Going to graduate school is a rewarding experience. Choosing which graduate program is the best for some educators can be difficult. In most career fields today, obtaining multiple degrees beyond the bachelor’s level is a necessity for economic and career advancement. Whether you are attempting to advance in your career, learn a new set of skills, or seeking a pay increase, obtaining graduate degrees is beneficial.
The key to finding the best fit for you comes from understanding what your career goals and pathway are and finding the most effective way to fund the graduate school experience. This article will detail personal and professional decisions regarding graduate school and highlight examples of programs that may be a good fit for you when going to graduate school for the first, second, or third time.
For most educators, going to grad school is a must for both career advancement and higher pay. Many teachers who want to lead outside of the classroom pursue degrees either in school counseling or school administration. Examples of these graduate programs include a M.Ed. or Ed.S. in School Counseling or a M.Ed. in Educational Administration or Leadership. Others in the field of education may choose to go further and obtain an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. When it comes to understanding which graduate program is best for you, it is important to analyze the benefits and how to make the best decision for your personal life and career.
Benefits
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school principals make an average of $98,420 per year. This is a significant increase when compared to teachers who make on average $61,820 per year, after years of starting out. However, there are more benefits to going to graduate school. Learning new skills to bring into the education field, and developing relationships with other colleagues locally, nationally, and internationally are all benefits to going to graduate school.
As the world continues to increase access to technology, global markets, and the use of social media, obtaining a graduate degree enhances not only a career, but also the ability to connect with others, and use a diverse set of platforms whether in the school building or abroad. Along with the benefits of obtaining a graduate degree, it is essential to make a decision that will impact you and the students, family members, and friends in a positive way. There are important things to consider when applying to a graduate program.
The Decision-Making Process
Going to graduate school multiple times is a process that needs to be well thought out and planned. There are questions that you should consider before applying to a graduate program. It is important to know which programs to look for, and which programs will help you on your personal path. If you want to be a school administrator or school counseling, it is important to make sure your program is accredited and also that it will lead to the licensure you need to practice in your field. Talking to colleagues and others who have completed programs and know the field you want to go into is vital. Learning study tips, and building relationships with others on the educational journey will lead to success in the decision making process.
Paying for Graduate School
Whether it is a bachelor’s or graduate school program, paying for school can be costly. According to The U.S. and World News Report, the average student loan debt in America is $30,000. However, there are multiple ways to cut costs when going back to school. Many colleges and universities offer teaching assistant positions to help students cut down on the cost for graduate schools. In addition, tuition cuts or even free courses are offered to employees who work at a higher education institute who want to return to graduate school.
There are also grants and scholarships for students from diverse or underrepresented populations who want to go to graduate school. One effective way to see if you qualify for grants, loans, or scholarships for graduate school is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form. This will give you an accurate overview of the best way to finance your particular program.
In order to receive the most effective return on investment (ROI) when furthering your education, it is best to find the most effective degree for you at the best price. Understanding your career goals, family and personal life circumstances, and time to completion will help guide the choice for the most effective program for your needs. This can lead to an enhanced career or even a career change.
Career Change
For others, another reason for going to graduate school is to make a career change. Although educators are passionate about teaching and learning, there may be a time in a person’s life where a career change needs to take place. This could be due to family circumstances, financial responsibility, or personal choice. Education may be the first choice for some career changers, but later the business or technical sector may be appealing.
A degree that can be used in both the educational sector as well as in multiple business settings is the Master of Business Administration (MBA).There are also careers in education with an MBA as well. Many directors of charter schools, employees in higher education, and educational resource consultants have MBAs. Going to graduate school is rewarding and also a decision that will impact your career. It is important to think about the best choice for you and to also consult others before making your decision.
After completing your degree, you will have new skills for your career, a renewed sense of self-worth, and more options when it comes to your career and personal life. This will allow you to make a significant impact with others in your field and with other prospective graduate students in the future.
Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.
