Top 25 Schools With a Masters in Education

Why Earn a Masters In Education?

A master’s degree in education is often a second level of education obtained by an instructor or teacher. Those who pursue this degree may already be working in the field as educators. This master’s program could enable them to gain additional skills to enter into leadership and development roles within the educational setting.

There are two degree options often referred to when talking about a master’s in education. This includes a Master in the Art of Teaching (MAT) or a Master of Education (M.Ed.) MAT is typically the route to take for those wish to obtain more skills as a teacher. For those who wish to enter into a different role in the school systems, such as working as a counselor, educational coordinator, or an administrator, an M.Ed. is likely the route desired. The second is the focus of this article.

Top 25 Schools With a Masters in Education

According to NCES, the top schools according to the number of graduating students in the master’s in education field are listed here. This data represents the 2019 to 2020 school year.

Courses For A Master’s In Education May Include

A master’s in education track includes required courses and electives. The electives are typically in the area the student is most interested in working in after they complete the program. For example, there may be special education, educational leadership, and adult education tracks. The courses taken in each of these tracks, then, often relate to the type of work a person may do once they complete their education in graduate school.

Some complete their master’s degree and continue teaching in a classroom. This may be a necessary step in some states or school districts. In those areas, it may be necessary to complete a master’s degree within a certain timeframe after receiving a job. Other times it may not be necessary but considered valuable for those who wish to pursue leadership roles in the school.

Others completing this type of education may pursue a completely different path. For example, some complete their master’s in education because they hope to work as an educational administrator. This may be a role in which they oversee other teachers and provide support within school districts rather than just a single classroom.

One example of this is obtaining an M.ED. Educational Leadership and Administrative License program. This may be a fast track method to help a teacher obtain their master’s degree so they can work in the area of administration. In some states, there may be a requirement to obtain a license in that area. Courses may include:

Psychology of Learning

This course often covers the theories of learning, human memory, and creativity in relation to psychology and education. The course also may cover applying behavior principles and the evaluation of how a student is progressing while learning.

Teaching and Learning

In this course, students often cover teaching and learning research and its effectiveness. Also covered may be how to find and use the correct instructional methods based on a number of different factors. These may include classroom climate, lesson planning and curriculum organization.

Instructional Leadership

This is often an introductory course designed to encourage the use of evidence based principles in the classroom. Learning how to enhance student outcomes and working to create a shared goal and vision for the students and teachers.

Philosophy of Education

This course aims to teach students different teaching philosophies and their relevance. Teachers may perform a self evaluation to analyze the methods they use and as to whether or not they are effective for their students.

Research Methods

This course usually covers the dynamics, tools, and methods of research. Skills covered may include literature, analyzing data, and designing studies.

School-Community Relations

This course often covers the relationship needed between a school and a community. This course typically works to teach how to develop and cultivate these relationships.

How Much Does A Masters in Education Cost?

Paying for higher education may seem difficult. Most often, there could be multiple ways to fund your graduate education, though. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

NCES reports the average graduate tuition for the 2018 to 2019 school year for private institutions was $25,929 for full time students. This cost varies based on the school. Additionally, NCES provides these insights into graduate funding:

About 10.4% of graduate level students used federal loans to pay for some or all of their education

2016 to 2017

The average amount borrowed during that year was $25,600

2016 to 2017

The above data includes subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans as well as Perkins Loans, and Graduate PLUS loans. For those considering pursuing a master’s degree in education, it is important to consider the availability of student loans and other funding options. Take a closer look at some of the options available to help pay for a graduate degree.

Loans

Once you fill out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) you may find you are eligible for loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program. These loan programs may provide a wide range of opportunities for borrowers, but each may have eligibility requirements. Private student loans may be another source of potential funding to pay for graduate school. These loans are often not available through the federal government. Rather, they may be from a range of financial institutions and private banks or credit unions. Some may also be from state-affiliated organizations. Private loans may be more accessible to those who may not qualify for federal loan programs. However, many could be more expensive than federal student loans. Learn more about private student loans and availability for them.

Scholarships

For many students, paying for a master’s degree can seem challenging. Yet, scholarships may help to cover those costs. There may be scholarships available for a master’s degree in education from various organizations, programs, and schools. A few options may include:

What Can I Do With A Master’s In Education?

After you earn a master’s in education, there are positions that may be available to you including education administrators, or instructional coordinators.

Is An Education Administrator a Good Career?

An education administer may work at various levels of education. This often includes kindergarten through high school. They may work to oversee the education process within their school. This often includes evaluating the curricula of other teachers, ensuring teaching methods meet expectations, and determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the curriculum. These administrators may also ensure that the school meets all federal, state, and local regulations.

Education administrators may also counsel and guide students in their academic and vocational goals while addressing behavioral issues. Some may work to develop curriculum standards and set performance goals and objectives for teachers. They often coordinate and oversee the activities of support staff and teachers. Those working in this field usually need to have key skills to enable them to complete the tasks of their job. That may include:

• Active listening skills, this also includes being able to ask appropriate questions and understand the points being made.

• Critical thinking skills to find alternative solutions and conclusions to various problems or concerns as they arise.

• Speaking skills are also important to administrators since they need to be able to communicate in an effective manner throughout the work day.

• Learning strategies to focus on selecting and using various instructional methods to facilitate learning in the classroom and beyond.

To work as an education administrator, individuals may need extensive education and training. Many of these occupations require attending a graduate school. This often means completing a master’s degree. Some may require a Ph.D. In addition, individuals may also need to have some experience in the education environment. Some may require five or more years of experience. Students, for example, may complete their bachelor’s degree in education and then work in the field for several years. Then, they may complete their master’s degree with experience, preparing them for this field.

About 44% of those working in the field of a post-master’s certificate. About 37% have a master’s degree and just 9% have a high school diploma.

2023 Median Salary for Education Administrators

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following are median salaries for those working as an education administrator in each state. This data is from 2023.

Is an instructional coordinator a good career?

An instructional coordinator may be a good career for those with a master’s degree in education. These individuals often develop material and coordinate educational content. Their work is often to incorporate instruction and technology that is then used by teachers and other educators. They may also develop curricula for others or for their own use. Often, instructional coordinators help to provide guidelines for instructors and educators on a variety of topics. Sometimes, their work involves training or coaching teachers as well.

The tasks an instruction coordinator completes may range widely based on the job at hand. This may include observing work of the teaching staff at a school and then evaluating how well they do. They may then make recommendations for improvement. They may also create and hold training programs for educators. This may include providing instructional materials, new classroom procedures, teaching aids, or other resources to ensure better overall education. Many also may need to interpret and implement change related to regulations such as state codes or state education board regulations. Those working in this field usually need to have key skills to enable them to complete the tasks of their job. That may include:

• Learning strategies to be able to select and apply various training and instruction methods to the students based on their needs and goals is critical.

• Speaking skills in order to communicate information in a clear manner that others can utilize.

• Instructing abilities to instruct other teachers and other educational staff.

• Writing is necessary to be able to provide training documents and other materials in written form.

There are various factors that may contribute to the day-to-day work as an educational coordinator. Many of the positions in this field require graduate school. This often includes having a master’s degree. Some positions may require a Ph.D. as well. This often includes having five or more years of experience in the educational field. Some may need to have experience in a specific sector, such as special needs development.

Those working as an educational coordinator often do not receive a lot of on-the-job-training. Rather, they should already have experience in the field that allows them to provide these services with their education combined. Work-related experience and training are very important components to being able to complete this job.

2023 Median Salary for an Instructional Coordinator

According to the BLS, the following are the median salaries for those working as an instructional coordinator in each of these states. This data is from 2023.