Master’s in Education

master's in education

The master’s degree is one of the highest degrees you can earn. This is especially the case with the master’s in education degree. While you may be hired as a teacher with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll have many more options (and more money!) available to you with a master’s degree.

Who Should Earn a Master’s in Education?

It would be easy to answer this question by just saying anyone who wants to teach and make more money while doing so should earn a master’s in education. However, there is more to it than that. You may be very happy teaching a certain group of students, but what if you want a change? Sometimes having a bachelor’s degree may just not be enough. Perhaps you want to get out of teaching and want to pursue an administrative position.

The master’s degree in education program can help in both scenarios. Anyone who wants to earn more money as a teacher should earn a master’s degree in education. An individual who wants to pursue leadership roles in education should also consider this degree. The master’s in education provides the individual with the skills necessary to be successful as an educational leader.

Is a Master’s in Education Worth It?


The master’s in education degree is very much worth the time and effort. The degree names master’s in teaching and master’s in education are often used interchangeably, but they are two different degrees. The master’s degree in teaching is for someone interested in teaching or managing a classroom.

An individual with a master’s in education may also teach and work in the classroom. However, this individual may also find jobs in curriculum development, education policy, and administration. Here are some of the many jobs that may be available if you have a master’s in education.

  • Principal
  • Superintendent
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Dean
  • District Administrator
  • Career Counselor
  • School Counselor
  • Higher Education
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Childcare Director
  • Educational Policy Developer
  • Educational Director at a Nonprofit or a Museum
  • Educational Policy Analyst

Benefits of a Master’s in Education

The benefits of having an education master’s degree go beyond just the fact that it’s a higher level than a bachelor’s degree. There are several benefits to earning a master’s degree in education.

  • Increase Earnings – The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that individuals with a master’s degree earn substantially more (more than $200 per week) than if they had a bachelor’s degree.
  • Professional Growth – The master’s degree can also improve your professional growth, which can help you throughout your career.
  • Specialization Options – Earning a master’s degree qualifies you for more teaching certifications, which makes you more valuable to the school district.
  • Degree used in Other Sectors – This graduate degree can qualify you to work in other sectors besides education.
  • Advancements – You’ll be a competitive candidate for job advancements with a master’s in education degree.

Salary and Job Prospects for a Teacher with a Master’s in Education

The salary and job prospects for a teacher with a master’s degree in education are very good according to the BLS. High school teachers and principals are expected to see a five percent job growth from 2021-2031. This projected growth is like other occupations. There should be about 23,500 job openings for principals each year and 77,900 each year for teachers during that decade.

High school teachers earned an average annual wage of $61,820, while principals earned about $98,420. Wage reports can vary by agency. Salary.com reports that teachers with a master’s degree earn wages from $53,137 to $58,939 as of 2023. However, factors like location and years of experience can affect wage potential.

15 Top Online Master’s in Education Programs

Online education has become very popular in recent years. With the high cost of earning a degree, many students can’t afford to quit their jobs to attend college on campus. Online education allows the student to earn the degree at their convenience while still holding down a job and meeting their financial obligations.

The online master’s degree in education is ideal for a teacher who wants to continue teaching while advancing his or her education. Here are 15 popular online master’s degree in education programs.

1. University of Phoenix

Master of Arts in Education

This program offers specializations in administration and supervision; adult education and training; curriculum and instruction; or the choice of elementary, secondary, and special education. Their tuition is affordable and fixed.

What is Special About This Master of Arts Program?

Online classes are available 24/7. Students can choose from 18 different start dates. The school offers career services to students to help them reach their academic goals.

2. Capella University

Master of Science in Education

Capella offers students four options in education master’s degrees: Master of Education in Teaching and Learning; Master of Science in Education; Master of Science in Education Innovation and Technology; and Master of Science in Special Education. The MS in Education offers various areas of specialization so students can choose and focus on the area that meets their career goals. While earning the degree online, students are offered academic coaching, learning and study tools, and financial aid assistance.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

There is no GRE or GMAT requirement. Through FlexPath, students can earn the degree in one year for under $10,000.

3. Western Governors University

Master of Education

Students at WGU can choose from several teaching and education programs, including educational leadership; curriculum and instruction; and learning experience design and technology. These programs prepare the students for certification and licensure upon graduation.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

This competency-based education allows students to receive credit for knowledge, aptitude, and experience. The master’s degree can be earned in about 18 months.

