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Master's Degrees in Education: What are my Options?

Master's Degrees in Education: What are my Options?

Master of Education ... Master of Arts in Education ... Master of Science in Education ... Master of Arts in Teaching - What's the Difference?

As a teacher, if you are hoping to advance your career in the classroom or in educational leadership, an advanced degree is a necessity. In the era of No Child Left Behind, many school districts require that teachers take graduate-level courses to refine their instructional strategies. On the other hand, if your goal is to eventually become a principal, you will almost certainly need a master's degree.

Fortunately, for today’s busy educational professional, there are a number of excellent universities that offer advanced online education degrees. Many of these degrees can be completed in less than two years. Before deciding on a graduate program in education, it is important to understand that different master's degree options can help you to achieve different goals.

Master of Education

A Master of Education degree, or M.Ed., is a professional, graduate-level degree geared toward individuals who are seeking to move beyond the classroom into administrative-level positions or other specialized roles. It is generally not a teaching degree. Many online M.Ed. programs offer a specialization in educational leadership. Over the past few years, however, the opportunity to specialize in educational technology has also become increasingly available. While many M.Ed. graduates will seek to become principals and school district administrators, others will become reading or technology specialists. The Master of Education degree is sometimes referred to as a practitioner’s degree, because of its immediate and practical application to the school-environment.

Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching, or MAT, differs from the M.Ed. and the other Masters degrees in education primarily in that the majority of coursework focuses on the subject to be taught (i.e. history, English, math, biology, etc.) rather than on educational theory. While some online MAT programs offer a more general overview of the foundations of effective teaching, most MAT programs combine the study of widely established ‘best practices’ in the classroom with a focus on teaching within a specific discipline. Either way, the MA in Teaching is truly a teaching degree. Individuals who pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching generally choose to remain in the classroom. An MAT can also provide an educator with the appropriate credentials to become a department chairperson. The online Master of Arts in Teaching can offer educational professionals an increase in earning power along with instruction in the most up-to-date and effective instructional techniques.

Master of Arts in Education

A Master of Arts in Education is perhaps the most flexible degree in the field, and often allows an educator to specialize in one of several concentrations. In addition to taking core classes in educational philosophy, child psychology, educational ethics, and education research methods, teachers pursuing this advanced education degree generally specialize in one of several fields.

Educational professionals who are looking to remain in the classroom often opt to pursue an online Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in either elementary or secondary education. At many universities, a concentration in special education is also available. Individuals who are looking to leave the classroom often pursue concentrations in educational leadership, technology, or counseling. This list is by no means complete, as each university offers its own options for specialization.

Overall, the M.A. in Education includes more of the theoretical study of education than most of the other advanced degree options. The Master of Arts in Education also offers an extremely high level of flexibility, and can help to advance careers both inside and outside of the classroom.

Master of Science in Education

While the other advanced degree programs tend to be more widely-known, the Master of Science in Education can also provide professional educators with the tools needed for success in the classroom and advancement in educational leadership. As the name suggests, this degree program provides ample opportunity for the student to take a more scientific approach to the study of education. Many of those individuals who choose to follow the scientific route concentrate on topics like instructional technology or educational research.

In many instances, M.S. Education programs that take a scientific slant tend to include coursework in statistics and educational evaluation and measurement. Educators who pursue the more scientific path generally leave the classroom, and in many instances, the school. They have excellent job prospects in the educational research sector. Many go on to work with school districts, state governments, or private research organizations to assess student performance and suggest policies that will boost student achievement. Others supervise technology initiatives for schools or school districts, work in distance education, or pursue doctoral studies.

Other individuals who pursue an MS in Education opt for a less scientific course of study, such as educational leadership, or literacy. In some instances, these programs resemble the previously discussed Master of Education degree, but at other schools, these programs place a much greater focus on the scientific aspects of studying education. In either case, the same opportunities for advancement as a school administrator should be available, regardless of whether one has earned a degree of Master of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, or a Master of Education.

The Power of an Advanced Degree

Whether a teacher desires to remain in the classroom, to move into administration, or to branch out into educational research, earning an advanced education or teaching degree online can provide a flexible, affordable means of career advancement.

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