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Earning a master’s degree in education is a popular step for educators who want to advance their careers. More than 56% of school teachers have a master’s degree or higher, according to the National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) report from the U.S. Department of Education.
Not only will an advanced degree in education help you improve your skills as an educator and potentially make a more significant impact on your students’ lives, but it also can lead to a pay increase and help you move into a leadership position. The National Council on Teacher Quality found that 88% of large school districts offer additional pay to teachers with master’s degrees.
A master’s degree in education also is valuable because you can:
There are many types of master’s degrees in education. The right one for you will depend on your goals and area of interest. This article will help you understand the four main types of degrees so you know your options.
There are four main types of degrees: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed.), Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The type of degree offered by a university sometimes depends on how the school designates it internally and for accreditors, which means a Master of Arts in Education at one institution might be called a Master of Science in Education at another.
This degree program often focuses on practical, field-based experience to help you understand and evaluate education practices. Specific courses vary by concentration, but coursework generally will cover such topics as instructional design, differentiated learning, instructional theories, educational best practices, education research, educational leadership and education policy and reform. M.Ed. programs are also frequently designed to provide the flexibility needed for full-time teachers to be able to continue teaching while pursuing their degrees.
Who It’s For
This is geared toward teachers who want to expand their understanding of teaching theories, strategies and pedagogy, and those who want to move out of the classroom and become school principals, curriculum designers, school counselors or even corporate trainers.
Concentrations or Specializations
When enrolled in Master of Arts in Education programs, students gain advanced knowledge about education and a particular subject, such as math, English or history. Coursework may include curriculum development, education theory and educational research in the content area.
Who It’s For
Current educators who want to develop both depth and breadth in their studies, including focusing on the theoretical and scholarly aspects of education. They often go on to pursue instructional or administrative careers in education.
Concentrations or Specializations
A Master of Science in Education program, like a Master of Arts in Education program, combines courses in the concentration’s content area with classes in teaching methods that will help degree seekers understand the pedagogical approaches they need to be effective classroom teachers.
Who It’s For
Current educators who are interested in research and technical expertise and those whose career goals require both practical knowledge and expertise in research, quantitative methods, and qualitative analysis. Often these degree holders become researchers, policymakers, curriculum developers or administrators.
Concentrations or Specializations
M.A. in Teaching programs equip students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on field experience and teaching strategies needed to be effective in the classroom. They provide a combination of theoretical courses – leadership in classrooms, instructional design, student development – and practical work, including student teaching and research.
Who It’s For
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A. in Teaching) degree satisfies the needs of individuals who don’t have an undergraduate teaching degree but want to teach and need practical hands-on skills and experience. It’s also an option for teachers who want to stay in the classroom and advance their teaching careers by focusing on practical skills and subject-specific content.
Concentrations or Specializations
How much more money will you make with a master’s degree? The National Council on Teacher Quality determined that a master's degree earns teachers, on average, an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to a bachelor's degree. This salary advantage increases to an average of $7,358 annually by the time a teacher reaches the maximum point on the pay scale.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports a high payoff for a master’s degree in education: The highest percentage wage premium goes to education administrators: They earn 44% more than those with bachelor’s degrees. Preschool and kindergarten teachers with master’s degrees make 43% more than those with bachelor’s degrees, and elementary and secondary school teachers earn 28% and 24% more, respectively.
When prospective students ask Dr. Brett Tozer, chair of the School of Education at Franklin University, for advice on choosing a master’s degree and concentration, he advises them to consider how they’ll be able to leverage the master’s to advance their career.
"If you envision yourself staying in the classroom as a teacher, then an M.A. in Teaching or an M.Ed. with a specialization in curriculum instruction could be programs to strongly consider," Tozer says. "If you're interested in pursuing a leadership role or a role in administration, where you'll be making decisions with larger groups of stakeholders, then an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is a path worth considering."
To decide which master’s degree in education you should pursue, ask yourself these five questions:
Earning a master’s degree in education demonstrates to employers that you’re committed to your craft. It gives you the credentials and experience that can help you advance on your career path–and often provides a pay bump.
Franklin University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership is predominately for people who want to move out of the classroom. It offers a focus area in higher education and another in K-12 building-level leadership. During the program, you’ll learn about such topics as the principles of educational leadership, leadership theory, leading curricular and instructional alignment, and critical issues in education and community relations. The flexible degree program is ideal for working educators because it enables them to take courses while continuing to teach.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program.