Masters in Education Program Guide

A master’s degree in education (M.Ed.) qualifies you for specialized and supervisory positions in education. A master’s degree in education administration, for example, may enable you to work as an elementary, middle, or high school principal.

A master’s degree in higher education, on the other hand, will prepare you for a career as a postsecondary education administrator by providing you with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Having an online Master’s in Education can provide you with fantastic job security and great income potential. There are a number of recognized masters degrees available today, making it possible for students to find a program that fits their educational needs.

Getting a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) can help advance your career as a teacher, administrator, professor, curriculum specialist, or educational consultant. While getting an M.Ed. doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a new job, it can help set you apart from the other candidates and positions because virtually all state school districts require it for these careers.

A master’s in education (M.Ed.) is a two-year or four-year degree program that allows you to take on specialized and supervisory roles in the field. For example, a master’s degree in education administration may enable you to serve as an elementary, middle, or high school principal. Alternatively, a master’s in higher education will prepare you to become a postsecondary education administrator.

What Can You Do With a Master of Education?

The master’s in education is a great way for professionals and teachers to advance their careers and delve deeper into a specific subject area while also gaining teaching skills. As a result, graduates go on to work in a number of roles within the education field. After graduation, some of these careers require students to concentrate in a specific field or gain relevant professional experience.

The variety of careers that graduates from master’s in education programs can pursue is vast. The type of work these professionals do varies greatly and can include working as a teacher in public or private schools, teaching at the college level, working as an administrator for schools or colleges, and more.

During your research of master’s programs, ensure that each program on your shortlist offers courses and concentrations relevant to your career goals. Each of the careers listed below represents a specialization track pursued by graduate students.

Principal

Primary, middle, and high school principals serve as their schools’ chief executives. They implement district policies and act as liaisons between districts and their schools’ teachers and staff. Their other responsibilities include representing the school to the public. In most school districts across the country, principals must have an advanced degree and extensive teaching experience.

Median Annual Salary: $95,310 *

Instructional Coordinator

District instructional coordinators review the curriculum for their assigned subjects at district offices. In their meetings with teachers and other administrators, they develop a curriculum that matches their state’s academic standards. Graduates with an advanced degree and teaching experience are qualified for this position.

Median Annual Salary: $64,450 *

Special Education Teacher

Teachers of special education work on behalf of students with disabilities. In cooperation with classroom teachers, they ensure that these learners spend the majority of their time in general education classrooms with their peers. Teachers of special education meet with students, teachers, and administrators to develop and modify individualized education plans. An education master’s program with a focus on special education provides graduates with the essential background knowledge to improve academic outcomes for students with disabilities.

Median Annual Salary: $59,780 *

High School Teacher

Teachers in high school specialize in one or more academic subjects. Almost all high school teachers are also coaches or leaders of student clubs. In high school, teachers usually mentor college-bound students and write letters of recommendation. Graduating with an advanced degree prepares graduates for positions such as department heads or advanced instructors.

Median Annual Salary: $60,320 *

Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers are expected to teach one or more academic subjects in addition to leading clubs and coaching sports. In addition to these responsibilities, middle school teachers encourage students to develop positive social and academic behaviors in order to prepare them for success in high school and beyond. Master’s degrees meet the state’s qualifications for teacher licensure. Additionally, most districts offer higher starting salaries to middle school teachers with advanced degrees.

Median Annual Salary: $58,600 *

What are the best masters in education online programs of 2021? Here are our top 10:

Rank	School	Location
1.	North Carolina State University	Raleigh, NC
2.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	Champaign, IL
3.	Northeastern University	Boston, MA
4.	University of Central Florida	Orlando, FL
5.	University of Southern California	Los Angeles, CA
6.	Purdue University	West Lafayette, IN
7.	University of Georgia	Athens, GA
8.	California State University-Fullerton	Fullerton, CA
9.	University of South Florida	Tampa, FL
10.	San Diego State University	San Diego, CA

Getting a master’s degree in education may also qualify you for a promotion or raise in your salary as a teacher. For example, Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce reports that high school educators with a graduate degree earn about $16,000 more annually than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Graduates from accredited programs are prepared for a wide variety of careers in the classroom and in district offices. Graduates of master’s programs can gain the knowledge and skills needed to become an instructional coordinator, a profession with a median salary of $63,750. Professionals who possess a master’s degree can pursue other possibilities with even higher median salaries, such as principal. You can read this article to learn more about master’s programs in education, related careers, the application process, and resources that will help you along the way.

The M.Ed., or Master of Education, is an advanced degree for educators who want to specialize in a specific area or advance their career. Earning the M.Ed. can be the first step toward earning a Ph.D., though not all schools offer both degrees and they are not necessarily administered consecutively. Almost all full-time students earn their M.Ed. within a year, but part-time students may take longer to complete their coursework depending on how many classes they take each semester — and if they have one or more jobs at the same time.

