education level postgraduate degree

Human Development and Education

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Connect pioneering research with practice and policy in human development at every stage — helping you support the unique needs of all learners.

The Human Development and Education (HDE) Program prepares you to support the unique needs and growth of all learners — whether you are interested in exploring a direct service role, starting a nonprofit organization, engaging in clinical or counseling work, or pursuing doctoral research. By linking theories and pioneering research with practice and policy about child, adolescent, and adult development, you will have opportunities to examine different developmental domains — including cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and neurological — as well as design strategies and interventions to promote healthy development. HDE offers a School Counseling Licensure Pathway for students interested in pursuing Massachusetts licensure in school counseling. 

"We know much about the science of human development, but we are just beginning to figure out how to communicate and enact it to actually better the world. Our program helps our students gain a deeper understanding of learning and growth across diverse contexts, as they explore their professional roles in supporting human development for children, families, and communities." Junlei Li Faculty Co-Chair

After completing the HDE Program, you will have a deeper understanding of the following competencies that explore how:

• Learning and development are lifelong processes, with a predictable sequence at the population level and significant variation at the individual level  
• Learning and development are active and interactive, driven by maturity and experience levels  
• Ecological factors — including families, teachers, schools, communities, neighborhoods, and culture — influence learning and development  
• Evaluation of evidence and research from human developmental science can inform effective change strategies to lead, design, and implement intervention, prevention, and support efforts  
• Engagement in continuous learning can emerge from reflective practice, community involvement, and evaluation of intervention, prevention, and support efforts    

Curriculum Information

The HDE Program is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills essential to promoting healthy development for all learners. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the 2022–23 academic year are: 

• This program commences with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 10-15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available.

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to HDE, including the following:

• The HDE Program Core Experience (4 credits), is a combination of required coursework, program-wide events, and small group experiences. It is designed to help you develop the capacity to bridge research and practice across human development contexts. Whether your professional trajectory leads you to focus on children, families, communities, or organizations, there are "through lines" (ways of thinking and connecting) from the field of human development that can expand our vision and understanding. For example, understanding individual development within the larger ecological contexts or recognizing human relationships as the driver for many different developmental outcomes. The program experience provides opportunities to discuss and reflect on your insights and professional goals with peers and the teaching team.
• Research methods and applied professional skills courses (4 credits), you will choose from a list of qualitative, quantitative, and skills-based courses. Course subject matter may include statistics and data science in education and organizations, participatory action research for educational justice, and ethnographic methods. 
• Human development, age/context/domain-specific courses (4 credits), tailor your coursework to your chosen career pathway by selecting from a rich and diverse set of courses that deepen your knowledge in a specific age category, context, or domain. Course subject matter may include early childhood development, developmental psychology, preventative and developmental group counseling, college student development, or language and literacy development. 
• The remaining credits are taken via  elective coursework , which includes the opportunity to specialize in a  Concentration . 

Explore our  course catalog . Note, a ll information and courses are subject to change.

School Counseling Strand

Students can get licensed as a school counselor by taking two years of sequenced coursework and fieldwork through our School Counseling Licensure Pathway . Year one consists of pursuing an Ed.M. in the HDE Program and our School Counseling Strand. The School Counseling Strand begins the pathway to Massachusetts licensure in school counseling and prepares K–12 school-based counselors-in-training with the skills necessary to promote positive, healthy academic and social emotional development with an emphasis on prevention and social justice.

Year two consists of our Certificate of Advanced Study in Counseling program, which allows students to pursue Massachusetts initial licensure as a school counselor or school adjustment counselor. Through this curricular sequence and field-based placement, graduates will be prepared to enter K–12 schools as counselors, leaders, and advocates.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Junlei Li's research and practice focuses on understanding and empowering human relationships across developmental contexts.

Meredith L. Rowe

Meredith Rowe's research focuses on young children's literacy and vocabulary development, particularly as it is influenced by communication between children and their caregivers.

Gretchen Brion-Meisels

Elizabeth Bonawitz

Hadas Eidelman

Catherine Elgin

Nadine Gaab

Paul L. Harris

Nancy E. Hill

Stephanie M. Jones

James S. Kim

Josephine M. Kim

Nonie K. Lesaux

Huan-Tang Lu

Pamela A. Mason

Dana Charles McCoy

Joseph McIntyre

Luke W. Miratrix

Charles Nelson, III

Gabrielle Oliveira

Ola Ozernov-Palchik

Alexis Redding

Mandy Savitz-Romer

Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D.

Catherine Snow

Carola Suarez-Orozco

Paola Uccelli

Adriana Janette Umana-Taylor

Richard Weissbourd

Jacqueline Zeller

Career Pathways

The HDE Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including: 

• School counselor (K–12)   
• Curricula developer
• College or university administrator   
• Afterschool program, camp, or youth organization director  
• Researcher (university centers, nonprofit/for-profit think tank)  
• Local, state, or federal government program administrator  
• Field-staff or program manager at domestic or international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 
• Consultant, trainer, facilitator, technical assistance provider 

Cohort & Community

You will join an extraordinary cohort of students representing a rich diversity of personal and professional backgrounds. As an HDE student, you will engage in events and professional development opportunities that build community — including discussions about career pathways, conversations with faculty members about their research interests, and other community events. You will find that your cohort members exhibit energy, curiosity, and compassion, as well as a common commitment to understanding the deepest puzzles of development and addressing the greatest practical challenges. This community results in an exhilarating learning environment that forms the basis for lifelong friendships and long-term professional networks.

