Whether directly teaching the next generation or strategizing educational policies, the education system offers a variety of career opportunities that have meaningful and positive impacts on students.
A master’s in education degree program prepares students for advanced and competitive roles in the education system, such as teachers, administrators, counselors, curriculum coordinators, and policymakers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median salaries for these roles generally requiring master’s degrees range from $61,710 to $103,460.
Aspiring and current education professionals can complete a master’s in education degree in about two years with an average of $20,513 yearly tuition.
How to Choose a Master’s in Education Program
Choose your area of study
Graduate programs in education equip students with critical thinking, leadership, communication, and other skills necessary for various roles in the education system. Consider your career objectives as you research institutions, programs, and specializations, as they play a significant role in selecting the program that best aligns with your goals.
A Master of Education (MEd) is a specialized advanced diploma program that covers broad educational topics such as instructional strategies, educational policy, assessment methods, and curriculum analysis and interpretation. Many graduates become teachers, but students can also pursue careers as administrators, school counselors, and other roles in the education system.
A Master of Science (MS) in education takes a research-oriented approach that helps students develop analytical skills, practical knowledge, and theoretical expertise. These skills enable graduates to employ evidence-based strategies in curriculum design, teaching practices, and policies. In addition to teaching, many students progress to roles as policymakers, curriculum developers, researchers, and administrators.
While less common, a Master of Arts in teaching (MAT) degree provides an alternate path specializing in practical instructional skills, classroom management, and developing subject expertise. This degree often suits professionals transitioning into teaching from another career.
Education master’s programs also offer a range of specialization and concentration options, such as:
- Early childhood education
- Elementary education
- Post-secondary education
- Curriculum instruction
- School counseling
- Technology and learning
- Topic-specific, such as English language, science, or math
Research schools and programs
Prospective students can find details about programs and institutions on their websites to help inform application decisions. Admissions counselors and program representatives can also provide insight into program curriculums, concentration options, faculty, and other information. In-person or virtual campus tours, information sessions, and other events can also help you glean more about the student experience.
Check each school’s accreditation status with the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Regional institutional accreditation helps ensure standardized and high-quality education throughout many U.S. schools, and accreditation status can affect student eligibility for federal financial aid or the transfer of credits. Employers often prefer candidates with accredited education, whether from regional accrediting bodies or programmatic accreditors such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Prepare for tests and applications
Graduate program admission for education requirements typically aligns with those of general admissions. Standard information and materials include:
- Application form and fees
- College or university transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation from professors or employers
- Personal essay
- Statement of purpose
- Current resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
- GRE or GMAT scores
- TOEFL (for students educated in a non-English language)
Most programs require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Depending on the student’s specialization, some programs may also require undergrad experience in certain topics.
Select your program
A quality student experience is essential for a successful education, and each university’s resources, program delivery options, and other features can help determine the right fit. Students should consider their professional goals, scheduling or format needs, and other factors to find their ideal program.
For instance, many students work or maintain other commitments while in school, and a hybrid, self-paced, or online program may offer the flexibility they need. Others may prefer the engagement of an in-person setting.
Consider these factors to weigh your options:
- Curriculum
- Faculty
- Tuition
- Graduation requirements
- Work opportunities
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Obtain details about tuition, school fees, books, and other expenses from your chosen institution’s financial aid office. Prioritize relatively low-interest and flexible federal assistance, and apply to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access needs-based loans, grants, scholarships, work studies, and additional financial support from direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans.
Graduate students can earn tuition, salary, or other compensation for assistantships or fellowships. Non-profit foundations, private organizations, and your school may offer merit or needs-based funding. Employed students should inquire with their employers about tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Education Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
Our list includes programs that lead to a Master of Science or Master of Arts in education. Some have a specific focus, such as elementary education or school leadership — you’ll need to do some research to determine what program is best for your own goals.
A master’s degree is required in some, but not all, states to achieve full teacher certification. Check with your state’s education department to determine what you must do to become certified.
Our chosen programs are either entirely online, on campus, or a hybrid of the two. They all require between 30 to 45 credit hours of coursework, with some requiring experiential learning as well.We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Education Program?
A master’s in education program provides students with an understanding of educational policy, administration, psychology, instructional theory, and other fundamentals. This program aims to develop professionals who can positively impact students and fellow educators and develop strategies to best meet diverse student needs.
Students hone their leadership, research, analysis, and critical-thinking skills in practical and theoretical contexts to prepare for educational careers in schools, government agencies, and other organizations. Depending on their specialization and program requirements, students may complete seminars, independent research studies, internships, or practicums. Most programs culminate in a final project, such as a thesis, research program, or field inquiries.
Credit requirements vary from 30 to 40, and most programs require about two years of full-time study. However, since many current educational professionals continue working throughout their degree, programs frequently offer flexible course delivery and logistics options. These options can sometimes extend or shorten the duration of the program.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in education program
- Educational Leadership. This course provides students with the framework to support practices and theories in educational leadership. Students learn about current educational issues, instructional leadership processes, and administrative management techniques through the intersection of ethics, research, decision-making, and management skills.
- Learning Design and Technologies. Technology has a major influence on learning environments. In this course, students examine theories and issues in educational technology to best understand how to design and implement digital learning. Coursework may cover digital resource creation, design models, and current and historical issues.
- Curriculum and instruction Design. By exploring developments in curriculum and instruction theories, this course studies trends and issues relating to the effectiveness of instructional methods. Students practice research and analytical skills to strategize curriculums according to identified gaps and evidence-based assessment strategies.
- Early Childhood Education. This course explores the theories and practices in early childhood education and helps students understand and address current issues. Topics may include assessment and evaluation, social and emotional development, and policies in early childhood education.
Master’s in Education Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in education degree program?
Refer to the institution or program website to locate the applications portal, where you can upload the required documents, complete your applications, and pay the required fees. Speak with an admissions counselor to help guide you through the application process and ensure you provide the correct information and materials. Ask the admissions advisor for recommendations on strengthening your application and confirm application deadlines.
How much does a master's in education degree cost?
Tuition for most master’s programs costs an average of $20,513 per year. Housing, campus fees, materials, and other expenses can impact your costs, and out-of-state student state and private institutions typically correspond with higher tuition. Federal financial aid and other funding can affect your upfront expenses — create a budget detailing your academic and living expenses and compare it with your financing to understand the full picture.
How long does it take to earn a master's in education degree?
Education graduate programs generally require between 30 and 42 credits for graduation, which takes about two years of full-time study. Internships or other practical experience requirements and part-time, online, hybrid, or self-paced options can also influence the total duration.