WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION?

Have you completed your Under Graduation is Special Education and are confused about applying for a Master’s degree? Are you wondering about the career prospects that will be available to you after attaining a Master’s degree in special education?

To begin with, receiving a Master’s degree in special education is more beneficial than just a Bachelor’s degree. First of all, a Master’s degree offers you better job opportunities.

Secondly, by attaining a Master’s degree, you will become eligible to join professional associations like National Association for Special Education Teachers (NASET), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and National Education Association (NEA). According to PayScale.com, compared to a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree in special education has a scope of earning 5% more in the same field. The average annual salary in the special education field stands at around $60,000. Furthermore, in some states, a Master’s in special education is required to become a licensed educator.

Unlike common perception, there are various career prospects after a Master’s degree in special education other than becoming a special education teacher. Here are some of the careers that you could follow with a Master’s Degree Special Education:

1. DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Employed at District-level, Director of Special Education is responsible for overseeing the academic and social development of students enrolled in special education programs. The DSE has to ensure that teaching, counseling, training, staff, and additional education services are being provided to all students enrolled in the program. Supervising teams at different educational facilities and ascertaining that they meet the standards is also a responsibility of the Director of Special Education. Moreover, DSE has to work mostly during the academic year and for some time during the summer break to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Director of Special Education, according to the US News & World Report, earn an average annual salary of $74,060.

2. EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTICIAN

Educational diagnosticians are responsible for providing counseling to students with disabilities and facilitating access to educational programs and projects. They also appraise educational programs and processes and recommend changes to their organization. Educational diagnosticians also evaluate students with special needs and assist in choosing the right program for them.

According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary for an Education Diagnostician is around $ 57,875.

3. SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

One of the most common career choices after completing a Master’s degree in Special Education is to become a teacher for students with special needs. Special Education Teachers are needed at all levels; elementary, middle, and high school. Special Education teacher assesses the needs of the students and designs individual programs for each student. Additionally, teachers work with the parents of the special needs students to encourage behavior management in students.

The average annual salary for special education teachers varies according to the levels; at the elementary level, it is $ 57,040, at middle school level it is $ 58,560, and at the secondary level, it is $ 59,700.

4. LEARNING BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

As a Learning Behavior Specialist, you will be expected to assess the behavioral and emotional issues of children and provide them with necessary support. A Learning Behavior Specialist acts as a mediator between children with special needs and all parties related to the child including their parents, teacher, and guardians. The LBS is responsible for developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student they assess. Suggesting therapies and strategies meet the needs of the students is an important part of the job.

According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary for a Learning Behavior Specialist is $53,220.

5. REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Rehabilitation Counselor assists people with disabilities to gain independence. Rehabilitation counselor helps people with special needs in achieving they’re professional, personal, and social objectives through a series of counseling programs and assisted training that exceeds beyond the limits of the classroom.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of rehabilitation counselor is $32,350 or $15.50/hour.

Use your Master’s degree in Special Education and follow one of these career choices that will help you to earn a livelihood while making a difference in the world.