Master’s programs, no matter the area of study, provide candidates with in-depth skills, knowledge, and experience that undergraduate degrees simply don’t have time for to take on advanced roles and responsibilities and even obtain higher salaries.
Graduate degrees in education are no different, as these programs provide teachers with the advanced knowledge needed to take on administrative leadership roles and cultivate expertise in a specific area of study. In fact, many career educators credit their master’s program for providing the knowledge, skills, and relationships they need to create the education career of their dreams.
More specifically, a master’s degree in Elementary Education prepares students for careers and positions as expert elementary school teachers.
Below, we’ll discuss what you can expect from an Elementary Education master’s degree and answer the question, ‘What can you do with a master’s in Elementary Education?”
What is a master’s in Elementary Education?
A master’s in Elementary Education degree gives candidates the knowledge they need to successfully teach in elementary classrooms and elementary school subjects such as literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science. This degree also makes sure graduates can successfully manage elementary classrooms (first through sixth grade).
Students gain extensive knowledge about teaching these elementary subjects, and some programs even offer tuition-paid internships, giving students the hands-on experience they need to become effective teachers.
Furthermore, this graduate degree is ideal for those who are interested in sitting for the ETS Praxis II Elementary Education test and the Foundations of Reading Test, both of which are requirements for prospective elementary school teachers in Connecticut.
Students can typically earn their master’s in Elementary Education in two years, though many schools, like University of Bridgeport, offer fast-track options where students can complete their degrees in as few as twelve months.
What classes do you take in an Elementary Education master’s degree program?
Every university’s Elementary Education master’s degree program’s course load and curriculum will vary, so students should research to know what will be expected of them.
Students in these programs take courses that give them knowledge and skills in various subject areas. They will need to develop skills in assessment, child and early adolescent development, curriculum design, practical applications, and teaching methodologies.
More specifically, students can expect to take:
- A minimum of thirty-nine semester hours in general academic courses, including natural sciences, social studies, fine arts, English, mathematics, and foreign language
- At least fifteen hours in Typical and Atypical Development, Psychology of Learning, and Family Studies
- Classes in curriculum building, strategizing, and developing appropriate practices for teaching subject areas to primary-grade students.
- Coursework in the Foundations of Education, such as Philosophy of Education, Comparative Education, or History of Education
- Special education courses
Ready to inspire the next generation? Explore how a Master’s in Elementary Education can elevate your teaching career.
Career opportunities with a master’s in Elementary Education
Master’s in Elementary Education degrees are extremely worthwhile. They allow candidates to obtain their certification, become better job candidates, have increased job mobility, and receive advanced pedagogical training.
These benefits also allow graduates to pursue a variety of roles and positions in elementary schools and administration.
Elementary school teacher
Master’s degree holders looking to be elementary school teachers can expect a high starting salary as they’ll have developed specialized expertise in the education of elementary school-aged children.
Elementary school teachers earn an average of $61,690 per year. However, master’s degree holders are likely to earn more than the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest ten percent of elementary school teachers earned more than $101,310.
Elementary school principal
Elementary school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities such as:
- Assess and prepare reports on test scores and other student achievement data
- Establish and coordinate security procedures for students, staff, and visitors
- Establish and oversee class schedules
- Develop, implement, and maintain curriculum standards
- Counsel and discipline students
- Manage school activities and staff, including teachers and support personnel
- Manage the school’s budget, order school supplies, and schedule maintenance
- Meet with parents and teachers to discuss student’s progress and behavior
- Observe teachers and evaluate their performance
- Organize professional development programs and workshops for staff
The median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals is $101,320, with the highest ten percent earning more than $158,770.
Instructional coordinator
Instructional coordinators oversee school curricula and teaching standards. They create, implement, and assess curricula on a school- or even district-wide level.
This role provides essential support for secondary educators and has a direct impact on the future of what and how students are taught. As such, most instructional coordinators work in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, professional schools, educational support services, or state and local governments.
The median annual wage for instructional coordinators is $66,490, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $105,210.
Elementary school counselor
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. They also help students through challenging times, help mediate problems, and address specific concerns or issues.
Working as an elementary school counselor is an excellent option for candidates who do not want to teach a particular subject and want to earn an Elementary Education master’s degree.
The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors is $60,140, with the highest ten percent making more than $98,530.
What can you do with an Elementary Education degree from University of Bridgeport?
So, what can you do with an Elementary Education degree?
A lot, it turns out, especially if you seek out a master’s in Elementary Education degree from an accredited, reputable, and diverse school of education program, like ours at University of Bridgeport.
University of Bridgeport is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. Plus, our School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
If you are ready to further your education and career as an elementary school educator, apply for our master’s in Elementary Education degree today. Or contact us for more information.
We can’t wait to help you in this program and your career!