master of education what is it

Online Master's in Education

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Today’s education landscape needs leaders like you — dynamic educators and innovators committed to making sustainable and scalable change for all students by building on your professional experience in PreK–12 classrooms and districts; on college and university campuses; or in philanthropies, nonprofits, policy organizations, and ed-tech initiatives.

That’s why the Harvard Graduate School of Education launched an online Master's in Education Leadership, a two-year, part-time Ed.M. program with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways specifically designed for working education professionals who bring at least seven years of relevant or transferrable work experience. The program will strengthen the invaluable skills you’ve already developed and give you the tools to propel yourself to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

“Skilled leadership is essential to creating opportunity and overcoming the longstanding inequities that create barriers to success. At HGSE, we are committed to helping you meet today’s complex challenges by becoming the type of leader education needs.” Bridget Long Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics Harvard Graduate School of Education

A New Option for Experienced Educators

The online Master's in Education Leadership from HGSE consists of a diverse cohort of professionals like you — leaders who are advancing in their careers, and who bring important perspectives grounded in real-world challenges. Our program is conducted almost exclusively online — except for one short on-campus experience, where you'll meet your cohort in person and build community prior to the start of the first fall semester.

The program offers a distinctive Harvard experience — including deep engagement and interaction with Harvard faculty and talented peers, as well as a lifelong professional network — within an intentionally designed curriculum and robust opportunities for mentorship and coaching. The program is career-embedded — so you can immediately apply what you are learning, in real time, to the work you are doing on the ground. 

Two Pathways: Higher Education and PreK–12

In the online Master’s in Education Leadership, you will choose between two Professional Pathways — Higher Education or PreK–12 — that align with the area of practice or the student community in which your work will make an impact. Students interested in advancing into senior leadership roles in colleges and universities, or in organizations that impact higher education, should study in the Higher Education Pathway . Students who want to do change-making work within the education ecosystem on behalf of students from early childhood to secondary education levels should select the PreK–12 Pathway .

Our prescribed curriculum is intentionally designed to meet your professional needs. It is anchored in both foundational knowledge and core competencies in education leadership related to the U.S. education system. You will also complete pathway-specific courses to advance your leadership in higher education or preK–12 education, as well as the Foundations courses. You will also have the opportunity to select courses from a small subset of electives. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the curriculum are: 

Foundations Courses

Throughout the two-year program, you will participate in Foundations courses in four areas: How People Learn, Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity. In these courses, you’ll build core skills central to the profession of education.

• The online Ed.M. program commences with How People Learn, which runs online June–July and requires a time commitment of 10–15 hours per week.  
• You’ll participate in Equity and Opportunity, Evidence, and Leading Change throughout the two-year program.

Professional Pathways

All students will choose between the Higher Education and PreK–12 Pathways. Throughout the program, you will take both cross-pathway courses and pathway-specific courses. Cross-pathway courses will allow you to develop leadership skills that are important across sectors, as well as have discussions about how higher education and preK–12 can work more effectively together. Cross-pathway courses include:

• Real Talk: The Art and Practice of Communications 
• Strategic Finance for Nonprofit Leaders

Pathway-specific courses are directed to the knowledge and skills important for leadership in the Pathway professional setting. 

Elective Coursework

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a curated list of electives during the optional January terms, and during the fall and spring of their second year. Sample elective courses: 

• Law and Higher Education
• Leading a School through Challenge and Crisis   
• Race, Equity, and Leadership 
• Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Classrooms 
• Why Can’t Higher Education Change? 
• Writing Workshop   

Note: Though some courses may include comparative and international examples, applicants should expect a focus on leadership within U.S. domestic educational institutions and systems. 

Leadership Core Competencies

To help you manage, lead, and implement change in complex organizations, our curriculum explores the core leadership competencies that you'll need to elevate your skills, knowledge, and expertise, wherever you are in your career. Throughout your coursework, you will strengthen your ability to:

• Lead change and think strategically 
• Foster productive organizational conditions 
• Navigate politics and practice political inclusion
• Communicate effectively 
• Cultivate self-development and team professional development skills 

Higher Education Pathway

All students will choose between the Higher Education and PreK–12 Pathways. The Higher Education Pathway prepares you to be a dynamic leader in a diverse range of postsecondary education contexts. It is designed to increase your knowledge of the practices, policies, processes, challenges, and opportunities in American postsecondary education. You will enhance your repertoire of strategies and management skills for tackling critical issues and introducing change — while preparing you to advance in your current career or move into other important leadership roles in higher education.  

Sample courses for the Higher Education Pathway: 

• Creating the Future of American Postsecondary Education 
• Higher Education Leadership & Governance 
• Student Affairs in Higher Education: Theory-Driven Practices to Help Students Thrive 

You will also have the opportunity to engage with accomplished leaders through HGSE’s unique President-in-Residence program. 

Students interested in the Higher Education Pathway currently hold administrative and mid-level leadership roles: 

• Colleges and universities, including in academic affairs, student affairs, admissions and enrollment management, advancement, and institutional research
• Nonprofit education organizations
• State and federal government agencies 
• Policy organizations focused on higher education

PreK–12 Pathway

All students will choose between the Higher Education and PreK–12 Pathways. The PreK–12 Pathway equips you to advance your leadership across the preK–12 landscape, including in such positions as teacher leader, principal, afterschool director, education agency representative, education nonprofit/philanthropic leader, or education entrepreneur.  

Sample courses for the PreK–12 Pathway: 

• Strategic Leadership in the PreK–12 Ecosystem 
• Creating Conditions for Effective School, Family, and Community Partnerships 
• Leading Learning

Students interested in the PreK-12 Pathway currently hold administrative and mid-level leadership roles in:

• PreK–12 schools, including as principals, assistant principals, and department heads
• Nonprofit education organizations (I.e., foundations, advocacy organizations, technical assistant organizations).
• Policy organizations focused on preK–12 education 

Projected Time Commitment

Courses combine synchronous meetings and asynchronous work and assignments. Live or synchronous aspects of required courses will occur on weekdays (Monday–Friday) between 6 and 9 p.m. ET . Some elective courses, outside the required curriculum, may be offered at alternative times. On average, this degree requires 12 to 18 hours of work per week, though the weekly commitment will vary by term, courses taken, and students' own work styles. Students can expect to spend approximately five to seven hours per week in synchronous online class sessions with faculty members and classmates. The remaining hours will be spent working independently on asynchronous class preparation, in self-scheduled small-group work with other students or working on assignments. 

Weekly Time Estimate

To complete the online Ed.M. in Education Leadership, students must complete 42 total credit hours of coursework over the two-year program. While the weekly time commitment varies, the graphic below provides a snapshot of the estimated weekly time commitment students may experience during the fall and spring semesters, when they will typically take 8 credits, the equivalent of two courses . 

Synchronous

Includes live, scheduled sessions with faculty members and other students.

Asynchronous

Self-paced activities, discussion posts, and other course-related work.

Assignments

Readings, projects, papers, research, etc.

Total Estimated Weekly Hours

Hours reflect estimates and vary by term, course, and student work style.

Occurs between Monday-Friday, according to a specific schedule.

Asynchronous work and assignments will have clear deadlines or milestones, but students can set their own schedules to complete this work. Note that there may be days or weeks during the semester that are busier than average, requiring more than the estimated time shown.

Program Faculty

The faculty co-chair for the Higher Education Pathway is Francesca Purcell . The faculty co-chair for the PreK–12 Pathway is Irvin Scott .

Faculty Co-Chairs

Francesca Purcell

Francesca Purcell is a specialist in higher education policy and practice, with expertise on topics including college completion, student transfer, and developmental education.

Irvin Leon Scott

A former teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, chief academic officer, and foundation leader, Irvin Scott's focus is on education leadership and faith-based education.

James P. Honan

Karen L. Mapp

Timothy Patrick McCarthy

Mary Grassa O'Neill

Alexis Redding

On-Campus Experience

Prior to kicking off your first fall semester, you will participate in the On-Campus Institute, an immersive experience on the HGSE campus in Cambridge. This will provide the opportunity to not only form deep relationships with your cohort, but also learn together with the faculty and advisers with whom you will spend two years. The immersive residential experience is a core component to the two-year degree program that is required of all students in the program. 

Over several days in late July and/or early August, you and your fellow peers will discuss your professional experiences and examine some of the persistent challenges in your organizations. You will immerse yourself in rich exercises and community building, set expectations of what it means to be in a rigorous HGSE degree program, and set intentions for yourself, your cohort, and your course of study. 

Career Pathways

The Master's in Education Leadership Program prepares you to advance to a senior leadership role in a variety of career pathways, including:

• Academic affairs 
• Admissions and financial aid
• Development
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Institutional research
• Student affairs

PreK-12 Pathway

• Education entrepreneur
• Executive director for an education nonprofit
• Principal* or head of school 
• Program officer for a foundation 
• School department head
• School designer and developer
• School district or network leader
• Teacher leader

Overall Program

• Education nonprofit CEO/COO 
• Educational advocate and organizer 
• Entrepreneur 

*Note: This program is not able to provide principal certification at this time.

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Online Master's in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

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Residential Master's in Education

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The residential Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education prepares educators and aspiring educators — like you — with the knowledge and skills to change the world through education. 

With world-class faculty as your mentors, a lifelong network of innovative colleagues and friends, and a community that encompasses boundary-pushing research and a deep commitment to social justice, the HGSE residential Master’s in Education will help you pursue your goals and establish an impactful, rewarding, and successful career in education.

An Immersive Experience

HGSE’s  on-campus master’s degree is a one-year, full-time, immersive Harvard experience . You'll apply directly to one of its five distinct programs, spanning education leadership and entrepreneurship, education policy, human development, teaching and teacher leadership, and learning design and technology. 

