The Masters in Secondary Education is a degree which will help you be as effective as you can be in teaching the next generation of workers and leaders. It can also give you the edge you need when trying to switch from your current role into your dream job.

Because this degree is such a common one, there are many high quality programs at top universities all over the US. In fact, there are so many good programs to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you’re already teaching, you may want to opt for an online program that can adapt to your busy schedule. Or you might prefer the experience of getting back on-campus as a student at your alma mater. In any case, below are some of our top picks for Masters in Secondary Education programs to help you make up your mind.

The Best Masters in Secondary Education Programs

Many education professionals would say that Stanford University’s STEP (Stanford Teacher Education Program) is the best Master’s level course in the country for anyone with aspirations to be a teacher. This course has been developed over many years by some of the most innovative educators the United States has ever seen. When you go through the STEP program, you know you’re getting only the best of the most well-crafted, time-tested teaching techniques and principles.

The Vanderbilt University Masters in Secondary Education program is another first-class option. The program will give you both your degree and the licensure you need to actually take on a classroom teaching job. (It’s possible to be qualified with a Master’s, but still not legally be able to teach if you lack licensure.) But don’t be put off if you’re an experienced teacher, thinking this is a course for kids fresh out of undergrad – the program has a separate stream for those who already have licensure, have been teaching for a while and are seeking to improve on their skills.

George Washington University is another popular option. This program will help you develop all the advanced skills you need for the important task of teaching high school students. On top of practical skills and more effective teaching methods, this course will help develop your leadership qualities and communication skills for a smoother teaching experience and better connections with your students.

Masters in Secondary Education Online

Drexel University is currently one of the leaders for Masters in Secondary Education online programs. Actually, Drexel is one of the few graduate schools offering online Masters in Education degrees which has been given the seal of approval by the US News rankings of top institutions. This makes the Drexel online program, which is both comprehensive and adaptable, one of the most valuable degrees of its kind available.

Saint Joseph University also runs an effective online Masters in Secondary Education program. This program emphasizes the importance of the role secondary teachers have to play and cultivates a sense of responsibility in its graduates as people who will play an important role in shaping the future.

Note: if you intend to teach someone outside the areas of English, Science, Math, History or Social Studies, this degree may not be for you. You’re better offer seeking a more specialized Master in education degree.

Masters in Secondary Education Jobs

Obviously, the majority of jobs that are available with this degree will be teaching roles – and that’s what you’re likely to be aiming for. The specialized content subjects you’ll be able to teach will be determined by your previous studies and what you know best. If you have a particular subject in mind that you want to teach but you don’t have an academic background in it, try to choose a Master’s program that will let you develop the knowledge you need in that subject area.

Aside from teaching, there are administrative roles you can take up within a high school with this degree. That’s probably not what you have in mind, but it’s nice to know the option is available if you ever need a break from the classroom.

Masters in Secondary Education Salary

The typical salary for a high school teacher is around $55,000 a year, with $35,000 being at the low end of the spectrum and $80,000 at the high end. Having a Masters in secondary education will help push you towards the higher end, but your subject choice will also have an influence.