Master of Education’s degree options are full-time, part-time and online. Most full-time programs take one year to complete if you already have a bachelor’s degree, but some may require up to two years of study. Your coursework may vary depending on your area of specialization, which may include programs like special education, educational technology or curriculum development.

What to Expect From an M.Ed. Program

The master’s in education programs share similar purposes, such as preparing students for careers as teachers or administrators, but each program offers different courses and concentrations. It is normal to expect the length of time required to earn a degree and tuition costs to vary. If you have questions about a program, contact either the university’s admissions office or education department.

A master’s degree in education is earned by completing graduate coursework and performing research in a specific field. The M.Ed. varies in its focus according to the school, but in general, students take courses in research methods, design and methodology, educational theory, and teaching practices. Many M.Ed. programs also include an internship component through which students gain practical experience working with students or teachers.

Concentrations Offered for a Master of Education

Special Education

Students in this concentration learn how to work with some of the most vulnerable students, including those with mental or physical disabilities. Students study the history of special education, the most common disabilities, and the latest best practices. Students and practicums are conducted in special education environments.

Sport Coaching and Leadership

During sport coaching and leadership courses, students learn the knowledge and skills needed to coach and mentor young student-athletes at the middle and high school levels. The concentration examines the coaching profession from multiple angles, such as the psychological and administrative factors that influence coaches’ decisions.

Technology and Learning

A concentration in technology and learning prepares teachers to use the latest technology to improve their students’ learning experiences. Additionally, this concentration prepares students to be technology leaders in their schools.

Literacy Education

At all grade levels, millions of children lack essential literacy skills. Students in this concentration learn how to assist struggling readers to catch up with their peers, thus increasing their chances of finishing school and leading a successful life.

Science and Mathematics Education

A science and mathematics education concentration prepares teachers for careers in STEM. The courses emphasize science and math fundamentals. As part of this program, students also participate in action research and learn how to incorporate technology into their classrooms.

Curriculum for a Master of Education

The majority of master’s degree programs in education offer a core curriculum that sharpens students’ knowledge and skills in foundational topics such as child development and leadership. The following list provides more information about common courses.

Instructional Leadership

Students who take courses in instructional leadership are prepared for careers as school administrators. Students learn about management styles, administrative skills, and interpersonal skills in this course. Students can also prepare for PRAXIS certification exams with this course.

Childhood Development

Teachers and administrators should be aware of the physiological, psychological, and social changes children undergo as they grow up. In this way, education professionals are able to interact more effectively with their students. Students may be required to focus on a particular age group depending on their concentration.

Technology in the Classroom

Teachers must teach their students how to properly utilize technology in the classroom as technology advances. This course covers topics such as using cell phones, tablets, and laptops in education; the latest educational software; and instructional best practices. Students who complete this course will be prepared for careers as technology coaches and classroom teachers.

Introduction to Special Education

It is important for all teachers, not just those who specialize in special education, to understand disabilities and their effects on children’s learning. The course provides an overview of prevalent disabilities and best practices. As part of this course, students will also learn how to follow individualized education plans and monitor learners’ progress through the year.

Capstone

Almost every master’s degree program in education includes a capstone course, whose content varies among programs. Action research projects can be conducted at the school where the student is employed or at another student-teaching location. A thesis or detailed presentation to university faculty might be the result of their research. The capstone courses are completed just before graduating, as the name suggests.

How to Choose an M.Ed. Program

Choosing a master’s in education program can be challenging. There are several factors you must consider before choosing a program, including your professional goals, the purpose of the degree and your experience with children. The process of locating programs and comparing them to one another can be even more difficult, but there are some strategies that will make it easier.

Your first step toward choosing the right master’s in education program is to figure out what you’re going to do with it. Thereafter, you can choose programs that offer a relevant specialization or concentration. Specialization and concentration are not available in every program. You should also think about how long it will take you to finish an education and your schedule. Online programs may enable you to save money, but a part-time student typically takes longer to complete a degree and typically pays more than a full-time student.

If you have considered your career goals, costs, and whether you wish to pursue an on-campus or online degree, you can examine the programs on your shortlist in more detail. Start by examining how each program handles practicums, student teaching, and other opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom. Consider whether or not each program requires a final project, and if so, what it entails, when comparing academic requirements.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an M.Ed program. In fact, recent graduates and academic advisors say there are at least three criteria to consider when selecting a program: the role of the program in your future career goals, the school’s reputation for quality instruction, and financial issues such as tuition costs and living expenses.

If you choose an on-campus or hybrid program, make sure you research how the location of the campus might affect your quality of life. If you must move to attend school, consider how this might affect your cost of living. Estimate the amount of time you will spend commuting each day as well as transportation costs, such as gas or bus fares.

