Master's in Teaching Online Degree Profile

Aside from parents, teachers are among those who have the most profound influence on children. They can shape a child's curiosity into a love of learning and give a child a positive outlook on life. A master's degree in teaching can prepare you to play that role in the life of a child. It will give you the skills to take a subject that you're passionate about and pass that passion on to a younger generation.

Career Possibilities

Typical Careers

The following list of careers that graduates of master's degree programs in teaching most commonly go on to and their median annual wages for May, 2006, come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov):

• Elementary School Teacher: $45,570
• Middle School Teacher: $46,300
• Secondary School Teacher: $47,740

Job Outlook

The BLS estimates that jobs for teachers of elementary, middle and secondary school will grow by 12% through 2016, which is about average. However, that 12% growth represents nearly 500,000 new jobs, and therefore the BLS estimates that job prospects in this will field will be excellent over the next decade.

Degree Specifics

Typical Coursework

Typical classes for this degree include History of Education, Philosophy of Education, Foundations of Literacy Instruction, Principles of Curriculum Development, Dynamics of Teaching and more. Other classes vary depending on your specialization. For instance, while elementary school teachers teach all subjects, those at the secondary school level tend to specialize in one subject and study math or English, for instance, intensively.

Skills You Will Learn

As you pursue you master's degree in teaching, you will learn how to formulate a curriculum suited to the grade level of specific students, compose exams and grade papers. You will also learn how to keep students engaged in the learning experience.