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Human Development and Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Saved by the Ball

How a high school football team and determined principal helped keep their tiny school from closing

HGSE Honors Master's Students with Intellectual Contribution Award

The Many Types of Education Degrees: How to Pick Your Path

Education degrees aren't just for classroom teachers.

Education Degrees: Picking Your Path

Getty Images

Though some education degree programs focus on teacher training, others concentrate on education administration, policy or technology. Some education majors explore the unique challenges faced by rural or urban schools.

One common misconception about education degrees is that they're only useful for future classroom teachers.

However, education degrees can lead to all sorts of careers: They're often held by education administrators, policymakers, researchers, technologists, curriculum designers, learning scientists, school counselors or psychologists , standardized test-makers and textbook authors. Staffers at education-oriented government agencies at the local, state and federal level – such as the U.S. Department of Education – frequently have academic degrees in education as well, and the same is true for representatives of education-related charities and nonprofit organizations.

Here's what you need to know about the hierarchy of education degrees and how to choose the right one.

How to Tell if an Education Degree Is a Good Fit

An interest in helping others learn and a desire to work with children are common and compelling reasons for studying education, says Daniel A. Domenech, the executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Education majors tend to earn less than people who receive a comparable level of training in other fields, so a majority of people who become educators do so for non-financial reasons, he adds.

According to an August 2022 report from the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that analyzes working conditions for low-income and middle-income workers in the U.S., the pay disparity between teachers and similarly educated professionals reached an all-time high in 2021, when teachers received 23.5% lower wages on average relative to other workers with comparable credentials.

However, some education occupations typically lead to six-figure salaries. For example, the median salary among U.S. school district superintendents, the majority of whom have doctorates, was $147,000 in 2022, according to a recent report from AASA.

Laura W. Perna, vice provost for faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education , says education degree recipients can use their degree to do good work and benefit society. "If we think about the important problems that need to be addressed in our world, you know, so much of the answer comes down to education," Perna says.

Stacey Ludwig Johnson, senior vice president and executive dean of the school of education at Western Governors University , an online university, emphasizes that schools and school districts aren't the only places where education degree recipients can use their skills. For instance, an educator can work as a corporate trainer, helping a business to increase the skills of its workforce, she says.

The Many Kinds of Education Majors

Among teaching degree programs, some focus on a particular level of education, such as preschool, elementary, middle or high school. Teaching degree programs may also hone in on how to teach a particular subject, or they can emphasize teaching methods that work well with a specific student population, such as adult learners, multi-lingual learners or individuals with disabilities.

When comparing education degree specializations, keep in mind that the earning potential of educators varies widely depending on which part of the education system they are trained for and what credential their job usually requires. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary among U.S. high school teachers, who typically had a bachelor's degree, was about $61,820 in May 2021. That's about twice the median salary of preschool teachers, who usually had an associate degree and earned $30,210. The median salary among principals, who usually had a master's degree, was $98,420.

Sometimes educators with the same level of education earn different amounts depending on their area of focus. For instance, BLS data reveals that though teachers who specialize in basic adult education generally had the same amount of training as high school teachers – a bachelor's degree – their 2021 median salary was roughly $2,100 lower.

Education Degree Levels and How to Find the Right Tier

Leadership roles in the education sector generally require graduate education . The more training educators have, the higher their salaries tend to be. For example, according to PayScale, a compensation data company, the average base salary for U.S. workers with a Bachelor of Education , or B.Ed. degree, was $57,000, whereas the average annual base salary among those with a Doctor of Education, or Ed.D. degree, was $80,000.

Prospective education students should analyze the resumes of people who have jobs they are interested in to figure out the highest level of education to pursue, experts say.

Associate Degrees

Many preschool teaching jobs require at least a two-year associate degree in early childhood education. Teachers' assistants or paraprofessionals usually need at least two years of college coursework or an associate degree to work in public school classrooms.

Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor's is the minimum amount of education needed for an entry-level K-12 teaching position at a U.S. public school.

Master's Degrees

A few states require teachers to begin pursuing a master's degree within several years of beginning teaching to maintain their license. Teachers may also move up the pay scale with a master's. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 58% of U.S. public school teachers who taught during the 2017-18 school year had a more advanced degree than a bachelor's.

Instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists, the educational administrators who oversee curricula, standards, teaching materials and often assessments, usually have a master's, and their median salary was $63,740 in May 2021, BLS data shows.

College and university administrators, who earned a median annual salary of $96,910 in May 2021, also typically have master's degrees, according to the BLS. Work in education policy typically requires a master's degree as well.

Master's degrees in education usually require two years of coursework.

College faculty who research and teach about education typically have Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D., degrees, and they sometimes have Ed.D. degrees. According to PayScale, the average salary for a worker with a Ph.D. in education was $87,000. Doctoral programs in education usually last at least three years and often take longer to finish.

School district administration positions sometimes require doctoral education, and certain managerial roles at government agencies and nonprofit organizations are reserved for individuals with doctorates. Education researchers frequently have doctorates, and so do school psychologists.

Guidance on Figuring Out How Much Schooling You Need

When deciding how high of a degree they should aim for, education students should think about the level of expertise and the kinds of skills that their desired job requires, says Carol Basile, dean of Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College . "As you continue to move up in any education organization, there begins to be more of a requirement for a doctorate," she says.

Searching for a grad school? Get our  complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: education , education policy , education graduate school , teachers , careers , students

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Education master’s degree guide

04 th August 2022

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You can do a master’s in education, a PGCE or a PhD. It depends whether you want to be a teacher, think critically about the education system or conduct research in the field. Use our guide to find out more.

