Educators can qualify for a wealth of career opportunities beyond the classroom. After all, education is a broad field encompassing administration, instruction, curriculum, assessments and strategic planning. Within each of these areas are several career paths educators with specialized skills can pursue.
A master’s degree is often the minimum academic requirement for educators looking to expand their professional impact or transition into new areas of expertise. Youngstown State University (YSU) offers a range of online master’s degree specializations that align with specific career goals, including roles within the rapidly evolving world of digital teaching and learning.
Below, we discuss the value of earning a master’s degree in education as well as any field. We also explore how YSU’s online Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum & Instruction – Digital Teaching and Learning helps educators advance their careers while meeting the high demand for professionals with specialized training.
Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Education?
There are numerous personal and professional benefits to earning a master’s degree in education. Across all industries, individuals with master’s degrees earn nearly 20% more than those with a bachelor’s degree as their highest credential. They also experience greater job stability, with rates of unemployment about 12% lower than rates among bachelor’s degree holders.
Completing a master’s program enables teachers to pursue advanced opportunities in traditional and emerging fields of education. Consequently, a master’s degree can serve as a steppingstone into a fast-growing field, where educators may enjoy increased earning potential, new professional experiences and greater job security.
The Growing Demand for Education Technology Professionals
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 77% of public K-12 schools and 73% of private K-12 schools used self-paced or live teacher-led online learning. Although schools have since reopened, online and hybrid education models remain popular among families who found distance learning to be a better fit for their children.
The trend extends to higher education as well. In 2021, about 61% of undergraduate students took at least one online course, and 28% studied exclusively through distance learning options. Working professionals in many corporate sectors continue to rely on online training and continuing education to advance their skills and careers.
The surging interest in digital learning means new opportunities for educators who can design and implement digital learning solutions. Compared to classroom teaching positions, roles in instructional design, curriculum development and educational technology often offer increased flexibility. Many are remote or hybrid roles designed for people who prefer working from home, making them ideal for professionals seeking adaptable, future-focused career paths.
Digital Learning Specialist
A digital learning specialist designs, implements and manages digital learning platforms and instructional tools. Employed by school districts, higher education institutions and educational organizations, they help teachers integrate technology into their classrooms by providing training, technical support and ongoing guidance. They also assist with deploying tools and monitoring the effectiveness of digital learning methods over time.
Aspiring digital learning specialists can build the necessary skills through a master’s program that emphasizes digital teaching and learning. Courses in digital pedagogy and curriculum design for digital learning environments are especially valuable to educators looking to qualify for in-demand, technology-driven roles.
E-learning Developer
E-learning developers work closely with subject matter experts and instructional designers to create engaging digital learning experiences, such as digital games, modules, tutorials, platforms and simulations. These professionals work for government agencies, universities or K-12 schools, as well as for corporate training partners or companies that develop and sell virtual training or educational content.
To succeed as an e-learning developer, both technical skills and pedagogical expertise are necessary. A master’s in education program with a digital learning concentration helps students hone instructional design capabilities and gain hands-on experience authoring software and learning management systems — all key competencies for today’s e-learning developers.
Instructional Design Specialist
Instructional design specialists create curricula and learning materials for digital education environments. They assess and evaluate learning outcomes and instructional effectiveness to identify areas for improvement and then refine programs over time. As highly sought-after professionals, instructional designers work in corporate training, educational consulting and K-12 curriculum development. The nature of the role lends itself to remote and hybrid work, making the job a good fit for someone who prefers more flexible working arrangements.
A master’s in education with a specialization in digital teaching and learning equips students with the skills needed to excel in this field. Coursework often includes curriculum design, instruction assessments, cognitive theory, digital literacy and content creation, providing both the theoretical foundation and practical expertise needed to design engaging, effective learning experiences.
Specialize as a Tech-savvy Education Leader
YSU’s digital teaching and learning program prepares educators for exciting new roles in an evolving, increasingly tech-driven field. Through coursework focused on instructional design, digital teaching and educational technology, students acquire a strong foundation of advanced knowledge to support their success as a digital learning specialist, e-learning developer or instructional design specialist. Graduates also gain vital skills in research, leadership, problem-solving and decision-making.
The program’s online format offers working educators a flexible path to advancing their careers. Students can study at their own pace while they continue to work and manage personal responsibilities.
Prepare for In-demand Roles in Education With an Online M.S.Ed. From YSU
Educational technology is evolving at a rapid pace, creating new opportunities for educators. Among them are rewarding jobs in digital learning, e-learning development and instructional design. An advanced degree can help educators qualify for in-demand roles that offer increased earning potential, more job security and opportunities for further professional development.
For those interested in entering the growing field of educational technology, YSU’s online M.S.Ed. – Teacher Education – C&I – Digital Teaching and Learning program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for success. Ensuring the highest quality education, the program aligns with national standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Taught by dedicated faculty with years of real-world experience, this affordable online program makes advanced education convenient and accessible for working professionals looking to specialize in an area of education where demand is high for skilled professionals.
Learn more about YSU’s online M.S.Ed. – Teacher Education – C&I – Digital Teaching and Learning program.