The residential Ed.M. curriculum has two other key pillars: Foundations and Concentrations. Together, our Programs, Foundations, and Concentrations — as well as a dynamic assortment of electives and co-curricular experiences — will prepare you to create transformative learning at every level and in every role, from teacher to district leader, policymaker to entrepreneur, learning designer to nonprofit leader. 

"As educators, what we do right now matters. If we lean into our mission to not only empower but also address harm, imagine what the next generation will be capable of?" Bridget Long Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics Harvard Graduate School of Education

To start your master's experience at HGSE, you'll choose and apply to one of our five Programs, where you'll develop expertise in a specific area of education practice that aligns with your professional aspirations.

Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship

Cultivates the skills you need to become an effective, strategic, and innovative leader.  Offers the School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure Strand.

Education Policy and Analysis

Provides you with a deep understanding of what works in education and how to leverage policy to generate solutions.

Human Development and Education

Prepares you to understand and support the development of learners of all ages and their communities. Offers the School Counseling Licensure Pathway.

Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology

Offers you the opportunity to create technological innovations and evolve the science of learning to improve student outcomes.

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

Equips you with the skills needed to transform learning, advance social justice, and make a difference in the lives of all students.  Offers the Teaching Licensure Strand.

Licensure Options

The following programs offer licensure pathways:

Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship: School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure Strand

Human Development and Education: School Counseling Licensure Pathway

Teaching and Teacher Leadership: Teaching Licensure Strand

Foundations

You’ll launch your master's program with  Foundations — four distinctive courses that give you knowledge and capacities that every educator, in every setting, needs to possess. Leveraging the expertise of HGSE’s faculty, along with novel instructional approaches and real-world applications, Foundations will prepare you to understand, evaluate, and address the challenges and rapidly changing circumstances facing students, families, and communities. You'll draw on that foundational knowledge over the rest of your HGSE coursework and throughout your career.  

What to know:

• You’ll start with How People Learn , an immersive online course that runs in June and July and requires a time commitment of 10-15 hours per week.  
• You’ll take Leading Change , Evidence , and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August, plus one additional Equity and Opportunity elective during the year. 

Concentrations

Deepen your knowledge in a particular context or area of education by choosing an optional Concentration — an area of specialty that can be combined with your Program to create customized pathways and expertise. You'll foster connections with peers who share similar interests, and lay the groundwork for your career. Note your interest in a Concentration on your application, and officially declare after enrollment. Concentrations require 6-12 credits of coursework.

Arts and Learning

Helps you explore the integral role the arts play across art forms, age groups, and learning environments.

Early Childhood

Prepares you for a variety of roles within the early childhood education sector.

Global, International, and Comparative Education

Enables you to gain experience addressing education inequalities in low and middle-income countries.

Higher Education

Equips you for a career in postsecondary education — within universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and consulting firms.

Identity, Power, and Justice in Education

Provides you with the skills to create education spaces that aim to eliminate oppressive conditions and inequitable outcomes.

Literacy and Languages

Gives you the tools to address how literacy-related developments support student outcomes.

Make it Your Own

Whether you focus on early childhood education, K–12, or higher education, and whether domestically or globally, our master’s curriculum offers the chance to design your own pathway by crafting a customized set of enriching experiences that allow you to tap your leadership potential, cultivate your ability to make a positive impact, and create the conditions for meaningful learning and development. Learn how to personalize your pathway . 

Cohort and Community

From the start of your time as a student, you will be supported to successfully transition into graduate school and immediately begin to develop your networks with others who are dedicated to improving education. And throughout your time at HGSE, you will continue building relationships with and receiving support from your cohort. HGSE faculty and staff also facilitate numerous opportunities to help you find a community that will outlast your time as an HGSE student, and upon graduation, you will join the over 30,000 HGSE alumni working around the world. 

• Learn more about HGSE’s Community .
• Discover what makes life at HGSE distinctive. 

What is a Master of Education?

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What is a Master of Education Degree?

Education is highly valued in our society, and for good reason — from early childhood, our morals, knowledge, and skills are built upon in such a way that we may grow up to be well-rounded individuals prepared to create positive change in the world. But as the world itself continues to change, education is often forced to change with it, leading many educators to begin furthering their own education so they may shape this change personally.

Hence, the Master of Education (MEd) degree.

Specifically designed for those who wish to influence policies and procedures within schools in order to better the lives of students, this degree leads to a wealth of professional and personal development that’s vital for advanced teaching and administrative positions. And at the University of Cincinnati Online, we’re proud to offer five specialty MEd programs that will ensure you understand the mechanisms behind the education system and your individual area of focus — as well as the best ways to collaborate with your peers. So, no matter if you refer to it as an MEd, M.E.D., M. Ed., or something else altogether, we’ll train you to lead and manage change in the evolving field of education.

The MEd is a postgraduate degree awarded by various universities and colleges in which you can enroll upon completing your bachelor’s. Often advised for educators looking to advance in their field, its various concentrations center around instructional theories and best practices within the field of education, making it applicable to not only a career in the classroom, but also to jobs in administration, curriculum development, and educational policy.

What is the career outlook for graduates with an MEd?

While educators who understand how to best serve the diverse needs of students are in high demand, you may still be wondering if earning your master’s in education will elevate your career trajectory.

The good news? Graduates who hold their MEds have the qualifications needed to increase their eligibility for leadership roles and career-advancing opportunities with higher salaries. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median earning potential for those with a master’s is $81,867, compared to $69,348 for those who solely hold their bachelor’s. Better yet, at the University of Cincinnati we offer fully online programs so that you’re able to fit school into your life rather than fitting your life around school — meaning you’ll continue growing in your current position while preparing for your future.

What MEd programs does UC Online offer?

Whether you’re interested in learning to design a curriculum, hoping to specialize in children with autism, or making a change by becoming a principal, we have a program to put you on the right path.

• Education Specialists ($50,342 median pay)
• Curriculum and Instruction Specialists ($63,740 median pay)
• Curriculum Design Managers ($111,560 median pay)
• Academic Directors or Supervisors ($96,910 median pay)
• Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals ($98,420 median pay)
• College Provosts ($96,910 median pay)
• Online Instructors ($79,640 median pay)
• Instructional Design Managers ($81,837 median pay)
• Senior Instructional Designers ($82,078 median pay)
• Reading Specialists ($53,927 median pay)
• Learning and Performance Consultants ($80,240 median pay)
• Education Administrators ($ 98,420 median pay)
• Special Education Teachers ($61,820 median pay)
• Social and Community Service Managers ($74,000 median pay)
• Postsecondary Teachers ($79,640 median pay)

Why Should I Choose UC Online?

Here at UC Online, our goal is to help you reach your goals — which is why our five unique MEd programs are specifically designed to equip you with the skills you need to create positive change both inside and outside the classroom. Fully online and taught by nationally renowned faculty members, they’ll provide you with the same community that our traditional classroom experience provides, with both part- and full-time options. What’s more, literacy and second language studies and instructional design and technology students are eligible for our Graduate Incentive Award scholarship, which equates to 30% off instructional fees.

“UC Online enabled me to earn my graduate certification in STEM along with my MEd, which was crucial for advancing in my career. The structure, administration, and content of the program — combined with the excellent faculty and staff — made every penny and moment of time I spent worth it.”

Amy B., MEd Curriculum and Instruction Graduate

Take the Next Step

No matter what specialization you choose to pursue, a Master of Education from UC Online can lead to a wide range of fulfilling career options at both the classroom and administrative level. With unrivaled online tools and support, you’ll focus on the area that most supports your professional goals while deepening your knowledge of education and instruction, honing your leadership skills, maximizing your earnings, and more — and you’ll do it all while starting or continuing your teaching career.

So — are you ready to learn more? Explore our online programs to discover how you can achieve your goals with a Master of Education degree from the University of Cincinnati Online; or take the first step in advancing your career by beginning your application today .

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Master’s in Teaching vs. Master’s in Education: What’s the Difference?

In many ways, a master’s in teaching and a master’s in education are similar degrees. Both focus on learning theory and pedagogy, curriculum development, child development and psychology, classroom management, assessment and measurement, educational technology, and research. Both can lead to careers in front of a classroom.

So what’s the difference? 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. That said, it’s possible to become an administrator, curriculum developer, or education policy specialist with a master’s in teaching. It’s also possible to become a teacher with a master’s in education. The differences are not cut-and-dried.

Who typically gets a master’s in teaching vs. a master’s in education?

Your career aspirations will likely impact your decision on whether to pursue a master’s in teaching or a master’s in education. If you know you want to spend your career teaching, you’re more likely to pursue the teaching degree. If you hope to work in administration, policy, or academic research, you may opt for the education degree.

If you’re an aspiring teacher with a bachelor’s degree in an area unrelated to education, you should consider enrolling in a teacher residency program like the one at New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. You’ll earn your master of arts in teaching (MAT) in a little over a year, plus you’ll accrue a full year of teaching experience as a resident teacher in. You’ll work under the supervision of an experienced mentor as you learn in your academic program. It’s an optimal opportunity to learn advanced teaching theory and practice and to put what you learn immediately into practice.

Career paths in education

A master’s degree qualifies you for a broad range of career opportunities in elementary and secondary education. Some are better suited to a master’s in teaching, others more appropriate for someone with a master’s in education. For many jobs, either degree is applicable. 

Careers with a master’s in teaching or a master’s in education

Education consultant.

Education consultants work with school systems, individual schools, teachers, and students to address learning, training, curriculum development, program implementation, and other education-related challenges. What an education consultant does depends on their area(s) of expertise. They may train teachers in new teaching methods, work with administrators to address specific safety issues, assist a school in launching online education programs, or consult with a district on curricular options. Most education consultants have previously worked as teachers or administrators. PayScale reports that education consultants earn, on average, $63,092 per year in base pay, with additional opportunities for bonuses, incentives, and commissions. The website sets the range of total annual compensation at $43,000 to $153,000.