What is an education master’s degree?

Why do a master’s degree in education, what qualifications can you get, what jobs can you do with a master’s degree in education, what are the education master’s degree requirements, what education courses are there, what do you learn in an education master’s degree, how will you be taught and assessed.

• How long is a master's degree in education?
• Similar subjects to education  

Studying education at postgraduate level will help you become a teacher or work in a career that focuses on the field of education.

During a degree course, you could:

• Learn how to benefit children and learners through teaching
• Engage in discussions of how to build a fairer education system
• Contribute to the field of education through in-depth research

If you studied education for your bachelor’s degree, a postgraduate course will be a good step up. Each education degree option is quite different, so it’s worth looking into the different ones thoroughly.

A master’s degree will give you a higher-level understanding of what it means to be a teacher. Courses tend to be informed by the latest findings and practices, and you get to work alongside other teacher trainees and education experts.

You’ll develop education-specific skills, such as an ability to apply certain principles from one context to another. You’ll also develop transferable skills like:

• Critical thinking
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Organisation
• Problem-solving
• Research and analysis
• Written and verbal communication

Teacher training courses are often approved by the Department for Education. This means you gain qualified teacher status (QTS) after you've completed the course.

Qualification options include masters, doctorates, certificates and diplomas in education. Each has a slightly different focus and style of teaching.

Taught masters in education

Both Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) qualifications in education are available. They encourage you to think critically about different areas of education, such as in a cultural, social or structural context.

These are often aimed at qualified teachers or other professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, such as nurses, therapists or others in the education sector. Education master’s courses do not lead to QTS.

Teacher training courses

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) are teacher training courses. They prepare you for a career as a primary or secondary school teacher, and usually result in QTS. You can earn up to 60 credits of a master’s degree.

Courses blend academic study and practical classroom experience, so you’re ready to teach after graduating. As a secondary school teacher, you choose a school subject to be a knowledge expert on, such as English, maths or science.

Research education

A postgraduate research degree in education could be a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Courses enable you to conduct deep research into the field of education and consider global issues. You'll be supported by academic supervisors while working on your independent research project.

READ MORE What are postgraduate degrees

Master’s graduates usually work in education, often in senior or leadership positions, research or education policy. Other options include international development projects, administrative roles in private or public sector organisations or community and youth work.

PGCE courses are designed to prepare you for a teaching career in environments like:

• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• Special schools
• Sixth forms
• Further education/adult colleges

Other graduates go on to further study and complete a doctorate degree or work in research.

To qualify for a master’s course, you’ll usually need:

MA/MSc – bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with upper second-class honours (2:1) in education, teaching, English or a relevant social science degree. Or a bachelor’s degree and several years of relevant experience

Depending on the course and university, you might need relevant work experience and to demonstrate a strong interest in the area. Health and background checks might also be required, such as a DBS, especially if your course involves working with the public.

For other postgraduate courses, you’ll usually need:

• PGCert/PGDip – at least grade C GCSEs in English and maths (or equivalent) and a second-class degree in a subject relevant to your main teaching subject (if applicable)
• MPhil/PHD – same requirements as a masters, and a merit in a master’s degree. You may need to submit a research proposal that shows your understanding of the field and ability to plan an independent research project

READ MORE How to write a postgraduate personal statement How to write a PGCE personal statement

Examples of postgraduate education courses in the UK:

• Deaf Education MA
• Doctor of Education EdD
• Education (Early Years) MA
• Education MSc
• Education & Training PGCE
• Higher Education MA
• Professional Education PhD/MPhil
• Primary Education (with qualified teacher status) PGCE

GO TO Find education courses

Typical module topics or areas you could focus your research efforts on include:

• Children with autism
• Citizenship, human rights and the environment
• Critical education policy and leadership
• Disadvantage and poverty
• Education and psychology
• Education for social justice
• International education
• Language, discourse and society
• School improvement
• Special education needs

If you’re training to be a secondary school teacher, you learn how to teach your chosen subject. Subjects include:

• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Physics 

On an education master’s (MA/MSc), you could learn through lectures, seminars, peer-group projects, workshops and self-study. Assessment could be through written essays, exams, coursework, presentations, research projects and a dissertation.

Teacher training courses (PGCE/PGDE) are intensive courses where you begin with academic study and then learn on practical placements in schools. You’ll be observed on your placements and could be assessed through placement coursework, essays, exams, presentations and group projects.

If you pursue a research degree (MPhil/PhD), you’ll be guided by specialist supervisors but receive less support than on a taught course. You’ll be assessed on your independent research project (thesis) and accompanying oral exam (viva).

How long is a master’s degree in education?

Education courses are usually the following lengths:

• PGCE/PGDE – one year with 24 weeks of school placements
• MA/MSc – one to two years
• MPhil – one to two years
• PhD – three to four years

Part-time courses can last twice as long.

READ MORE How to fund your postgraduate degree

Similar subjects to education

Other similar subjects to education that you could study include:

• Behaviour science
• Counselling
• Criminology
• Psychotherapy
• Social policy
• Social work
• Speech and language therapy
• Youth studies 

Your Next Steps

Converting a postgraduate certificate to a masters.

PG certificates are a perfect stepping stone to a Masters degree as you’ll not only...

Guide to the PGCE

A PGCE, short for Postgraduate Certificate in Education, is a higher-level postgraduate...

A Postgraduate Timeline

"Where on earth do I start?" That’s generally the first thought that runs through...

