A master of education (M.Ed.) can be a great option for individuals looking to pursue a career in education, or for experienced teachers who want to move into administration. An M.Ed. can also prepare graduates to work in education policy or specialize in special education or educational technology.
As you explore education master's programs, make sure you prioritize accredited degrees, such as those accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Earning an unaccredited degree may not qualify you for teaching licensure or even a career in the field.
The job outlook for M.Ed. graduates varies considerably, depending on what career path you choose. As an example, many M.Ed. graduates go on to become principals at elementary and secondary schools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of principals to grow by 4% from 2019-29.
This guide outlines what you can expect in a master's in education program, including admissions requirements, common coursework, and possible career paths.
A master's in education commonly prepares graduates to specialize in a certain area of teaching. However, the degree can also lead to careers in other areas, such as education administration, school counseling, special education, corporate training, curriculum development, or educational consulting. Some graduates even become educational coordinators in non-school settings, like museums or zoos.
Students who pursue a master of arts in education (MA) in education often consider the degree as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. With an emphasis on research, graduates of doctoral programs usually accept positions as university faculty members. Students who pursue an MA in education, on the other hand, typically prioritize a career within the education profession, such as an education administrator or consultant.
That depends on the program. Most last 1-2 years, but some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to graduate more quickly. Online programs also tend to offer more flexible timelines. Degree-seekers who enroll part-time should expect to spend an extra semester or two pursuing their degree.
Yes. You can become a teacher with either a master's in education or an MA in teaching. These degrees can prepare experienced teachers to specialize in a specific area. However, they can also provide opportunities for professionals looking to gain entry into the field of education.
A special education program prepares teachers to work with students with special needs, including those with behavioral problems, speech impediments, or learning disabilities. This concentration introduces special teaching strategies to assist these learners. Degree-seekers can focus on young children, middle school students, or high school learners, or they can find a special education track that encompasses grades K-12.
This concentration prepares graduates to work with students from various multicultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. This can include helping students overcome various linguistic or cultural barriers, and enact curricula in the classroom that accounts for an ethnically diverse student body.
A concentration in instructional leadership can either teach coaches and teachers how to become leaders in their classrooms, or it can prepare them for an administrative career as principal or superintendent. This specialization might focus on using data for school improvement or inquiry-based classroom instruction.
An M.Ed. in teaching education focuses on the craft of teaching at an advanced level. Students may learn about education policy, teaching strategy, or curriculum building. Within the teaching education concentration, students can often specialize their degree even further in areas like elementary teaching, secondary teaching, special education, mathematics teaching, or teaching the humanities.
This concentration prepares learners to lead students in the classroom and on the field. Coursework may include coaching pedagogy, sport performance, and sport psychology and student wellness.
Education policy determines a school's priorities and what students learn each grade level. Individuals at the local, state, and government levels all have a hand in setting education policy. Lobbyists and professional associations also try to influence education policy. This concentration prepares degree-seekers for a career in education policy, and focuses on concepts like school improvement, student success, and educational equity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a master's in education?
What is the difference between an M.Ed. vs. an MA in education?
How long does it take to get a master's in education?
Can I be a teacher with a master's in education?
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