What do a long-time teacher who wanted to move into administration, a criminal justice investigator who was ready for a career change, and a first-year kindergarten teacher with three children who decided to pursue a graduate degree online have in common? All of them benefited from a Master of Science in Education.
With an MSE degree, teachers of all experience levels and even people who do not work in education can achieve their career goals. An online program like the one from University of Wisconsin-Superior allows students to choose from three specializations: Educational Administration, Instruction, and Special Education.
Master of Science in Education — Educational Administration Online
Randy Drost began his career in the classroom. He spent much of his time as a math teacher and wrestling coach. Eventually, he realized he wanted to switch to a leadership role and enter administration. He decided to earn his MSE in Educational Administration from University of Wisconsin-Superior. Since doing so, he has gone on to lead as an elementary and high school principal as well as a superintendent.
Drost liked the smaller faculty-to-student ratio at UW-Superior. He praised the professors for sharing real-world scenarios and for being a resource after he completed his education. He said the curriculum provided information he used as a teacher prior to becoming an administrator.
Mary Hegge, a kindergarten teacher and mother of three, is currently working toward an MSE in Educational Administration. She responded to being viewed more as a babysitter than a teacher in the career setting by earning an associate degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
As a resident of Wisconsin, Hegge wanted a master’s program that would lead to licensure. She credits UW-Superior’s program and its accelerated pace with enabling her to work toward her degree around her family commitments and children.
UW-Superior’s MSE in Educational Administration offers three tracks: PK-12 Principalship, PK-12 Director of Instruction, and Director of Special Education and Pupil Services. The three tracks share six courses, and each track has two specialty courses plus a practicum.
Career outcomes for this degree include:
- Administrator.
- Principal.
- Assistant Principal.
- Director.
- Executive Director.
- Site Coordinator.
Master of Science in Education — Instruction Online
Danna Livingston worked in criminal justice as a division parole agent, but she needed a career change. Despite having no background in education, she completed the MSE in Instruction coursework and began teaching criminal justice. The Master of Science in Education — Instruction degree does not require a teaching degree for admission.
“What I was learning was important stuff I immediately started integrating into the classroom,” she said. “I would say it was very key to my job.”
Students who complete MSE in Instruction online coursework can fill these roles:
- Instructional or Program Coordinator.
- Program Outreach Administrator.
- E-Learning Developer.
- Senior Instructor.
- Corporate Trainer or Technical Trainer.
- Training and Development Specialist.
- Technical Career Educator.
The MSE in Instruction may be a good fit for those interested in community outreach as well as education. Some graduates go on to work with community organizations and services.
Master of Science in Education — Special Education Online
Working in special education can be as rewarding as it is challenging. Teachers who would like to transition into the special education field can do so with a Master of Science in Education — Special Education.
Some possible careers for students earning an MSE in Special Education include:
- Special education teacher for any grade level.
- Teacher of children with disabilities.
- Intervention specialist.
- Early interventionist.
- Career and transition teacher.
- Interrelated special education teacher.
Although prospective students do not have to currently work in the classroom for admission into a UW-Superior MSE program, an undergraduate degree is required.
All who earn an MSE degree have different stories but share one thing in common: a passion for education. Earning an MSE helped them to the next step in their careers, and it can do the same for you.
Learn more about UW-Superior’s online Master of Science in Education programs.
Sources:
UW-Superior: Randy Drost Continues to Achieve Education Career Goals
UW-Superior: Danna Livingston Stays Connected With Her MSE in Instruction
