institutions of higher education.

Guidance Counseling

This is typically the area where teachers study in preparation to enter school counseling. Candidates in this area study psychology, social work issues, and law.

Academic Enrichment

This is typically the area where teachers are increasing their knowledge in their specific field or branching to another area within teaching. Some examples are: Anything subject related (English, Math, Social Studies, Science, etc) or school areas (elementary, secondary, or special education). This is the usual path of study for teachers looking to maintain certification or move into a more marketable bracket.

Higher Education and Student Affairs

Coursework in this area is aimed at the study of colleges and universities (Higher Ed) or the administrative operations of higher education (student affairs) in specific programatic elements. Ordinarily, the only requirement for admission to this type of program is an undergraduate degree.

Adult Education

Typically serves individuals 18 years or older. Some classes, such as adult literacy, high school diploma programs, English as a Second Language, parent education, and some job training classes are sponsored by the government. Others, such as art and dance classes are fee-based. A B.Ed. degree or teacher's certificate is not usually a requirement for admission to an adult education program.

Prep for Ed.D. or Ph.D.

This is typically the area where teachers study for continuing work into the doctoral programs. Candidates in this area would tackle specific educational issues and often get into educational research in preparation for Doctoral work. This is the broadest area of Masters work for education.

External Links

• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) - Accrediting body that "through the process of professional accreditation of schools, colleges and departments of education, works to make a difference in the quality of teaching, teachers, school specialists and administrators."
• Teaching & Education Online Master's Degrees - Listing of teaching & education online master's degrees.

See Also

• Doctor of Education
• Bachelor of Education

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