2 answers
Kayla
Student
Elmont, New York
1
Question
Asked
548 views
What major would be the best for grad school?
I would like to become a social studies teacher in a high school setting, and with so many options to choose from, how will I know what to major in and what is right for me? #college-major
Login to comment
2 answers
Ebony Staten
CareerVillage.org TeamDirector
24
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Ebony’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Kayla,
Each state has varied requirements. Take a look here to better understand whats needed for your state. It includes a step by step guide.
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/certprocess.html
Also, if you're in school now , consider talking to your favorite teacher about the path they chose and whether or not they would take the same path now that they are older and more experienced. That conversation may also help you better understand the steps you see in the list linked.
Hassan is right (previous answer), there are several pieces to consider when planning your career path but if teaching is something you're passionate about "where there's a will there's a way".
You got this!
Each state has varied requirements. Take a look here to better understand whats needed for your state. It includes a step by step guide.
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/certprocess.html
Also, if you're in school now , consider talking to your favorite teacher about the path they chose and whether or not they would take the same path now that they are older and more experienced. That conversation may also help you better understand the steps you see in the list linked.
Hassan is right (previous answer), there are several pieces to consider when planning your career path but if teaching is something you're passionate about "where there's a will there's a way".
You got this!
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I'd think that you'll want to choose a major that you're most interested in since you'll want to enjoy the graduate school learning experience and do well. You could also research which subject are in highest demand in the school district you're thinking about teaching at. That way you'll have a higher likelihood of getting a job.
You'll also want to think about what else you may want to do down the road. If you're thinking Assistant Principal or Principal, then the Masters may give you an advantage to move up. In some states, having a Masters with 12-15 hours in a subject may also allow you to teach that subject at a Community College or even at a University.
If you're sure you just want to teach in a school district, then you may also want to consider if it is worth the time and expense to get a Masters. Most states do not require Masters degrees for HS Social Studies. Also, many districts only pay an extra $1,000 a year for having a Masters. So if it costs you $25,000 in tuition then it'll take you 25 years to earn back the $s you spent on the degree. The math is more bleak if you don't work as a teacher while getting the Masters. If you could earn $50,000 as a 1st year teacher once you get your Bachelors vs. taking a part time $25,000 job for two years to go on to get your Masters. So now you lost $50,000 income for two years and paid $25,000 in tuition. That'd mean it would take 75 years to break even. Even if you're in a state that requires Master for High School, you may want to just teach Middle School and save a lot of money.
You'll also want to think about what else you may want to do down the road. If you're thinking Assistant Principal or Principal, then the Masters may give you an advantage to move up. In some states, having a Masters with 12-15 hours in a subject may also allow you to teach that subject at a Community College or even at a University.
If you're sure you just want to teach in a school district, then you may also want to consider if it is worth the time and expense to get a Masters. Most states do not require Masters degrees for HS Social Studies. Also, many districts only pay an extra $1,000 a year for having a Masters. So if it costs you $25,000 in tuition then it'll take you 25 years to earn back the $s you spent on the degree. The math is more bleak if you don't work as a teacher while getting the Masters. If you could earn $50,000 as a 1st year teacher once you get your Bachelors vs. taking a part time $25,000 job for two years to go on to get your Masters. So now you lost $50,000 income for two years and paid $25,000 in tuition. That'd mean it would take 75 years to break even. Even if you're in a state that requires Master for High School, you may want to just teach Middle School and save a lot of money.