
30 Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs
Discover a program that is right for you.
A master’s degree in education is an excellent way to advance your career. Whether you’re planning to pursue a doctoral degree, increase your earning potential, or simply advance your skills, a master’s degree can help you get there.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in education, training, and library careers are growing at an above-average rate, and median salaries for these jobs are above average for all industries. And with a master’s degree, you’re eligible for even higher-paying jobs.
If this sounds like the right path for you, we’ve created a list that represents the top 30 best master’s in education degree programs from accredited colleges and universities.
Education Master's Programs for You
These top schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master’s or PhD programs.
Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs
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Utah State UniversityLocation
Logan, UT
Tuition$6092
Utah State University's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services offers several master's in education degree programs, including the M.Ed. in elementary education, instructional leadership, and secondary education. All master's programs are designed to prepare students for careers in education or entry into a doctoral education program.
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: GPA of 3.0 over the last 30 credits taken prior to application, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose
- Program website
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Indiana UniversityLocation
Bloomington, IN
Tuition$9743
Indiana University's School of Education offers a wide number of master's, specialist, and doctoral degree programs. Individuals interested in earning a master's in education may choose from one of twenty areas of study–from early childhood education to elementary education. Teaching licensure is also available. Admission to the top-ranked programs may be competitive. Indiana University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, in the most recent edition of Best Education Graduate Schools, Indiana ranks #28–tied with University of Maryland and University of Colorado.
- Graduation rate: 78%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, undergraduate GPA of 2.75, personal statement, two letters of recommendation
- Program website
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University of KansasLocation
Lawrence, KS
Tuition$9958
University of Kansas offers several master's in education degrees designed to prepare students and teachers for various leadership roles in education. From curriculum and instruction to special education, the School of Education offers rigorous courses that delve deep into each topic discussed. Students apply classroom content to the classroom while gaining hands-on work experience. University of Kansas is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. Also, the School of Education ranks #15 for best graduate education institutions in the country.
- Graduation rate: 62%
- Estimated years of completion: 2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, personal statements, letters of recommendation, resume
- Program website
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University of TexasLocation
Austin, TX
Tuition$10934
The University of Texas College of Education offers research-driven experiences for graduate students in pursuit of a master's in education degree. There are five general departments that each offers their own master of education degrees. These departments include curriculum and instruction, educational administration, educational psychology, kinesiology and health education, and special education. Depending on career goals, students may tailor their studies to fit their interests. Some of the M.Ed. programs include cultural studies in education, early childhood education, higher education leadership, and special education. University of Texas is a nationally ranked institution, and its College of Education is ranked #10 by U.S. News and World Report among the best graduate education schools.
- Graduation rate: 80%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, resume
- Program website
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Arizona State UniversityLocation
Tempe, AZ
Tuition$11304
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University creates teachers and educational leaders who have the knowledge needed to take action and improve education. Eleven master's in education degrees are offered, including curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, educational technology, higher and postsecondary education, and secondary education. Many of the degrees offered also provide teacher certification opportunities. For master's with teacher certification programs, a copy of the fingerprint clearance card is required. According to U.S. News and World Report's most recent publication of Best Graduate Education Schools, ASU's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College ranks #14 in the country.
- Graduation rate: 66%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, resume
- Program website
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University of WisconsinLocation
Madison, WI
Tuition$11870
Master's of education degrees in curriculum and instruction, K-12 leadership, and special education are just some of the areas of study available to students at this top ranked school. All master's in education programs are designed to equip students with the advanced skills necessary to work as leaders in the field of education or enter doctoral research programs, which are also offered at the institution. University of Wisconsin is a top-ranked national university. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the School of Education as the 4th best graduate education school in the nation.