Comparison of Graduate Education Degrees

If you are looking to enroll in a graduate degree of education such as a master of education (M.Ed.), master of arts in education (MA), or master of science in education (MS), you should be aware that there are some significant differences among these programs. Depending on your experience level, need for student loans, and focus areas, one program may be more appropriate than the others for your needs.

M.Ed. and MA programs generally have more flexibility than terminal M.A. programs, and are focused more on practical skills development in the classroom. Because of this, they’re appropriate for educators in all subjects who want to learn more about how to better reach students regardless of their subject area or grade level. Since these degrees are geared toward current teachers, they generally have more flexibility than a traditional graduate degree, which typically requires a research-focused thesis.

The M.Ed. and MA programs are similar in terms of employment trends, rigor of coursework, and the potential for high student debt. Ultimately, you should choose a graduate education program based on your career goals and financial situation.

With both MA and M.Ed. programs, students will have access to an academic advisor and a mentor who can guide their professional growth. These advisors and mentors typically have graduate degrees in the field of education.

A master’s degree in education, or M. Ed., is a graduate degree that offers advanced degrees and professional development for educators. Also, it provides professional development for teachers, administrators, and other staff members who work with students in schools. The M. Ed is designed to allow teachers to focus on their own educational curricula and teaching techniques on an individual basis. A Masters Degree gives learners the opportunity to participate in focused educational programs that can benefit teachers now or in the future.

Students interested in education research or academic careers may benefit more from MS programs. A lot of statistics, assessment, and evaluation instruction is provided by these courses. These programs also require students to conduct original research and write a master’s thesis. Most students who earn an MS in education choose to continue their education at the doctoral level.

M.Ed. Program Admissions

Many of the steps involved in applying to graduate school are the same as those you took when applying for your bachelor’s degree. Typically, programs expect you to submit an application portfolio, with requirements varying only slightly between programs. However, some online programs may require more information about your personal and professional background; many online programs require at least one year of professional experience. In addition, online programs appeal to students who work full-time or part-time. Take note of the requirements of the different programs and estimate how long it might take you to complete each application. The last thing you want to do is rush through an application because you ran out of time.

Ideally, you should apply to 3-5 schools that meet both your personal and professional goals. You can then begin curating your admission materials. You can learn more about the prerequisites and admission materials required for the majority of master’s programs in the two sections below.

Bachelor’s Degree

Those with a bachelor’s degree or seniors in college can apply to master’s in education programs. Applicants to some master’s programs must hold a bachelor’s degree in education.

Professional Experience

Some specialized programs require applicants to have experience as teachers or other education professionals. Generally, no work experience is necessary for master’s programs.

Minimum GPA

The minimum undergraduate GPA requirement for many master’s programs is 3.0. In some cases, programs make exceptions for applicants who meet certain criteria, such as a high score on a standardized test.

Admission Materials

Application

Applications for master’s programs will generally vary in their components. As a result, they often contain similar questions, reducing the time it takes to apply to multiple programs.

Transcripts

Send a copy of your undergraduate transcript to each program you apply to. It may be necessary to charge a fee for transcripts. Furthermore, your request may be processed within one month. In general, the earlier you request transcripts, the better.

Letters of Recommendation

There may be a requirement for 2-3 letters of recommendation per application. If possible, all letters should come from your college professors. Find out whether one or more letters can come from a manager or colleague if you have significant experience in education.

Test Scores

Students must submit GRE or MAT scores to the majority of graduate programs. Both of these tests are available at local testing centers for applicants. Applicants with work experience may be exempt from testing requirements.

Application Fee

You can expect to pay $50-$65 for each application. Fee waivers may be available to students who can demonstrate financial need. If you think you qualify for a waiver, contact the university as soon as possible.

Programmatic Accreditation for Masters in Education Programs

Before considering a master’s in education program, you should confirm that the school has regional and/or national accreditation. This will ensure that the degree is accepted by employers and professional organizations, and that the institution meets certain academic standards for quality of educational offerings.

Before you start looking into master’s in education programs, it is essential that you consider the schools’ accreditation status. Accreditation shows that schools have met certain academic standards and their programs are of high quality. It is a way for organizations to approve or certify educational institutions.

When comparing online, and traditional on-campus master’s in education programs, it’s important to consider accreditation. Accreditation helps you determine if a master’s in education program possesses academic standards that are comparable to that of other programs within the field. Different fields of study are regulated by different accrediting organizations.

Once a program meets these requirements, determine if it is accredited. A programmatic accreditation agency grants accreditation only to the best programs in a particular academic field. A wide variety of academic fields are served by these organizations. The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits programs that prepare students for state teaching licenses and certificates; employers and state licensing boards do not recognize degrees from programs without CAEP accreditation.