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Education ma, middlesex university, ma in special educational needs, disabilities and inclusion, university of hull, postgraduate certificate creative education, university for the creative arts, education (part time distance learning 3 years) ma, bristol, university of the west of england, education and learning phd, university of gloucestershire, your next steps.

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How to Choose the Right Master's Degree in Education

An advanced degree in teaching or education can result in faster career growth, more money and greater job satisfaction. Discover the difference between an MAT and MEd graduate pathway so you can pick the program that matches your passion.

Save your place in Pacific’s MAT program with Guaranteed Graduate Admissions ! Start your teaching journey as soon as your first-year in college and graduate ready to make an impact.

A bachelor’s degree in teaching is only the beginning of a rewarding education career , one that can touch the lives of countless students and give rise to a new generation of young people ready to change the world.  

For those who want to expand that reach and deepen their impact, a master’s degree in education can equip teachers and administrators with new tools to make a difference in the classroom.

Whether it’s a  master’s degree in teaching (MAT) or a master’s degree in education (MEd) , an advanced degree can elevate your existing practice or launch you into a career with in-demand skills .

The benefits of furthering your education are abundant, but how do you choose the best master’s of education degree to suit your career goals?

The next step in pursuit of your purpose is just around the corner. Here’s how to find it.

EXPLORE TEACHING PATHWAYS

Why Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Education or Teaching?

Like many careers grounded in a rich history of research and experimentation, teaching and education roles utilize lifelong learning and refinement to better serve their communities. 

Leaders in advancing how young people flourish, teachers and educators use their advanced education degrees to champion new initiatives and styles of teaching, bolstered by experience and theory.

A master’s degree in education can benefit new and established educators by:

Allowing for greater career advancement. Not only do teachers with an advanced degree earn more over their lifetime — up to 27% in most cases — but a master’s-level degree enables educators to further their career more quickly.

Serving students better. Studies have shown that teachers with advanced degrees, especially those who pursue their MAT or MEd after some amount of professional experience, lead classrooms to better learning outcomes .

Empowering specialization. The best master’s of education programs encourage teachers and administrators to perfect their areas of expertise, resulting in experts in the classroom.

Helping shape education policy. Greater education and experience can result in a seat at the table when creating new strategies, techniques and curriculums that have the ability to influence schooling in your backyard or across the country .

MAT vs MEd: What’s the Difference?

While many teachers will begin their career by pursuing a bachelor's degree in education or a related program, advanced degrees allow for greater specificity in how exactly you want to make a difference.

Designed for teachers who want to shape education at the front line, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree prepares educators for a career in the classroom.

The MAT also empowers those who have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to serve students by transitioning to a teaching career, putting their passions to work in the classroom .

With the ability to specialize in general or special education , MAT teachers can receive in-school experience while in studying , uniquely preparing them to manage classrooms and inspire students.

For already licensed teachers, the Master of Education (MEd) degree can add to your classroom preparation through special emphasis on creating education outcomes through curriculum development , administration, and counseling.

While these two degree paths do focus on different aspects of the education system, it’s important to note that both programs allow for opportunities to teach and impact education development.

What Jobs Can You Do With an MAT?

The most common route for MAT graduates is to enter or resume teaching in the classroom , with a master of arts in teaching affording them new skills.

However, beyond classroom instruction there are other opportunities for MAT degree holders to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Specializations. Frequently interacting with students on an individual level, specializations in literacy , special education , and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) can help students thrive.

Private tutoring. Supplementing in-class instruction, tutors in reading, writing, math, and more often have teaching experience and can use skills gained in their MAT to start their own practice.

Education outside the classroom. Anywhere learning can be done, teachers can have an impact. Children’s museums, enrichment camps, or online video all afford MAT graduates to flex their prowess in nontraditional settings. 

What Jobs Can You Do With an MEd?

While less frequently in the classroom, MEd graduates still have an impact on how young people can be successful through learning. 

Curriculum design. As social justice becomes more and more essential, it’s important that highly-educated and experienced professionals are redesigning learning outcomes for students to create inclusive and equitable spaces .

Guidance counseling. Helping young people enter adulthood and discover their purpose, careers in guidance counseling make use of a foundation of child development and education theory to best prepare students for life after high school.

School administration. Want to help lead schools and create equitable spaces for all students through leadership? An MEd is a great start.

At both the school and district levels, the skills gained during a master of education degree contribute to helping create successful students and satisfied, well-funded teachers .

How Much More Can You Make With an MAT or MEd?

Teacher and educator pay goes up the more experience you have, with added salary benefits coming as a result of advanced education and specialized skills.

In the Portland-metro area, starting salaries for teachers with only a bachelor’s degree in education ranged between $49,000 and $53,322.

MAT graduates can make more, however, with salaries for teachers starting with advanced degrees increasing to between $55,000 and $58,000.

After MAT degree holders begin to gain experience, pay rises much faster than if you only had a bachelor’s degree, with salaries between $80,000 and $91,000 for those with advanced training.

Salaries for MEd graduates follow a similar path, with advanced pay coming with more robust skills and experience. 

That said, MEd degree holders can make substantially more if they transition to working at state or national-level education departments, helping to design curriculum and meet teacher needs.

You can get your advanced teaching degree online with our flexible MAT program ! Submit your application during our rolling admissions period today!

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What Is A Postgraduate Degree? A Definition and Guide

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

One thing that all postgraduate degrees have in common is that they allow you to continue your studies in a specialised subject. An undergraduate degree is usually required for a student to be considered eligbile to study a postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate degrees are taken for a number of different reasons, such as to move into academia and research, or to specialise or advance in a particular career path. Some people choose to complete a postgraduate degree to change study or career paths entirely. 