- Average tuition cost: $6,098 - $12,761 per semester, depending on residency and credits per semester
- Graduation rate: 85%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume
- Program website
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University of ColoradoLocation
Boulder, CO
Tuition$12320
The School of Education at University of Colorado is ranked #28 by U.S. News and World Report as a best graduate education school. Five graduate programs are offered in curriculum and instruction, educational equity and cultural diversity, educational foundations and policy, learning sciences and human development, and research and evaluation methodology. Graduate students work in small groups and collaborate with faculty members who are education scholars with years of experience.
- Graduation rate: 70%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, personal statement, three letters of recommendation
- Program website
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Ohio State UniversityLocation
Columbus, OH
Tuition$12425
The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology offers several M.Ed. programs that equip students for leadership roles in education. Some of the programs include the master's of education in early childhood, English and integrated language arts, hearing impairments, mathematics, and vision impairments. Most of the master's in education programs also offer specializations so that the students may tailor their degree to suit their interests or career goals in teaching. Admission can be selective, as The Ohio State University is a top-ranked research institution. According to the U.S. News and World Report's best graduate education schools list, Ohio State's College of Education is ranked #18 in the country.
- Average tuition cost: $896.5 per credit hour
- Graduation rate: 80%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, GRE score
- Program website
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University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)Location
Los Angeles, CA
Tuition$12629
The education school is particularly known as a leading institution for equipping teachers who want to make a difference in urban and multi-ethnic environments. Several different programs are available to choose from, including the two-year graduate program and the IMPACT program. UCLA also offers a more rigorous four-quarter master's of education in urban teaching. Fees for each term will vary depending on your resident status. The program offers a variety of courses, all focused on making your transition to being an educator seamless. According to U.S. News and World Report's most recent publications of Best Graduate Schools for Education, UCLA ranks #11 in the country.
- Average tuition cost: $17,486 - $32,588 per year, depending on residency
- Graduation rate: 93%
- Estimated years of completion: 2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GRE score, three letters of recommendation, professional work experience
- Program website
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University of FloridaLocation
Gainesville, FL
Tuition$12737
University of Florida's College of Education is one of the top-ranked graduate education schools in the country. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report have ranked the institution and its education programs. In fact, the College of Education ranks #30 among the top graduate education schools–tied with University of Pittsburgh and Utah State University. A total of 17 M.Ed. programs are available in areas of study like curriculum and teaching, early childhood education, educational technology, and elementary education. Within many of the M.Ed. programs, subspecialties are offered so that students may tailor their degree to highlight specific interests or meet career goals.
- Graduation rate: 87%
- Estimated years of completion: 4-6 terms
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume
- Program website
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Virginia Commonwealth UniversityLocation
Richmond, VA
Tuition$12779
M.Ed. programs in adult learning, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and special education offer concentrations so that students may specialize their degree even further. For those interested in a business pairing with education, the school offers a dual-degree M.Ed. and MBA program. Virginia Commonwealth is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the education school ranks #33 among the best graduate education schools in the country.
- Graduation rate: 65%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, three letters of recommendation, statement of intent
- Program website
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University of MarylandLocation
College Park, MD
Tuition$12896
A teacher leadership M.Ed. program is also available with various sub-specializations like elementary/middle school, English, social studies, and special studies. Graduate students receive rigorous study with research opportunities woven into their classroom experiences. The education college is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 26th best graduate education school in the nation–tied only with University of Connecticut's Naeg School of Education.
- Average tuition cost: $34,440 - $$61,260, depending on residency
- Graduation rate: 82%
- Estimated years of completion: 2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation
- Program website
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University of ConnecticutLocation
Storrs, CT
Tuition$15296
Master's in education degrees are offered in numerous specialties like adult learning, curriculum and instruction, and special education. Graduate certificates and teacher certification programs are also available. Also, many of the programs are designed to meet the needs of working students who do not want to give up valuable work experience to attend classes. Hybrid and summer programs, or sixth-year degree options are available. In the most recent edition of Best Graduate Education Schools published by U.S. News and World Report, University of Connecticut ranks #26–tied with Indiana University or University of Maryland.
