Thinking about pursuing a teaching career? Here is our carefully selected list to help you choose from the best Master’s in Education programs!
The best teachers are the ones who continue to learn, and higher education can be a great place to jumpstart your own career! If you are considering a master’s in teaching or education, think about your search in terms of location, tuition, class size, and the accomplishments of previous graduates. Read more here to learn about the best master’s in education programs around the world.
Earning a master’s in education, or M.Ed., is a crucial step in the development of your teaching career. It is important to decide early on in which area you will specialize, which can be difficult with thousands of advanced degree programs to choose from. Think about the type of setting you can see yourself working in, whether that means large classrooms of students or more individualized care.
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Why Get a Master’s in Education?
For one, it is commonly believed that greater understanding leads to more informed teaching practices. By pursuing higher education, teachers not only get the chance to specialize in their subject of interest, but they also spend time in the classroom, giving them a chance to remember what it feels like to be a student.
By better understanding the psychology of the classroom, educators can set themselves up for more success in the future. Earning a master’s in education is definitely one way to pursue your career goals, including better pay and more opportunities in the areas that interest you. Not to mention, you can earn a great deal of respect by holding a higher education degree.
Some Common Types of Education Master’s Degrees:
1. Master of Education
Earning a Master of Education will give you the opportunity to take your teaching skills outside of the classroom. Aspiring teachers might pursue this degree to gain respect in the teaching community and to create new opportunities. And, for those who are already certified and ambitious to influence policies and procedures within schools, this degree could be a great opportunity.
At University of the People, you can earn your M.Ed tuition-free and completely online, regardless of your current career status. To increase the amount of highly skilled teachers around the world, UoPeople and the International Baccalaureate (IB) designed a graduate-level program that trains students for dynamic careers in education, childcare, and community leadership. Learn more here!
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2. Master of Arts in Teaching
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) generally focuses on hands-on experience intended to advance your teaching career, and the coursework typically includes advanced or specialized courses. This degree puts the teacher back in the classroom, providing the opportunity to practice your learning skills.
Types of Education Specializations
1. Early Childhood Education
Preparing students for teaching positions with children ages 1-8, teachers with this advanced degree may find opportunities in administrative and management positions within preschools and day care centers.
2. Educational Leadership
An M.Ed in educational leadership can lead to opportunities in principal and curriculum coordinator positions, among other high paying roles. It is a great option considering most states in the U.S. require education master degrees for most administrative positions.
3. Math Education
For educators with strong mathematical skills, the M.Ed in Math Education will provide specialized knowledge to advance your career as a teacher whether in elementary, middle, high school, or beyond.
4. School Counseling
This degree sets up individuals for professional opportunities in various counseling roles. School counselors work closely with children, helping them identify and resolve problems, while making recommendations about future treatment.
5. Science Education
A Master’s in Science Education provides students with wider knowledge of subjects like biology, chemistry, and geology, giving them the chance to develop deeper within their area of specialization.
6. Secondary Education
The most common career path for someone with an M.Ed in secondary education is through leadership roles, often within high schools. Principals, assistant principals, and general administrative staff are often required to have some formal education in teaching.
7. School Psychology
Graduate programs in school psychology prepare teachers to work with students, fellow teachers, and parents with a developed sense of professionalism. A BA in psychology is typically a prerequisite, and if you choose to pursue your education through an M.Ed in school psychology, you will gain a range of skills needed to resolve a variety of problems within the education setting.
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You might also consider using your education as a chance to experience life abroad. Of course, the easiest way to do this is by applying to schools in countries that interest you. But you can also learn from just about anywhere by enrolling in an online degree program. Even without the physical presence of the classroom, education students can learn how to set goals and objectives for the classroom, identify instructional needs of individual learners, and implement creative curriculum materials to create an effective learning environment.
For some, the preferred route might be a full-time graduate program, as they often take less time to complete. To help make the search a bit easier, the U.S. News & World Report collected data from 267 graduate education programs between 2017 and 2018, measured through quality assessments, acceptance rates, faculty resources, research activity, and more. In line with their research, the top 10 best education schools included the following universities.
