Master of Arts in Education – Candidates pursuing an M.A. in education may have a particular subject area in which they hope to teach, like English or History. In this program, they may further explore that subject, along with teaching methods. You might learn about:
- The Philosophy of education
- Curriculum and assessment
- Educational research
- Courses in your chosen subject – whether it’s Biology, French, or Physics!
Master of Science in Education – Master of science in education programs may be theoretical and based on research, with the potential option to choose a concentration like applied behavior analysis or career and technical education. Every institution may define an M.S. in education differently, so check with the program you’re interested in for more details! Here are some possible courses:
- Tests and measurements
- Computer-based teaching
- Verbal behavior
- Research design
Master of Arts in Teaching – An M.A. in teaching may focus on teaching strategies and methods more so than other programs do. So, earning this degree may potentially be a good fit for those who are new to the field or wish to focus on curriculum and instruction, classroom management, and more. You may learn about:
- Educational psychology
- Curriculum development
- Assessment
- Student teaching
Should I Pursue a Campus, Hybrid, or Online Masters in K-12 Education?
Unsure whether to earn your masters in education the traditional way, pursue online graduate courses for teachers, or consider some combination of the two? Let’s talk about the different degree formats you might encounter.
Earning a masters degree in education on campus: If you’re hoping to be active on campus, or if you prefer to learn face-to-face, perhaps education graduate programs on campus are a perfect fit! You could potentially enjoy social benefits, get involved in student organizations, and lots more. These programs also tend to provide more structure, which could be great for those who desire a set schedule.
Earning a masters in education online: If you currently work as a teacher or have other fulltime obligations, or you don’t live close to campus, online learning may be a potential path worth considering. Earning an online masters in education could offer just a bit more flexibility than a campus program. And, 90% of students who had experience with campus-based classes said they felt their online learning experience was as good or better! *
Did You Know? A little more than a quarter of graduate students under age 24 chose online learning as their program format in 2016. *
Exploring hybrid education graduate programs: Hybrid programs could potentially allow you to take both campus-based and online graduate courses for teachers! You may be able to blend the flexibility of online learning with the potential resources and benefits of a vibrant grad school campus.
How Might I Find a Perfect Education Grad Schools for My Goals?
While there’s no easy answer (or single “best” education grad school), it certainly may be a good idea to start exploring Masters in K-12 Education programs that seem to suit your professional and academic interests. Check out the curriculum, and see what concentrations may be available. Also, look for education graduate programs that are accredited, as this designation may indicate your school adheres to industry standards of quality.[vi] And don’t forget to visit campus if possible, or talk to a representative to learn more about your prospective masters in education program.
Masters in K-12 Education: Ready to get the ball rolling?
Below, you’ll find listings for education masters programs that may be worth checking out! Click to learn more about Masters in K-12 Education programs, and don’t forget to sort by program format: campus, hybrid, or online masters in education. Best of luck on your Masters in K-12 Education programs search!
* Clinefelter, D. L. & Aslanian, C. B., (2016). Online college students 2016: Comprehensive data on demands and preferences. Louisville, KY: The Learning House, Inc.
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-4 | [ii] teach.org/node/63778 | [iii] teach.org/node/63585 | [iv] onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2031.00 | [v] onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2021.00 | [vi] studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools/consider#accreditation