- Graduation rate: 82%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, statement of purpose, GRE and GMAT score
- Program website
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University of OregonLocation
Eugene, OR
Tuition$16040
University of Oregon's College of Education offers several master's in education programs that emphasize areas of focus like curriculum and teaching, educational leadership, prevention science, and special education. Most programs take between 14 months and two years to complete. Since the university is a research institution, the master's in education programs prepare students for careers through research-based study. Licensure and endorsement preparation is also offered so that students may earn K-12 Oregon teacher licensure in specific areas like reading endorsement or special ed. Oregon's College of Education ranks #12 in the most recent edition of U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Education Schools, tied only with University of Michigan.
- Graduation rate: 72%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, copy of active teacher license, professional references, resume, statement of purpose
- Program website
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Michigan State UniversityLocation
East Lansing, MI
Tuition$16122
Michigan State University's master of education program is well known for its research with children and its contributions to policy development. The MEd degree here is perfect for people who want to be involved in the research end of education. This university is large with more than 30,000 attendees, although graduate education classes tend to favor a low student-to-faculty ratio. Courses often taken for the graduate degree include: concept of a learning society, curriculum in its social context, elementary reading assessment, psychology of classroom discipline, and technology and leadership. Michigan State is a nationally ranked public institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the graduate education school #15 in the nation.
- Graduation rate: 80%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, professional essay, teaching and professional experience, three letters of recommendation
- Program website
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University of WashingtonLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$16278
The College of Education at University of Washington offers a number of specialized graduate programs that focus on research and field study. Five specialized areas of focus include curriculum and instruction, education and equity, educational policy, educational psychology, and special education. There are also teacher preparation programs designed to allow teacher candidates to work in a variety of field-based learning opportunities, including elementary teacher prep and secondary teacher experience. University of Washington's College of Education is highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 8th best education school in the country–tied only with Northwestern University.
- Average tuition cost: $6,174 - $11,128 per quarter, depending on residency
- Graduation rate: 83%
- Estimated years of completion: 2-3 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, GRE score, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, resume, writing samples
- Program website
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University of VirginiaLocation
Charlottesville, VA
Tuition$17094
University of Virginia's Curry School of Education is ranked among the top graduate schools of education in the nation. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Curry #21, tied only with USC. The school prides itself on offering rigorous yet practical education research that supports both the quality of teaching and clinical practices in the state. There are over 15 master's of education degree programs, including administration and supervision, curriculum instruction, educational psychology, higher education, and speech communications. Many of the M.Ed. programs are designed to prepare students for doctoral admissions.
- Graduation rate: 93%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, goal statement, recommendations, resume
- Program website
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University of MinnesotaLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Tuition$17289
University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development offers several accredited master's in education degree programs that provide students with cutting-edge research and practical applications designed to help them become teachers. Many of the graduate programs also have certificates or teacher licensure available. Admissions can be competitive, as the school is known for being a world-renowned research university. In fact, the graduate education programs are well respected in Minnesota school districts. University of Minnesota's College of Education is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 20th best graduate education school in the country, according to the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
- Graduation rate: 78%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 2.8, resume, essay, letter of recommendation, diversity statement
- Program website
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University of IllinoisLocation
Champaign, IL
Tuition$18041
University of Illinois' College of Education is a top-ranked graduate school that offers programs designed to equip students for careers as educators and administrators. Students benefit from being part of a research university while developing their own interests. Four areas of concentration include curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, education policy and organization and leadership, and special education. University of Illinois' College of Education is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best graduate education school in the nation–tied with Boston College's Lynch School of Education.
- Graduation rate: 86%
- Estimated years of completion: 2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, GRE score
- Program website
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University of MichiganLocation
Dearborn, MI
Tuition$20966
All graduate education programs are customizable and allow students the flexibility of probing areas of specialized interest tailored towards career goals. University of Michigan is a top-ranked public institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report's most recent edition of Best Graduate Education Schools ranks the institution as having the 12th best education school in the nation–tied only with University of Oregon.
