What Types of Master’s in Education Degrees Can You Get?
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Editor & Writer
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Do you want to continue your studies in education, but you're just not sure in what area? Well, luckily, there are many master's in education degrees to choose from.
A master's in education can help you advance your career and guide you into leadership roles in areas that interest you. With a wide variety of degrees, you can tailor your studies to align with your learning and salary objectives.
So what master's in education degrees are available to you? Probably more than you think. Read on to learn about the different types of master's in education degrees, including what career opportunities each option offers.
Popular Online Master's in Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
8 Common Master's in Education Degrees You Can Get
With a master's in education, you can become a curriculum designer, an administrator, a school counselor, or a teacher. It's all about finding the degree that's best for your desired career path.
1. Master of Education
A master of education (M.Ed.) can help you improve your teaching skills, specialize in certain educational sectors, and prepare for educational leadership positions.
You'll practice improved teaching methods, deepen your understanding of childhood development, and learn how to construct curriculums. Having an M.Ed. opens the door for you to transition into management roles such as a school principal, education policy maker, or higher education administrator.
The curriculum for an M.Ed. includes courses in educational research, learning stimulation, instructional techniques, and electives in your chosen specialization, which could be anything from early childhood education to teaching English as a second language.
2. Master's in Teaching
A master's in teaching (MAT) is designed to help you improve your teaching methods and classroom management techniques.
You'll learn about the latest educational methodologies, differentiated instruction, and how to leverage technology in the classroom.
An MAT master's degree can also help you fulfill continuing education requirements, increase your salary step, and prepare you for licensure in your state. It can also prepare you for non-education roles that require teaching skills, like corporate training or educational consulting.
3. Master's in Special Education
A master's in special education prepares you to effectively educate people with disabilities. With this degree, you can work as a special education teacher, educational diagnostician, behavioral intervention specialist, or instructional coordinator.
A master's in special education lays the groundwork for you to take on leadership roles and specialized positions, teaching you how to craft individualized education programs and enhance learning outcomes for students with special needs.
4. Master's in Early Childhood Education
A master's degree in early childhood education (ECE) is designed to equip educators with an in-depth understanding of child development for children from infancy to eight years old.
An ECE master's program can help you gain a deeper comprehension of young children's learning patterns and growth, improve your teaching skills and classroom management abilities, and teach you strategies to encourage desired behaviors in a positive way.
A master's in ECE also opens the door to many advanced professional roles beyond teaching, including preschool or elementary school leadership positions, early childhood program direction, and educational consulting.
5. Master's in Elementary Education
A master's in elementary education can help you improve your skills as an elementary and middle school teacher.
You'll learn about advanced teaching strategies for grades K-8, practice creating effective lesson plans, receive training in efficient classroom management, and understand how to cater to the unique learning needs of each student.
A master's degree in elementary education prepares you to work as an elementary school teacher, instructional coordinator, and elementary vice principal. However, you may need to take additional classes to receive licensure in your state.
6. Master's in Secondary Education
A master's in secondary education is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to instruct students in grades 7-12 in your preferred subject area, such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, or world languages.
This program can prepare you to get certified in your chosen content area and teaches you how to effectively teach that subject to teenagers. You can then work as a high school teacher, department head, instructional coordinator, curriculum development coordinator, or educational consultant.
7. Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
A master's degree in curriculum and instruction teaches you how to create, implement, and evaluate educational content and teaching methods.
You'll learn how to use technology to create effective curriculums for a wide variety of subjects. You'll take courses in educational research, evaluating student success, and contemporary issues in curriculum and instruction.
This degree also opens doors for you to progress in your teaching career, where you can take on roles such as curriculum head, media specialist, or educational consultant.
8. Master's in Educational Leadership
If you want to work in a high-level administrative position, a master's degree in educational leadership could be for you. This degree prepares you to work as a primary or secondary school principal, postsecondary administrator, or superintendent.
During a master's in educational leadership, you'll take courses in key leadership skills, ethics, contemporary educational issues, and educational research. These programs often include hands-on field experience, while also preparing you for licensure in your state.
You'll learn how to establish academic objectives, oversee budgets, recruit staff, and nurture solid relationships among schools, educators, students, parents, and the community at large.
Which Type of Master's in Education Degree Is Right for You?
When choosing what type of master's in education to get, it's important to reflect on what interests you and what your career goals are. Think about what kind of roles you are looking for and what kind of salary you hope to earn.
If your goal is to step away from the classroom and work in a high-level administrative role, then a master's in educational leadership could be the right fit. Or, if you want to work with young children, consider a degree in early childhood education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Education Programs
What is the best master's degree to get in education?
The best master's degree in education for you depends on your career goals and areas of interest. If you want to work with students with special needs, then a master's in special education would be best. However, if you want to work in curriculum development or education consulting, then a master's in curriculum and instruction would be a better fit.
What is the easiest master's degree for teachers?
The easiest master's degree for teachers is often a master's in education, as it builds on your existing teaching skills and knowledge. Many master's in education programs have flexible schedules that fit around your teaching schedule, allowing you to continue working while earning your degree.
Is a master's in education worth it?
Whether or not a master's in education is worth it depends on your professional goals and aspirations. Pursuing a master's in education can boost your earning potential and increase your career opportunities.
For instance, a master's degree can prepare you to step into more high-level positions, like a principal or a school administrator, that offer significantly higher compensation. If you'd like to continue teaching, most districts offer a higher salary band for teachers with a master's degree or higher.