Education policy analyst

Education policy analysts work with individual schools, districts, state school systems, and national education policy organizations to identify challenges impacting student and teacher performance. They work in government, think tanks, school boards, lobbying firms, and education consulting companies. Policy analysts might study how teacher compensation, class size, absentee rates, family income, and a raft of other factors affect student outcomes, then offer policy prescriptions to mitigate the problems they identify. According to PayScale , education policy analysts earn a base income of $63,129, with total annual income – including commissions, incentives, and bonuses – ranging from $44,000 to $96,000.

Instructional designer

Instructional designers work with faculty and other curriculum developers to create effective learning materials. They are experts in learning theory and the design and technology required to realize finished educational materials. The job once focused on hard-copy materials – textbooks, worksheets, and posters – but today, many instructional designers work in online learning, creating lessons adapted to the demands of distance education. They typically work in a design firm office or from home, either as freelancers or remote salaried employees. According to ZipRecruiter , instructional designers earn, on average, $80,182 per year.

Teachers lead classrooms and work with students individually in various subjects and specializations, depending on their training. They prepare lessons, create and grade assignments, track and assess student progress, and counsel students on academic and extracurricular matters. Elementary-level teachers typically teach across the curriculum, while those at the secondary level concentrate on an area of expertise, such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and history. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average annual income for an elementary-level teacher is $60,660; secondary-level teachers earn, on average, $62,870.

Careers with a master’s in teaching

Academic advisor.

Academic advisors consult with students at the secondary and college level to assist in education-related decisions. Advisors help students keep track of requirements they must meet, set and assess progress toward various academic goals, and choose among future education options. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , school and career counselors earn an average annual income of $58,120. 

Corporate trainer

Corporations need teachers to train employees in new policies, processes, and technologies. Corporate trainers design and lead corporate training sessions, monitor results, and adjust learning materials and teaching strategies accordingly. According to LinkedIn, corporate trainers earn between $36,600 and $80,000 per year.

Curriculum developer

Curriculum developers apply their teaching skills to the creation and development of new curricula. They write individual lesson plans, class activities, and learning objectives and track student outcomes, adjusting instructional strategies as appropriate. Curriculum developers may also take part in training teachers to use the curricula they have developed. They typically work for school districts, and most specialize in a grade level or subject area. According to Salary.com , curriculum developers earn an average salary of $77,100; the top 10 percent earn over $93,000 annually.

Gifted and talented program director

Gifted and talented programs serve students who “​​give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.” Gifted and talented program directors manage these programs to deliver excellent instruction, enrichment, and opportunities for students. Comparably reports that gifted and talented program coordinators earn an average salary of $70,000.

Literacy specialist

Literacy specialists work with teachers to train them in the latest advances in teaching reading, writing, and comprehension. Literacy specialists provide professional development and consultation. They travel among schools, meeting with teachers to discuss teaching strategies, assisting in creating lesson plans and assignments, watching teachers and providing feedback, and assessing data to find potential areas of improvement. According to Indeed , literacy specialists earn, on average, $62,197 annually.

Museum educator

Museums of all kinds – art, science, history, cultural, commercial, geographic – need teachers to optimize their museum experiences. Museum educators create programs utilizing museum assets so visitors can understand and learn from exhibits. They manage docents and teachers, deliver lectures and guided tours, conceive and organize events, and engage in community outreach. They often work with school groups and systems to coordinate field trips and other enrichment activities. Mint.Intuit reports that museum educators earn an annual income of $39,000, on average.

Private tutor

Private tutors work individually with students seeking assistance in one or more subjects. Many private tutors specialize in one subject; some focus primarily on a particular exam, such as the SAT or ACT. Private tutors tend to be independent contractors paid by the hour. Depending on where they live, whom they work with, and what they teach, private tutors can charge anywhere from $20 to over $200 per hour .

Standardized test developer

Creating standardized tests is a massive undertaking. Exam items must be written to exact specifications, then tested, and the results analyzed to ensure items measure what they purport to measure and that higher-achieving students are more likely to answer correctly. Tests must be balanced to cover the subject they test thoroughly and scrutinized for any unintended bias. It’s a rigorous process that requires extensive training and a background in learning theory and assessment. According to The Ladders , the average salary at Educational Testing Service (ETS), the company that develops the SAT, is $110,813.

Textbook editor

The US textbook industry generates over $8 billion in sales annually; elementary and secondary school systems purchase new textbooks regularly, ensuring steady business. Textbook editors must have excellent writing and teaching skills, obviously. They also need to know and understand the various learning standards required by each state to fashion texts that meet multiple states’ requirements. On top of all that, they must navigate the exacting and often contradictory standards of liberal and conservative states. ZipRecruiter reports that textbook editors earn, on average, $48,257 per year.

Careers with a master’s in education

Curriculum designer.

Curriculum designers create the blueprint for school curricula, which are then built by curriculum developers. The work of curriculum design focuses on the big picture, aligning content to learning objectives to ensure that they are taught thoroughly and effectively. Their jobs involve research and project management as well as creativity, and it requires a mastery of the latest educational technologies. According to ZipRecruiter , curriculum designers earn, on average, $64,457 per year. The top 10 percent earn over $105,000 annually.

Director of digital learning

Many institutions employ digital learning, including schools, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Whether used to teach public school curriculum, public policy, or corporate practices, digital learning technology requires management by someone well versed in education theory and the technical requirements of learning applications. According to Glassdoor , directors of digital learning earn, on average, $89,587 per year.

District administrator

School governance is divided into districts, with each district maintaining its own superintendent and administrative staff. District administrators oversee the management of all schools in their district, supervising budgets and monitoring academic performance. District administrators must see to a host of essential operations that are not strictly educational, such as building maintenance. Zippia reports that district administrators earn between $44,000 and $85,000 per year.

Guidance counselor

Guidance counselors work with students, primarily at the secondary-school level. They assist students in enrolling in classes and guide them in the college application process, assisting with standardized test enrollment and the selection of potential colleges. They can also provide therapeutic assistance, helping students bolster self-esteem, identify areas of growth and skill development, and manage challenges at home and in school. According to PayScale , school guidance counselors earn a base salary between $38,000 and $74,000.

Educational practices rest on a foundation of theory and data, all of which require research. A master of education trains you to become an expert researcher, positioning you for a career in education research. You’ll support school districts, policy analysts, policy advocates, government agencies, colleges, and universities. According to Comparably , education researchers earn between $30,400 and $45,600 per year.

School principal

A school principal is the chief executive officer of a school. They oversee the school staff, monitor education objectives and curricular standards, ensure assessment is administered regularly and effectively, approve extracurricular activities, manage the budget, arrange professional development for staff, and oversee daily operations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that school principals typically earn $98,490 annually. 

School psychologist

School psychologists work with students who have acute mental health, emotional, and behavioral issues. They typically work within a school or school district (larger schools may have their own school psychologist; smaller ones may share a psychologist with neighboring schools). Additionally, school psychologists develop policies to promote mental and emotional health and assist in supporting students with learning differences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , school psychologists typically earn about $77,500 annually.

School superintendent

School superintendents oversee school districts, ensuring that each school in the district operates efficiently and effectively. They set and communicate policy, oversee curriculum implementation, manage instruction and assessment, supervise human resource management, and provide leadership for all schools in the district. Additionally, superintendents represent their districts at the county and state level, advocating for them when policy is formulated and budgets are determined. According to the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), school superintendents can earn a median salary between $140,172 and $180,500 per year, depending on the size of their district.

Training and development specialist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , training and development specialists “plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of employees,” making this an excellent job for someone with an education background. Training and development specialists work in nearly every industry and field, “working with people, giving presentations, and leading training activities.” The BLS reports that these professionals earn an average annual income of $62,700.

Vice principal

A vice principal is second-in-command at a school, serving directly below the principal. A vice principal’s duties can vary depending on which tasks the principal wishes to delegate, but typically vice principals are actively involved in the day-to-day running of the school. If the principal is the school’s chief executive officer, the vice principal is its chief operating officer, enforcing rules, monitoring schedules and calendars, handling student discipline, supervising operations, and liaising between faculty and administration. According to Salary.com , vice principals earn an average annual salary of $90,381.

MAT vs. MEd: What do you learn?

Whether you earn a master of arts in teaching (MAT) or a master of education (MEd), you will likely complete a curriculum of approximately 30 credit hours. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree in education, you may be required to complete additional foundation courses.

In either master’s degree program, you’ll likely complete core course work in education theory, research, education technology, classroom management, curriculum development, and assessment and measurement. The focus of these classes may differ slightly – the teaching master’s will likely emphasize in-class applications while the education master’s will take a more academic approach – but the subject matter should be similar.

Most programs offer the opportunity to specialize in a specific subject or skill area. You will complete your graduate degree specialization by taking several elective courses in your discipline of choice and, in some programs, completing a thesis, capstone research project, or field placement/internship.

MAT vs. MED specializations

Specialization options in master’s teaching degree and education degree programs include the following.

Master of arts in teaching (MAT) specializations

Early childhood education.

A focus on early childhood education prepares teachers to instruct at the birth through grade 2 level. You’ll learn to recognize the different stages of childhood development and what interventions are appropriate for students demonstrating developmental issues.

Elementary education

An elementary education specialization provides the theory, pedagogy, and practice required to teach at the kindergarten through grade 6 level.

English as a second language (ESL)/teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)

ESL and TESOL specializations prepare teachers to work with students whose native language is not English. Different programs use different distinctions, but ESL and TESOL are interchangeable terms. A third distinction, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), is used for teachers who plan to teach English overseas. Some programs offer ESL and TESOL as a certificate but not as a specialization track.

Language arts education

Learn to teach students to speak, read, write, and understand written and spoken English. English language arts (ELA) teachers teach grammar, spelling, phonics, reading comprehension, speaking, literature, and research skills. A language arts teaching master’s typically focuses on grades 7 through 12 content, the grades at which teachers specialize in a single subject.

