Convenient and online master's degree programs cater to career-switchers

Convenient and online master's degree programs cater to career-switchers

The recession has inspired many individuals to abandon their career goals and pursue a job that will fulfill them. Fortunately, many campus-based and online colleges are designing graduate programs that can help students transition into new fields quickly.

The University of Delaware is one of these schools, as administrators have enrolled the first class of the college's new Master of Arts in Teaching degree program, UDaily reports.

This course of study, which was developed as part of the university's application for Race to the Top funding, is intended to help recent graduates of bachelor's programs and mid-career professionals begin teaching as soon as possible. Over 12 months, these individuals will gain real-world experience at local schools, work on group projects with fellow students and earn their teaching certification.

College officials told the news source that they are hoping to attract degree seekers who have a background in math or science, as school districts across the country are currently experiencing shortages of educators who are qualified to teach these subjects.

According to PayScale.com, a research company, teachers who hold a master's degree earn approximately $5,000 more per year than those who have only completed a bachelor's program.

By Stefanie Hughes