A master’s degree in education is an advanced, specialized graduate program. Universities and colleges offer it.
More teachers and other education professionals are pursuing a master’s degree, many online. It is a significant shift that began years before the coronavirus pandemic. This article explores why and how this is happening.
What is a Master’s Degree in Education?
An advanced degree in education is a master’s degree that broadens an educator’s understanding of complex topics like education theory, leadership training, and best classroom practices. It also equips them with the knowledge and skills to help shape educational policy, administration, and day-to-day program management.
With a master’s in education, educators can continue to make a difference by advancing their careers and impacting students’ lives. In addition, many of these degrees lead to higher pay, helping teachers afford more in their personal lives and reach new career milestones.
M.A.T., or Master of Arts in Teaching
A master of arts in teaching is a degree designed for teachers, aspiring teachers, and those who wish to expand their roles in education beyond the classroom. It’s also a good option for non-teachers interested in influencing educational policy and procedures.
M.A.T. programs are rigorous and can offer various options for future career paths. They often dive into subject-specific subjects such as adolescent development, cultural responsiveness, and bilingual education. This honed-in focus can be helpful for those seeking initial teacher certification in New York State. It can also strengthen discipline-specific teaching skills and content knowledge.
Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.)
Students who seek leadership roles in educational systems, like school administrators, can benefit from a master’s degree programs in education that teaches leadership principles, best practices, and academic strategies. This graduate program is an ideal option for currently certified teachers who wish to deepen their knowledge of their subject area.
For those who want to make a career change from classroom teaching to a more administrative position, an M.S. in education can provide a stepping stone into managerial jobs that require an understanding of additional policies and management techniques. An advanced degree also typically translates into higher salary potential.
Master of Education (M.E.)
Often, an M.Ed is earned by teachers who already have teaching certification and want to advance into leadership or specialized roles like educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or school administration. It can also open opportunities in nonprofit education programs, higher education, and corporate environments.
While some degree programs focus on practical approaches to classroom instruction, others explore new theories, strategies, and pedagogy. Some may even include a teaching residency, where students work alongside an experienced teacher to acquire the skills they need for their career as educators. A master’s of education can prepare students to teach at various levels, including secondary and higher education.
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (M.A.C.I.)
With a master’s in curriculum and instruction, teachers can advance into administrative roles that influence how students are taught. It could include becoming a curriculum director or coordinator or a district superintendent.
Even if you plan to stay in the classroom, this degree will help you reach more students with proven teaching strategies and a deep understanding of how to customize lessons for students’ cultural, ethnic, language, and economic backgrounds. You’ll also learn to use a critical lens, exploring how policies and systemic inequities create unequal educational opportunities.
It is an ideal path for those planning to become educational researchers or enter higher education leadership positions.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership (M.E.L.)
Like initial teacher preparation programs offer extensive student teaching practice, many Master’s degrees in educational leadership offer internship or practicum courses. In addition to allowing students to hone their skills in real-world classrooms, these programs often take participants into schools and district headquarters, where they can shadow and assist principals and other administrators.
They can also teach the nuts and bolts of education systems, from managing budgets to forecasting student enrollment. They can even delve into the pressing topics that school administrators must address, from diversity to social justice.
Master of Education in Educational Technology (M.E.T.)
Learn to leverage emerging technologies for teaching, learning, and training. Explore tools and strategies for digital transformation and academic innovation while developing your Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (T.P.A.C.K.).
This online Master’s degree teaches you how to apply contemporary content and instructional design principles in various educational settings. Develop multiple literacies and foster creative thinking in a diverse, tech-driven world. After this program, you will be prepared to teach in colleges, universities, and online learning organizations. You can also lead corporate learning initiatives and receive a graduate certificate in E-Learning Leadership or Online Instructional Design.
Master of Education in Special Education (M.E.S.E.)
Many educators seek to become exceptional education professionals for a variety of reasons. Some are driven by a desire to help an underserved population, while others are interested in the different ways people learn or a specific challenge, like autism.
The Master of Education in Special Education program offers a unique graduate curriculum that provides teachers and non-teachers with a solid foundation. Coursework focuses on connecting theory and practice through quality instruction. Students gain critical skills in laws and policies, positive behavior management, and more. Ultimately, a final applied research project allows graduates to evaluate and improve a particular educational challenge in schools.
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.E.C.I.)
Teachers who hold a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction are better equipped to work with students who have specific needs. As schools become more accountable for student achievement, B.L.S. projects that professionals skilled in curriculum development and evaluation will be in high demand.
Online programs offer flexibility for working educators and provide a rigorous program of study. Coursework focuses on learning theory, educational technology, and curriculum design for students of all ages and grade levels.
Through field experience, coursework, and action research, graduate-level curriculum and teaching programs prepare educators for leadership positions at the school and district levels.