Mathematics education

Mathematics encompasses everything from basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. An MAT in mathematics education typically focuses on grades 7 through 12 content.

Middle grades education

Middle school is a period of intense social and physical development. Middle school teachers require training in the pedagogy, psychology, and physiology of students in this age group. A specialization in middle grades education prepares teachers to lead grades 6 through 8 classes.

Science education

Science at the secondary level encompasses chemistry, physics, life sciences, and earth sciences. An MAT prepares you to teach science at the middle and high school levels.

Secondary education

A master of arts in Teaching with a specialization in secondary education prepares teachers to teach at the grades 7 through 12 levels. Not all schools use this distinction, and most that do require enrollees to specialize further in a single subject, such as language arts, mathematics, or science.

Social studies education

Social studies covers a substantial range of subjects, including ancient history, US history, world history, geography, world cultures, civics, economics, and sociology. An MAT in social studies education prepares teachers to lead grades 7 through 12 classrooms in these subjects.

Special education instruction

Special education training prepares teachers to work with students demonstrating autism spectrum disorders, cognitive impairment, emotional impairment, physical impairment, or learning disabilities. Course work focuses on diagnosis, pedagogy, possible interventions, education technology, classroom management, and diversity.

Master of education (MEd) specializations

Applied human development.

Applied human development concentrations focus on the physical, psychological, and emotional development patterns young people experience. This specialization typically leads to careers in academic research, youth program management, or work with NGOs and foundations.

Curriculum design

Curriculum design is how curricula are mapped against various learning standards and compiled into yearlong sequences of objectives and corresponding lessons. A curriculum design specialization typically leads to careers in federal, state, and district-level administration, textbook publishing, or research.

Curriculum and instruction

Curriculum and instruction is a broader specialization than curriculum design. Its scope includes instructional methods, education technology, cross-disciplinary learning, and fostering collaborative classrooms. A curriculum and instruction specialization may lead to a career in front of a classroom or in school administration. 

Education administration

Running a school requires expert management skills and knowledge. An MEd in education administration prepares you for the challenges of keeping a school operational and effective. Those who pursue this specialization typically aspire to be superintendents, principals, vice principals, or administrative specialists.

Educational leadership

As its name indicates, an educational leadership specialization focuses on leadership skills within education. It’s an appropriate degree for aspiring lead teachers, department heads, school administrators, and policy experts.

Educational psychology

Educational psychology focuses on child and adolescent development, cognition, and motivation in education. Careers include non-clinical roles in education, training, and research.

Educational technology

Computing permeates nearly all aspects of modern life, including education. As more and more learning activities migrate to apps and devices, the need for educational technology experts grows ever greater. Learn education web design, e-book publishing, app management, virtual reality learning, assistive technology, and social media. Careers include instructional designer, trainer, and technology coach.

Experiential learning for early childhood

Experiential learning for early childhood explores learning theory and pedagogical design for young learners. Careers include curriculum developer, policy advocate, and program director.

Higher education administration

College and university administration presents a unique set of challenges. An MEd in higher education administration trains you for a career in the front offices of a higher education institution. You’ll learn to anticipate developing problems, design and implement student support programs, and maintain the smooth operation of a large and complex institution. 

Instructional design and technology

Apply learning theory to the creation and implementation of learning materials, with a particular focus on technology-driven education. You’ll study learning theory and how to apply it to develop interactive tools that promote learning. This degree can lead to careers in public and private school systems, curriculum development and instructional design firms, and corporate training.

Global and comparative education

Teaching techniques and learning theories vary around the world. Global and comparative education specialists study these different approaches to determine whether they are effective and can be applied or adapted in American classrooms. This degree typically leads to careers in policy and academics.

Measurement and evaluation

Academic testing is a massive industry in the United States and around the world. MEd in measurement and evaluation specialists learn the science behind accurate and effective testing as well as the essential validation processes employed to ensure test validity. Graduates typically pursue careers in school administration, research, testing organizations and companies, or private business (companies also like to test their employees’ aptitude and skills).

School counseling

School counselors work one-on-one with students to promote personal, academic, and career development. Counselors assist students in managing institutional obstacles, coping with trauma and other challenges, and plotting their academic trajectory and college choices. Most counselors work within school systems, although some operate independently.

Master’s in teaching: curriculum 

The MAT degree is a graduate-level teaching credential focused on both theory and practical skills required to lead a classroom. MAT programs typically cover learning theory, curriculum design and development, classroom management, assessment and measurement methodology, and cultural and societal factors impacting student performance and achievement. Prospective teachers in these advanced degree programs typically specialize. If they seek to teach at the middle or high school level, they often specialize in the subject they plan to teach.

Residents in the NYU Teacher Residency program earn an online master of arts in teaching while completing a teaching residency, which is a form of apprenticeship. The program is designed for teacher candidates who aspire to develop a practice that is culturally responsive and equitable. It allows them to accrue the requisite classroom experience and training necessary to lead a classroom upon completion of their degree (which takes a little over one year).

The academic portion of the NYU Teacher Residency consists of 10 to 12 modules, commencing in the summer preceding your apprenticeship and concluding at the end of the following summer. The Secondary MAT is a 10-module, 30-credit master of arts in teaching (Grades 7-12) and the new Inclusive Childhood MAT is a 12-module, 35-credit master of arts in teaching (dual degree in Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education, Grades 1-6). Early modules focus on understanding the roles and identities of teachers and students and how they impact classroom dynamics. Prospective teachers also learn the importance of engaging parents and community in education, how to recognize their own blind spots concerning diversity and inclusion issues, and the importance of creating an environment of mutual respect.

Residents then concentrate on promoting student success and managing the classroom to optimize participation and learning. For the master of arts in teaching in Secondary Education, residents begin work in their content area, developing unique approaches and techniques to teach their chosen subject or skill area (e.g., special education). They also study curriculum planning and development, including methods for tailoring instruction to students’ individual needs and integrating their subject with content taught elsewhere in the curriculum. They learn to utilize tests, assignments, projects, and other assessments to measure progress and identify areas requiring further instruction and practice.

Later modules focus on teaching reading and writing in the context of other subjects, special education and disability education, low-incidence disabilities, and the professional and social responsibilities of teaching. Master’s students also engage in a participatory action research (PAR) project, a “collaborative process of inquiry and action for change in response to organizational or community problems.”

While earning their master’s degrees in the evening, residents complete a teaching residency under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Working alongside a mentor for a full school year, residents accumulate the experience and knowledge they’ll need to ultimately lead a classroom of their own. Full-time residents receive a stipend and tuition support in return for their work. 

Master’s in education: curriculum 

A master of education (sometimes called a master of science in education or a master of arts in education) covers a broader range of practices than a master of arts in teaching. The latter concentrates almost exclusively on classroom leadership. The master’s of education, in contrast, can explore everything from curriculum development to policy leadership roles to educational administration. Accordingly, curricula for MEd programs vary significantly, not only from school to school but also from one specialization to another. To get some idea of what you’ll study in an MEd curriculum, review the MEd specializations listed earlier in this article.

Why get an MAT from the NYU Teacher Residency Program?

Why launch your teaching career through the NYU Teacher Residency Program? If you have a bachelor’s degree in English, mathematics, social science, or natural science and you have a passion to teach, the residency program offers a fast and effective way to earn your master’s degree and licensure in a relatively short time. As you complete your degree and your residency, you’ll benefit from expert mentoring, coaching, and advising, and you’ll enjoy moral support from your site supervisors, program instructors, and peers. You will learn and develop in a safe, nurturing environment.

The NYU Teacher Residency curriculum focuses on state-of-the-art pedagogy alongside a commitment to social equity and restorative justice. You’ll work in an urban, high-needs school helping students who are traditionally underserved. You’ll also take part in a program that works to redress the demographic imbalance in teaching. In a profession in which only 20 percent of teachers are people of color, the NYU teacher residency has enrolled at least 60 percent of teachers of color each year. Your students will include emergent bilinguals and students with learning and physical disabilities, providing you with experience in teaching students of all backgrounds and abilities.

To be eligible , you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in English, mathematics, science, or social science (elementary-level residencies are available at select sites). Your application must include:

• A request form for an official transcript
• An unofficial undergraduate transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• A 90-second video introduction
• English proficiency exams (if your native language is not English)

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What is a master's in education.

A Masters in Education is a wonderful way of honing your skills ready to apply for teaching positions.

If you're looking to become a teacher, you can look at a number of different qualifications, such as the PGCE , but what about boosting your knowledge of education further?

What is a Master’s in Education?

A Master’s degree in education (MA) is a postgraduate qualification. It is obtained after achieving a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or a postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE), with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

It’s worth noting that this isn’t a valid teaching qualification that registers you to teach in any country. Although, some training providers allow students to earn the credits needed for a full Master's in Education once they’ve finished their training.

What can you do with a Master's in Education?

The course will enable you to think deeply and critically about education as a topic of study and research. It is a rich field that will help thosewho have completed their Initial Teacher Training . Many courses will offer a wide range of positions and disciplines that include philosophical, analytical and critical study.

Specific degrees will offer particular opportunities, like a Master's in International Education course will help those looking to study overseas.

It can help teachers who want to specialise in certain subjects, with a Master's of Music Education, allowing people to move into this subject area or progress in the Arts department.

So… can I only be a teacher, then?

Not at all! A Master's in Education wasn’t created just for people looking to teach! Teaching is, of course, one of the main aspects of the course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look at other careers with this qualification.

Lots of different sectors appreciate students having a Master's in Education. Working in education does not mean you have to become a teacher or lecturer. You can work as a careers adviser, an educational administrator, or even teach English as a foreign language . Other sectors can also include social work, the civil service, consultation, publishing, human resources and marketing.

Why should I do a Master's in Education?

Initial Teacher Training courses provide a decent foundation for further development. A Master’s degree , which is a postgraduate qualification, will help deepen the knowledge you already have and enhance teaching skills.

It will also allow you to specialise in a particular discipline or subject area. By getting this postgraduate qualification you are improving your career prospects, adding to your range of professional skills and opening more doors.

How many credits is a Master's in Education?

The number of credits awarded for a Master's in Education can vary depending on the programme you do. Generally, a Master's in Education is worth around 180 credits.

Typically, a PGCE contains up to 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) is up to 120 credits. Both PGCE and PGDE can be transferred to a full Master’s degree when a final dissertation is completed, making the total 180 credits.

How long does it take to complete a Master's in Education?

A Master of Education (MEd), as well as a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MSc), typically take two to three years to complete. This is the same for online Master's in Education.

However, this can change depending on whether you choose full-time or part-time study, as some part-time or online courses can take up to six years to complete. They allow students to take modules either part-time or online so they don’t get in the way of teaching. Most of these courses mix studying with practical experience of working in a teaching environment.

Although the structure, content and assessment nature of Master's courses differ depending on the course and university, so it is best to check with your chosen institution.

What are the entry requirements for a Master's in Education?

This will depend on where you are applying and what the subject is. The entry requirements for a Master's in Education will vary, but generally universities will ask that you have a 2:2 honours degree before you apply.

How much does a Master’s degree in Education cost?

Courses begin at £5,000, depending on the university. Some Master's degrees are eligible for a loan from the government , where you can receive up to £10,000 for your course and related costs. This can reduce some of the financial pressure whilst studying and conducting work experience throughout the course.

The price of a course may also differ for those looking for a distance learning Master's. Distance learning courses tend to be somewhat cheaper, as they don’t actually require you to appear in a class in-person (or rarely), so the resources needed for the course are not as vast. You should check how much your course will cost and whether you’re eligible for a postgraduate student loan .

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A FRESH LOOK AT THE ROI OF EARNING AN ADVANCED DEGREE

MS vs. MA in Education — What’s the Difference?

Topics: Education Programs

Published on: 11/24/22 8:57 AM

Teachers who hold a master’s degree are sought after in many school environments, and if you are considering giving yourself a competitive edge with a graduate education degree — you should know that there are different degrees to choose from. 

With different degrees come different abbreviations. Let’s break down the top two abbreviations you’ll encounter in your pursuit of a master's degree in education: 

MA = Master of Arts 

MS = Master of Science

There are differences between a Master of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Education that are important to understand when planning your academic future. We’ve unpacked these differences so that you can make the best choice for your teaching goals. 

What does the MA stand for in an education program? 

A Master of Arts in Education will give you a deeper theoretical understanding of teaching and education. But it’s important to recognize that a Master of Arts in Education is specifically focused on the arts and humanities. 

An MA in Education is a valuable option to pursue if you’re interested in obtaining an advanced degree that is rooted in the humanities and if you think you may want to teach subjects related to the liberal arts. 

what is a master of science in education?

A Master of Science in Education will also give you a more technical understanding of the art of teaching. But a Master of Science in Education, compared to a Master of Arts in Education, is specifically focused on scientific and technical fields.

An MS in Education is an excellent choice for those interested in teaching subjects that are more technical in nature. And since this degree is rooted in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) ideology, many educators choose to obtain an MS in Education in order to jumpstart a teaching career that is specifically focused on STEM disciplines.

What is a STEM teacher?

The STEM fields are advancing more rapidly than ever, and for this reason, the need for competent and passionate STEM teachers has also increased at a rapid rate. Schools all over the country need data-minded educators who have specialized in one subject at the secondary level, such as biology or computer science.

With a Master of Science in Education , you can fill a significant talent gap by entering the classroom with the technical skills needed to teach the STEM disciplines that are so critical to the advancement of countless industries.

Your master's degree in education will equip you to work with the best in this impactful field and give you the tools to teach the next generation of STEM-focused professionals. 

Here's why you should consider obtaining more credits (even if you already have a master's degree in education).

Did you know that teachers who obtain additional credits (on top of holding a master's degree) are actually eligible for higher salaries?

Many teachers who have invested in a master's degree in education choose to continue their education by earning a certification or endorsement — giving them more graduate-level credits, which in turn, leads to a salary increase. So, even if you have a master's degree already, there is value in achieving more credits through a certification or endorsement program.

Neumann University offers a variety of Master of Science in Education programs, certifications, and endorsements for educators who wish to advance their skills and for teachers who want to obtain additional credits in order to facilitate a salary increase.

Neumann University: Your Next Step into the STEM education field.

At Neumann University, we know the value of getting ahead of the competition, so we developed several graduate education programs to choose from — depending on your specific area of interest. 

We offer a variety of Master of Science in Education programs (and certificates and endorsements) that are specifically designed for driven teachers looking to make a difference. The Master of Science in Education that you choose will sharpen your competitive edge and make you an excellent candidate for hire in diverse school environments. 

Want to know more about our programs? Request more information or read some stories about how education impacts the world . 

Ready to start your next steps into the graduate world? Apply now .

Explore our interactive education resource and take our quiz to find the master's program in education that's right for you.

WRITTEN BY: Bettsy McKlaine

About The Author: Bettsy McKlaine is the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, Degree Completion & Graduate Programs at Neumann University and a proud Alumna. The Neumann Community has become her second family and she loves to interact with students, both from the undergraduate and graduate population. Her favorite time of year is at the start of each semester as students begin classes!

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Wilson College Online Blog

Master of teaching vs. master of education: what’s the difference, written by: wilson college   •  feb 6, 2023.

Master of Teaching vs. Master of Education: What’s the Difference? ¶

According to the National Education Association (NEA), 93% of its members believe that more teachers need to be hired to bolster the post-pandemic education system. Though many pandemic restrictions have been lifted in recent months, educators continue to struggle to meet the needs of their students. These added stressors have greatly increased the need for new teachers, especially those who have advanced degrees in the fields of education and teaching.

Current teachers can also benefit from a master’s degree in teaching or education. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that teachers who hold a master’s degree generally have higher salaries than teachers without an advanced degree, even when comparing those with the same years of experience. In addition, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (MEd) degree can pave the way for teachers who wish to move out of the classroom and into administrative or research roles.

What Is a Master of Teaching Degree? ¶

A Master of Arts in Teaching degree provides educators with skills and knowledge regarding topics that include:

• Classroom management theory and application
• Teaching strategies
• Teaching methods for gifted students
• Teaching methods for challenged students
• Problem-solving skills

A master’s degree in teaching is an excellent choice for educators who would like to be in the classroom full time.

What Is a Master of Education Degree? ¶

A Master of Education degree provides a solid background in educational practices such as:

• Curriculum development
• Creating assessments and setting benchmarks
• Program design
• Integrating technology

A master’s degree in education can be a good choice both for educators who would like to move into administrative and leadership roles, and for those interested in mastering new strategies and educational technologies to apply in their classrooms.

What Are the Differences Between a Master of Teaching and a Master of Education? ¶

When considering a Master of Teaching vs. a Master of Education, both focus on the skills, techniques, and knowledge associated with foundational educational topics, but there are distinctions between the two.

• Educational topics: An MAT covers topics such as classroom management, teaching methods, and meeting the needs of students within a classroom environment. An MEd focuses on broader topics such as curriculum writing, education policy, and educational research.
• Areas of application: A Master of Arts in Teaching is usually earned by teachers whose goals involve staying in the classroom long term. A Master of Education can also benefit those who plan to continue teaching, but can also open the door to a career in administration, curriculum development, or policy design.

Master of Teaching vs. Master of Education Curriculum ¶

While a few of the core courses in these master’s programs are the same, some courses are unique to each degree.

Courses specific to a Master of Arts in Teaching degree include:

• History of Education
• Education Philosophy
• Diversity in Learning
• Community Literacy
• Teaching with Technology

Courses specific to a Master of Education degree include:

• Methods in Educational Research
• Instructional Leadership
• Social Justice in Education
• Educational Equality
• Ethical Leadership in School Reform

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master of Teaching or a Master of Education? ¶

Earning a master’s degree in either teaching or education generally takes between two and three years, with some programs able to be finished in as little as one year.

Master of Teaching vs. Master of Education Careers and Salaries ¶

Earning either a Master of Teaching or a Master of Education generally means an increase in pay at the district level. Teachers with a master’s degree earn between $2,700 and $7,300 more per year than teachers without an advanced degree, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality. Additionally, some educational fields require an individual to hold a master’s degree in either teaching or education before they can even be considered for a position. These careers have their own unique pay ranges.

Teaching and Instruction Careers ¶

A master’s in teaching or education can help make educators more effective classroom teachers. These degrees can also prepare individuals for work in other areas. Some of these roles are listed below.

Postsecondary Instructor ¶

Some colleges and universities employ individuals with MAT degrees to teach on a full-time basis in fields such as history, literature, English, and math. Postsecondary teachers had a median annual salary of $79,640 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Curriculum Coordinator ¶

Curriculum coordinators generally work with faculty and administration to oversee the content, direction, effectiveness, and equality of educational programs and coursework at every level from elementary school through college. The median annual salary for curriculum coordinators, also called instructional coordinators, was $63,740 in 2021, according to the BLS.

Corporate Trainer ¶

Corporate trainers, also known as training and development specialists, educate employees at businesses, corporations, and even institutes of higher education about company policies, procedures, and standards. Training and development specialists had a median annual salary of $61,570 in 2021, according to the BLS.

Administrative Careers in Education ¶

An MEd degree offers a foundation in emerging technologies and cutting-edge pedagogical theories that can be applied in the classroom, and also introduces topics for those interested in moving into areas such as administration, curriculum development, and policy writing. Some roles that Master of Education graduates may want to explore include the following.

Educational Administrator ¶

Educational administrators work in elementary and secondary schools as well as in district offices. They also work in postsecondary education. Their role is to supervise the functioning of schools, teachers, and staff, as well as to oversee budgets and educational programs. In 2021, K-12 educational administrators had a median annual salary of $98,420, according to the BLS.