There are a lot of different aspects involved in postgraduate education. If you are considering expanding your knowledge with a postgraduate degree, it’s important to understand the details. This guide covers everything you need to know about postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate degree versus graduate degree

So, what is the difference between a postgraduate degree and a graduate degree ? The answer is basically nothing! The term 'graduate degree' tends to be more widely used in America, whilst 'postgraduate degree' is usually the preferred terminology in the UK. But both terms mean the same thing – and refer to degrees undertaken after completion of an undergraduate or bachelors degree, for example a masters degree or PhD. 

Masters degree

A masters degree is one of the most common postgraduate courses completed after undergraduate study. This postgraduate qualification can take a number of different forms, but what they all have in common is that they usually require an undergraduate degree to gain entry. These forms of postgraduate degree include:

Masters of Arts (MA)

Masters of Science (MSc)

Masters of Philosophy (MPhil)

Masters of Research (MRes)

Masters of Engineering (MEng)

The majority of masters courses require a thesis or dissertation to graduate in addition to any coursework. In the UK, most masters courses are a year in length, apart from some professional masters courses such as Masters of Architecture (MArch) which are generally between two and three years. Most masters courses in the US are two years in duration, as are many masters courses in Europe . 

MA, MSc and MPhil

Masters degrees are gained either through a taught or research course . In a taught masters, students are awarded a Masters of Arts (MA), Masters of Science (MSc) or a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) . 

MA and MSc are the two most common types of postgraduate degrees. MA courses focus on arts and humanities subjects, whereas MSc degrees focus on STEM subject areas.

An MPhil focuses on advanced research in various fields. It involves independent study and the completion of a substantial thesis or dissertation. While often seen as a pathway to a PhD, it also holds value as a standalone qualification for careers in academia, research or related fields.

An MLitt is quite a rare masters degree option and originates from the ancient universities in England and Scotland. It is a postgraduate degree that's awarded for arts and humanities subjects at select universities in both countries. An abbreviation of Master of Letter – the Latin translation of Magister Litterarum – an MLitt serves as an alternative to the more common MA or MPhil degrees, and can be offered as either a taught or research degree. Relatively few British universities offer the MLitt, and most of these are in Scotland. A very select number of universities in the USA and Australia also offer it as a specialised masters degree option.

MArch and MEng

Some masters courses like an MArch or a Masters of Engineering (MEng) are taken after completing the relevant undergraduate course with a long-term view to qualify as an architect or engineer. These masters programs are essential parts of the qualification routes and those who wish to become architects or engineers must complete them to be able to practise in their chosen career.

Other masters courses are about specialising or focussing on a career choice, especially those in the law or medical professionals. There are some masters courses that are for those graduates who already have a first degree but wish to retrain in another subject, such as a Masters in Town Planning or Masters in Journalism, for these courses it is assumed that the student has a number of academic skills that are transferable to the new subject.

What about an Integrated Masters Degree?

An integrated masters degree combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies in a single program. Students studying an integrated masters will start with a bachelors degree and move seamlessly on to a masters program after completing their undergraduate studies. Common subjects for integrated masters include engineering, natural sciences, mathematics and some social sciences. These programs offer an accelerated path to advanced masters study, allowing students to deepen their expertise while potentially saving time and money.

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A PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) is the highest level of postgraduate qualification available that can be studied. This advanced postgraduate degree involves an element of both research and working at an institution.

The majority of students who go on to complete a PhD have already undertaken a masters course in a relevant subject. Often, this will be an MPhil or MRes, but this is not exclusively the case. It is mostly those who wish to go into academic research or teaching who decide to complete PhDs. The whole point of a PhD is further specialisation and it's not an option for changing career path, apart from progressing in the world of academia.

Postgraduate diploma 

Postgraduate diplomas are taught courses that do not require students to complete a dissertation or thesis. This type of postgraduate qualification offers the same level of study as a masters degree, but is completed over a shorter period of time because it doesn’t require a dissertation.

If you undertake a masters course but do not complete the dissertation this is the postgraduate qualification that you will probably find yourself finishing with. Postgraduate diplomas can be a great way for those who are unsure about whether they need or want to complete a full masters course, whilst still finishing with a postgraduate-level qualification to specialise their knowledge base and advance career skills.

There are some UK professions, such as teaching , that involve a postgraduate diploma ( PGCE in Education ) that allows graduates who did not study teaching to quickly qualify in an education profession. 

Postgraduate certificate

Postgraduate certificates are similar to postgraduate diplomas, in that they do not require the completion of a dissertation or thesis in order to get the final qualification. This postgraduate course allows students to gain specialised knowledge in their chosen area in a shorter amount of time. A postgraduate certificate is shorter than a postgraduate diploma, making it one of the shortest postgraduate qualifications to attain.

Applying for a postgraduate degree

There are two main ways to apply for a postgraduate degree in the UK. One is via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which is the centralised system for students studying an undergraduate degree at a UK university. The other, and more common way to apply for a postgraduate degree is directly through the university. Once you have found the postgraduate degree that you want to apply for, check with the university’s admissions department and find out how best to proceed with your application.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for postgraduate degrees will vary depending on the level of qualification, the course and the university. In most cases, you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree in order to obtain a postgraduate degree, although some postgraduate qualifications may accept students who have a suitable level of work experience in the subject area.

Higher postgraduate level qualifications, such as a PhD, will usually require you to have both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in order to have a place on the course. You should always check the specific course requirements when choosing a postgraduate degree.

