Between 2020 and 2021, nearly 900,000 master’s degrees were conferred, with the second highest number of them in the education field of study. But is a master’s degree in education worth it? In this blog, we take a look at what a Master of Arts in Education is, the skills you will learn in the program, the benefits of earning the degree, and what you can do with a master’s degree in education.
What Is An MAEd. Degree?
The Master of Arts in Education, or MAEd, is an advanced exploration of education as a discipline that allows you to examine the education process and its purpose beyond what happens in the classroom. An MAEd. program strengthens your understanding of the process in areas that include:
- Instructional Methods
- Curriculum Design
- Assessment Strategies
- Advanced Pedagogical Theory
- Principles of Leadership
In addition to reinforcing critical soft skills – problem-solving and analysis, research, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills, among others – your degree will bring you up to date on the learning tools and technologies that are transforming classrooms at every grade level. Completing your MAEd. will give you the ability to:
- Design appropriate, challenging and diverse learning experiences informed by contemporary, research-based theory and practice
- Design a variety of strategies and experiences to elicit evidence of learner growth and responsive instructional decisions
- Analyze research that generates positive social change along with evidence-based practices and academic writing
- Demonstrate innovative actions serving as advocates and change agents within communities by engaging in continuous professional growth
- Construct effective methods of collaboration, communication, and partnership with colleagues, community, and stakeholders
- Apply confidence, competence, and purpose around digital citizenship, consuming, creating, and communicating information and ideas using technology
What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Education?
Within the two years of study that is standard to obtain a Master of Arts in Education, a student typically builds upon their past studies and work history to establish a strong understanding of curriculum planning, Common Core State Standards, evaluation strategies, pedagogical theory, and using technology to effectively promote learning.
Classes you may take while studying for a Master of Arts in Education include:
- Teaching, Learning, & Leading in the 21st Century
- Instructional Strategies for Differentiated Teaching & Learning
- Meeting Individual Student Needs with Technology
- Creativity, Culture, & Global Contexts in Education Decision Making
Master’s Degree in Education Jobs
Every college graduate is looking for a degree that will bring them job security, and a master’s degree program may help lay the foundation for your future success. A master’s degree in education is often more attractive to practicing teachers looking to advance their school administration careers, while a Master of Arts in Education (MAed) is often more appealing to a wider range of applicants.
Along with having your resume stand out from other applicants, having a Master of Arts in Education may allow you to pursue senior management, as many school districts require a master’s for those positions.
Where you decide to go with your degree is up to you, but a master’s degree in education can help make you career-ready for many roles. Career paths for graduates may include:
- Admissions Director
- Financial Aid Director
- Registrar
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Social and Community Service Managers
Benefits of a Master’s in Education
Heading back to the classroom for a postgraduate degree often has many benefits.
Networking and Learning from Experts
When you go back to school, you are exposed to others with differing backgrounds and expertise. Being able to build your network through coursework can be helpful to your future endeavors.
Apply Learnings Immediately
If you are currently working in a similar job role, being able to take what you’re learning in class and apply that knowledge immediately to your work setting is something that can benefit your career and your understanding of course materials.
Online Master of Arts Degree in Education
Growing in popularity, the ability to complete degree programs online is often the best option for busy, working professionals.
Being able to access a degree program from anywhere, on any device, at any time, allows for additional flexibility, not always offered at traditional schools with defined class times.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward an online master’s degree in the education field, contact a Global Campus representative to learn more, or explore some of our related master’s degrees.
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*A degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus is not designed to meet the state educational requirements for teacher licensure or certification in any state. Students seeking teacher licensure shall carefully research their state's requirements prior to enrollment and regularly review the requirements as they are subject to change. Requirements vary by state. Graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a state-by-state basis that will include one or more of the following: student teaching or practicum experience, additional coursework, additional testing, or, if the state requires a specific type of degree, earning an additional degree. None of the University of Arizona Global Campus online education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which is a requirement for certification in some states. Other factors, such as a student’s criminal history, may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in their field of study.
Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.