Training and Development Manager ¶

Training and development managers are generally responsible for training and supervising program developers, curriculum designers, and instructors. Jobs in this field can be found both inside and outside of the education system. Training and development managers had a median annual salary of $120,130 in 2021, according to the BLS.

University Dean of Students ¶

Deans of students oversee student programs at a college or university to identify students’ needs and shape a supportive and challenging learning environment. They also analyze metrics of student success and satisfaction, and may also supervise admissions. University deans of students had a median annual salary of approximately $83,000 as of November 2022, according to the compensation website Payscale.

Eric Michael, assistant professor and director of graduate education programs at Wilson College.

How Can a Master of Teaching or a Master of Education Degree Lead to Career Advancement? ¶

When weighing the benefits of a Master of Teaching vs. a Master of Education, both share considerable advantages. Earning an MAT or MEd degree can help those already within the elementary and secondary education system obtain higher pay within their field and prepare them to move into administrative or policy design roles. Earning one of these advanced degrees can also help qualified individuals step into careers in postsecondary education, corporate training, or curriculum development.

Those interested in the benefits of a flexible master’s program that allows students to earn their degree 100% remotely should consider Wilson College Online’s Master of Education . Learn more about how you can broaden your career path and increase your salary potential by earning an MEd degree from Wilson College Online.

Indeed, 10 Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s Degree in Education

National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics

National Education Association, “NEA Survey: Massive Staff Shortages in Schools Leading to Educator Burnout; Alarming Number of Educators Indicating They Plan to Leave Profession”

Payscale, Average Dean of Students (University) Salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Training and Development Managers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Training and Development Specialists

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Master of Arts (or Science) in Teaching vs Master of Education

There are various graduate degree programs available to educators. Some people believe they are  interchangeable, but there are several important differences to the degrees. Understanding these differences can help you select the best education option to advance your career.

Below we cover some basic differences between a Master’s of Education and a Master of Arts/Master of Science in Teaching. These degrees often vary considerably by school and by state, please confirm any program meets your specific needs before you start your master’s degree.

Master’s of Education

A  Master’s of Education gives you the ability to develop your career opportunities both inside and outside the classroom and discover a number of fields in education including leadership, curriculum & instruction and special ed. The Master’s of Education typically emphases practical, field-based experiences that help you comprehend and critically appraise education practices and offers strategies that can be instantly applied to your service. Coursework frequently covers the theory, research, history and psychology of education both generally and within a concentration.

Master of Arts or Master of Science

A Master of Arts or Master of Science (M.A. or M.S.) often has graduate courses both in education and in a content specific discipline like history, English or mathematics. Some of these degree programs will require a thesis. A Master of Arts or Master of Science is useful for both licensed and non-licensed educators. The coursework typically encourages mastery of an education discipline as the focus of the degree, while also creating an understanding of the foundational theories of learning. Coursework can also focus on curriculum development and theory, testing and measurements and educational research in a specific content area.

Best Master’s in Education Online Programs – 2024

April 18, 2024

Those interested in pursuing a master’s in education online will find a plethora of options to consider. However, it can be challenging to know which ones are ideal, especially when taking schedules and aspirations into account. If attending a college or university right now isn’t possible, and you’re wishing to advance your education career or are hoping to switch paths into the education field but can’t attend a college or university in-person , a master’s in education is a great way to make a significant impact on students and yourself. No matter your reason for wanting to enroll in an online master’s in education, what’s most important is understanding which program would be best tailored to your goals, schedule and interests. To help you get a head start, here are the top 20 best master’s in education online programs:

Best Master’s in Education Online Programs

1) clemson university.

Located in Clemson, South Carolina, Clemson is a large public institution offering master’s in education programs online. Clemson has an acceptance rate of 85%, and admitted students have an average undergraduate student GPA of 3.5. If for some reason you cannot attend a class online, Clemson records and archives all of their online education classes so that you can access them anytime. The estimated cost per credit begins at $499. Lastly, they are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2) UF College of Education

The University of Florida’s College of Education is a public institution located in Gainesville, Florida. Over 93% of its students are already employed by the time of enrollment. The online master’s in education programs are great for working professionals and offer media-concentrated lessons while actively encouraging student engagement. With an acceptance rate of 81%, UF College of Education joins the list of best master’s in education online programs because of its accessibility and academics. The GRE is not required to apply.

Best Master’s in Education Online Programs (Continued)

3) university of illinois at urbana-champaign.

Situated in Champaign, Illinois, UIUC is a public university that offers a range of online master’s in education programs. The university focuses on advancing the careers of working adults. In fact, roughly 89% of students are already employed when they enroll. With a faculty recognized for their innovative research and teaching, the university seeks to support their students’ academic and professional journey. Applicants do not have to take the GRE exam.

4) University at Albany – SUNY

Located in Albany, New York, this is a public institution offering an online master’s in education degree. With an acceptance rate of 85% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6, the University at Albany – SUNY joins this list of best master’s in education online programs. Strengths include the leading faculty and engaged support, providing students with an academic advisor, tutoring services, online library and 24/7 help desk.

5) University of North Texas

In Denton, Texas, the University of North Texas offers an accelerated online master’s in education program, which provides 8-week terms. All students who enroll at the University of North Texas are already employed. Additionally, the university has an acceptance rate of 70% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.3. The time to complete the Educational Leadership MEd was brought down to 30 hours. Lastly, interested prospective students are not required to take the GRE exam.

6) Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public university located in Tempe, Arizona. ASU offers a master’s in education online that has all of the classes recorded and archived for your convenience. With an acceptance rate of 94% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.4, Arizona State University’s online master’s program seeks to “increase the capabilities of individual educators and improve the performance of education systems.” 92% of students at ASU are already employed by the time of enrollment. Lastly, no GRE exam is required to apply.

7) University of Wisconsin – Stout

Situated in Madison, Wisconsin, UW-Stout offers a 30-credit Master of Science degree in Education. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Focusing on teaching, learning and research, the program includes an action research project and is curated to advance career opportunities for licensed teachers (both past and present), instructors at post-secondary institutions and instructors in business and industry environments. The graduation rate is 88% and the admission rate is 68%.

8) San Diego State University

San Diego State University, located in San Diego, California, offers an online master’s in education program through their MAT in Elementary and Secondary Education. The online MAT degree at SDSU is technology-based and is designed for teachers, giving them the chance to research different methods of education, such as inquiry-education. Altogether, SDSU has an acceptance rate of 95% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.4 All students who enroll at SDSU are already employed.

9) University of Georgia

The University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia offers a variety of online master’s in education programs. These include preparation programs for teachers and for those interested in options in cognition and psychology, technology, and human resources and adult education. Taught by internationally recognized faculty, the online graduate programs in education at UGA have an acceptance rate of 68%. Further, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.4. Due to their fee structure, the programs are available at an affordable cost for those living outside of Georgia. Lastly,  applicants are not required to take the GRE.

10) Auburn University

Located in Auburn, Alabama, Auburn University offers a master’s in education online that has a large majority of courses by full-time tenured faculty and the same faculty teaching non-distance programs. Although the application deadlines are rolling, there is limited enrollment at Auburn University to ensure the quality of the education, and their acceptance rate is 70%. Auburn University’s online master’s in education programs are accredited with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

11) Michigan State University

Michigan State University, sitting in East Lansing, Michigan, offers master’s in education online programs that support a wide variety of educators wishing to advance their impact. Classes taught online at MSU’s College of Education are limited to 40 students to encourage active engagement. Additionally, students can expect one-on-one academic advising throughout the program. The acceptance rate is 80% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.5. Lastly, the online master’s in education programs are accredited with the Higher Learning Commission.

12) Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is located in College Station, Texas and offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction. The program “provides a sound combination of theory, methodology and a substantive content area,” according to their website. The online master’s program in education at Texas A&M is a 36-hour, non-thesis degree. Further, it is focused on evidence-based research that fosters “agentive development” in settings with PK-12 students. Texas A&M is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13) Montclair State University

Montclair State University offers online master’s in education programs through the College for Education and Engaged Learning. They implement their valued vision in social justice and equity leadership, and they are accredited with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. They provide students with internship and networking opportunities, and all classes in their online graduate degrees in education are recorded for accessibility. MSU has an acceptance rate of 97% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.3.

14) University of Houston

Situated in Houston, Texas, the University of Houston offers numerous flexible and high-quality online master’s in education programs. These offerings are attractive to both domestic and international students. Students enrolled in the online programs at the University of Houston will be taught by award-winning faculty and be part of a diverse cohort. By the time of enrollment, 79% are already employed. The university has an acceptance rate of 74% and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.3.

15) UMASS Lowell

Located in Lowell, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers online graduate programs in education that are taught by their full-time faculty and each demands interactive participation throughout the respective courses. Every week, on top of completing the expected coursework, students are expected to take part in chat sessions and discussions with the instructor. Additionally, frequent group work is required. Overall, the acceptance rate at UMASS Lowell is 92% and the university has an average undergraduate GPA of 3.4 Graduates from their online master’s in education programs become accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education.

16) Kansas State University

Kansas State University sits in Manhattan, Kansas and is a public land-grant research university that offers online master’s in education programs through their College of Education. Students at KSU can expect smaller classrooms with a lower student-to-teacher ratio. Additionally, and they are also given the same assistance as on-campus students, such as in technical assistance, student services, library services or financial aid. KSU has rolling admission and the GRE exam is not required to apply.

17) Penn State World Campus

Firstly, PSU’s in-person campus is located in University Park, Pennsylvania. The PSU World Campus is their online presence from which students can earn a diploma identical to a resident student. Penn State has offered an online education for over 20 years and through their College of Education they provide several online master’s in education programs. Courses are taught by nationally-recognized faculty, and with rolling admission, Penn State has a 94% acceptance rate.

