What Can You Do with an M.Ed. Other Than Teach?

Obtaining a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree is a valuable way to advance your teaching career and acquire the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective instruction in a classroom setting.

Besides becoming a school teacher, you can do other jobs with an M.Ed. Earning this master's degree provides the potential to pursue non-teaching roles in areas like educational administration or as an educational consultant.

Learn about the requirements for getting your M.Ed. and examples of career paths you can follow after earning this sought-after graduate degree.

What Can You Do with an M.Ed. Other Than Teaching?

If you are interested in being a special education teacher or an adjunct instructor, enrolling in a Master of Education degree program is an excellent choice. However, when you engage in higher education and earn your M.Ed. degree, there are other jobs in related fields you can pursue apart from teaching.

School Principal

A Master of Education is ideal for a school principal who collaborates to ensure the school runs smoothly while managing day-to-day activities and staff. You can gain employment as a middle school, elementary school, or high school principal. This role requires years of teaching experience, and job posts for this position indicate average salaries with high earning potential.

School Administrator

A school administrator is an educational professional in a leadership role, such as a superintendent, who oversees various job functions across multiple schools or districts. They influence curriculum planning and budgeting and provide instructional leadership in managing overall operations and school policies to aid teachers and students.

Career Counselor

A career counselor supports and guides students as they evaluate and explore various job options to achieve their personal goals. They use assessment tools and techniques like personality tests to help individuals identify their ideal career paths. In most states, passing a licensure examination is required to work in this role.

Curriculum Developer

A curriculum developer manages instructional materials and adheres to the implementation of procedures that help students meet certain levels of educational standards and learning objectives. This role is similar to that of instructional coordinators as they are both involved in curriculum development and facilitating changes for improvement.

What Is a Master of Education?

A Master of Education is a postgraduate degree offered by several accredited colleges nationwide. Earning the M.Ed. credential strengthens your academics and provides you with valuable skills and in-depth knowledge to excel in teaching and education jobs at various levels.

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of educational theories and curriculum development, which will help you advance into high-level leadership roles and become a more effective educator and administrator in the field of education.

A Master of Education allows you to choose concentrations in different areas, such as:

• curriculum and instruction
• early childhood education
• special education
• educational technology
• instructional design
• educational leadership

Master of Education Degree Requirements

The requirements for earning a Master of Education differ among colleges and programs, so it's important to look into the specific details of your chosen one. Here are essential conditions for you to consider.

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree is typically required to enroll in any master's program. Many students applying for an M.Ed. obtain an undergraduate degree in teaching, psychology, or a related field, but any bachelor's degree from an accredited college is usually sufficient to meet requirements.

Determine Whether You Want to Study Online or In-Person

Many colleges offer online Master of Education degrees, including Liberty University and Southern New Hampshire University, which offer flexible scheduling options and convenience for working adults to get a degree. Several on-campus M.Ed. programs, like Lehigh University, offer beneficial in-person fieldwork and networking opportunities. Both have advantages, and you need to determine which is right for you.

Find the Right School

Prospective M.Ed. students should consider different factors to find the right school. This includes choosing programs that fit your budget and offer specializations and coursework that align with your specific career path, as well as whether classes are held online or in person to accommodate your choice of a learning environment.

Enroll in a Master of Education Program

If you have a bachelor's degree and have found the right school offering your choice of an online or in-person M.Ed. program, you should research what is necessary to enroll. Some entry requirements vary, like GRE and GPA scores, and you must review the application to ensure you have what is needed.

Complete All Necessary Courses and Graduate

To satisfy the graduation requirements, you must complete all core and elective courses successfully. Most programs, such as the Master of Education degree at Monmouth University, usually require a minimum of 30 credits to graduate, and their coursework covers areas like curriculum development and design.

FAQs About Master of Education Degrees

The following frequently asked questions offer more insight into obtaining a Master of Education degree.

What Master of Education Career Pays the Most?

Some of the highest-paying career opportunities for graduates of Master of Education programs are in educational leadership and administration, including roles as school principals and superintendents. While they come with significant responsibilities, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average pay can reach six figures.

What Are the Career Prospects for M.Ed. Graduates?

Now is a great time to enroll in a Master of Education program. Overall, the general career prospects for M.Ed. graduates are excellent. The BLS predicts that the employment of teachers and other educational roles will grow consistently through 2032, making it a valuable degree to obtain.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master of Education?

The time it takes to complete a Master of Education degree varies. If you attend full-time, you can typically complete it in around two years. For part-time students, it usually takes about three to four years. It also depends on the number of credits required to graduate and whether you are taking classes online or on campus.

Is It Worth It to Obtain a Master of Education?

Yes, it is worth it to obtain a Master of Education. This degree offers advanced skills and knowledge in the field of education, opening up opportunities for high-level leadership and academic administration roles. These positions often come with higher average salaries, many of which are in the six-figure range.