Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed): Requirements, Specialties & Careers
A master's degree in education (M.Ed) is a graduate credential for teachers and aspiring education professionals who want to move into a specialty, an administrative role, or simply increase their earning potential. Programs typically take one to three years and let you choose a concentration such as special education, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership. Requirements and career outcomes vary by program and by state.
A master's degree in education (M.Ed) isn't a requirement for most classroom teachers, but among teaching degrees, it's the one that opens doors a bachelor's alone can't: reading specialist, instructional coach, department head, or principal. Some teachers earn one to deepen their subject knowledge. Others use it to pivot out of the classroom entirely. Either way, the M.Ed is built to work around a teaching schedule, with most programs offering evening, weekend, or fully online formats.
What Is a Master's Degree in Education?
An M.Ed is a graduate degree focused on the practice and theory of teaching and school leadership. It's typically for teachers who want to specialize, take on an administrative or counseling role, or add credentials in a specific subject area. A master's in a general subject area may also factor into a district's salary schedule, though how and how much varies by district.
The M.Ed isn't the only graduate option, and it helps to know how the names differ before you start comparing programs. A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) generally emphasizes classroom practice and student teaching, while a Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed) tends to lean more toward research and data. The M.Ed is usually the broadest of the three, built for specialization, leadership, or policy work. But these titles aren't standardized nationally: some M.Ed programs include a state-approved initial-licensure pathway, and some MAT programs are designed for teachers who are already licensed. Read what a specific program actually requires and leads to, rather than assuming from the degree name alone.
The Degree
M.Ed programs exist in most of the same fields as a bachelor's degree, plus some extended certifications: reading, math, science, social studies, elementary education, secondary education, or a variant of these. Most programs run 30 to 60 credit hours and take one to three years to finish, depending on whether you're studying full time or part time.
Beyond the Degree
Teachers who hold an M.Ed often move into lead-teacher, specialist, or administrative roles. A lead teacher in an elementary building might help direct colleagues on curriculum or assessment. A reading specialist works with small groups or individual students to build specific skills. An M.Ed in administration can lead toward a principal or school-leader role. Principal and other licensed administrator roles generally have separate state-specific credential requirements beyond the M.Ed.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Education?
The most common reason is career advancement. Specialist roles are harder to fill than general classroom positions, so an M.Ed can put you in a smaller applicant pool for jobs like reading specialist, instructional coach, or department lead. Several states also factor an advanced degree into base pay through their salary schedules, though the amount and structure vary by district and aren't something we can put a number on here. Check your district's salary schedule directly.
Specializations go beyond the expected core subjects. Alongside math, reading, or elementary education, you can find M.Ed programs in reading specialization, biology or another science, educational leadership, and school counseling.
Requirements for an M.Ed
Admission requirements vary by program, but the common ones are: a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, a GPA around 3.0 or higher (though some programs admit provisionally below that), letters of reference, and in some cases a GRE score. Not every program requires the GRE, and cutoffs vary widely where it's required. Check directly with the program you're considering.
Time to Complete
Most M.Ed programs take about two years full-time. Some accelerated tracks finish faster, while programs that also lead to an initial teaching certificate can take closer to three years.
Teacher Certification and the M.Ed
Some M.Ed programs are specifically designed to satisfy educational requirements for initial teacher licensure in a particular state, which can be useful if you hold a bachelor's degree outside of education. Many M.Ed programs are not built this way. Whether a given program leads to licensure, and what your state requires beyond the degree itself, depends entirely on the program and your state's educator-licensing agency.
Certification requirements differ by state. Find your state's specific requirements by clicking it on the map below.
Other Related Master's Degrees in Education
Click on the links below to expand information on other related master's degrees in education and see details on degree requirements and courses needed.
A Master’s degree in Child Development is an excellent degree for someone who wants to work as a child advocate or in the social work area. A Master’s degree can be obtained online or in an actual classroom in as little as 1 to 3 years. This degree can lead to many opportunities in working with children. Considering a a Master's Degree in Child Development Degree: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate?
Read about what it takes to earn a Early Childhood Education Degree Guide: Certificate to PhD Master's Degree. A Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education can lead to higher paying positions than just a Master’s degree. Many colleges and universities offer classes fully online or in person to fit into your busy schedule. Though a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is often required, many programs will work with applicants to meet all necessary requirements.