Funding your postgraduate degree

There are various funding options for postgraduate degrees in the UK – these include scholarships and grants offered by universities based on academic achievement or specific criteria, as well as government-backed student loans covering tuition fees and living expenses. Employer sponsorship is another route, especially for courses relevant to a particular field of work. Research councils provide funding for research-based degrees, while charitable trusts and foundations offer support in diverse fields. Many students also opt for part-time work alongside their studies.

You can find out more about funding your postgraduate degree in our Ultimate Postgraduate Student Funding Guide .

Postgraduate degrees: a summary

A postgraduate degree is an excellent way to specialise, retrain and develop new skills in your chosen subject and career path. Postgraduate degrees tend to be shorter than undergraduate degrees, letting you efficiently gain further qualifications once acquiring basic academic skills from an undergraduate degree. 

Further postgraduate study gives students the opportunity to learn and gain a deep understanding of their chosen subject and is well worth the time and money. Having a postgraduate qualification can also help improve your future career prospects, since you have demonstrated both a deeper understanding of a subject area and a determination to complete further academic studies.

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Related articles

What Is The Difference Between Graduate & Postgraduate Programs?

What is a Masters Degree?

What is a PhD?

Postgraduate Diploma

What is an MBA?

Master of Arts: What is an MA?

Master of Science: What is an MSc?

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From Associate to Doctorate: A Complete Guide to College Degree Levels

Genevieve Carlton

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Updated April 12, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Considering a college degree? First, you'll have to understand the types of degrees and college degree levels.

Different degrees prepare you for different career paths. For example, you can't become a psychologist with just a bachelor's degree — you'd need a master's or doctorate in psychology. And you usually can't become an engineer without at least a bachelor's degree.

Typically, as your university degree level rises, your earning potential increases, and the unemployment rate decreases. That's one more reason it's important to understand the different types of degrees.

What Types of Degrees Are There in College?

There are many types of degrees you can earn in college. College degree levels can be broken down into two categories: undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

Here are the college degrees in order, from lowest ranking to highest:

• Associate degree (undergraduate)
• Bachelor's degree (undergraduate)
• Master's degree (graduate)
• Doctoral degree (graduate)

While a doctorate is the highest education level, some fields may stop at a master's. The phrase "terminal degree" refers to the highest degree in a field.

A professional degree is a type of graduate degree — often a doctorate — that prepares you for a professional career in fields like law and medicine.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Associate Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-2 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 60

Most associate degrees prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These programs can be found at community and technical colleges and typically last 1-2 years.

An associate degree can also serve as the foundation for a bachelor's program. You may even be able to transfer some of the credits you earned for your associate degree toward a four-year degree.

Some associate degrees require you to complete an internship or practicum in addition to taking classes. This is particularly common among healthcare and tech degrees.

To apply for an associate degree program , you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED certificate. Some schools may require you to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or the SAT, as well.

Featured Associate Programs

What can you do with an associate degree.

An associate degree prepares you for vocational, allied health, and support roles. For example, you can become a medical assistant , paralegal , or vet tech with an associate degree.

The highest-paying careers with an associate degree pay over $80,000 per year. See the table below for salary information on other popular associate degree jobs.

Source: BLS

Types of Associate Degrees

Colleges can offer three kinds of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Arts, humanities, and creative fields typically offer an AA, whereas social sciences and natural sciences fields often award an AS. Many applied and vocational programs offer an AAS degree.

The type of degree matters if you're planning to transfer into a bachelor's program. Colleges normally offer fewer transfer credits for an AAS degree.

Popular Associate Degrees

• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity
• Early Childhood Education
• Graphic Design
• Healthcare Management
• Information Technology
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Pre-Nursing
• Social Work

Bachelor's Degree

• Typical Program Length: 4 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 120

A bachelor's degree prepares you for many career paths. You'll generally spend four years earning a bachelor's degree at a college or university. You'll take general education classes and courses in your major . You can also choose a minor.

Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor's programs , which take less time — often 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also speed up the timeline by awarding you credit for previous college coursework.

You can earn your bachelor's degree online as well. An online degree from an accredited college meets the same standards as that of an in-person degree.

You'll need a high school diploma for admission and may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Featured Bachelor's Programs

What can you do with a bachelor's degree.

In diverse industries like business, tech, and education, a bachelor's degree can prepare you for many entry-level careers. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's degree include roles in finance, management, and tech.

Graduates with a four-year degree can also benefit from high demand in many lucrative fields, like software development and engineering. The table below introduces some popular jobs with a bachelor's degree.

Types of Bachelor's Degrees

You can earn a bachelor's degree in many fields. Some of the most common types of bachelor's degrees you'll see include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The two most popular degrees are a BA and a BS. These degrees cover all arts and sciences majors and some education and engineering degrees.

Popular Bachelor's Degrees

• Civil Engineering
• Communication
• Computer Programming
• Health Informatics
• Health Sciences
• Human Resources
• Mathematics
• Organizational Psychology
• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Master's Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-3 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 30

A master's degree can help you gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles. As a graduate student, you'll work closely with experts in your field to explore advanced topics.

While a master's degree typically takes two years, some universities offer accelerated one-year master's programs. You can also enroll in a bachelor's-to-master's program to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in less time.

Most master's programs require a minimum of 30 credits. Admission and graduation requirements vary depending on the program. For example, many arts and sciences master's programs require GRE scores , while business programs typically require GMAT scores .

Featured Master's Programs

What can you do with a master's degree.

With a master's degree, you can qualify for management-level careers and specialized roles in industries like healthcare, research, and social services. The highest-paying master's degrees include MBAs and nurse practitioner degrees.

Learn more about the earning potential and demand for popular master's degree jobs below.

Types of Master's Degrees

Here are some of the most common types of master's degrees you can earn:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Laws (LL.M.)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MA and an MS are among the most popular master's degrees. Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields typically award an MA or an MS. Other popular options include an MBA and an M.Ed.

Popular Master's Degrees

• Creative Writing
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Healthcare Administration
• Library and Information Science
• Network Security
• Public Health
• Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Degrees

• Typical Program Length: 2-10 years
• Typical Number of Credits: Varies

A doctorate represents the highest degree you can get in academia. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can get.

Professional doctorates train you for a professional career. For example, law school and med school are two common professional paths. A Ph.D., on the other hand — by far one of the most common types of doctorates — emphasizes theory and research.

In a doctoral program, you'll take graduate-level seminars and courses, take comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and defend a dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework. In certain fields, you can earn your doctorate online.

Some doctoral programs require a master's degree for admission, whereas others admit applicants with just a bachelor's degree. You may need to submit standardized test scores depending on the program.

Featured Doctoral Programs

What can you do with a doctorate.

If you want to become a physician , professor , or lawyer, you'll need a doctorate. In many fields, a doctorate translates into higher salaries. Lawyers, pharmacists , and physicists all report median salaries of over $125,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The following table shows the earning potential and demand for popular doctoral degree jobs.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest education level, but there are still several types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common you can get:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Juris Doctor (JD)

A Ph.D. is the most popular doctorate. You can earn a Ph.D. in many arts and sciences fields. Other doctorates take their names from the career path associated with the degree.

Popular Doctoral Degrees

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration
• Educational Leadership
• Human Services
• Legal Studies
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Administration

Frequently Asked Questions About College Degree Levels

What are the four types of college degrees.

The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor's degrees as undergraduate degrees and master's and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees.

Within those categories, you can earn many types of degrees. For instance, at the bachelor's level, you could earn a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of science (BS), or a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree.

What is a four-year college degree called?

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor's degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree.

Many careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business require you to hold a bachelor's degree. Many roles in tech, education, the public sector, and engineering also require you to have a four-year degree.

Some career paths require a specific major. In many states, you'll need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse . In other fields, your specific major matters less than the quality of your skills.

What is the highest degree?

The highest degree is a doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. In terms of university degree levels, both master's and bachelor's degrees rank below doctorates.

You can earn a doctorate in a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, business, the humanities, education, engineering, and healthcare.

In some fields, however, a master's degree represents the terminal, or highest, degree. For instance, a master of fine arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for creative writing.

What is the hardest college degree?

Most would agree that the hardest college degree is a doctorate. As the highest education level, a doctorate requires significant expertise in the field.

Many Ph.D. programs take six years or more and require you to write a book-length dissertation based on original research.

Because a doctorate represents the top of the university degree levels, it's a relatively uncommon degree. Only around 2% of U.S. adults held a doctorate in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What is the quickest degree?

The fastest degree you can get is either a one-year associate degree or a one-year master's degree. While other types of degrees typically take a minimum of two years, you can earn a master's degree in one year with an accelerated or fast-track program.

You can sometimes add a master's degree to your bachelor's through a 4+1 program, also known as a bachelor's-to-master's program. In this case, some of your coursework counts toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, meaning you'll spend an additional year in college to leave with a master's degree.

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EdS in Instructional Design and Technology Infuse Fun into Learning

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Pursue a Doctoral-Level Credential While Learning About the Latest Teaching Tools with Liberty’s EdS in Instructional Design and Technology

In this technologically advanced era where every aspect of life is affected by digital media and computers, education is no exception. Be it in online platforms or physical classrooms, students are becoming more dependent on technology – both for gaining knowledge and for completing their assignments.

Liberty University’s 100% online Education Specialist (EdS) in Instructional Design and Technology can help broaden your comprehension, expertise, and proficiency in instructional design. This immersive program invites you to explore high-level course content and engage in groundbreaking research. You can gain insights into cognitive development, methods of evaluation and assessment, and the strategic development and application of distance learning programs.

Furthermore, our program can empower you to scrutinize and contribute to the design, creation, and implementation of innovative learning methods and tools, all tailored to maximize student success. As a student in our online degree in instructional technology, you can also enhance your communication skills. You’ll explore how to conceive and implement captivating learning programs for school administrators, educators, and students using diverse communication channels.

Whether your goal is to teach, design curriculum, serve in administration, or lead an organization, this program can help provide you with a well-rounded understanding of learning technology and an opportunity to contribute to the general knowledge in this field.

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Why Choose Liberty’s Online EdS Degree in Instructional Design and Technology?

Since 1985, Liberty University has been at the forefront of distance learning, and we understand what it takes to create rigorous online degree programs that accommodate your professional, personal, and community commitments. Our EdS in Instructional Design and Technology is 100% online, providing a format that fits your life. This instructional technology degree is structured in an 8-week course format, eliminating the need for intensives and allowing you to balance your education with your day-to-day responsibilities.

As the tools and technology used for education expand, there is a surging demand for educators who can lead the way in this field. Our degree in educational technology is designed to position you to seize these growth opportunities and learn new ways to deliver engaging content in the classroom and online.

Furthermore, our EdS degree serves as an exceptional pathway to doctoral-level studies, should your ambitions lead you toward pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree. Liberty offers the advantage of transferring up to 27 credit hours from our EdS program into a compatible EdD program, ensuring a seamless academic journey.

