Many teachers and other education professionals can benefit from a master of education (MEd). It is a versatile degree that provides educators with a wide range of knowledge and skill inside and outside the classroom.
Read on to learn more about a master’s in education salary, degree program, and potential career tracks after graduation.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Education
A master’s degree in education focuses on broad aspects of the education world, with the ability to specialize in specific focus areas. Many career paths are available for those who graduate from an MEd program.
Receiving specialized knowledge
Because a master’s degree in education covers so much information, candidates generally specialize in one of the following areas:
- Curriculum and instruction
- School leadership (designed for administration positions)
- Inclusive learning and special education
- Literacy and digital learning
- STEAM
- Technology and innovation
Specializing in one of these can help you better prepare for a career in a specific industry. An MEd is a comprehensive degree, but choosing your specialization carefully allows you to focus it to be most beneficial. It will be helpful for you to decide which direction you want to take your career and then choose the most relevant specialization in your MEd program.
Developing the hard & soft skills
A master’s in education provides you with hard and soft skills to help you in your career. You will learn the theoretical knowledge behind curriculum planning and the best practices in instruction. You will also learn tangible skills related to the specialization you choose.
In addition to what you learn in the program, many MEd candidates already have practical experience, usually as classroom teachers. These individuals will further enhance their existing skills using the information they learn in this program. They will also learn to apply their existing skills in new ways, making it possible to pursue careers outside the classroom.
Expanding your professional network
In addition to the essential technical and theoretical knowledge you gain from an MEd program, you will also be able to expand your professional network.
You will meet other education professionals in the program, many of whom will take their careers outside the traditional classroom. This excellent network will come in handy as you hope to accept a similar position in your future.
Programs also typically provide networking events and opportunities to meet others who can then reach out if they have a suitable position for you in the future.
Job Outlook for Master’s in Education
There are various jobs available for those who hold a master’s degree in education. It might seem like teaching is the only option with an education degree, but that is definitely not the case for professionals with an MEd.
Secondary school teacher
The first career on our list is a secondary school teacher. Secondary school teachers specialize in content areas, such as Social Studies or Math. Secondary school teachers work with students in grades 7-12, although some also hold an extension for grades 5 and 6.
Education specialist
An education specialist also referred to as a curriculum developer, uses their MEd and teaching experience to develop or improve curricula in K-12 classrooms. Such work can include updating educational materials, such as textbooks or digital tools, or writing curricula for classroom teachers to implement.
Education specialists can also evaluate and train classroom teachers in the schools where they work.
Academic coordinator
An academic coordinator is a career that education professionals can pursue outside the classroom. These individuals work in organizations that educate their patrons or the public.
For example, an academic coordinator at a zoo might be responsible for designing and implementing science curricula for different age groups. They also might develop and distribute curriculum materials to visitors to reference as they move through the zoo.
Consultant
Education consultants use their MEd and teaching experience to consult on specific topics for educational institutions. These topics can include academic intervention, technology in the classroom, educational goals, or even blended learning.
Consultants usually work with school administrators, counselors, and classroom teachers to help them meet their goals.
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Program manager
A program manager oversees and develops educational programs for the customers or patrons of an organization. Program managers will plan, design, and implement a curriculum that is appropriate for the audience or learning community.
Program managers are often responsible for more than just the curriculum. They will also need to handle their programs’ budgeting, marketing, and staffing.
Research scientist
You can also use your MEd to become a research scientist in the education field. This qualification will allow you to investigate and write about specific topics relevant to education.
While an MEd can help you become a research scientist in education, you will be more competitive in applying for this role if you obtain a doctorate degree in the field.
Master’s In Education: Salary Outlook
The average person with a master of education degree makes 60k a year. However, this number can fluctuate depending on location, organization, and job position.
How much does a teacher with a master’s degree make?
Many teachers earn a master’s degree to increase their salary, but the exact numbers vary significantly from state to state. On average, a teacher with a master’s degree makes $57,830. This is considerably higher than the average salary of teachers without a master’s, which is $46,360.
Teachers in most districts are paid according to a step scale based on education level and years of teaching experience. A Master’s degree automatically moves a teacher up the pay scale. The only higher level of education on most district step charts is “Master’s +30,” which means the teacher has 30 credits in addition to their master’s degree.
Final Thoughts
An MEd can be a great degree option for current teachers who want to leave the classroom or anyone interested in non-teaching careers in education. The average salary for an MEd professional is $60K annually, but this can vary significantly by location, position, and specialization.
You can choose to specialize in various fields within your MEd, each of which will open you up to different career paths.
