An online master’s degree in secondary education may provide individuals with the expertise needed to plan lessons and instruct young adult students. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to prepare students for standardized tests, grade and monitor student assignments, and maintain accurate student records. Program coursework may include specialized electives alongside core education classes including adolescent psychology, secondary teaching, and designing instruction.

Upon graduation from the master’s degree program, students may either seek employment in their chosen teaching subject or enroll in a doctoral degree program. Master’s-level graduates may seek employment as foreign language teachers, math teachers, English teachers, private tutors, history teachers, and in other teaching specialties.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 7% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s level secondary education degree programs may include core education courses alongside elective courses in a chosen specialty. These courses may teach individuals how to design lesson plans geared toward young adults, evaluate the student’s learning capabilities, and supervise students both in and out of the classroom. Some of the required courses may include the following:

• Language and Culture
• Adolescent Psychology
• Theory and Practice in Secondary Education
• Secondary Teaching in Inclusive Environments
• Child and Adolescent Development
• Professional Communications
• Designing Instruction

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in public school systems, private schools, charter schools, private tutoring programs, and public magnet schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for secondary education teachers is projected to increase by 7% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• History Teacher
• English Teacher
• Private Tutor
• Mathematics Teacher
• Foreign Language Teacher

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a master’s degree program in secondary education may have the opportunity to further their studies by enrolling in a doctoral program. A doctoral degree program in secondary education may prepare students to become leaders in the educational system by designing and implementing innovative secondary education curriculum and teaching models. Employers may require students to hold a master’s degree and licensure for select teaching positions.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook