Earning a Master’s degree is a step in the right direction for many students and career workers alike. However, there are so many Master’s degrees to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. As an educator, you might be wondering whether a Master’s in Education is worth it. As a student, you might be wondering what a Master’s in Education is, and how it can benefit you. Make no mistake, a Master’s in Education is one of the best graduate degrees for students and educators alike. Now, more than ever, this degree can help students and educators improve their career paths and take them to new heights!
What is an M.Ed? What Does this Stand For?
If you’ve seen the acronym M.Ed, or MEd, you might be confused as to what it means. On the contrary, an MEd has nothing to do with medicine, but rather it is a graduate degree in education, also known as a Master’s degree in education.
An M.Ed is a great option for:
- Students that have already obtained their bachelor’s degree in another field
- Teachers that want to learn how to propel their career
- Students that want to begin a career in the administrative side of schooling
A Master’s in education teaches students and teaches valuable skills that will help them later on in their career. Such skills include:
- How to formulate curriculums that improve student learning outcomes
- How to address issues including cultural differences, diversity, and disabilities in the student body
- Creating protocols and best practices to optimize learning, boost morale, and increase student and teacher retention rates
- Address modern issues such as online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other concerns in the United States and worldwide
How Valuable is an M.Ed?
If you want to start a career as an administrator, did you know that most teachers cite lack of leadership and feedback as one of their biggest issues in school? Because of this, it’s important for administrators and educators to be trained in proper leadership and management styles, as well as remain up-to-date on the best teaching practices. A Master’s in Education can help teachers and administrators gain all of these skills and more.
This is perhaps why people with graduate degrees, such as a Master’s in Education, have higher earnings and lower unemployment rates, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. More and more employers want the skill set that comes with people who have earned an M.Ed.
How Much Does an M.Ed Cost?
The average cost of a Master’s in Education is roughly $55,000. However, certain programs and colleges offering an MEd online degree offer the same Masters degree at a fraction of the cost.
In addition, it’s also important to know that a Master’s of Education might cost more or less if it coincides with a teaching credential. A teaching credential is required by certain states as part of the requirements to become an educator in that state. However, not all Master’s in Education programs provide a teaching credential as part of their curriculum.
Can I Earn My Degree Online?
Students and educators interested in earning their Master’s in Education can actually do so fairly easily online! Although the coursework is rigorous, online programs offer scheduling that is incredibly flexible and can help students and teachers find the best fit for their lifestyle.
Online programs are taught by highly-accredited professors, are student-centered, and offer the opportunity for students to learn more about their leadership styles. Best of all, what you learn in an MEd online degree can be implemented almost immediately in whatever job or role you currently serve. If you’re currently working as an educator, for instance, you can take your Master’s of Education courses in the evening and try to implement the valuable leadership skills taught to you the very next day.
