Education

Students seeking graduate degrees in education can choose from a number of diverse fields, including vocational, curriculum, education psychology, education policy, administration, and the education of students from elementary to high school age.

To teach grades kindergarten through 12 in the U.S., most states require a graduate degree. Many students choose to specialize. Today, two of the most popular specialties are literacy and special education. The U.S. News and World Report predicts the need for special education teachers will increase about 15 percent by 2016. These graduate students focus on how to teach students with a wide range of special learning needs. Predictions have also been made that schools will need more science and math teachers for younger grades.

For those interested in becoming an administrator, and perhaps eventually a principal or superintendent, obtaining a degree in education administration will prepare them. Graduate students can also choose to earn their Masters degree in curriculum development, with the general goal of creating a more engaging classroom environment to encourage learning. Graduate students who choose an education policy track will focus primarily on educational theory and research. Students who study educational psychology will learn how to screen children for potential cognitive, emotional and social issues.

Those who seek degrees in education have many options after graduation. Some choose to enter a program like Teach for America after graduate school, which places recent graduates in underserved areas. Many other similar programs exist, such as California's National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification Incentive Program.