Master’s degree in education

It is a cliché that a career in education is rewarding, but it is also true. This is a field where you can have a tangible impact, whether that be in the classroom, or in auxiliary roles that improve the quality of the educational system.

Although teaching encompasses a large percentage of the careers in this sector, it is not the only possibility. Candidates who pursue a master’s of education often plan to move out of teaching and into alternative educational roles. Other reasons they enroll include:

To focus on a specialty

A master’s program allows students to concentrate on a niche area of interest, from special education to teacher leadership.

Professional development

Teachers understand better than anyone the importance of developing their skillset. A master’s in education can increase their understanding of the education system and improve their skills in the classroom.

To increase earning potential

A master’s in education can lead to higher wages for teachers (some districts give instant wage increases to master’s graduates), and lead to other lucrative jobs in the education sector.

So, if you are looking to improve your teaching skills, strengthen your career options in the educational sector, or increase your salary, read on to find out more about master’s in education programs.

What can you do with a master’s in education?

The best master’s in education can lead to employment opportunities in teaching, curriculum development, administration, and other educational leadership roles. Programs tend to include a wide range of concentrations and certificates, which can increase job prospects both in and out of the classroom.

Should you get a master’s in education?

When answering this question, it is not only important to consider whether a master’s is right for you, but also whether you are right for a career in this field.

Besides having a passion for education, those who succeed tend to be patient and optimistic. They are also ambitious – in terms of their own career, the number of people they can impact, and improving the education system as a whole.

Once you are sure this is the program for you, it is useful to consider the economic impact it might have on your life. The table below shows whether a master’s in education is a good financial decision. All the figures quoted are for 2 years after graduation.

» Read: How to calculate the earning potential of your degree

The figures indicate that master’s students earn nearly $20,000 more than bachelor’s holders annually. This may be because some graduates move out of teaching and into other more lucrative roles in the sector. Even so, there is evidence that teachers with higher qualifications earn more money. Whilst this might not be the most important factor, it is encouraging to know that a master’s in education is an economically sound investment.

How to pick a master’s in education program

A key factor is whether the program is accredited. If you attend an unaccredited institution you may be ineligible for doctorate studies, certification, or licensing.

Also investigate the concentrations on offer. These can differ greatly between curriculums, and finding a specialty that interests you can be the deciding factor in which program you choose.

Examples of some of the concentrations on offer include:

Special education

This focuses on the foundations of special education and the historical perspectives that have shaped it. It provides knowledge about instructional strategies, classroom assessment, and the IEP policies and procedures necessary for working with special needs students.

Teacher leadership

Learning about how to be an effective leader and understanding how to manage people can help you to create a more efficient learning environment. It can also prepare you for leadership roles, such as school principal, curriculum coach, or mentor.

English language learner

The focus is on research-based strategies for teaching English to students who want to learn the language. There is an emphasis on strategies for working with culturally and linguistically diverse students.

» Read: Which EFL program is right for you?

Can I study a master’s in education online?

Online options are less widely available than in other disciplines, with just 17.2% of programs taught fully online. This might be because many courses include a highly practical component. The best way to become a better educator is to be in the room with your trainer. This allows you to model their behavior and receive direct instructions.

Hybrid program options combining online instruction with face-to-face lessons are also available

The best master’s in education programs

Below we rank the master’s in education programs available using our own methodology. Note that missing information is usually due to insufficient data for reporting.

How much does a master’s in education cost?

The table below shows the difference in debt and repayment rates based on institution type.

The table indicates that 2 years after graduation students of private institutions earn slightly higher salaries. However, this figure is offset by the debt which graduates take on. Public institutions tend to be cheaper, which means their students typically leave with less debt.

Financial aid and scholarships for master’s in education students

A master’s program can be expensive. Luckily there are plenty of ways to make higher education more affordable. Scholarships, grants, and loans are popular ways to pay for a degree. Another popular route is Federal Student Aid, a need-based federal grant awarded to those who qualify for it.

Students of education may also be eligible for loan forgiveness. This means their student debt is wiped out after they have been working in the sector for a specified time period.

» Read: Tips for applying to scholarships

What to expect from a master’s in education program

Most programs last for 2 years, although some can be completed in 12-18 months. Generally speaking, students can expect the program to give them a better understanding of the science behind education. They also learn how to become better teachers and leaders. The choice of concentration plays a large role in defining what a student’s curriculum looks like.

What are the admission requirements for a master’s in education?

To be considered for a master’s program in education, you need to first complete a bachelor’s degree in education, or a degree in a related field. Be aware that some programs also require students to have teaching licensure, and even professional experience in the field.

Most schools require a minimum GPA of 2.75-3.0, but the higher your GPA, the more competitive your application. You may also be required to submit letters of recommendation, a goal statement, GRE scores, and a resume.

» Read: How to manage stress during the admissions process

Special credentials sought by master’s of education students

During their studies, students can take advantage of various certificate opportunities. These include:

Adult learning certificate

This focuses on adult curriculum design, learning theories, teaching methods, and program evaluation. These skills are essential if you are considering teaching adults after graduation.

Graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The main benefit of this course is key knowledge and solid hands-on field practice. It helps students assess and support those with an ASD, showing them how and when to implement evidence-based interventions.

College teaching certificate

This prepares you to educate students at a higher education level. Some universities and community colleges accept educators with a master’s degree. This certificate provides additional knowledge and skills before you step into the classroom.

What type of courses are there in a master’s of education program?

Core courses that master’s of education students need to complete may include:

What type of master’s degrees are there in education?

The 3 main types of master’s in education degrees are:

• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed)
• Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed)

Typically, a master’s of education emphasizes theory over practice. It is often taken by students who have been teaching for some time and are now looking to move into a role beyond the classroom.

A master’s of science (M.S.) or master’s of arts (M.A.) in education tends to focus on additional teacher training. Candidates commonly choose a specific subject area that they intend to teach, such as history, science, or math.

» Read: Is there value in earning a master’s degree?

What careers can I have with a master’s degree in education?

A master’s degree can lead to multiple roles within the education sector, both in the classroom and beyond. Note that to become a teacher in a public school, additional requirements, specifically a teaching license, are necessary before you enter a classroom.

Some of the jobs open to graduates of a master’s in education program include:

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to improve your teaching skills or move into another area of education entirely, a master’s of education is an excellent choice. In this highly versatile program, students can choose a concentration based on their career goals, giving them the best possible chance of success in their chosen position.