What Will You Study in Our Online EdS Degree in Instructional Technology?

In this educational technology degree, you will study advanced learning theory and research. You’ll also explore the historical and philosophical principles and theories that have shaped education on a global basis.

From there, this online EdS in instructional design technology ventures into a core curriculum focused on the use of current and developing technology to deliver educational content and assessment. You can learn about instructional design theory and how to use it to address specific learning problems. You will also explore human performance technology and identify solutions to address performance gaps within learning environments. This educational technology program also covers how to implement multimedia tools as well as some of the ethical problems encountered in instructional design.

Lastly, you’ll venture into a Survey of Educational Research and study Advanced Research and Writing. This final course will include a capstone project that can be submitted for publication so that you can establish your expertise in this area and contribute to the general knowledge base in instructional design.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Educational consultant
• Instructional coordinator
• Instructional designer
• K-12 educational technology director
• University administrator
• University professor

Some positions may require licensure, which this degree program does not provide

Featured Courses

• EDUC 731 – Instructional Design Theory
• EDUC 732 – Principles of Human Performance Technology
• EDUC 733 – Instructional Systems Design
• EDUC 734 – Implementation and Assessment of Multimedia Learning Tools

Degree Information

• This Education Specialist program falls under the School of Education .
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required).
• View the Postgraduate Advising Guide .
• This is a non-licensure program.

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Admission Information for Our Online EdS in Instructional Design and Technology Degree

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your postgraduate degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eds degree.

An Education Specialist (EdS) degree is designed to provide students with training in scholarship and research at the doctoral level. The focus of the EdS degree is to build practical skills with advanced expertise in a specialized area of education studies. Education specialists can focus on a large number of advanced topics, such as special education, teaching technology, education administration, and higher education.

An EdS degree can help prepare you for future doctoral studies while also building the skills and knowledge you need to be more effective in the field right away. Liberty University’s EdS program is especially flexible, allowing graduates to transfer in up to 27 credit hours of their EdS studies into a full doctoral degree.

If you are looking for a way to gain advanced education skills in a highly specialized area but are not ready to commit to a full doctorate program, then Liberty’s instructional design and technology specialist degree can help you.

What can this degree help with?

While completing the EdS in Instructional Design and Technology degree online, you can achieve mastery of essential research and assessment skills and become equipped to ensure your institution is providing effective educational technology teaching.

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Online Master’s of Education program now offers special education endorsement

May 15, 2024

Rune Torgersen

Ever since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) became law, K-12 schools have been required to offer special education services to students with unique needs, in order to ensure equitable access to education for all.

However, teachers certified to provide these services are in short supply, partially due to a lack of flexible options for getting those certifications.

Central Washington University’s online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed. in C&I) Program has taken a step toward achieving this kind of flexibility through our recently implemented special education specialization for that degree.

CWU M.Ed. in C&I Program Coordinator Eric Hougan explained that this addition to the program will benefit teachers and students alike.

“It’s a win for both teachers and students to have something like this available,” he said. “Teachers win because they get to broaden and diversify the areas in which they can teach, making themselves more marketable in the process. Students win because they’re getting teachers who have the knowledge and skillset to better meet their individual needs. It’s equity and it’s access.”

Special Education Program Coordinator Dr. Wendie Castillo designed the Special Education endorsement for the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. This effort stemmed from her involvement in project/thesis committees for the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program. After serving on committees for students like Rebekah Post, Castillo researched and initiated the addition of the special education endorsement to the M.Ed. program through discussions with Hougan, Teacher Certification, and the CSEL Department.

Post discovered her passion for special education through her work in the M. Ed. Program, which she enrolled in after obtaining a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from CWU in 2020.

“Originally, I was in the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program but hadn’t chosen an area of emphasis yet, until I subbed in a special education classroom for several days, and something just clicked,” Post said. “That weekend, I was emailing Dr. Hougan and asked if there was a way I could add special education to my certification. We realized that the online classes already existed to make it happen, and we just had to put the pieces together.”

Hougan collaborated with Castillo to incorporate the necessary classes into the existing online M.Ed. curriculum, giving students the option to fold the certification into their existing program. Castillo said that for the work to be properly incorporated into the curriculum, it would require the kind of strong interdepartmental cooperation that CWU is known for.

“Eric (Hougan) and I work really well together, and this kind of program needs that strong cross-departmental collaboration to succeed,” she said. “This need is happening all over the country, so being able to marry our two disciplines and get qualified teachers where they need to go is something I’m extremely grateful for.”

With over 143,000 special education students in Washington state, and 77% of schools reporting issues in filling special education positions, this endorsement offers teachers a way to expand their skillsets without needing to step away from their careers.

“What made this work for me was that I didn’t have to quit my job for a year to get all the classes in,” Post said. “I was able to keep working and used what I was learning in my classes into my work right away. Starting the courses meant I was even able to obtain emergency certification, too, and start working as a special education teacher while I’m still in school for it.”

Classes for the M.Ed. C&I program, as well as the special education endorsement, are held either asynchronously or in the evenings, aligning well with most teacher’s schedules. Because of the ever-present shortages of certified special education teachers, those who are able to add the certification to their degree have significantly increased job mobility, according to Castillo.

“Special education will always be an area of need, and it will always need teachers,” said Castillo, who has worked in the field since 1997. “My majors that graduate are able to choose exactly where they want to teach, so having this endorsement really gives anyone a leg up in the field.”

by Rune Torgersen

Lenny Price brings Detroit perspective to CWU Jazz

by University Relations

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