Best Master’s in Education Programs
University of California – Los Angeles
- Application Fee: $110
- Specializations: Educational Leadership, Student Affairs, Teacher Education
- Application Deadline: February 8
Harvard University
- Application Fee: $85
- Specializations: Mind, Brain & Education, International Education Policy
- Application Deadline: December 1
University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Application Fee: $75
- Specializations: Counseling Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Policy Studies
- Application Deadline: December 15
Stanford University
- Application Fee: $125
- Specializations: Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education, Developmental and Psychological Sciences
- Application Deadline: December 3
University of Pennsylvania
- Application Fee: $0
- Specializations: Master of Science in Education, Master of Philosophy in Education, Educational Linguistics
- Application Deadline: Rolling
New York University
- Application Fee: $75
- Specializations: Education and Social Policy, English Education, Early Childhood Education
- Application Deadline: Rolling
Teachers College, Columbia University
- Application Fee: $65
- Specializations: Communication and Education, Economics and Education
- Application Deadline: Rolling
Vanderbilt University
- Application Fee: $0
- Specializations: Researchers in Education, Human Development, Organizational Development
- Application Deadline: December 31
University of Washington
- Application Fee: $85
- Specializations: Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership, Experimental Education
- Application Deadline: January 5
Northwestern University
- Application Fee: $95
- Specializations: Education and Social Policy, Connected Learning, Public Interest
- Application Deadline: December 4
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Best International Master’s In Education Programs
If you are interested in pursuing your education outside of the United States, consider these master’s in education programs:
University of Oulu, Finland
- Master in Education and Globalization
- Full-time, two-year international MA
- Specializations: Ethics, Policy, Planning, Curriculum, Evaluation and Comparative Research in Education
Instituto Franklin – Universidad Alcalá De Henares, Madrid, Spain
- Master in International Education
- Part-time, one-year Master, recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education
- Specializations: Curriculum Design Models, Teaching Methods, Learning Theories, Global English in an Intercultural Context
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow
- Management of International Education
- Full-time, two-year Master’s degree
- Specializations: International Negotiations, Education Systems of Foreign Countries, International Education Law, Competitiveness of the Russian Higher Education
Saint Mary’s University, Canada
- International Master of Teaching English as a Second Language
- Full-time, 16-month degree program
- Specializations: Methods for Language Learning, Language, Culture, and Education, Technologies in Teaching English
University of Essex Online, United Kingdom, UK Online
- Master of Education
- Part-time, two-year online M.Ed.
- Specializations: Introduction to Educational Assessment, Using Technology in Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Philosophy of Education and Theories of Learning & Teaching
University of Stirling, United Kingdom
- MRes in Educational Research
- Full-time or Part-time, 12-27 months
- Specializations: Educational Research, learned through six core modules and a dissertation of 15,000 words
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What Can You Do with a Master’s in Education?
Don’t be held back by the notion that M.Ed’s are only for teachers. For those who earn this degree, even without first earning a bachelor’s degree in education, a huge variety of new opportunities can arise. Many graduates find work as school administrators, for example, or as liaisons between government institutions with which schools often collaborate.
And, of course, for teachers looking for new career opportunities, the possibilities are endless. Earning your MA in Education will not only increase your earning potential, but you will be able to find more respect in your community and a better understanding of your students’ needs. Often, teachers will choose to earn a second degree in order to specialize in a certain area of education, creating new opportunity to progress in their careers.
If you have already established your career and are looking to enhance your skills or create new opportunities, consider earning your Education Master’s online. At University of the People, you can earn a US-accredited, tuition-free M.Ed from the comfort of your own home or office. Read more about how we are developing new generations of globally-skilled educators with vast knowledge of the best practices in education!
FAQs
Which is the best masters degree in education? ›
- Educational Leadership or Administration. ...
- Curriculum and Instruction. ...
- Teaching English Language Learners. ...
- School Counseling. ...
- Educational Technology.
Yes, it's a legitimate American university
UoPeople is known as the “first non-profit, American-accredited, tuition-free online university.” It is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognised by the US Department of Education.
UoPeople is recognized by the DEAC as an accredited online University, and adheres to all DEAC Standards and Code of Ethics. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
What masters degree is best for teachers? ›- Master of Education. ...
- Master's in Teaching. ...
- Master's in English Education. ...
- Master's in Mathematics Education. ...
- Master's in Special Education. ...
- Curriculum and Instruction. ...
- Early Childhood Education. ...
- Higher Education.
- School Superintendents. $127,310* N/A.
- Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals. $98,420. 5%
- Postsecondary Education Administrators. $96,910. 7%
- Postsecondary Teachers. $79,640. 12%
- Instructional Coordinators. $63,740. 7%
- School and Career Counselors and Advisors.
- Business administration. A Master of Business Administration degree, or MBA , is the most popular graduate degree available. ...
- Health care administration. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Computer and information sciences. ...
- Nurse anesthesia. ...
- Human resources management. ...
- Physician assistant. ...
- Math.
- McGill University.
- Harvard Business School.
- New York University.
- University of Edinburgh.
- International Baccalaureate.
UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) which is recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education and the CHEA. Admission requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalent and proof of English language proficiency.
Do jobs accept degrees from the University of the People? ›After completing a degree or certificate program at the University of the People, you can choose to apply for a high profile job with your UoPeople qualification in such high profile companies as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Wells Fargo, Deloitte, Amazon, Dell, IBM, Pfizer, United Health Group, and Facebook.
