What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education? 

A master’s in education prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding careers. From working as a primary or secondary school teacher to taking a role as an admissions counselor or school principal, opportunities abound. Before deciding on a career path, it can be helpful to learn more about what you can do with a master’s in education.  

What Is a Master’s in Education? 

A Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed) is a graduate degree designed to build upon the skills learned in a bachelor’s program. Through social justice study, exceptional curriculum development, program planning, and improved teaching practice, students learn to take their teaching roles to a higher level. Additionally, they can prepare themselves for administrative or specialized positions.  

These degrees can be tailored to aspiring administrators, teachers, or therapists. Some of the most popular include programs focusing on special education and educational therapy. The time it takes to complete a master’s in education varies, but typically, students can graduate in about two years, depending on their schedules.  

What Will You Learn in a Master’s in Education Program? 

Understanding what you can do with a master’s in education starts with learning more about the coursework, hands-on experience, and skills gained during a degree program. At Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU), the required courses included in our MA Ed program consist of the following: 

  • Trends in Curriculum Development 
  • Social Justice, Diversity, and Equality 
  • Educational Assessment and Evaluation 
  • Introduction to Educational Research 

Students are also required to participate in at least one of the following: 

  • Technology 
  • Special Education 
  • Media, Medium, and Method 
  • Learning, Technology, Curriculum 
  • Contemporary Issues in Tech Leadership 
  • Personal interview with the program director 

NDNU asks uncredentialed candidates to choose 12 units of qualifying credential electives. Credentialed teachers can transfer in up to six units that they haven’t previously applied to another degree.  

A school administrator assists a parent with paperwork

Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Education 

Although the process of becoming a teacher can be long, the benefits associated with going on to earn a master’s in education are many. Part of understanding what you can do with a master’s in education involves exploring the potential benefits associated with the degree.  

Greater Understanding and Better Teaching Practices 

Teachers at every age and grade level are highly skilled professionals, and the more skills they learn, the better prepared they are to stand out as leaders in the classroom. Master’s degree programs provide unprecedented theoretical and practical insight that a bachelor’s program simply can’t.  

Better Pay  

Although salaries depend on many factors, including role, degree, specialization, location, and employer, those who earn master’s degrees can earn more. Many school districts offer different pay scales for teachers with advanced degrees. 

More Employment Opportunities 

Master’s degree graduates often have more opportunities than bachelor's degree graduates. Individuals with a master’s degree in education can take on administrative and specialized roles. For example, school therapists, principals, and school administrators are often required to have graduate degrees. 

Master’s in Education Career Outcomes 

Although a master’s degree isn’t required for teachers, it can open up a wide range of opportunities. Below are three of the most popular. 

School Principal 

Elementary, middle, and high school principals manage school staff, activities, and schedules. They develop curricula according to federal and state standards, meet with parents and students to discuss students’ progress and behavior, and manage school budgets. Although job growth is projected to decline very slightly between 2023 and 2033, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) still projects about 20,800 openings each year throughout the decade across the nation.  

Education Administrator 

Education administrators tend to work in postsecondary institutions, such as colleges and universities, and they usually work in admissions or registrars’ offices, or as provosts or deans. They may determine which students to admit, schedule course offerings, oversee registrations, or advise students about housing and financial aid. Employment in these roles is projected to grow by 3% between 2023 and 2033 as more people seek postsecondary education, according to the BLS.  

School Counselor 

In both public and private schools, school counselors help students overcome social or behavioral issues; take and pass courses that guide them down their desired career paths; and speak with school populations about social issues, such as bullying and drug use. According to the BLS, positions for school counselors are expected to increase by 4% between 2023 and 2033 as more students and their caregivers require developmental, academic, and career-related counseling.  

A school counselor smiles as he listens to a young male student speaking

Expand Your Career Opportunities With a Master’s Degree in Education 

After learning what you can do with a master’s in Education, the next step is finding the right program. The School of Education at NDNU offers four unique master’s programs to prepare you for the next phase of your career. Choose from an MA in Education, School Administration, Special Education, or Educational Therapy and enjoy personalized counseling, field orientation, and exceptional practicum placement designed to help you succeed.  

NDNU offers 100% online programs and hybrid options. The hybrid program offers afternoon, evening, and weekend options, and summer, fall, and spring courses designed to accommodate working teachers and busy schedules. Learn more by getting in touch with our Admissions team.  

 

Recommended Readings 

Master of Arts vs. Master of Science: What’s the Difference? 

How Hard Is It to Get Into Grad School? 

Can a Master’s in Education Increase Your Salary? 

 

Sources: 

Indeed, How Much Do Teachers Get Paid? (and Other FAQs) 

Indeed, Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master of Education: What’s the Difference? 

Indeed, 10 Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s Degree in Education 

Indeed, 31 Non-Teaching Careers for Candidates With a Master’s in Education 

TeacherCertification.com, Bachelor’s vs. Master’s Teaching Degree — Comparison Guide 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors