Open University Myanmar

Why Get a Master’s in Education?

Earning a Master of Arts in Education will not only advance your career inside the classroom, but it will also open the doors to job options outside the classroom.

An M.A. in Education will give you insight into the education system and its mechanisms, providing you with knowledge and tools to effect change at the administrative level, through curriculum development, through school counseling or even within a corporate environment. In addition, having a master’s degree in education typically comes with a pay increase, builds credibility among your peers, and makes you highly competitive when applying for jobs.

It’s important to distinguish between a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) and a Master of Arts in Teaching, or M.A.T. Those who seek a M.A.T. are typically looking to advance their teaching careers with coursework centered around a particular subject, gaining practical expertise to be more effective in teaching.

On the other hand, students of M.A.Ed. programs are typically looking beyond the classroom to advance their careers and shape the education system. While some teachers may pursue an M.A.Ed. and remain in the classroom, they’ll also be equipped to influence change in the policies, procedures, and curriculum of the education system itself, which will in turn make a difference in the lives of students.

What is Master of Education?

▶️If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in front of a classroom, crafting course curricula or conducting science experiments with a room of energized seventh-graders, a master’s in education might be right for you.

▶️Though you can become an educator with just a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in education opens up more career opportunities and can increase your earning potential. Education professionals with master’s degrees can specialize in particular areas of education, move into administrative roles, earn higher teaching salaries, or pivot to careers in the nonprofit or corporate sectors.

▶️A master’s degree in education prepares students to become professional educators. They may not necessarily work as teachers; graduates with master’s degrees in education can pursue diverse career paths to become administrators, school psychologists, and test and curriculum developers, among other professions.

▶️A typical master’s in education program develops strong communication, leadership, critical thinking and collaboration skills for graduates to use in educational contexts. This degree aims to shape future educators so they can impact students in positive ways, whether directly in the classroom or from behind the scenes.

▶️Earning a master’s degree in education is a popular step for educators who want to advance their careers. More than 56% of school teachers have a master’s degree or higher, according to the National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) report from the U.S. Department of Education.

▶️Not only will an advanced degree in education help you improve your skills as an educator and potentially make a more significant impact on your students’ lives, but it also can lead to a pay increase and help you move into a leadership position.

▶️A master’s degree in education also is valuable because you can:

⏺Strengthen your position in the competitive job market.

⏺Gain an additional subject in which you’re certified or licensed. This can help you fill a teaching gap or qualify for more specialized teaching areas or a more in-demand position, such as special education, English Language Learner (ELL) or math teacher.

⏺Move into a leadership or administration position.

⏺Many mid- and senior-level positions require a master’s degree to be considered.

▶️There are many types of master’s degrees in education. The right one for you will depend on your goals and area of interest. This article will help you understand the four main types of degrees so you know your options.

*️⃣4 Types of Master’s in Education Degrees

There are four main types of degrees: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed.), Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The type of degree offered by a university sometimes depends on how the school designates it internally and for accreditors, which means a Master of Arts in Education at one institution might be called a Master of Science in Education at another.