Where does University of the People rank? ›If you've ever looked at most publications' “Best College” rankings, you'll be hard pressed not to find Harvard, MIT and Ivy League colleges at the top of the list.
How prestigious is UA? ›
University of Alabama's 2022-2023 Rankings
University of Alabama is ranked #137 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
Just like any diploma mill, University of the People has no professors, no real instructors, no video courses and no original study material.
Is it worth getting a Masters in teaching? ›If you're an educator or aspiring educator, you may wonder about the value of an advanced degree and how it could help to advance your career. While it's true that a master's in education often leads to a higher paycheck, it also offers a wealth of professional and personal advancement.
Is it worth it for a teacher to get their Masters? ›With this advanced credential, you can increase your earning potential by as much as 29%, even if you don't seek a leadership role. Even more importantly, you will deepen your understanding of teaching and learning, making you more effective in the classroom.
What is the difference between a Masters in Education and a Masters in teaching? ›The primary distinction is that the master's in teaching focuses more directly on teaching and classroom management. In contrast, the master's in education is a broader degree, applicable to a classroom career but also to jobs in administration, curriculum development, and education policy.
Can you make 6 figures in education? ›Yes, it's true. Teachers who've been on the job for several years can earn six figures in many states. Sure, teaching isn't the highest paying gig out there, with a median salary of $57,949 ($3,000 below other professions that require a BA degree).
What is the highest paid teacher? ›...
Highest-Paid Teachers By State.
Rank | 1 |
---|---|
State | Maryland |
Average Teacher Salary | $61,254 |
10th Percentile | $40,000 |
90th Percentile | $93,000 |
- School Principal.
- Chief Administrator.
- Academic Dean.
- University Professor.
- Librarian.
- Business administration. A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is one of the most highly sought-after master's degrees globally and a stepping stone to C-suites jobs at big organisations. ...
- Healthcare administration. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Marketing.
- Data Science – A 21st Century Choice. ...
- Cybersecurity – A Timely, In-Demand Master's. ...
- Business Administration (MBA) – The Pick for Managers. ...
- Healthcare Administration – The Business of Healthcare. ...
- Project Management – Best for Project Leaders.
What is the hardest Master degree to get? ›
Medicine is rightfully touted as one of the hardest degrees ever, but did you know that Biomedical Science shares a lot of content with Medicine? In fact, Biomedical Science students have to understand the science of medicine in more detail than most doctors!
Can I transfer from UoPeople to another university? ›What about transferring credits to other universities? The transferability of credits and acceptance of a UoPeople degree, as with any other higher academic program, are at the complete discretion of the institution to which a student may seek to transfer.
Does Harvard accept UoPeople degree? ›No student with a bachelor's degree or other first university degree from any other university, whether American or foreign, is eligible for admission to Harvard College.
Is it hard to get into University of the People? ›UoPeople is a private, online university. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 4,032 undergraduate students. The UoPeople acceptance rate is 100%.
Does Canada accept UoPeople degree? ›This is not a public university. It is a primarily online private institution in Pasadena, California. It is therefore not accredited in Canada.
How many students go to UoPeople? ›Depending on if you enroll full-time or part-time, you can complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 4 years. The mission of UoPeople is to offer quality, affordable and accessible education to everyone around the world because we believe that education is a fundamental human right.
Is studying at UoPeople worth it? ›UoPeople is one of the best online universities
University of the People is one of the great universities in the world. It gives a higher quality education online. We can call it an online university for students from all over the world.
Absolutely! Classes at UoPeople are small and highly qualified instructors are available to answer students' questions and offer support. Additionally, each student is connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who remains with them until graduation.
Do UoPeople instructors get paid? ›Each UoPeople course is nine weeks. Instructors must be able to teach in an online world and understand the needs of a very diverse student population. The university provides its instructors with a modest honorarium, ranging from $600-675 USD per course.
Is UoPeople internationally Recognised? ›
Media Center. As the world's first tuition-free, accredited, American university, UoPeople has been recognized in top publications across the globe – from the BBC to The New York Times.
Is University of the People 100% free? ›Our 100% online, tuition-free degree programs are designed to fit your life.
Who are the top 3 in UA? ›U.A.'s Big Three represents the top hero candidates in all of Japan. Mirio Togata, Tamaki Amajiki, and Nejire Hado did not rank well in their previous U.A. Sports Festival, and their strange personalities leave a strong impression on most people.
Which is a better school ASU or UA? ›In the 2021 Best National Universities ranking by US News, the University of Arizona is number 97. On the other hand, in the same ranking by the same ranking site, Arizona State University is number 103.
What is the #1 rated university in the US? ›Harvard University
This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world.
We have exciting news to share! UoPeople received WASC accreditation eligibility (Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC)! What does this mean? The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is a regional accrediting agency.
