Do you want to help all students reach their full potential and make an impact for hundreds of young people? Consider a master's degree in gifted and talented education.
As a student in a gifted and talented program, you will gain experience in the identification of gifted and talented students, as well as strategies to improve their education. You will study theory and gain practice in working with these students, often conducting several semesters' worth of in-field and practicum experiences in schools.
These experiences will teach you how to work with gifted and talented students, an often overlooked population of a student body. Gifted and talented students need teachers who are sensitive, creative, and adaptive. A Master's degree in gifted and talented education will give you the background knowledge and experience necessary to work with this exceptional group of students as well as all other kinds of learners.
The best program in gifted and talented education will vary depending on your personal goals and the state in which you want to work. An online format is optimal for many students, offering convenience and flexibility, and often at a lower price than on-campus programs.
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What kind of gifted and talented education degree should you get?
A degree in gifted and talented education can help you advance your career or gain employment for the first time in a new school district. While the best degree for you will vary depending on your schedule, budget, current employment, and other factors, many people appreciate the convenience of an online degree. Online degrees allow graduate students to balance life, work, and school a bit more smoothly.
Most courses are offered asynchronously, meaning you can study and submit coursework at any time of the day. There are hundreds of degrees similar to those in gifted and talented education, including concentrations in reading, special education, and bilingual education. For the most comprehensive overview of the best online programs, be sure to check out our ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a gifted and talented education degree?
While average starting salaries for educators of the gifted and talented will vary, depending on years of experience, location, and other factors, a Master's degree in this field can significantly increase your earnings. On average, graduates with master's degrees tend to earn about twenty percent more per year than those with undergraduate degrees.
These jobs are multiplying. While growth varies depending on the grade level with which you intend to work, the average growth across all levels is eight percent through 2024. This outlook is fantastic, especially considering that professionals with degrees in gifted and talented education can work in any corner of the country and practically any town or municipality.
What can you do with a degree in gifted and talented education?
Teachers with degrees in gifted and talented education generally work with other classroom teachers to develop assignments, assessments, and other materials for advanced students who are placed in inclusive classrooms. These teachers are required to meet with parents and other professionals to create curriculum that will help exceptional students succeed.
You might also work in administration or policy writing. Many graduates of these types of degree programs go on to become high school principals, programming directors, or other high-level decision makers. Simply put, an advanced degree in gifted and talented education enables you to work at all levels and with all kinds of outstanding students.
What are the requirements for a degree in gifted and talented education?
Most degree programs don't require previous experience, but almost everyone will require an undergraduate degree in teaching or a teaching-related field to be eligible for admission. Some programs also require initial teaching licensure or high scores on tests such as the GRE.
While enrolled in a program of study, you will likely complete a variety of classroom-based experiences, as well as internships and clinical experiences (such as student-teaching). These well-rounded pathways will give you experience in all aspects of gifted and talented education, including lesson planning, grading, classroom management, and crisis intervention.
What are the best gifted and talented education degrees?
For teachers who are already working and seeking an additional credential, online programs are ideal because most can be completed asynchronously, meaning students can work on their coursework at any time of the day, and from any location.
When compiling the list of the best online master's in gifted and talented education, we looked at schools that were regionally accredited. These schools have reputability in the field, offering programs that are highly ranked by authorities such as U.S. News and World Report.
We also examined each school's affordability, overall quality, and return on investment. Consider these schools when you're conducting your search for the best degree for your time and money.
Best Online Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Degrees
See our rankings methodology page.
