Transitioning out of teaching can be daunting, but with the right resources and support, it can also be an exciting opportunity to explore new career paths. One way to make this transition is through a one-year master’s program. People with a master’s degree, on average, earn 15% more than those with a bachelor’s. Although educators typically make 27% lower than their counterparts with a bachelor’s. If a master’s is part of your master plan, here are a few accelerated options to consider.
Wake Forest School of Business Masters of Management:
Wake Forest’s Masters of Management program is designed for recent graduates looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to transition into a business career. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering accounting, finance, marketing, and management. In addition to classroom learning, students participate in graduate consulting projects.
One of the program’s strengths is its focus on personalized career coaching. Students work with a career coach throughout the program to develop a career plan and prepare for job interviews. Additionally, the program has a strong alumni network, which can be a valuable resource for career advancement.
The cost is egregious, upward of 75kish, so I do not recommend this option without a substantial scholarship. But no GRE is required.
Duke University’s Fuqua Master’s of Management Studies:
Duke’s Fuqua Master of Management Studies program is designed for recent graduates looking to gain a deeper understanding of business and management. The program offers a comprehensive finance, accounting, marketing, and strategy curriculum. In addition to classroom learning, students participate in experiential learning opportunities, such as case competitions and consulting projects.
One of the program’s strengths is its focus on teamwork and collaboration. Students work in teams throughout the program to solve complex business problems and develop real-world solutions. Additionally, the program has a strong alum network, which can be a valuable resource for career advancement.
The cost is also egregious, upward of 75kish, so I recommend this option with a substantial scholarship. But no GRE is required.
The University of Texas at Austin’s Master’s of Human Dimensions of Organizations (HDO)
The University of Texas at Austin’s Human Dimensions of Organizations (HDO) program is a unique one-year master’s program, really 15 months, designed for experienced professionals looking to enhance their leadership, communication, ethics, change management skills, and decision-making. HDO’s practice-oriented curriculum draws on humanities and social and behavioral sciences disciplines, providing a multidisciplinary approach to developing well-rounded “internal consultants.” They do allow distance learning.
One of the program’s strengths is its focus on practical skills for professional success. There are no exams in the HDO program; instead, assessments are designed to provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills that they can immediately apply in their professional lives. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle various organizational challenges. Another strength of the program is its diverse cohort. Each cohort consists of experienced professionals from a wide range of fields, allowing for exchanging problems and solutions across sectors. This diversity enhances the learning experience and provides valuable networking opportunities and the chance to build professional connections.
All students in the HDO program complete a Capstone Project, which allows them to draw on what they’ve learned to tackle an organizational problem of their choice. This project provides a valuable opportunity for students to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting and positively impact an organization. With its multidisciplinary approach, practical focus, diverse cohort, and Capstone Project, the HDO program provides a challenging and rewarding educational experience.
It’s 60kish, no GRE, no tests.
Georgetown University’s Master’s in Technology Management
Georgetown University’s Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management is a one-year program that prepares students to become influential and forward-thinking technology leaders. It focuses on recent grads of any major and early technology professionals. The program combines critical thinking strategies with management expertise to help students address evolving business needs and inspire teams to drive innovation.
The program’s curriculum focuses on practical, hands-on experience and includes regularly updated coursework to align with industry trends. The courses, led by a faculty of CIOs, strategic directors, and IT executives, emphasize current best practices and emerging industry trends and technologies. Students will gain a 360-degree perspective of the technology landscape and develop the contemporary skills that today’s market demands.
One of the program’s strengths is its emphasis on real-world client work, guest lectures, case studies, and networking events. Students can engage with some of the nation’s leading industry experts and organizations, which provides valuable experience and prepares them for their future careers. Another strength of the program is its focus on developing leadership skills. Students learn to inspire teams, drive innovation, and make strategic decisions. This focus on leadership prepares students to take on leadership roles in technology organizations and positively impact their organizations.
It’s 45k and No GRE.
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Masters of Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship:
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Master of Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship program is designed for educators looking to transition into educational technology. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as educational technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. In addition to classroom learning, students participate in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and project-based learning.
One of the program’s strengths is its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship in education. Students learn how to develop and implement innovative solutions to education’s challenges. Additionally, the program has a strong alumni network, which can be a valuable resource for career advancement.
I love the cost on this one; 19k out of state and 10k in the state, no GRE.
Final Thoughts
Overall, each of these one-year master’s programs offers unique strengths and benefits for those looking to transition out of teaching. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in business or education, these programs can provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your new career path. When choosing a program, it is important to consider your personal goals and interests and the program’s curriculum, resources, and alumni network. With the right program and support, you can successfully make the transition out of teaching and into a fulfilling new career.
Classroom to Corporate 