Get more information on earning a Master's Degree in Elementary Education Degree: Bachelor's to Doctorate Guide. A Master’s Degree in Elementary Education will likely lead to a pay increase for elementary level teachers. This will also allow the teacher further opportunities as far as career advancement. Many colleges and universities offer fully accredited Elementary Education degrees online and on campus. These degrees will require some form of research and possibly observation or proof of teaching hours.
A Master’s Degree in Library Science is the next step in furthering or starting your career in the Library Science field. This level of degree will be required for most education based Library Science jobs. Many colleges and universities offer Master’s level classes online and on campus. Some of these classes may include "User Services and Tools" and "Database Design". Read about what it takes to earn a Library Science: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Guide Master's Degree.
A Master’s degree in Adult Education can lead to jobs in many places among highly varied individuals. A Master’s degree will take between 1 and 3 years to complete and is typically available online or in person. This type of degree can open many doors to entry level Adult Education based forms of employment such as teaching basic education classes in a hospital or to adults trying to enhance their own education. Get more information on earning a Master's Degree in Master's in Adult Education: Programs, Careers & Salary.
Interested in earning a Master's Degree in Master's in Education Administration: Programs & Requirements? Choosing to gain a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Educational Administration can be a life changing decision. Master’s Degrees are often available online or on a typical college campus. Earning a Master’s will take on average 2 to 3 years if a full course load is taken. Earning a degree at this level will increase job opportunities and potential earning capacities.
A Master’s degree can not only open more doors for employment, but can increase the starting salary for those new jobs. An educational counselor must have at minimum, a Master’s degree. This type of degree can be taken online or in person from an accredited college or university in an average of 2 years. This can lead to opportunities to work in the school system or as a counselor in other places. Learn more about getting your Master's in School Counseling: Degree & Program Guide Master's Degree.
A Master’s degree in Secondary Education can be granted online or through face to face classes. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to help defer the costs of such a program. Specific subject areas that are considered high needs may also have a loan pay back program through certain school systems. See details on getting a Master's Degree in Secondary Education: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Options.
A Master’s Degree in Special Education typically take two years to acquire from an accredited college or university. Many programs have the time saving option of taking classes online for those who are working or trying to raise a family. A Master’s Degree will typically lead to more available jobs with a higher pay scale. Read about what it takes to earn a Special Education Degree: Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Options Master's Degree.
Online Master's Degrees in Education
An online M.Ed is a common choice for teachers who are already working full time or juggling a family. Many programs are regionally accredited and carry the same weight as their on-campus counterparts. Check accreditation before enrolling in any program, online or otherwise.
Program Variety
Going online usually means more specialty options, since you're not limited to what's offered near you. You can pick a program based on fit and focus rather than geography.
Flexibility
Online coursework lets you study around a teaching schedule, family obligations, and everything else already on your plate. Some teachers find that asynchronous discussion boards suit them better than in-person class participation: you get more time to think through a response before posting it. You also skip the commute and the parking fees.
Self-Paced Learning
Online programs put more of the pacing in your hands. Professors typically post assignments with a due date, and you decide when and how you get the work done. That structure works well for independent learners, less well for people who need externally imposed deadlines.
Faster Completion
Some online programs offer accelerated terms that shorten the overall timeline. The tradeoff is workload density: the same material in less time usually means a heavier week-to-week load.
Master's Degree in Education Specialties
Diverse Learning
This specialty is for teachers who want to differentiate instruction across a range of student needs, including English learners, students who are culturally or linguistically diverse, or students who need material presented differently to access it. It often pairs with an ESL or special education specialization, though the specialization coursework itself doesn't confer an endorsement or license. Additional state credential requirements apply and vary by state.
Typical coursework includes:
- Foundations of Integrative Thought in Education
- Differentiating Instruction for Learners Who Are Gifted
- Methods of Teaching Learners with Disabilities
Educational Technology
An educational technology specialist, sometimes called a Technology Integration Specialist (TIS), spends a lot of time showing other teachers how to use classroom technology well. The degree covers the basics (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software) along with designing and running lessons on tools like tablets, interactive whiteboards, and classroom response systems.
Typical coursework includes:
- Technology Integration
- Using Technology for Instructional Improvement: Research, Data, and Best Practices
- Administration of Technology Initiatives: Planning, Budgeting, and Evaluation
- Teaching and Learning in K-12 Virtual Schools
- Web-Based Teaching and Learning: Design and Pedagogy
Educational Psychology
An M.Ed in educational psychology builds expertise in both educational and applied developmental psychology, aimed at understanding how children, adolescents, and families actually learn and develop. A generic educational psychology specialization doesn't by itself qualify you for a school-counselor credential or for work under a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Those pathways carry their own state-specific education, clinical experience, and licensing requirements. Some programs are built specifically as approved school-counseling tracks, so check that directly with the program if that's the direction you want.
Typical coursework includes:
- Educational Psychology
- Child Development
- Tests and Measurement
- Educational Statistics
- Motivation in Achievement Contexts
English as a Second Language
ESL and ELL teaching is one of the faster-moving specialties in education right now. An ESL teacher helps students from different language backgrounds transition into an English-language classroom, often working one-on-one with a student and family over an extended period. An ESL specialization in your M.Ed doesn't automatically confer an ESL teaching endorsement. That credential is issued separately by your state, and requirements vary. Visit our career page to learn more about a career as an ESL teacher.
Typical coursework includes:
- Foundations for Teaching English as a Second Language
- Language and Society
- Phonetics and Phonology
Curriculum and Instruction
An M.Ed in curriculum and instruction is a common path into academic coaching: going into classrooms across a district to help teachers implement new standards, technology, or instructional methods. Curriculum and instruction graduates are also often the ones writing standardized test items or training others to do it.
Typical coursework includes:
- Curriculum Design
- Assessment and Improvement of Instruction
- Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap
Reading Specialty
A reading specialty prepares you for work as a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, or a curriculum coach, and it overlaps well with ESL coursework if you take the right electives. Coursework centers on reading, phonetics, diversity of learners, and intervention methods for struggling readers. Working as a reading specialist typically requires a separate state credential or endorsement beyond the M.Ed coursework itself, and the specifics vary by state.
Typical coursework includes:
- Foundations for Teaching English as a Second Language
- Developing Fluent Readers
- Sociocultural Context of Reading Instruction
Common Themes Across M.Ed Programs
Coursework varies by school and by term, but most M.Ed programs build toward the same core skills: critical evaluation of curriculum models, an understanding of how education policy has shifted over time, and practical grounding in assessment, technology integration, and literacy instruction. Programs generally cover:
- Curriculum design theory and practice, evaluated against real classroom constraints
- The history of curriculum policy and major educational reforms
- Literacy and numeracy instruction, adult education, and school counseling as elective tracks
- Technology integration, including computer-based learning and its effect on special education
- Assessment practices and how achievement data gets used at the school and classroom level
- Differentiated instruction for students with a range of learning needs and disabilities
- Educational psychology and motivation, and how they shape reading, writing, and math instruction
Master's Degree in Education Scholarships
Most states don't require a master's degree to keep a teaching license, but plenty of teachers pursue one anyway for the specialization and the career options it opens up. A graduate degree can also position you as a stronger candidate for advancement, whether that's a lead-teacher role or a move into administration.
Because M.Ed programs can be expensive, it's worth checking scholarships and grants before you enroll. One example:
James Madison Graduate Fellowships
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers up to $24,000 to individuals working toward a master's degree focused on the U.S. Constitution, in preparation for teaching American history, government, or civics at the secondary level. As funding permits, the foundation aims for one fellowship per state per year, and applicants compete only against others from their own state of legal residence.
Visit our Scholarships and Grants page for more funding options.
Career Pathways with an M.Ed
An M.Ed can lead to several different careers in education, though staying in education is where most of the opportunity is.
Reading Specialist
A reading specialist typically works with one student or a small group to build reading comprehension and skill, and may also coach other teachers on reading instruction. This role generally requires a state-specific credential beyond the M.Ed itself.
Academic Coach
An academic coach can work in a public school system, a private setting, or independently as a tutor, and pay varies widely by which of those paths you take. Coaches working within a school system typically help teachers adopt new techniques and programs tied to current standards. Those in private practice often work directly with families and students.
If you are interested in becoming a certified teacher, read our article on Is Teaching Right For Me?
Teacher
An M.Ed can lead to a teaching position when paired with a teaching license. In fact, many people who earn an M.Ed are already teaching and are adding a specialization or working toward a pay increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual pay for teachers ranged from $63,970 for elementary school teachers to $72,040 for high school teachers as of May 2025, with middle school teachers in between at $64,370. Employment in these roles is projected to decline slightly through 2034 (about 2% for elementary and middle school, 1.6% for high school), but Projections Central still counts roughly 91,000 elementary, 40,500 middle school, and 66,200 high school openings a year nationally as teachers retire or leave the field.
School Counselor
A school counselor typically works inside a school building. The role centers on working directly with students and families to address academic, behavioral, or family issues that affect school performance. School-counselor credential requirements, including the specific education, clinical experience, and assessment components, are set by each state and vary accordingly.
Visit our career page on School Counselors to learn more about this career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master's degree to teach?
In most states, no: a bachelor's degree plus an approved teacher preparation program and passing scores on your state's licensure exams are enough to get an initial teaching license. Some districts and states offer pay incentives for an advanced degree, and a small number of states require teachers to work toward a master's within a set number of years of being hired. Check your state's educator-licensing agency for the specifics.
What's the difference between an M.Ed and an MAT?
Generally, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leans toward classroom practice and student teaching, while an M.Ed leans toward specialization, leadership, or a role outside the classroom. But these degree names aren't standardized nationally: some M.Ed programs include an initial-licensure pathway, and requirements differ by program. Check what a specific program actually requires and where it leads before assuming from the name.
How long does an M.Ed take to complete?
Most programs take about two years full-time. Accelerated online formats can finish faster, and programs that also lead to an initial teaching certificate often take closer to three years.
Will an M.Ed increase my salary?
It depends on your district. Many school systems build advanced-degree pay into their salary schedule, but the amount, structure, and eligibility rules vary by district and aren't something a national resource can quote accurately. Check your district's published salary schedule directly.
Can I earn my teaching certification and my M.Ed at the same time?
Some M.Ed programs are specifically designed to satisfy educational requirements for initial teacher licensure in a particular state: that's the kind of program to look for if you hold a bachelor's degree outside of education. Many M.Ed programs aren't built this way. Confirm directly with the program and your state's educator-licensing agency before enrolling.
- An M.Ed is a specialization degree, not a licensing requirement. Most states don't require one to keep a teaching license, though some tie pay or continued licensure to earning one.
- M.Ed, MAT, and MS.Ed aren't standardized names. Generally, the MAT leans toward initial classroom licensure and the M.Ed toward specialization, but check what a specific program actually requires and leads to.
- Programs run one to three years depending on format, pace, and whether the program also includes initial certification coursework.
- Salary impact depends on your district, not on a national figure: check your district's own salary schedule for how it treats an advanced degree.
- Specializations range widely, from reading and ed tech to educational psychology and school counseling, each with its own coursework and career path.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, and High School Teachers. Job growth projections (2024-2034) are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Figures reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2026.
Picking a specialization is only half the decision - the other half is finding a program with the format and accreditation that fit how you actually need to study. The programs listed here include options built for teachers working full time.
What Can You Do Outside The Classroom With A Master's In Education? An Infographic
Best Colleges for Master's in Education
We are happy to release our Teacher.org's Best Colleges for Master's in Education rankings. This list was compiled by scoring several areas including, relative size of the program, graduation rates, default rates, tuition affordability, and online education options availability. More information about each college listed is available by clicking on the web address provided. Over 352 colleges were analyzed and the top 20 were included in our Best Colleges Ranking.
For more information on education degree rankings, see our methodology page: https://www.teacher.org/college-ranking-methodology/.
Offering several avenues of graduate level study, California State University-Fullerton's College of Education strives to address every teacher's career path and professional development opportunities, on a timeline that accommodates teachers' current career commitments. Candidates graduate from Fullerton's Masters programs prepared to serve their school communities in deeper capacity both in the classroom and beyond - in avenues such as leadership, literacy, numeracy, instructional technology and design. Learn more by visiting the college website at ed.fullerton.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- 3.5% Loan Default
With programs designed with the needs of veteran teachers in mind, Montclair State University's Graduate School of Education offers a number of Master's programs to meet the needs of today's teachers. Teachers who meet Montclair's rigorous admissions criteria are able to take advantage of several streams of studies designed to provide dynamic learning in areas of interest. Among some of the degree options are specific content area, elementary education, or early childhood education. Dual certifications are also achievable though Montclair's dedicated faculty and scheduling. Learn more by visiting the college website at montclair.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- 2.6% Loan Default
Designed to promote advanced thinking in professional practice, San Diego State University's College of Education and the School of Graduate Studies is renowned amongst educators who want to enhance their practice in the classroom, at the school level, and beyond. Through a mix of scholarly reading, research, study, and collaboration, veteran teachers improve their professional horizons and opportunities in a manner that is reflective of their professional responsibilities in the classroom. Learn more by visiting the college website at go.sdsu.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- 3.6% Loan Default
Created specifically to deepen educator practice while ensuring that God remains first in the minds of students, Azusa Pacific University's Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master of Arts in Education prepares both current educators and those working beyond the classroom for the innovative thinking and rigorous research that is required at the graduate studies level. Streaming students into intern and non-intern academic pathways means that Azusa's faculty is able to help each group improve their practice on an individual basis. Learn more by visiting the college website at apu.edu.