18) University of Missouri

Sitting in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri joins this list of best master’s in education online programs. In total, they offer about 50 accredited online master’s, educational specialist, certification preparation, doctorate and graduate certificate options. If you pursue your graduate studies online at the University of Missouri, you’ll be expected to pay in-state tuition. However, the wide variety of program choices makes it a great option for those considering a specific route.

19) University of South Carolina

UofSC, situated in Columbia, South Carolina, is a public institution that offers several online master’s in education degrees. The programs are accredited with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Additionally, students enrolled online have access to an extensive network of mentors and partners. Among their newer programs are the coaching education and adapted physical education courses. Lastly, all of the University of South Carolina’s online master’s in education classes are recorded and archived.

20) University of Alabama

Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the University of Alabama offers several master’s in education online programs. Specifically, they offer a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration or the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Reduced Hour Option (Instructional Leadership Certification) . These online master’s in education programs are flexible to your schedule. Furthermore, they are a cost-effective option with their tuition per credit starting at $440. Lastly, online graduates will receive accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the acceptance rate is currently 77%.

The online master’s in education program that is right for you

Whether your professional aspirations are to become a school administrator or head of a department, a master’s in education is designed to help you navigate situations in various leadership positions. It’s important to distinguish between the distinct types of master’s degrees in education, but you’ll see that the main two are the master of education (M.Ed.) and the master of arts in teaching (MAT). The stark difference between the two programs is that the M.Ed. will focus on a wider range of education roles in administration and leadership. Contrarily, the MAT is for students who wish to teach in the classroom .

Also, depending on where you live and from which program you’ll receive your degree, be sure to check how each program you’re interested in aligns with state teaching certification requirements. Every state in the United States will have its own teacher certification requirements regarding exams, coursework and student teaching. Like any other graduate program, universities offering an online master’s in education will have their own specific admissions requirements as well. For example, whether you need to submit a GRE score or not.

Master’s in Education Online – Additional Blogs

• 20 Best Online MSW Programs 
• Best Master’s in Library Science Programs 
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With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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What Is a Master’s Degree?

Earning a master's degree could unlock a range of benefits, from career advancement to a boost in pay. Learn more about this postgraduate degree.

A master’s degree is a graduate degree that allows students to build advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied knowledge, forge a deeper understanding of their area of study, and develop a range of skills applicable to their trade. With a master’s degree, you can typically have more opportunities to advance your career as a valuable, knowledgeable employee or pursue further postgraduate education, such as a doctoral degree.

How many years is a master’s degree?

Earning your master’s degree typically takes anywhere from one to three years, depending on several factors, such as your field of study and the time you wish to dedicate to your program. If you're currently on a career path, you might find that taking one or two classes a semester is more manageable and, therefore, may need three or more years to complete your program. If you're in a position to dedicate more of your time to being a full-time student, you could finish within a year or two. 

Read more: How Long Does a Master’s Degree Take?

Typical requirements to earn a master’s degree

While different universities and programs have varied requirements for earning a master’s degree, the general guidelines tend to be similar.

Common admission requirements

A bachelor’s degree in your subject area (some institutions are flexible about specializations)

Minimum GPA from your bachelor’s program

Prerequisite undergraduate courses in the subject area

Entrance exams like GRE , GMAT , LSAT, or MCAT

Letters of recommendation

Common graduation requirements

30 to 60 hours of coursework

Minimum GPA

Master’s thesis, capstone project, or internship

Types of master’s degrees

Master’s degrees fall under an array of categories, the most common being Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees. MA degrees typically focus on humanities subjects, while MS degrees tend to prepare you for technical fields. However, an overlap exists between the two. For instance, you can receive an MA or an MS in special education. 

Additional types of master's degrees include:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Master of Research (MRes)

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Studies (MSt)

Master of Technology (MTech)

Master of Laws (LLM)

Master of Library Sciences (MLS)

Whether you are looking to integrate a master’s degree in your long-term student career, focus on ongoing research, or simply obtain more specialized knowledge of your field, you have many degree choices and options to pursue as a professional. 

What are the benefits of getting a master’s degree?

The benefits of continuing your education can be pretty similar across different career fields. These can include: 

Increased salary

More advanced job opportunities

Competitive edge within your career field

Access to new opportunities through networking activities in your field, like conferences available to graduate students

Focused understanding of the components of your subject

Chance to build skills you can utilize throughout your career, such as honing your critical thinking abilities

Opportunities to fully explore your passions in a practical way

Read more: Is a Master's Degree Worth It?

Earning potential for master’s degree graduates 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a professional with a bachelor’s degree in the United States makes an average income of approximately $69,368 a year as of 2021. [ 1 ]. The earning increase that comes from a master’s degree is about 18 percent, or around $81,848 a year on average. How much you make can vary based on many factors, including your industry, location, and previous experience.

Experience for yourself what it's like to earn a master's degree online by enrolling in an open course from a top university on Coursera:

Strategic Leadership and Management , part of the University of Illinois MBA

Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health , associated with the University of Michigan Master of Public Health

Optical Engineering , part of the University of Colorado Boulder Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Give your team access to a catalog of 8,000+ engaging courses and hands-on Guided Projects to help them develop impactful skills. Learn more about Coursera for Business .

Article sources

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Education pays, 2021 , https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2022/data-on-display/education-pays.htm." Accessed June 16, 2022.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

How are college costs adding up these days and how much has tuition risen? Graphics explain

College decision day is closing in and many prospective students are making commitments to their university of choosing. With that commitment comes an enrollment deposit – one of many fees students will pay in the next four years.

Of the more than 60,000 high school graduates, 64% will go on to enroll in two- or four-year college programs. Many will incur debt and join the already 43.5 million Americans who have student loans.

Last year, President Joe Biden's student debt cancellation plan was struck down by the Supreme court. Now he's proposing a workaround that could cancel the loans of more than four million borrowers, according to the White House . In addition, more than 10 million borrowers could get $5,000 in debt relief.

Whether or not the new proposal works, many college students will be paying nearly two-fold what their parents paid for an undergraduate education 20 years earlier. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college tuition and fees at public four-year institutions has risen 179.2% over the last two decades.

How much does college tuition cost?

The average cost of an undergraduate degree ranges from  $25,707 to over $218,000 , according to the Education Data Initiative. The price varies and depends on whether a student lives on campus and the institution they're attending.

According to the most recent data from the Education Department, the average tuition at a four-year private nonprofit university increased 14% between the fall of 2010 and fall of 2021.

Chart shows rise in cost of 4-year college

In 2023, the average full time student at a four-year college spent nearly $31,000 on their tuition fees, room and board for the year. That number is more than double amount paid for the same education in the 1960s, adjusted for inflation in 2022-2023 dollars.

Why is college tuition rising?

The demand for a college education is going up – at the same time government funding for postsecondary education is on the decline, according to Bankrate.

The personal finance website pointed out several key areas that have lead to an increase in tuition costs:

• The cost of operation is increasing, due to rising inflation. The inflation rate increased 3.5% between March 2023 and 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With rising inflation comes increased cost of living. Universities must pay highly educated professors more to keep up with rising living costs.
• A reduction in state funding led to increased tuition costs, according to the National Education Association. An analysis from NEA found that state funding for higher education decreased in 37 states by an average of 6% between 2020 and 2021.
• Colleges are spending more on administrative services: A 2021 study found that between 2010 and 2018, spending on student services and administration grew by 29% and 19% respectively.

Some universities are already estimating the cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year to be nearly $100,000.

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10 facts about today’s college graduates

Having a bachelor’s degree remains an important advantage in many sectors of the U.S. labor market. College graduates generally out-earn those who have not attended college, and they are more likely to be employed in the first place. At the same time, many Americans say they cannot afford to get a four-year degree – or that they just don’t want to.

Here are key facts about American college graduates.

This Pew Research Center analysis about U.S. college graduates relies on data from sources including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Student Clearinghouse and the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as surveys conducted by the Center.

Everyone who took the Pew Research Center surveys cited is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about  the ATP’s methodology .

Nearly four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, a share that has grown over the last decade. As of 2021, 37.9% of adults in this age group held a bachelor’s degree, including 14.3% who also obtained a graduate or professional degree, according to data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. That share is up 7.5 percentage points from 30.4% in 2011.

An additional 10.5% had an associate degree in 2021. About four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older had a high school diploma with no further education (25.3%) or completed some college but didn’t have a degree (14.9%).

In a reversal, women are now more likely than men to graduate from college, according to the Current Population Survey . In 2021, 39% of women ages 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or more education, compared with 37% of men in the same age range. The gap in college completion is even wider among adults ages 25 to 34: 46% of women in this age group have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 36% of men.

In an October 2021 Pew Research Center survey of Americans without a degree, 34% of men said a major reason why they have not received a four-year college degree is that they just didn’t want to. Only one-in-four women said the same. Men were also more likely to say a major reason they didn’t have a four-year degree is that they didn’t need more education for the job or career they wanted (26% of men said this vs. 20% of women).

Women (44%) were more likely than men (39%) to say not being able to afford college was a major reason they don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Men and women were about equally likely to say a major impediment was needing to work to help support their family.

There are racial and ethnic differences in college graduation patterns, as well as in the reasons for not completing a degree. Among adults ages 25 and older, 61% of Asian Americans have a bachelor’s degree or more education, along with 42% of White adults, 28% of Black adults and 21% of Hispanic adults, according to 2021 Current Population Survey data. The share of bachelor’s degree holders in each group has increased since 2010. That year, 52% of Asian Americans had a four-year degree or more, compared with a third of White adults, 20% of Black adults and 14% of Hispanic adults.

The October 2021 Center survey found that among adults without a bachelor’s degree, Hispanic adults (52%) were more likely than those who are White (39%) or Black (41%) to say a major reason they didn’t graduate from a four-year college is that they couldn’t afford it. Hispanic and Black adults were more likely than their White counterparts to say needing to work to support their family was a major reason.