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Estimated years of completion: 102 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, statement of purpose, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, resume, GRE score
- Program website
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University of PittsburghLocation
Pittsburgh, PA
Tuition$22060
University of Pittsburgh's School of Education is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 30th best graduate education school in the country. Master's in education degrees include a full range of specialty programs like early childhood education, elementary education, education leadership, and secondary education. Students benefit world-renowned faculty, an extended alumni network, and inquiry-based curriculum. Programs are designed to prepare the next generation of teachers, researchers, and administrators.
- Graduation rate: 80%
- Estimated years of completion: 2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, goal statement resume, three professional references
- Program website
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Boston CollegeLocation
Chestnut Hill, MA
Tuition$26262
Students are required to possess a strong background in their content area, and a bachelor's degree is needed. The programs emphasize foundational and professional courses and practicum experiences. Lynch is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best graduate education school in the country–tied only with University of Illinois.
- Graduation rate: 92%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-1.5 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, writing sample
- Program website
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University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$34268
Ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report, Penn's School of Education is listed as the 6th best graduate education school. Penn offers master's in education degrees with various concentrations and specialties like education entrepreneurship, education policy, and higher education. Penn's School of Education is ranked #6 in the country for best education graduate schools, according to U.S. News and World Report.
- Graduation rate: 96%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation
- Program website
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New York UniversityLocation
New York, NY
Tuition$40984
New York University's Steinhardt School of Education offers one of the top-ranked master's in education programs in the country. Elementary, secondary, and educational leadership programs are available. Depending on the chosen major, students may take classes that cover diverse learners, gifted education, and teacher leadership in the classroom. NYU's Steinhardt School is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 15th best graduate education school in the nation–tied with Michigan State University and the University of Kansas.
- Graduation rate: 85%
- Estimated years of completion: 2-3 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, content core requirements, resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT score
- Program website
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Harvard UniversityLocation
Cambridge, MA
Tuition$42874
Harvard University is recognized for its prestige and reputation. It is ranked by all major publications as a top national university. Those interested in graduate education find Harvard's School of Education to provide them with rigorous master's level degree options, including the master's in school leadership and teacher education. Admission is highly selective, and the process includes test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays. According to the most recent publication of Best Graduate Education Schools by U.S. News and World Report, Harvard ranks #2 in the country–tied with Johns Hopkins University.
- Graduation rate: 98%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, statement of purpose, resume, and three letters of recommendation
- Program website
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Vanderbilt UniversityLocation
Nashville, TN
Tuition$44050
Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education and Human Development offers master's degrees in education that include education policy, elementary education, and secondary education. Several joint degree programs and concentrations are available so that students may tailor their degree to suit career goals and personal interests. For those seeking an education career after earning a bachelor's that did not include teacher licensure, options are available in elementary and secondary education. Peabody College of Education is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 5th best graduate education school in the nation.
- Graduation rate: 93%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, GRE score
- Program website
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Columbia University Teachers CollegeLocation
New York, NY
Tuition$44176
Admission to this prestigious program can be tough. If you are admitted to the program, you will be able to pursue a master's in education degree with a focus on a particular subject. The Teachers College consists of ten different departments comprised of more than 100 programs that are specifically designed to teach you how to teach others. Columbia's Teachers College is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 7th best education graduate school in the nation.
- Graduation rate: 92%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-3 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation, GRE score
- Program website
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Stanford UniversityLocation
Stanford, CA
Tuition$46320
The courses vary depending on the specialization that you choose. Students enrolled as elementary STEP candidates enjoy a small class size of around 20 people, and secondary STEP candidates will be enrolled with about 70 others. Although you will either need good financial aid or a full bank account to afford to attend this school, Stanford University's reputation alone will help you long after you obtain your master's in education. According to U.S. News and World Report's most recent publications of Best Education Schools, Stanford ranks #1.
