In which order should I get these degrees?

datasci
Sun, 17 Jul 2016 07:18:40 +0000

I considered going this route with my math degree, and when I planned it, there was a lot more financial sense and plain sense in just going into the teaching credential program first. I get the sense that this is what most teachers do also - get the credential, get a job, get a Master’s in order to get a pay bump and/or for personal fulfillment.

The exception would be if you would need to take a year or two off to complete the Master’s because the program doesn’t allow students to attend it online or at night or part-time, etc. In that case there would be a lot of sense in doing the Master’s first, rather than disrupting your career and leaving your school. This would make the most sense also if the degree is Mathematics Teaching. If it is something more theoretical, for a high school teacher, then it would have less value to distinguish you as an applicant I imagine.

The financial side is that you can start working earlier. You’ll immediately get a bump for the Master’s according to the schedule, when obtained, so you’re not sacrificing future pay by accepting a lower entry level salary. The practical side is that the Mathematics end will be more than adequately covered by your Bachelor’s. Lots of math teachers didn’t even pursue the math degree, so you can already stand out just by doing that and by going straight into a credential program, showing high competence and intention to pursue teaching.

Disclaimer: These are just my opinions – I’ve never hired teachers or actually went down the path.