10 Master's Degrees You Can Get With an Elementary Ed Bachelor's

If you hold a bachelor's degree in elementary education but want to advance your career and educational knowledge, then a master's degree may be right for you. There are several master's degrees in education and teaching to improve your teacher education, gain more student-teaching experience, and open yourself up to leadership roles.

Several online master's in education programs and on-campus graduate programs are available. The admission requirements for each vary but benchmarks for admission such as GPA are commonly considered. It's also important to consider your financial aid options before you enroll in a graduate education program.

Best Master's Degrees With an Elementary Education Degree

A teacher's journey does not end after obtaining their teaching license. Teachers are lifelong learners because they must stay updated on specific subject areas and renew their teaching certification. Teachers must continue their higher education studies to pursue management roles.

Before enrollment, consider what your career goals are and what specialization you would like to pursue. Below are the best master's degrees for those with an elementary education bachelor's degree.

1. Master's in Elementary Education

For many with an elementary education bachelor's degree, a master's in elementary education program is the natural progression of their educational journey. Graduate elementary education degree programs are typically offered as a Master of Arts in teaching with an elementary education concentration or as a Master of Education (M.Ed) in elementary education.

Common topics that are taught in master's in elementary education programs include:

• classroom management in elementary schools
• working with diverse learners
• coursework curriculum development
• instructional strategies

2. Master's in Curriculum and Instruction

A master's in curriculum and instruction opens teachers up to various career paths outside classroom instruction. Graduate students pursuing this degree can expect to learn about:

• technology integration
• ethical and legal issues
• research methods
• modern assessment tools

Career paths for master's in curriculum and instruction graduates include:

• instructional coordinator
• curriculum developer
• content-area specialist
• curriculum supervisor

3. Master's in Special Education

A master's in special education prepares teachers to address students with disabilities and special needs. Special education graduate programs may include concentrations focusing on specific student demographics, certain disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorders), and early childhood special education.

Topics typically covered in a master's in special education are:

• special education law and policy
• developmental and cognitive disabilities
• instructional strategies
• assistive technology

4. Master's in Educational Leadership/Administration

A master's in educational leadership or administration is a great option for educators looking to advance their careers into a teaching leadership position. These programs typically require you to have maintained licensure for a certain amount of years and be employed as a teacher.

Topics covered in graduate educational leadership/administration programs include:

• instructional leadership
• educational law and policy
• education law and finance
• strategic planning

5. Master's in Reading and Literacy Education

A master's in reading and literacy education prepares educators to support students in developing their reading and writing skills. This is a great option for elementary education bachelor's degree graduates who want to specialize in teaching these skills at the elementary level.

Many colleges offer this graduate degree as an online program. Common topics covered are:

• literacy development
• digital tool integration
• culturally responsive literacy instruction
• family and community engagement

6. Master's in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

A master's in TESOL, which stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, is good for educators who want to teach English to students as a second language. The demand for TESOL teachers is high, and in some areas, it is higher than the number of vacant positions.

Topics covered in TESOL graduate programs include:

• language assessment and evaluation
• cultural competence
• technology in TESOL
• research methods in TESOL

7. Master's in Educational Technology

A master's in educational technology is for educators who want to create engaging learning environments through technology. Along with learning about digital educational tools, this graduate degree is great for online learning environments.

Commonly covered topics in this graduate degree include:

• curriculum development and technology
• data management
• educational analytics
• emerging technologies and trends

8. Master's in Secondary Education

A master's in secondary education is good for elementary education degree holders who want a well-rounded education in teaching children from K-12 or want to change their specialization. This graduate degree focuses on teaching students of middle and high school age.

Topics typically taught in this graduate degree program are:

• adolescent development
• assessment and evaluation
• cultural diversity
• ethics and legal issues in education

9. Master's in Early Childhood Education

A master's in early childhood education is a great accompaniment to an elementary education bachelor's degree. Elementary school teachers can advance their knowledge in early childhood education through this graduate degree program.

Students enrolled in a master's in early childhood education can expect to learn about:

• child development
• early childhood psychology
• technology integration in early childhood
• policy and advocacy

10. Master's in School Counseling

A master's in school counseling is good for educators who want to work as school counselors. This graduate degree, paired with a bachelor's in elementary education, is perfect for educators who want to counsel elementary-aged children.

Topics covered in a master's in school counseling include:

• counseling theories and techniques
• child and adolescent development
• school counseling ethics
• crisis intervention and management

FAQs About Choosing the Right Master's Degree Program With an Elementary Ed Degree

Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing the right master's degree to pair with an elementary education bachelor's degree.

Can I Pursue a Master's Degree in Education That Isn't Directly Related to Elementary Education?

Yes, you can pursue a master's degree in education that isn't directly related to elementary education. However, this is not recommended unless you want to change the trajectory of your teaching career. Typically a master's degree is chosen to complement the existing bachelor's degree to strengthen a person's skill set and advance their career.

What Is the Best Master's Degree for Elementary Teachers?

The best master's degree for elementary teachers varies depending on each individual's career goals and interests. However, elementary teachers who want to continue working at elementary schools would greatly benefit from pursuing a master's in elementary education to improve their knowledge and credentials.

Do I Need a Master's Degree to Advance My Teaching Career?

A master's degree may be a requirement to advance a teaching career as many administrative positions require graduate degrees. However, experience can be just as important as owning a graduate degree.

Will I Need Additional Certifications With a Master's Degree?

Additional certifications are not necessary with a master's degree but can greatly enhance a person's resume and make someone more competitive in the job market. While additional certifications are optional, it's good to earn a certification in a relevant study area related to your field.