- Graduation rate: 96%
- Estimated years of completion: 9-18 months
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, statement of purpose, resume, three letters of recommendation, GRE score
- Program website
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Northwestern UniversityLocation
Evanston, IL
Tuition$49064
The School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University offers a master's in education (K-12) degree program that is designed to equip students to become teachers or leading teachers. For those interested in administration or leadership, a teaching leadership concentration is available. The K-12 teaching program prepares students for instruction roles in elementary and secondary schools. Part-time and full-time scheduling allows for flexible classes so that students can continue working and gaining valuable employment experience. Northwestern is a top-ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the graduate education school ranks #8 in the country–tied with the University of Washington.
- Graduation rate: 94%
- Estimated years of completion: 1-2 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0, statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation
- Program website
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Johns Hopkins UniversityLocation
Baltimore, MD
Tuition$50150
Johns Hopkins University is a top-ranked research school known for its academic rigor. The school offers a master's in education with concentrations in seven areas, including gifted education, reading, school administration and supervision, and technology for educators. The program requires 33 to 39 credits, depending on the selected concentration. Admissions requirements include official transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, current resume, completed essay, and two letters of recommendation. The program requires 33 to 39 credits, depending on the selected concentration. Johns Hopkins is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the School of Education is ranked #2 in the most recent publications of Best Graduate Education Schools, tied only with Harvard.
- Graduation rate: 92%
- Estimated years of completion: 2-5 years
- Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GPA of 3.0 or higher, resume, essay, two letters of recommendation
- Program website
When pursuing a master’s degree in education, you’ll take your undergraduate education to the next level. You’ll learn advanced techniques and strategies for curriculum development, instructional methods, and more. You’ll learn to utilize various software and technological tools while also enhancing your interpersonal and active listening skills.
To graduate with a master’s degree in education, you’ll generally need between 30 and 36 credits, which take between one and two years to earn. You may also take longer to earn your degree if you plan to continue working full-time, or take an online program for even more flexibility. At the end of the program, you may be required to complete a capstone or thesis.
What Are the Benefits of a Master’s in Education?
- Increased earning potential
In many school districts, teachers earn more when they have a master’s degree. Based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics, a teacher with a master’s degree earns an average of $61,250, while a teacher with a bachelor’s degree earns an average of just $48,650.
- More job opportunities
By earning a master’s degree, you’re opening yourself up to new potential job opportunities. Some jobs, such as school principal and instructional coordinator, are available only to those with master’s degrees.
- Enhanced skills and knowledge
Not only will you have more job opportunities and earning potential, but you’ll also grow as a teacher. If you continue to stay in the same role you had before earning a master’s degree, you’ll still bring a new level of skill and knowledge to your students.
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The Admissions Requirements for Masters in Education
Admission requirements may vary slightly depending on the school you attend, but you can expect a few standard requirements at all masters in education programs.
First, you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree in education and work experience in the field. You may also need a minimum undergraduate GPA, as well as a GRE or GMAT score. Finally, you’ll be expected to provide letters of recommendation and a personal statement or statement of purpose describing why you’re pursuing your master’s degree in education.
Types of Master’s Degrees in Education
There are five primary types of master’s degrees in education. There are plenty of similarities between them, which may help you to reach your career goals. However, it’s important to understand the differences so you can choose the specialization that best fits your professional aspirations.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
A Master of Education program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of educational careers, often in a school district administration or as an instructional coordinator. While you can pursue this degree if you plan to continue teaching, it may not be best suited for that career path.
Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)
A Master of Science in Education is a type of master’s degree designed to help build leadership skills to prepare graduates for a career in educational leadership. Because it is a Master of Science degree, there may be a stronger focus on STEM subjects.
Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)
Similar to the M.S.Ed., the Master of Arts in Education is designed to help current educators advance into leadership positions. The education component of the Master of Arts option will be less centered on STEM subjects. As a result, it may be better suited to teachers in subjects such as English and History.
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
A Master of Arts in Teaching is a degree for current teachers or those who plan to become teachers. Program participants may already have a bachelor’s degree in education or transition from another field. The program will be focused on classroom instruction and educational theory.
Master’s In Teaching (M.I.T.)
This type of master’s degree is specifically designed for people who wish to become teachers but who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in education and who don’t have work experience teaching. This type of degree prepares someone to be an educator and often meets teacher certification requirements, allowing someone to begin teaching.
Career and Salary Outlook for Education Graduates
There are plenty of job prospects for someone with a master’s degree in education. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for someone in the education, training, and library field is $52,380, more than $10,000 higher than the national median salary. And for many jobs in the field, salaries can range from $60,000 to $80,000.
The education field is also growing quickly. Employment in the field is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2019, which is faster than most occupations.
Here are some of the highest-paying jobs in the education field:
Jobs | Median Annual Salary | Growth Rate |
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal | $98,490 | 4% |
Instructional Coordinator | $66,970 | 6% |
High School Teacher | $62,870 | 4% |
Special Education Teacher | $61,420 | 3% |
Librarian and Library Media Specialist | $60,820 | 5% |
Middle School Teacher | $60,810 | 4% |
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $60,660 | 4% |
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Certifications and Licenses
Every state requires that individuals obtain a teacher’s license before they can teach in a public school. Educators are licensed at the state level, and each state has its own requirements for licensure. In general, educators must have certain education credentials, such as a bachelor’s degree in education. Additionally, they may have to pass an exam to prove competency.
Depending on the type of educator you plan to be, there may be additional requirements. For example, some states may require a teacher to be licensed in their subject area if they teach older students. Special education teachers usually require a separate type of licensure.
Many states have reciprocity agreements, meaning your teaching license in one state allows you to teach in another. This is often the case with neighboring states.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for Master's in Education Students
A master’s degree can be a significant financial investment. Luckily, there are many scholarships and other financial resources available to those pursuing a career in education.
Federal TEACH Grant
Who Can Apply: This program provides aid to students completing or planning to enroll in course work needed to begin a career in teaching. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who agree to complete four years of qualifying teaching after graduating can apply.
Amount: $4,000
Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Junior, senior, and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major can apply for this sponsored scholarship. Established by author Nancy Larson, her foundation of the same name encourages and supports prospective teachers.
Amount: $1,000
AFCEA Educational Foundation Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an education degree in a STEM field are eligible to apply. The foundation is committed to supporting STEM education and has provided more than $2 million in scholarships a year.
Amount: $1,000 - $3,000
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Education Degree Programs
Is a master’s degree valuable for teachers?
In general, yes. Nationally, an advanced degree is a factor for increasing pay to teachers in more than 145 school districts across the U.S. Not only will you see an increase in earning potential and available career paths, you’ll also grow both personally and professionally.
What can I do with a master’s in education degree?
There are many jobs available to someone with a master’s degree in education. Many of the same jobs are those you can do with a bachelor’s degree, such as an elementary school, middle school, or high school teacher. You can also qualify for other jobs such as a school principal, instructional coordinator, or counselor.
Would I get paid more with a master’s in education?
As with most occupations, teachers with a master’s degree can expect to earn more than a teacher with the same level of work experience with a bachelor’s degree. On average, a teacher with a master’s can earn an additional $2,760 in their first year.
What are the different master’s degrees in education?
There are several different types of master’s degrees in educatio
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Erin Gobler
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Erin Gobler is a freelance writer who covers education topics for Best Value Schools, Graduate School Hub, and Criminal Justice Degree Schools, among others. Her work has been published on sites like Fox Business, Rocket Mortgage, and The Balance.
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