Explore 4 learning paths for educators

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Educators have many different learning options as they look for ways to expand their professional skills and discover the kinds of careers in education they want to pursue. The choice you make should be based on your interests and what you want to focus on.

Think about where you may want to go next, what goals you have for your career, and then consider building expertise through a degree in education.

Below are four options to think about as you seek to grow your skills or contribute to new research in the field and discover the kinds of careers in education you want to pursue.

Note: Some positions in the field of education may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
 

1. Individual courses in education

Want to get some academic experience before you commit to earning a degree? You may also be able to apply individual courses to a future degree program.

You can also use the course credits you earn toward fulfilling specific professional requirements.

Capella offers many courses in education that you can take on their own or combine a few to cover specific areas that fit your professional learning goals.

Here are some examples of individual courses from Capella you might consider:

• School Leadership and Management Practices. Learn methods for creating an inclusive school environment that demonstrates respect and value for diverse staff and student populations.
• Evaluating Training and Performance Improvement Systems. Examine research and literature to explore current trends and issues related to the impact of technology and multimedia on P–12 student teaching and learning.
• Needs Assessment: Models and Procedures. Engage with a survey of needs assessment models and procedures used to diagnose the causes of organizational performance problems.

Explore all individual education courses

 

2. Master’s degree in education

Earning a master’s in education can help you expand specific skills at the graduate level while focusing on educational practices that support student achievement.

Whether you want to understand how to set up and lead a modern classroom, encourage student achievement, enhance your classroom with technology or build your capabilities in adult and post-secondary education, earning a master’s in education can help you expand your skills as an educator.

Discover master’s degrees in education

 

3. PhD in education

A PhD in education can help provide a strong foundation for you on your professional journey. You can find ways to expand your expertise and meet high-level challenges as an educator.

This degree is for experienced educators who want to develop specialized leadership and problem-solving skills used in various learning environments.

The specialized coursework included in a Capella PhD in Education can support your growth as a learning professional. These programs focus on developing specialized leadership and problem-solving skills that can be applied in real-world contexts.

Learn more about earning a PhD in Education

 

4. Doctor of Education (EdD)

An EdD can help you develop expertise in a special area, which you can then apply directly in the classroom or in other educational settings.

The Capella EdD program is designed to help experienced practitioners build high-level leadership skills, with emphasis on applied research. You can choose to specialize in administration, curriculum, technology or other areas in this practitioner-focused program.

Explore this EdD program and specializations
 

What’s next for you?

Capella University offers master’s and doctoral programs designed for professional educators who want to develop advanced skills and knowledge in today’s education environment. Learn more about Capella’s education degrees (including those accredited by CAEP^*) and CACREP-accredited school counseling degrees.**

*Capella University’s MS in Education specializations (Early Childhood Education, Reading & Literacy, Leadership in Educational Administration - Principal), EdS in Education specialization in Leadership in Educational Administration (Principal and Superintendent), PhD in Education specializations (Leadership in Educational Administration – Principal and Superintendent and Education Leadership), and MS in School Counseling program are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

**Capella University’s MS in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2028.

 

Learn more about education programs and courses from Capella University”