Earn More Salary with a Master's in Education
Master's in teaching programs help current and aspiring teachers obtain state licensure and hone their specializations and classroom skills. Graduates with a master's in teaching can begin or advance their careers with a strong foundation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects education, training, and library occupations to increase by 5% from 2019-2029, faster than the national projected growth rate for all jobs. An uptick in student enrollment should lead to a growing demand for kindergarten, elementary, and high school teachers across the United States. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that teachers with master's degrees earn 26% more per year than those with just bachelor's degrees.
What Is Teaching?
Teaching in classroom settings dates back to the fifth century BC, most notably documented in Greece and India. Expanding into more formalized schools and institutions has led to a robust field of study that we all have benefited from in our lifetimes.
The teaching field includes elementary, middle, and high school teachers; private tutors; museum educators; and textbook authors. A master's in teaching degree can also lead to administrative career opportunities, such as principalship, teacher coaching and training, and curriculum writing. Teachers may work in schools and nontraditional settings, such as international military bases and volunteer programs, prisons, and corporations as talent developers.
Teachers are vital to our society because they help shape future leaders. They use finely tuned skills to impart their knowledge to students, inspiring a love of learning and ambition. Many are drawn to teaching through a love of children or a desire to help others. Those with creative backgrounds or conflict resolution abilities enter teaching with skills that support a teaching career.
A teaching career requires multiple steps, and a master's in teaching gives you the credentials to solidify your strengths in the field.
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Why Get a Master's Degree in Teaching?
A master's in teaching degree offers many benefits. It opens the door to an increase in skills and credentials, a higher salary, and advancement opportunities. Teaching skills such as curriculum development and student engagement can apply in various career sectors, making this degree more than worthwhile.
Specializations: Specializing in a specific area of expertise allows teachers to sharpen their skills in a content or subject area, such as math or art. Teachers can also specialize in distinct grade levels, focusing on developmental strategies for particular age groups.
Increased Earnings: Higher salaries are common for teachers with a master's in teaching. The average base salary for teachers with master's degrees increases by 26%, compared to those holding only a bachelor's.
Career Advancement: Leadership positions are more accessible with a master's degree in teaching. Positions such as principal and superintendent require candidates to hold at least a master's degree.
What to Expect From Master's in Teaching Programs
Master's in teaching programs focus on teacher preparation for classroom instruction. Pedagogical foundations, classroom management, and curriculum development are often pillars of a master's in teaching program.
Most master's in teaching programs take two years to complete. For part-time students, these programs typically take 3-4 years. Learners can often complete accelerated programs in as little as one year.
Typically, a master's in teaching degree requires 36 credits. Optional teaching concentrations, such as special education, may impact the number of required credits.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for master's in teaching programs vary for each institution. Like most graduate programs, master's in teaching programs require a bachelor's degree. Some schools may prefer a bachelor's in an education-related field. Prior teaching experience can impact admission as well.
Most master's in teaching programs require a personal statement, multiple letters of recommendation, a resume, and an application fee.
Skipping core courses based on previous bachelor's curricula is not typically an option for master's in teaching students. However, this may be possible at certain institutions if students attended the same school for their bachelor's and master's degrees.
Concentration Options
Specializations for master's in teaching programs focus on particular areas of expertise. Students may concentrate their studies on specific content areas, grade levels, or special learners. Specializations include student teaching opportunities, also called field seminars or practicums, in which students can practice their skills in a given area and gain valuable experience.
Most master's in teaching programs require students to concentrate in elementary, middle, or secondary education. Subject matter concentrations allow students to gain expertise in a specific content area. Some concentrations include:
Mathematics
Science
Art
Music
Social studies
Language learning (Spanish, French, German, etc.)
English
Special education
Acquiring specialized skills in one subject area increases the likelihood of gaining employment in the desired field. It also provides aspiring teachers with the skills to teach specific subjects.
Special education and English as a second language (ESL) are also common specializations in master's in teaching programs. Teaching ESL and special education students requires additional state certification.
Popular Teaching Courses
The master's in teaching degree prepares students to earn licensure and teach in their desired fields. Coursework varies among institutions. Most programs feature core courses, electives, or specialty courses and a practicum to provide hands-on experience.
The core curriculum includes classes that cover teaching strategies in elementary, middle, or high school classrooms.
How Much Will a Master's Degree in Teaching Cost?
Annual tuition rates for a master's degree in teaching can range from $12,000 to over $60,000. Some factors influencing the cost of tuition include school prestige, public or private status, and eligibility as an in-state or out-of-state student. Online master's in teaching degrees tend to come with lower price tags, while in-person programs at private institutions often charge higher tuition rates.
Once accepted into a program, students should apply for financial aid by completing and submitting the FAFSA application. This is a first step toward obtaining funding like federal loans and grants.
Most scholarships and grants apply directly to the cost of tuition or necessary supplies. Selecting and applying for scholarships can take time, so begin your search early. General tuition costs may not include expenses for transportation, books, and classroom materials for student teaching.
Choosing the Right College for Teaching
Choosing the right college for a master's in teaching degree requires careful consideration. Important factors to consider beyond school rankings include:
Location Whether you are interested in staying close to home or traveling out of state, a school's location plays an important role. While online programs offer location flexibility, prospective students should also assess other program aspects.
Admission Requirements Some schools require prior teaching experience for admission, which may hinder those seeking to change careers or acquire new skills.
Tuition Costs Tuition plays a vital role in financing your educational choices. Depending on your ability to fund your education with loans, grants, or scholarships, tuition may present a roadblock at certain schools.
Keep in mind the importance of accreditation, which recognizes institutions for quality and consistency. Teaching programs hold regional accreditation. Accreditation status is updated regularly through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education.
Should You Get a Degree in Education Online?
Online degrees offer an excellent option for those seeking flexibility. Distance-learning programs offer flexible class times and the ability to take courses from any location. Many online master's in education degrees provide quality academic experiences with the adaptability many students need.
Online master's in teaching and master's in education degree programs especially suit professionals working in classroom settings or other careers. For those seeking stronger teaching skills or specializing in a subject area, online education can allow learners to take classes with little disruption to their work schedule.
Obtaining a degree in education online is a great alternative for current and aspiring educators to boost their credentials. Remote learning allows students to work at their own pace while acquiring new skills to advance their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Education Programs
What should I major in to become a teacher
Majoring in teaching or education offers a direct path to becoming a teacher. Majoring in a specific subject area, such as science or English, can help you become a specialized teacher after passing state licensure exams.
Is a master's in teaching worth it?
A master's in teaching strengthens classroom skills and increases the likelihood of earning a higher salary. Successful teachers increase their knowledge and credentials regularly.
How long are master's in teaching programs?
Master's in teaching programs typically take about two years to complete. Part-time programs take a bit longer. Some schools offer accelerated programs, allowing students to graduate in less than two years.
What can you do with a master's in education degree?
Individuals with master's in education degrees can pursue careers in educational administration and consulting. A master's in education covers the education system as a whole, whereas a master's in teaching focuses primarily on classroom teaching.
Do teachers with a master's degree get paid more?
Teachers with master's degrees earn $10,435 more on average than teachers with bachelor's degrees. Years of teaching experience also increase teachers' salaries. Base salaries vary for each state.
