M.Ed: Master of Education

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The Masters in Education is one of the top degrees universities are bringing to a 100% online format. Current teachers find the Online Masters in Education degree to be highly flexible while they continue to work and pursue their M.Ed. or M.A.T. Be sure to keep an eye open for CAEP-accredited programs - CAEP is widely considered to be the top programmatic accrediting board for teaching degrees.

The Master of Education can be the degree program of choice for current educators with the desire to progress within their school systems. While encompassing educational tools and teaching-specific topics, this program also includes components related to educational leadership, theory, and ethics.

If you are interested in partnering your education with experience in the field of education, the Master of Education could be an excellent program to engage in.

Are there online Masters in Education degrees?

Yes, there are a multitude of options for online Masters in Education degrees. Learn about them by starting here: Review the best online CAEP accredited teaching education degrees or check out some of the best online MAT degrees.

Whether you are searching for an online or traditional campus based Masters Program in Education, you should definitely look at online options in your state. This is especially true for current teaching professionals who do not want to hit the brakes on their current career to move forward in their qualifications. The information below will help you understand more about the benefits of earning your Masters Degree in Education, with an emphasis on the points you should consider about going the online route.

There Are Four Main Types of Masters in Education Degrees

There are typically four main types of master's degree programs in education. With the growth and credibility of online learning across all departments of education, you should be able to find programs that match your interests within your state. Here are the four main areas:

1. Master of Education (MEd)
2. Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
3. Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
4. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Here is a list of all types of Masters in Education programs:

Masters in Education Programs

• Masters in Teaching Degrees
• Master of Education (M.Ed)
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed)
• Masters in Teaching (M.I.T)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T)
• Masters in Reading Education
• Masters in Secondary Education
• Masters in General Education

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Within each type of degree program, you can choose areas of concentration that further align with your career path in education. Such areas can include: Technology, Curriculum Leadership, Elementary Leadership, English as a Second Language, Special Education, and many more.

Why a Masters in Education?

Students considering the Master of Education as a tool for transitioning to higher positions in their school system may seek out programs that offer convenience and flexibility. This program may be most-often entered by bachelor's level educators that are on a journey to leadership positions, careers in curriculum development, or even in local educational boards or panels.

This educational program can be found at universities in states all over the U.S. Like many other master's programs, students can expect to spend around 2 years in this program as they work towards their degree.

Depending on a student's particular career path, this degree program could help in obtaining leadership positions in the field of education or even with transitioning current educators to the master's-level tier in terms of yearly salary.

Courses to expect

During your educational experience, you can expect to take courses related to educational theory, the application of educational techniques in curriculum building and classroom management, and even in educational leadership. The courses included in this program can be relevant to your development as a higher-level educator in the field.

While each type of degree program will have its on unique areas of focus, earning your masters in education have have benefits that crossover between each degree type. No matter which masters program you choose, you can most likely qualify for leadership positions in your school. Or you can pursue administration positions at the district level, or seek to shape education policy through working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other companies that focus on education improvement in several areas.

In comparison to other master's level programs in education, the M.Ed can be ideal for current teachers that are looking for more influence within their educational settings. This degree program may be highly focused on increasing the professional effectiveness of practitioners through extensive practice in instructional strategy and educational administration.

Some degree programs currently offered to upcoming learners offer specialization options that place focus in concentrated areas of interest. Common specialization options for this degree program include Educational Administration, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Design.

The Online Learning Experience for Teachers

You are probably wondering how an educator can get as good of an education without stepping foot in the classroom. Well, in case you haven’t noticed, there are online courses and degree programs in every type of field, including education. In fact, if you have your sights set on a teaching career one day, chances are you’ll spend a lot of your time mentoring students who are learning in a virtual setting.

With the advent of new technology, learners can access course materials online and communicate just as quickly and effectively as their classroom counterparts. Instructors can videotape lectures for students to stream, live discussions can be a way to hold students accountable for participating in their courses. While most classes will not require a set check-in time, there may be times when a presence at a testing center or campus event is required. Be sure to discuss this with schools when applying so you fully understand the scope of their online experience.

Requirements for a Master of Education (M.Ed)

As you look through online or traditional Master of Education programs, you might find that each has its own unique application requirements for incoming learners. Each program reviewed may be designed to fit populations of educators or new entrants to the field of education.

Programs designed for current educators may include requirements of educational bachelor’s degrees, specified years of teaching experience, and even proof of teaching licensure. These programs may include teaching-specific specializations for new students to choose from.

Alternative Master of Education programs may be open to graduates from bachelor’s programs not directly associated with teaching. These programs may accept graduates from subject-specific bachelor’s programs like the Bachelor’s in Mathematics, English, or even History.

While not all programs require a teaching licensure and educational experience, your experience in the field could help you qualify for enrollment into these programs and provide you with a foundation for success within your program. Familiarity with teaching and the educational system can be a great resource to bring along into this program.

If there are experience requirements for entry into your chosen program, you can expect that requirement to be around 2 years for most. This can include student teaching experiences or licensed teaching experience in your local school system.

In addition to education and experience requirements, there are some programs that require students to complete graduate level testing prior to being accepted. The most common test for master’s prospects is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Example Master of Education Coursework

In an attempt to provide a stable foundation of knowledge for upcoming educational professionals, Master of Education programs typically enroll students in course work related to teaching, the generalized field of education, and educational theory.

Some of the courses included in your program can relate to the field of education as a whole. The American Educational System is an introductory course that outlines each level of education, the political and social history of these programs, and current educational philosophies that guide the system today.

School Law is another course that can commonly be found within this program. In order for educational professionals to be effective and lawful in their positions in the school system, it may be necessary for these professional to have extensive knowledge pertaining to the active laws surrounding the delivery of educational services in the public domain.

An investigation into the laws in the educational field can create professionals that engage in lawful decision making, relevant structure and integrity of local school systems, and fair workplace practices. This course – among many others – can help set the stage for high quality educational professionals in this setting.

Many applicants to the Master of Education degree program may be seeking management positions within their local schools. Instructional Supervision is another course that can provide you with the analytical skills needed to evaluate instructor competency, provide meaningful constructive feedback, and ensure instructional responsibility.

How Might a Master of Education (M.Ed) Help One’s Career?

Today’s society may value higher education more than any generation before. Your decision to pursue higher level degree programs could prove beneficial in terms of your own personal knowledge of the field of education, as well as the type of careers you could qualify for after graduation.

The Master of Education may be required for higher tier positions in educational leadership, such as at the principal and vice-principal level. The requirements for these positions may require master’s-level degree programs along with extensive teaching experience.

If you are looking for careers unrelated to teaching, but still in the field of education, this degree program could potentially prepare you for that path as well. Some graduates of master’s programs can move forward into careers in curriculum research and design, local education boards, or even in local government positions focused on educational quality.

Before you choose to pursue this degree program specifically, our team encourages you to explore the various career options available for professionals at this level. Effectively developing your own educational plan can result in taking the right steps towards the career of your dreams.