What is a Master’s Degree?
A master’s degree is an additional degree (typically a two-year program) in a specialized area of expertise in the field that you intend to work or may already be working. There are many opportunities to expand your depth of knowledge in a variety of career paths. It is different from a doctorate because it is a shorter program that will allow you to finish quickly. It does not require you to write a dissertation; but will not give you the title of “doctor.”
It also differs from several other things that can sometimes be misunderstood, such as a license, certificate, or program. For example: all teachers that work for a public school must have their teaching certificate and all nurses must have a nursing license. These are typically earned by passing an examination after earning a bachelor’s degree. A program would be more like finishing a welding program or something offered at a technical institute. Each has their place and importance, depending on your goals and career path. Everyone should find something they love and enjoy doing so that work is more than just a job.
What You’ll Learn in a Master’s Degree Program
As an educator, I chose to earn my master’s degree in leadership, which gave me tools and knowledge to step into administration. I will list those topics and skills below. It will depend upon the degree program you enroll what you will learn. However, I can tell you that Gardner-Webb University offers a very wide variety of master’s degree programs. I can also say with certainty that whichever degree you choose, you will be well prepared.
Here are the topics and skills I learned through my program:
The Importance of Building Relationships
This is such an important aspect of being a leader. When you become an assistant principal or principal, you must get to know the people you serve before you do anything major or make big changes. There may be some traditions or things that happen in the school that are important to the community, and if you were to stop it or change it that may ruin your reputation before you have a chance to do much else. In addition to this, you should always consider the thoughts and opinions of all stakeholders. As a leader, you cannot cater to one group, you must listen to them all and make decisions that are best for everyone.
How to Analyze Data
Data is essential to gather, analyze, and plan from as a leader. There are so many types of data, start with state testing data so that you can make the best plan to serve your students and their needs. You should also gather some social-emotional data on your students so that you can support their mental health and teach them coping skills and mindfulness. Data from parent, teacher, and student surveys are also important to analyze so you can keep a pulse on the school environment, morale, safety, and needs.
Budgeting
This is quite a task as a leader because you have so many items you have to purchase and so many accounts to keep up with. There are many financial decisions to make, and you want to be a good steward of the money and be economical.
School Law
These spans topics from special education to knowing how many hours someone with encumbered and unencumbered lunch can work. FERPA, IDEA, FOIA, and the list goes on. It is imperative to keep up with changes in the law and utilize your district lawyers, when needed, for advice and yearly conferences for updates. Your human resources director also greatly supports faculty and staff legal advice.
Management
In addition to being an instructional leader, you also have to manage a building. This includes custodial staff, knowing how to activate and deactivate the fire alarm, schedule grass cuttings, order new playground equipment, etc.
Hiring
This is your human capital and to have a great school, you have to hire great people. The most important thing I learned was that you should hire integrity above all else because you can always train skills.
While I have never worked in another field besides education, I do feel that many of those skills translate into all work environments. They have the perfect coursework for whatever you decide to study.
Advantages of a Master’s Degree through Gardner-Webb University
In addition to gaining knowledge and skills, there are also some other benefits from earning a master’s degree.
Promotion
Once you have your master’s degree this can open doors for you to advance your career or climb the ladder. Many positions require a master’s degree so having one is a way to get where you want to go. I am currently an elementary school principal and without a master’s degree that would not have been an option for me. In addition, I did have to pass an exam so be sure you know all the requirements before you apply for a position.
Increase in Pay
I have never heard anyone say they would like to earn less money. A master’s degree isn’t free, however, once you invest in your future you should get an increase in salary which will help offset the cost. This is a great advantage especially in today’s world where everything is so expensive.
How to Handle Certain Situations
I know in my classroom experience we did a lot of role-plays and talked through certain situations that we might encounter. This was very helpful when reflecting and still comes in handy today ten years later!
Improving Your Craft
In education you learn techniques and strategies to improve your instruction in the classroom when earning a master’s degree. Sometimes you can even choose a specific strand such as technology or teaching students who speak a different language. This will serve your students well because you have added tools and tricks to your bag that support them and you.
Expanding Your Network
I met many people in my master’s degree cohort. Some of whom I still keep in touch with and ask for advice even today. You also never know who you may meet that you could one day work with or work for. It is important to build professional relationships for those reasons.
My master’s degree in leadership has opened many doors for me and I highly recommend applying for anyone who wants to further their career in education or any other field and is ready to do so. It has been a priceless investment for me, and I truly appreciate what I learned during my time at Gardner-Webb University.
Interested in continuing your education? Check out Gardner-Webb University education graduate programs and take your next step today!