- Private University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 3.6% Loan Default
Fully accredited through the National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education (NCATE), the Ohio State University's Teacher Education faculty is committed to assisting teachers in developing the competence and skill sets that they need to become decision-makers and leaders in the classroom and at school and district levels. With a number of licensure areas, OSU's faculty work closely with every teacher graduate student to ensure candidates are progressing along the path to a master's degree while maintaining a professional standard of practice while at work in the classroom. Learn more by visiting the college website at tl.ehe.osu.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- 5.1% Loan Default
Designed specifically for teachers who hold a bachelor's degree and who are looking for graduate study opportunities as well as initial teacher licensure, Regis University's College for Professional Studies is proud to help individuals achieve their professional goals through a mix of field placement and theory. Offered both through an online platform as well as on campus, Regis University's master's program builds on the mandate that research and practice form the cornerstones of successful professional growth for educators, who can then transform society. Learn more by visiting the college website at regis.edu.
- Private University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 2.4% Loan Default
One of the many graduate-level options available through San Jose State University's Connie L. Lurie College of Education is the school's Master of Arts Degree in Education. With focus on curriculum and instruction, teachers who have already achieved a bachelor of education degree as well as licensure to teach will have ample opportunities to grow their professional knowledge and practice through the graduate curriculum. The two program options, Literacy Across the Curriculum for an Equitable Society (LACES) and Critical Research Academy (CRA) both have a strong social justice component. Learn more by visiting the college website at sjsu.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- 3.1% Loan Default
Purdue's College of Education is proud to be an important part of the graduate offerings though Purdue University. Veteran teachers who already hold a bachelor degree as well as teacher licensure through the state can choose graduate studies with an area of specialization that may include teacher education, mythology, curricular studies, education leadership, technology - or a combination of concentrations - in order to help teachers deepen their professional practice in the 21st century classroom learning environment. Learn more by visiting the college website at education.purdue.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 3.4% Loan Default
University of Massachusetts-Amherst's College of Education offers a Master's of Education degree in a number of concentrations to meet the needs of practitioners. With a renowned commitment to scholarship and research, veteran teachers pursue graduate studies through UMass-Amherst's prestigious offerings. With concentrations like Assessment and Policy Studies in Education, Higher Education, and dual degree options to choose from, the department strives to meet student's needs for professional growth through theory, research and practice. Learn more by visiting the college website at umass.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 4.0% Loan Default
The University of Virginia's Curry School of Education is proud to offer experienced teachers a host of graduate and professional (non-degree) offerings to help individuals deepen their practice and expand their learning. Graduate candidates who already have a bachelor's degree and Virginia teaching licensure can pursue a Master of Education degree and then concentrate in an area that suits their career goals, like Speech Communication Disorders, Educational Psychology, Higher Education, Administration & Supervision, or a number of other paths. Learn more by visiting the college website at curry.virginia.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 1.7% Loan Default
Located in the heart of San Francisco, the San Francisco State University's Department of Education offers seasoned educators an opportunity to pursue their masters of education degree by deepening their research skills and knowledge base toward a particular concentration of education and pedagogy such as Adult Education, Educational Administration, Equity and Social Justice in Education, or other paths. Veteran teachers who wish to apply for admission to a graduate program should review admission requirements prior to the department's spring and fall admission windows. Learn more by visiting the college website at gcoe.sfsu.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- 5.7% Loan Default
Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University has a robust and well-renowned selection of graduate studies for experienced teacher candidates, which are offered both on and off-campus for ease of student access. In addition to offering state licensure for teachers, Lesley's Department of Education offers graduate studies and concentrations by classroom level and also by contact area. Focusing on a combination of research, study and practice, graduate students benefit from Lesley University's degree formats; offerings are also hosted throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Maine under the university's 'low residency' format, to assist busy professionals. Learn more by visiting the college website at lesley.edu.
