Schools across the country need educators who are qualified to teach students who speak languages other than English. In a 2024 Rand survey, about half of teachers reported that they were only somewhat prepared or not prepared at all to teach students who did not speak English. This represents an opportunity for people who want to become English as a second language (ESL) teachers.

The focus and mission of nonprofit organizations center on social causes rather than revenue. Nonprofit operations are structured to tackle particular needs in society in areas such as housing, education, healthcare or the environment. Nonprofit executive directors lead their staff and implement their organizations’ strategic plans to create a lasting positive effect on their communities.

An estimated 15.3 million students were enrolled in undergraduate programs in spring 2025, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. In the same period, graduate school enrollment reached 3.1 million. Just as important, as more schools offer online degree programs, postsecondary education is becoming a reality for a bigger and more diverse group of students.

The United States is facing a teacher shortage. According to the Learning Policy Institute, a nonprofit education research group, more than 400,000 teacher positions were left unfilled or were filled by teachers not fully certified for their roles in 2024. That’s about 1 in every 8 teaching positions in the U.S.

Choosing the right mass media program is a huge step toward a successful career in the world of media. It’s essential to select a program that offers quality education, practical experience, and industry recognition. Here’s what to consider—and how SEMO's Department of Mass Media has what it takes: