Find Schools offering Masters in Education Degree Programs

• There are two major types of master's degrees in education; one leads to teaching and the other usually leads to administration positions.
• Many people who are already working as teachers take online or evening courses to earn their master's degree.
• Teachers with a master's degree make an average of $5,000 more than those with just a bachelor's degree.

How does one earn a master's in education degree?

There are a number of different types of master's degrees umbrellaed under education. The major degrees are a master's in teaching, often called a MAT or MIT degree, and a master's in education (M.Ed.). Those with a MAT or MIT are specialists in the art of teaching and usually go into the teaching workforce at the elementary, middle, or secondary level. Many full time teachers choose a master's program flexible enough to allow them to work while they earn their degree. A professional with a M.Ed. degree can go into teaching, but this degree also opens doors for taking on leadership roles, such as a principal or assistant principal position. Others with a M.Ed. degree also choose to teach in college or university programs designed to train new teachers.

What career opportunities are available for an educator with a master's degree?

A M.Ed. degree leads many to roles in administration, such as a principal or superintendent position. There is also opportunity for those with a M.Ed. degree to teach in teacher training programs offered through many colleges and universities. The most common route for those who pursue a master's degree in education is classroom teaching at the elementary, middle or secondary level. Many students enrolled in a master's in education program already have a number of years of teaching under their belt and they pursue a more advanced degree in order to climb the salary schedule.

How much money does an educator with a master's degree make?

Earning a master's in teaching is the fastest way to step up the education salary ladder. A teacher with a master's degree will easily make $5,000 more a year to start than those with bachelor's degree. On average, a moderately experienced teacher with a master's degree makes $48,000 a year, with a range between $38,400 and $70,000.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of earning a master's in education degree online?

For working professionals, earning a master's degree online can be the ideal situation. Though programs vary in structure, many of them allow teachers to use their on-the-job experience as examples in their master's level work. Some programs offer their classes exclusively over the Internet while others split class time between Internet collaboration and in-person collaboration. Checking with a specific program to find out how they run their programs is the best way to learn which one will work best for your lifestyle. While online learning allows a lot of freedom and flexibility for students, it also requires much more self discipline to succeed. Full time teachers who are taking on a master's program should expect to be very busy. Most classes will have a pre-scheduled list of assignments and due dates that students are expected to complete. There is usually less teacher-student interaction in online learning, so a student must possess the self-motivation to succeed and complete the course independently.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Masters in Education?