- Private University
- 1,000 - 5,000 Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 3.8% Loan Default
Located in Long Island, New York, Adelphi University is home to the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, which has over 15 well-renowned graduate programs for educators. The university provides current and meaningful contributions to educators' portfolios every year, with a focus on experiential learning and strong emphasis on inclusion. Faculty is committed to improving teacher practice throughout a variety of concentrations. Adelphi degrees equip veteran teachers with the research and scholarly skills they need to build their practice in the classroom while enriching their employment horizons. Learn more by visiting the college website at education.adelphi.edu.
- Private University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 3.2% Loan Default
An epicenter of academic learning, Stanford University's STEP program for graduate studies admits a limited number of teachers every year to partake in an intensive 12-month course designed to deepen their classroom practice. Students who are interested in admittance to Stanford's STEP program are committed learners and adept at time-management. Successful candidates are both passionate about and compassionate toward young people, which in turn provides candidates with high levels of personal and professional satisfaction. Learn more by visiting the college website at ed.stanford.edu.
- Private University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 0.8% Loan Default
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a variety of Masters in Education (M.Ed.) degree programs that are tailored for teachers who are dedicated to improving the scope of their practice. Degree offerings are available for all classroom grade levels, and include paths such as Masters of Arts in Education; International Education; Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship; and many more options. UNC-Chapel Hill faculty combines research, theory and practice in order to help teachers achieve their academic goals, and then return to their professional environment with a deeper understanding of student needs and subject matter in the 21st century classroom. Learn more by visiting the college website at soe.unc.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 25-50 Grads/Yr
- 1.6% Loan Default
California State University-Long Beach's Department of Education is a well-respected environment in which experienced teachers can pursue their master's studies to ascend the career ladder and deepen their practice. With several study concentrations streamed into Elementary Education or Secondary Education, teachers are able to choose from a variety of offerings in order to meet their personal and professional needs, and the needs of their students and schools. Each stream can also accommodate a master's thesis option for students interested in research. Learn more by visiting the college website at ced.csulb.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 3.8% Loan Default
Veteran teachers return to University of La Verne's graduate school of education in order to develop their practice in elementary education or secondary education - or in concentrations such as educational literacy, school psychology, or educational leadership. With a thesis option to complement the graduate degree, teacher candidates are able to apply theoretical and research knowledge to the curriculum and assessment practices in their school and classroom environment. University of La Verne faculty is proud to help teachers who are called to serve their community in instructional leadership practices. Learn more by visiting the college website at laverne.edu.
- Private University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 3.8% Loan Default
Towson University has a 150-year history of educating classroom teachers, education specialists, and school leaders to better serve their school communities. Led by world-class educational faculty, students at Towson University are part of a growing educational movement to reach each student to develop their full potential as a learner. With an evaluation of past educational movements, students are drawn toward greater understanding of today's systemic forces in education and may choose from a number of concentrations like elementary education to better understand the diverse nature of learners and our the impact on learning Learn more by visiting the college website at towson.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 3.9% Loan Default
Located in the heart of Ann Arbor, University of Michigan has a variety of graduate studies options for those veteran teachers who already possess a bachelor's degree and state licensure. Candidates pursuing their Master of Arts in Educational Studies study on a 10-month full-time schedule. Students are given the option of pursuing four strands of disciplinary expertise and switching between them at will in order to craft a unique learning experience. Graduates emerge with an enhanced skillset for implementing school improvement and creating strong learning communities. Learn more by visiting the college website at soe.umich.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 1.6% Loan Default
Located in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University's Faculty of Education is home to a renowned host of educational leaders who instruct and guide veteran teachers to deepen and improve their practice. In the context of the classroom and the wider school environment, candidates make useful connections between theory and practice, and faculty takes pride in helping students to communicate their enhanced understanding of education to students, classrooms, and schools. Virginia Commonwealth offers a variety of strands on- and off-campus to support teachers' interests such as adult learning, counselor education, curriculum and instruction, reading, and more. Learn more by visiting the college website at soe.vcu.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 4.5% Loan Default