Is UoPeople accredited in Europe? ›UoPeople is an accredited online American institution with some rigorous and high quality programs. Therefore, its graduates usually get admitted in most University in Europe, Asia and America.
Who owns University of the People? ›Shai Reshef - President & Founder - University of the People | LinkedIn.
What can I do with a Masters in teaching besides teach? ›- Principal. ...
- District Administrator. ...
- Instructional Coordinator. ...
- Corporate Trainer. ...
- Educational Policy Analyst or Developer. ...
- Higher Education. ...
- Educational Director at a Museum or Nonprofit. ...
- Childcare Director.
...
Some examples of potential roles include:
- Special education teacher.
- Teaching English as a second language.
- Higher education.
- Corporate trainer.
- Tutor.
Why should I do a masters in education? ›
Broaden Your Knowledge
For most of our students, career progression is usually the most common reason to pursue a Master's in education. But the knowledge you will gain along the way yields its own reward. Postgraduate study is an excellent way to increase your general understanding of educational tactics and policies.
A Master of Arts in teaching (MAT) is a great, practical degree for the educator hoping to take the next step in their teaching career. The time to complete a Master of Arts in teaching program depends on the program one chooses and if they pursue their studies full-time or part-time.
What is the best masters degree for education? ›- Educational Leadership or Administration. ...
- Curriculum and Instruction. ...
- Teaching English Language Learners. ...
- School Counseling. ...
- Educational Technology.
A master's degree in Education (M. Ed.) is a wonderful program for those who already hold teacher certification. This program does not lead to teacher certification, but it's a great choice for educators who want to develop their leadership and advocacy skills.
What do you call a teacher with a master's degree? ›Master levels are called Instructor. Now because some people get in a snit about the title of Doctor the custom is to only call people with PhD's Doctors. If you are a grad student and are called professor you should correct the person because it is a title that people earn with an additional 5 to 8 years of study.
Is it easier to get a teaching job with a masters degree? ›While it is possible to obtain a teaching job without a master's degree in education, having one increases your chances of getting that job over the competition. A master's degree offers you more credibility, experience, and confidence.
Why are teachers called Masters? ›Origins. The word “master” in this context translates the Latin word magister. In England, a schoolmaster was usually a university graduate, and until the 19th century the only universities were Oxford and Cambridge.
Which is better Ma education or M Ed? ›MEd focuses on the practical aspect of teaching, while MA (Education) deals with advanced teaching in theoretical subjects. As per a recent judgement of the Supreme Court, both MA (Education) and MEd will be considered equivalent degrees for the appointment of Assistant professor.
Is it worth getting a masters in education? ›The education field has many exciting career opportunities, from teaching to counseling to administration. While not all jobs in education require a master's to begin a career, having a master's in education can potentially provide a larger salary and potential advancement in your career.
Which master degree is most valuable in future? ›- Master's Degree in Nursing. ...
- Master's Degree in Health Sciences. ...
- Master's Degree in Environmental Studies. ...
- Master's Degree in Business. ...
- Master's Degree in Economics. ...
- Master's Degree in Development Studies. ...
- Master's Degree in International Policy and Diplomacy.
Which degree is the highest degree in education? ›
A doctorate degree is the highest traditional academic degree. Earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) or a Doctor of Education (Ed. D.)
Is a master of education is equal to MEd? ›(Education) is a master's degree in the subject concerned, M. Ed. is not so, as it is only a training qualification.
Can I do MEd and MA together? ›It is a dual degree programme integrated programme that combines both the degree programmes into one. Students who successfully complete it are awarded with dual degrees of Master of Arts and Master of Education. The duration of the MA M. Ed.
Which country is best for MEd course? ›QS Ranking | University | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | University College London | United Kingdom |
2 | Harvard University | United States of America |
4 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
6 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
Yes, you can be a professor with a master's degree.
The primary qualifications for landing an entry-level professor position ultimately depend on the school. Some professor positions require just a master's degree (6-year program), whereas others require a doctorate (8-year program).
Improve Your Teaching Skills
A master's in education gives you the tools you need to reach students where they are, better engage and manage your classroom, and improve educational outcomes for your students.
- Business administration. A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is one of the most highly sought-after master's degrees globally and a stepping stone to C-suites jobs at big organisations. ...
- Healthcare administration. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Marketing.
The two most common titles of master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA/M.A./A.M) and Master of Science (MSc/M.Sc./M.S./S.M.) degrees, which normally consist of a mixture of research and taught material.
What are 3 types of education? ›There are three main types of education, namely, Formal, Informal and Non-formal. Each of these types is discussed below.
What are the 5 levels of education? ›Early childhood education is followed by primary school (called elementary school in the United States), middle school, secondary school (called high school in the United States), and then postsecondary (tertiary) education.
What is the lowest degree in education? ›
Academic degree levels in order are associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctoral degree.