Navigating the Landscape of Best Master's in Education Programs

High-quality education is critical to a functioning society. For teachers and education leaders, master’s degree programs can offer the opportunity to study challenges in detail and develop the tools to improve educational outcomes for students. Completing a Master's degree in education and teaching is a great way to increase your knowledge of the leading developments in pedagogical strategies as well as ways to assess their effectiveness when you're back in the classroom. An advanced degree can present more job opportunities and higher earning potential while allowing you to grow as a teacher.

What Is an Education Master’s Degree?

Education master’s degrees are a category of graduate degrees designed for teachers, administrators and other professionals working in education and adjacent fields. The content and focus area of an education master’s can vary significantly by program type and by school. Some programs are oriented toward specific career paths, while others are more theoretical in nature. Today, aspiring education graduate students can pick between degrees in everything from education policy to subject-specific pedagogy.

Who Is a Master’s in Education For?

A master’s in education can be a good fit for anyone who wishes to build or advance a career in education, whether they envision themselves inside the classroom or in a role related to education policy or nonprofits. Students may start a master’s program at nearly any point, whether they’re at the start of their career or have already built years of professional experience.

Types of Master's Degrees in Education

When considering a master's degree in education, it's crucial to understand the different types of degrees available, as each caters to specific career goals and interests. There are five primary types of master's degrees in education, which have some key similarities and differences.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

An M.Ed. is an excellent choice for teachers, administrators and teacher leaders. This degree typically combines theory and practice, applying pedagogy, law and ethics concepts to real-world challenges. Some schools offer M.Ed. degrees with focus areas ranging from K 12 leadership to educational technology. Often, these programs include coursework related to instructional design, educational research, education policy and inclusive education. Franklin’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership requires a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution but does not require test scores or prior experience in the field.

Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed.)

While M.A. Ed. programs vary by school, they typically include coursework on education theory and pedagogy and have significant overlap with M.Ed programs. Many offer areas of specialization, often related to curricular areas such as arts or humanities. While some M.A. Ed. programs offer a concentration in education leadership, they are less widely known than leadership-focused M.Ed. degrees. The education component of the master of arts option will be less centered on STEM subjects.

Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.)

Like M.A. Ed. degrees, M.S. Ed. programs vary significantly between schools. However, they typically include a strong emphasis on quantitative research and are less theoretical than the M.A. Ed. Some of these programs are centered on certain curricular areas, often in technical fields like mathematics and science education. They may also be geared toward students who want to work in educational research or policy. Completing an M.S.Ed. prepares you to pursue educational leadership roles.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Designed for teachers, M.A.T. programs prioritize instructional techniques and include significant time in the classroom. This degree is best for teachers who wish to hone their skills and do not plan on moving into other types of roles. Depending on the school, you may be able specialize in a subject area within your M.A.T. degree. M.A.T. program participants may already have bachelor's degrees in education or transition from other fields.

Master of Initial Teaching (M.I.T.)

An M.I.T. is for students who want to become teachers but do not have bachelor's degrees in education or professional experience.

Curriculum and Specializations

Most master's in education programs offer specializations, allowing enrollees to choose pathways that align with their interests or career goals. You can expect to gain expertise in teaching, curriculum design, and educational assessment. Some common concentrations include experiential learning for early childhood, effective and reflective teaching, instructional coaching, and science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

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Below is a list of courses you may encounter in your master’s in education program:

Curriculum design
Academic integrity and scholarly writing
Classroom management
Assessment in education
Curriculum theory

Online vs. On-Campus Programs

Online programs offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to learn remotely, while in-person programs let you interact with your professors and fellow graduate students. Consider how you learn best. In a hybrid program, you can have opportunities to learn both remotely and with your classmates and instructors.

Many students pursuing this degree work as teachers or hold other positions. Earning an online master’s in educational administration offers greater flexibility, enabling you to continue working while pursuing a degree that helps you further your career.

If your schedule’s jam-packed, consider programs that offer self-paced courses. These allow you to fit the required coursework into your busy life in a way that works best for you. Additionally, most schools let you complete required internships locally.

Online learning can also help you save money. There are no relocation expenses, and many schools don’t charge online students out-of-state fees. Just make sure the program meets your state’s requirements for licensure.

Program Length

Online master’s in educational administration programs typically require 30-45 credits to graduate. Many full-time students complete these programs in about two years. Some schools offer programs that you can complete in as little as 18 months.

Part-time students may take from 3-5 years, depending on their schedule. According to the NCES, of the 3.2 million graduate students in 2021, 43% attended part time.

Most master’s in education programs require 30-60 credits, which takes around two years to complete. However, accelerated programs can help you earn your degree faster. Here are some real-world examples:

Purdue Global’s online master’s in education program takes one year to complete and requires 45-46 credits.
If you enroll in Clemson University’s online teaching and learning M.Ed. program, you can earn your degree in as few as 18 months.

Accreditation

Make sure the school you choose is institutionally accredited. An accredited college or university has undergone third-party evaluations, ensuring a quality education. Accreditation is also a requirement to receive federal financial aid.

Additionally, many colleges won’t accept transfer credits from unaccredited institutions. Lastly, many states require a master’s degree from an accredited institution to qualify for principal licensure. Accreditation is one of the most important factors in choosing a master’s in education program, whether you choose to learn online or in person. Before you apply, make sure your college or university has institutional accreditation. Institutional accreditation ensures that your university provides a quality education and that your degree will be accepted by future employers. You should also make sure that your master’s in education program has programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Programmatic accreditation ensures your program properly prepares you for the education profession.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for an online master’s in educational administration program vary by school. Typically, schools require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 - 3.0.

Some programs require applicants to possess a current teaching certificate and at least three years of teaching experience. Schools may also require GRE test scores, though many have dropped that requirement.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply to a master’s in education program. Here are some more common application components:

Application form and fee
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Bachelor’s degree
Official transcripts
GRE scores
Letters of recommendation
Personal essay
Resume or CV

Cost and Financial Aid

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for full-time graduate students in the 2022-2023 academic year was $11,554. The cost for an online master’s in educational administration, however, varies significantly, based on the school and program.

For instance, private universities tend to cost more than public institutions. Additionally, some schools charge out-of-state fees for online students. Generally, tuition rates range from about $15,000-30,000 in total.

Keep in mind you may qualify for school administration scholarships from private parties or the college you attend. For instance, the American Association of School Administrators awards the AASA Educational Administration Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.

Miami University’s 30-credit master of education in curriculum and instruction degree costs nearly $600 per credit. At the University of Cincinnati, you’d pay $662 per credit hour or $6,612 per semester for a 30-credit master of education degree.

A master's degree creates a significant financial investment. Here are some scholarships you may be able to apply for:

Who Can Apply: This program provides aid to students completing or planning to enroll in coursework for a career in teaching.
Who Can Apply: Junior, senior, and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major can apply for this sponsored scholarship.
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing education degrees in STEM fields qualify for this award.

Career Paths with a Master's in Education

Graduates with a master’s in educational administration may pursue numerous career paths. Common administrative roles include school principal or school district superintendent. Most states require principals in the public school system to hold a current teaching license and principal certification. State-issued certifications are not required for administrators at K-12 private schools and postsecondary institutions.

You may also become the director of a specific school program, like special education or athletics. Some pursue leadership roles as the director of curriculum or an academic dean. As an instructional coordinator, you oversee curriculum and audit teachers’ performance.

Beyond the school setting, graduates may work as educational directors for nonprofits and as education consultants. In the government arena, you may work as an education policy analyst, shaping the future of educational systems.

Once you earn your master’s in education and teaching, you’ll have diverse career opportunities. Common options for master’s in education and teaching degree holders include classroom teaching, curriculum development, school administration, and educational consulting. Specific roles include instructional coordinator, curriculum developer, school principal, special education teacher, and postsecondary education administrator.

According to the BLS, educational roles will grow slower than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034. However, the BLS projects an average of 890,300 job openings annually until 2034 due to the number of workers permanently leaving the profession.

Salary Expectations

According to the BLS, master’s in education degree holders earn a median salary between $61,000 and $103,000 per year. Education roles vary from teaching to administrative positions.

Elementary, middle, and high school principals earn the most - a median annual salary of around $104,070 per year.
Middle school and high school teachers earn a median salary of around $64,580 a year.
As a postsecondary education administrator, you can earn nearly as much as an elementary, middle, or high school principal.

Top Programs to Consider

If you choose to pursue a master's in education, you have many options to consider. Here are some of the best master's in education programs in the United States:

Harvard's School of Education provides various graduate-level options, including a master's in school leadership and teacher education.
Utah State University's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services offers several master's in education degree programs, including M.Ed. degrees in elementary education, instructional leadership, and secondary education.
Indiana University's School of Education several master's in education programs. Prospective students may choose from one of 20 areas of study including early childhood education and elementary education.
The University of Kansas offers several master's in education degrees to prepare students and teachers to pursue various leadership roles in education.
Johns Hopkins University is a top-tier research school known for its academic rigor.
University of Pennsylvania's master's in education degrees offer various concentrations, including education entrepreneurship, education policy, and higher education.
The University of Texas College of Education offers research-driven experiences for graduate students. Students can pursue electives to fit their interests and goals. Some M.Ed.
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University educates current and aspiring teachers and leaders by fostering the necessary knowledge to take action and improve education. Eleven master's in education degrees are available, including in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, educational technology, and higher and postsecondary education.
Available programs at this top-ranked school include master's of education degrees in curriculum and instruction, K-12 leadership, and special education.
The School of Education at the University of Colorado offers graduate programs in curriculum and instruction, educational equity and cultural diversity, educational foundations and policy, learning sciences and human development, and research and evaluation methodology.
Northwestern University offers education master's degrees in K-12 teaching, educational studies, and learning sciences.
The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology offers several M.Ed. programs that equip students for leadership roles in education.
University of California, Los Angeles' education school is known as a leading institution for equipping teachers who want to make a difference in urban and multi-ethnic environments. The university also offers a more rigorous four-quarter master's of education in urban teaching. Fees for each term vary depending on your resident status.
University of Florida's College of Education features M.Ed. programs in areas of study like early childhood education, educational technology, and teacher leadership for school improvement.
M.Ed. programs in counselor education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, reading, and special education include concentrations for students to dive deeper into their preferred fields.
The Teachers College at Columbia University has ten different departments of more than 100 education programs. Admissions are restrictive, however.
University of Maryland's M.Ed. program offers various sub-specializations like elementary/middle school, English, social studies, and special studies.
The University of Connecticut offers master of education degrees in numerous specialties like adult learning, curriculum and instruction, and special education. Graduate certificates and teacher certification programs are also available. Many meet the needs of working students who would continue working.
University of Oregon's College of Education offers several master's in education programs, with available specializations like sociological foundations of education, teaching English to speakers of other languages, and elementary education.
Stanford University's education master's programs combine educational theory and practice. Specializations include education data science, learning design and technology, and teacher education.
Michigan State University's master of education program is known for its research with children and its contributions to policy development.
The College of Education at the University of Washington offers several specialized graduate programs focused on research and field study: curriculum and instruction, education and equity, educational policy, educational psychology, and special education.
University of Virginia's Curry School of Education offers rigorous yet practical education research to support the quality of teaching and clinical practices in the state. The school offers several master's of education degree programs, including administration and supervision, curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, and counselor education. Many of the M.Ed.
University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development offers several accredited master's in education degree programs that provide students with cutting-edge research opportunities. Many of the graduate programs also have certificates or teacher licensure available.
The University of Illinois offers master's in education programs in four areas: curriculum and instruction; educational psychology; education policy, organization, and leadership; curriculum and instruction; and special education.
The University of Michigan offers master's degrees in educational studies, educational leadership and policy, and higher education.
The University of Pittsburgh's master's in education degrees include specialties like early childhood education, elementary education, education leadership, and secondary education.
Social justice is a hallmark of Boston College's M.Ed. programs. The college also emphasizes theory, practice, and research.
New York University's Steinhardt School of Education offers programs in elementary, secondary, and educational leadership.
Vanderbilt University offers master's degrees in education with programs in education policy, elementary education, and secondary education. Several joint degree programs and concentrations allow students to customize their curricula.

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