4. Walden University

Master of Science in Education

The education master’s degree program at WU is CAEP-accredited. Prior to enrollment, the applicant must meet with an enrollment specialist to get assistance in enrolling in the program. Students are also required to have a GPA of at least 3.0. There are three different degree options for aspiring educators.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

Students can complete this program in as little as 12 months and also have several areas of specialization from which to choose, whether they aspire to be teachers, principals or some other type of leader in the education field. Tuition is very affordable.

5. Calvin University

Master of Education

This program offers an inclusive or literacy concentration, which requires completion of 30-32 credit hours. Students can also choose to complete a practicum course in an education setting in their area. This program requires specific admission requirements, such as two letters of recommendation, a written essay, a bachelor’s degree, and a teaching certification.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

Students who successful complete this program are qualified for several education certifications. The school offers a Christian-based curriculum. Depending on the student’s schedule, this degree can be earned in around two years.

6. University of the Southwest

Master of Science in Education – Self Design

The master’s degree in education program at the University of the Southwest is an accredited program that’s 100 percent online. It can be completed as quickly as a year.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

The most unique feature of this program is that students can customize the curriculum to meet their career goals and not have to focus on courses they will probably not use.

7. Liberty University – Online

Master of Education

This fully accredited program trains educators to be better teachers and provide a leadership role in managing the classroom. It consists of eight-week courses. Regardless of which concentration students choose, they’ll still have several areas of specialization. The program can be completed in about 18 months.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

This program offers two areas of concentration: general education, and curriculum and instruction. Students can transfer up to 50 credits into this program.

8. New York University

Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance

This online program is for teachers and educators who want careers where they can counsel students and provide guidance. Although it’s an online program, it does require completing an internship, lab work, and a practicum.

What is Special About This Master of Arts Program?

It has several start dates; it requires no GRE; and can be completed in two years. Upon graduation, students can obtain certification.

9. University of Denver

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

This program is mostly for students who already hold a certificate in educational leadership and policy students. It prepares students for leadership positions in teaching and education in general. It’s an online program but does require an internship and acceptance into one of the school’s area cohorts

What is Special About This Master of Arts Program?

The school offers several cohort areas in the state where students can meet with instructors and hand in work that can’t be done online. This degree can be earned after completing 45 credit hours.

10. Northwestern University

Master of Arts in Counseling

This program is for students who want to be able to counsel students and offer them clinical mental health assistance with their problems. With this online program, students get to interact with peers and other online students. In addition to completing the online courses, students will also have to complete clinical training.

What is Special About This Master of Arts Program?

The program offers self-paced classes that students can do on their schedule. Upon completion of this program, graduates can apply for certification and licensure.

11. University of Arizona Global Campus


Master of Arts in Education

They offer five six-week classes, which allow students to only take one class at a time. This program is designed for educators who want a role in leadership. A variety of education master’s degree programs are offered at this school. This program helps students obtain licensure and necessary endorsements.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

Students can receive support 24/7. The school is very flexible with start dates so applicants can enroll almost any time they want. There is no application fee, and no GRE requirement.

12. Eastern Washington University

Master of Education

This 45-credit-hour program offers several areas of specialization: early childhood education; curriculum & instruction; adult education; career and technical education; and educational leadership, among others.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

This 100 percent online program can be completed in eight months. It does not require writing samples or a GRE.

13. Marion University

Master of Arts in Education

The school offers the choice of the MA in Education – Special Education with License or the MA in Education – Teacher Education with License. In addition to completing the online courses, students will spend one semester in the classroom of their choice.

What is Special About This Master of Arts Program?

For added convenience, students can choose from a four-week flexible schedule; seven-week accelerated schedule; or the traditional 15-week semester. It also offers six different start times so students can choose the start and schedule that best meets their needs and fits their lifestyle.

14. Harvard Graduate School of Education

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

This 42-credit program is aimed at educators who have several years of work experience and wish to advance to leadership positions. It is a mostly online program but does have some on-campus residency requirements. It’s considered a part-time program and can be completed in two years.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

It only requires about 10-15 hours of study per week so students can continue with other commitments. It offers a couple different concentrations.

15. Northcentral University

Master of Education – General Education

This graduate program focuses on general education so students are prepared for many jobs in the education field. With full-time yet flexible studying, students can complete this program in less than a year. NCU also offers a Master of Education in Educational Leadership; Master of Arts in Teaching; and a Master of Science in Instructional Design.

What is Special About This Master’s in Education Program?

Faculty consists of doctoral degree level instructors who provide students with one-on-one attention. Enrollment is offered every Monday for students’ convenience. The education programs at NCU offer various areas of specialization.

Next Steps

Getting started in a master’s in education takes dedication and motivation, but you have already taken the first step by doing your research. Inquire with a few different programs and see what they have to offer.