While a third of White adults said not wanting to go to school was a major reason they didn’t complete a four-year degree, smaller shares of Black (22%) and Hispanic (23%) adults said the same. White adults were also more likely to cite not needing more education for the job or career they wanted. (There weren’t enough Asian adults without a bachelor’s degree in the sample to analyze separately.)

Only 62% of students who start a degree or certificate program finish their program within six years, according to the most recent data from the  National Student Clearinghouse , a nonprofit verification and research organization that tracked first-time college students who enrolled in fall 2015 with the intent of pursuing a degree or certificate. The degree completion rate for this group was highest among students who started at four-year, private, nonprofit schools (78.3%), and lowest among those who started at two-year public institutions (42.2%).

Business is the most commonly held bachelor’s degree, followed by health professions.  According to the  National Center for Education Statistics , about a fifth (19%) of the roughly 2 million bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2019-20 were in business. Health professions and related programs were the second most-popular field, making up 12.6% of degrees conferred that year. Business has been the single most common major since 1980-81; before that, education led the way.

The  least  common bachelor’s degrees in 2019-20 were in military technologies and applied sciences (1,156 degrees conferred in 2019-20), library science (118), and precision production (39).

There is a growing earnings gap between young college graduates and their counterparts without degrees. In 2021, full-time workers ages 22 to 27 who held a bachelor’s degree, but no further education, made a median annual wage of $52,000, compared with $30,000 for full-time workers of the same age with a high school diploma and no degree, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This gap has widened over time. Young bachelor’s degree holders earned a median annual wage of $48,481 in 1990, compared with $35,257 for full-time workers ages 22 to 27 with a high school diploma.

The unemployment rate is lower for college graduates than for workers without a bachelor’s degree, and that gap widened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak began in the U.S., only 1.9% of college graduates ages 25 and older were unemployed, compared with 3.1% of workers who completed some college but not a four-year degree, and 3.7% of workers with only a high school diploma. By June 2020, after the pandemic hit, 6.8% of college grads, 10.8% of workers with some college, and 12.2% of high school grads were unemployed.

By March 2022, the unemployment rate had nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels for college graduates (2%) while dropping to 3% among those with some college education but no four-year degree, and 4% among those with only a high school diploma.

Recent college graduates are more likely than graduates overall to be underemployed – that is, working in jobs that typically do not require a college degree, according to an analysis of Census Bureau and BLS data by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York . As of December 2021, 41% of college graduates ages 22 to 27 were underemployed, compared with 34% among all college graduates. The underemployment rates for recent college grads rose in 2020 as the COVID-19 outbreak strained the job market, but have since returned to pre-pandemic levels.

As of the end of 2021, only 34% of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 worked what the Fed defines as “good non-college jobs” – those paying at least $45,000 a year – down from around half in the 1990s. The share of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 in low-wage jobs – those earning less than $25,000 annually – rose from about 9% in 1990 to 11% last year.

When it comes to income and wealth accumulation, first-generation college graduates lag substantially behind those with college-educated parents, according to a May 2021 Pew Research Center analysis . Households headed by a first-generation college graduate – that is, someone who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree but does not have a parent with a college degree – had a median annual income of $99,600 in 2019, compared with $135,800 for households headed by those with at least one parent who graduated from college. The median wealth of households headed by first-generation college graduates ($152,000) also trailed that of households headed by someone with a parent who graduated from college ($244,500). The higher household income of the latter facilitates saving and wealth accumulation.

The gap also reflects differences in how individuals finance their education. Second-generation college graduates tend to come from  more affluent families , while first-generation college graduates are more likely to incur education debt than those with a college-educated parent.

Most Americans with college degrees see value in their experience. In the Center’s October 2021 survey , majorities of graduates said their college education was extremely or very useful when it came to helping them grow personally and intellectually (79%), opening doors to job opportunities (70%) and developing specific skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace (65%).

Younger college graduates were less likely than older ones to see value in their college education. For example, only a third of college graduates younger than 50 said their college experience was extremely useful in helping them develop skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace. Among college graduates ages 50 and older, 45% said this.

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'We know what works' DeWine pushes Ohio schools to adopt science-based literacy education

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is once again making the push for phonics-based literacy education for Ohio students after last week's State of the State address .

In Columbus, guests packed the Lincoln Theatre in King-Lincoln Bronzeville on Tuesday to join DeWine in viewing a documentary that champions an emerging science of how kids learn to read. DeWine, along with education leaders, parents and community members viewed a screening of the “The Right to Read,” a 2023 documentary that follows an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two families who champion the importance of literacy.

In addition to highlighting the importance of literacy, the documentary also addresses an increasingly controversial topic of how children learn to read. For several years, DeWine has spoken about what he said is the best method , a method addressed in the documentary called the "science of reading."

DeWine said Tuesday the science of reading method, which is in essence, reading programs that teach students to break down words and sounds by learning the rules of the language, is needed to keep Ohioans educated and the workforce competitive.

"The good news is we know what works," DeWine said Tuesday. "We have to have people who are well-educated, we certainly have to have people who can read."

Kareem Weaver, an NAACP activist, teacher and the film's producer, said literacy is a fundamental right in society, and implementing science-based phonics education

"This is a civil rights issue," Weaver said. "This is not something that's just a bureaucratic thing — this is a civil rights issue. Kids deserve the right to read, and it's our responsibility as the adults wherever we stand … that we're all along."

DeWine was also joined by Columbus City Schools Superintendent Angela Chapman, who delivered opening remarks. Columbus City Schools began using the science of reading method in 2020 and has seen some improvements in early literacy skills, The Dispatch previously reported .

"We're committed to ensuring our approach is inclusive, reaching students of all backgrounds and abilities because we understand that literacy opens doors to opportunities and is a right, not a privilege," Chapman said Tuesday.

What is the 'science of reading'?

The debate over how kids learn to read has been quietly raging for decades , as outlined in the Right to Read documentary.

One method, structured literacy (or the "science of reading") teaches students to break words down into their phonemes or sounds.

The other method widely used in schools is called balanced literacy or whole language, and gives children strategies to decipher unfamiliar words by looking at a picture or context of the known words in a sentence. These are called cues, and while sounding the word out can be one, it's only supposed to be used as a measure of last resort.

Both sides of the debate have followers, but science and educational professionals are beginning to favor structured literacy.

In April 2022, a federally funded study from the University of Delaware showed that Reading Recovery, one of the most widely used cueing programs, lowered student performance in the long run, The Dispatch previously reported. Children who used the program did well in first grade, but then they scored lower on state reading tests in grades three and four compared to students who didn't participate.

Late last year, Worthington-based Reading Recovery Council of North America filed a lawsuit in Franklin County Common Pleas Court seeking to block changes in last year's biennial budget which makes structured literacy programs prohibited under the new law, The Dispatch previously reported .

DeWine tours state after urging expansions of science of reading

At his state-of-the-state address last week , DeWine urged universities to teach educators about structured literacy and also to said that pre-school should be aligned for preparing children for the science of reading. This week, he had several stops in Cleveland and Columbus this week where he viewed the documentary and held roundtable discussions.

"We're now following the science of reading, but we still have too many classrooms in the state of Ohio where that's not occurring," DeWine said. "We have to get every classroom, every child — every child deserves that."

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Continuing Education Center

Depiction, what is it.

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Includes a Live Web Event on 05/29/2024 at 6:00 PM (EDT)

• Non-Member - $75
• Member - $50
• Educational Objectives
• Contents (4)

This activity has been approved for 0.3 Professional Studies (PS) RID CEUs at the little/none content knowledge level.

Have you ever been told to show more and tell less? Or that your use of space is amazing? Or has anyone asked you what “discourse mapping” is? Are there differences between a classifier and an depicting verb? All these questions are related to depiction. Depiction in linguistics is a cognitive phenomena that has observable manifestations that surround the body. However, the term depiction has an unspecialized colloquial definition in the field of interpreting that can lead to an oversimplified thinking about it and its cognitive underpinnings.

In this workshop, I will distinguish what depiction is for sign languages and spoken languages and provide a cursory introduction to the features that are considered depictive. We will also explore the notion of what depiction actually “shows” and some of the cognitive operations that underpin it.

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Define and provide one example of a "plain sign", 

2. Define and provide one example of a "depictive sign",

3. Define the cognitive linguistic term "Schematic Imagery",

4. Demonstrate at least 3 different depictive features,

5. Explain how Iconic signs can have their depictive component foregrounded or backgrounded, leaving the latter an iconic item that does not depict, and

6. Explain and provide one example of why the term "showing" obscures the cognitive operations that depiction uses.

Wink, MA, MBA, NIC Master

Wink, MA, MBA, NIC Master, enjoys researching and creating various workshops that focus on skill building through deliberate practice, which he wrote about in the RID Views, Winter 2012 issue. Presenting workshops the last fifteen years at national conferences (NAD, RID, Silent Weekend) regional conferences (RID I, II, III, IV, V), state conferences, and local workshops across the nation has given Wink experiences to enhance applications for interpreters of all levels. Wink is widely noted for the comfortable atmosphere he creates and the passion he exudes. Currently Wink travels full time performing, presenting workshops, and managing Winkshop, Inc, through which he has developed a dozen training materials. Wink currently is working on his PhD in linguistics from Gallaudet University where he investigates the embodied motivations of imagery in depiction.

Log-In & Contact Information

Note - this platform does not sync with your RID member portal. This means the login credentials may be different and when changed for one does not automatically change for the other and vice versa. If you have any questions or need additional support, please contact RID's Continuing Education Support Team at [email protected]. 

Important Notice for Users

To take advantage of the Continuing Education Center, you will need to be an Associate, Certified, or Student member of RID. For assistance, contact  [email protected] . If you are a current member, you have received email instructions from RID with your log-in information for the Continuing Education Center.

If you need to confirm your account information, please visit myaccount.rid.org .

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