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Part of Western Governors University

Master of Arts in Education

MED graduate doing paperwork at desk

What is a Master of Arts in Education?

A Master of Arts in Education or MEd degree is a graduate degree program that focuses on education and development. This kind of degree program is ideal for both current teachers and those who don't have classroom experience—anyone who wants to be involved in the education system and work on the policies and procedures of learning could benefit from an M.Ed degree.

WGU offers M.Ed programs for those who currently hold a bachelor's degree in either a teaching or non-teaching field. If you're looking to further your career in education or make a career switch toward education, an MEd degree program could be a great fit for you. Whether you want to implement curriculum for classrooms, develop policies for school systems, or train organizations on best educational practices, there are options if you have a Masters of Arts in Education degree.

Who should get a Master of Arts in Education degree?

M.Ed degrees are ideal options for current or aspiring educators who want to be more involved in the behind-the-scenes elements of learning. Creating curriculum, becoming an administrator, understanding instructional techniques, training corporate leaders or teachers—all of these things can come from M.Ed degrees. An M.Ed degree can be pursue by current teachers who want to stay in the classroom and just have some additional learning as well. However, more often educators who want to move into different fields of education such as leadership, curriculum creation, instruction, technology, and more will find a benefit from an M.Ed degree.

What can you do with a Master of Arts in Education?

There are many career options for those with an M.Ed degree, including:

Principal/Vice principal

School counselor

Learning experience designer

Curriculum designer

Instructional coordinator

Superintendent

Corporate trainer

Librarian

School director

What's the difference between an MAT and M.Ed?

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree focuses on licensure and training for those who want to be in the classroom. A Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed) degree tends to focus more on leadership and other educational principles to lead to other types of careers outside of teaching in the classroom. The requirements for these programs will be very different as well, with M.Ed curriculum and instruction focused more on policies and procedures, and MAT instruction and curriculum focused more on the actual requirements to become a teacher and run a classroom successfully.

Is a Master of Arts in Education degree worth it?

If you want to pursue administration or advanced educational careers outside the classroom, an M.Ed degree is absolutely worth it. This degree will be a critical step in preparing you with the skills and credentials you will need to further your career or move in a new direction. Many advanced educational careers will have a requirement of an M.Ed degree to be considered.

Learn about a career in education

Take a look at all the degree programs you can choose from that help you further your education career.

View all education degrees

WGU Master of Arts in Education Programs

Learning and Technology – M.Ed.

An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking...

An online master's degree for current teachers or...

An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on integrating technology with instructional design principles.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 73% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Instructional design
  • Research fundamentals
  • Technology integration

Harness the power of technology to teach more kids in better ways with this education master's degree.

Instructional Design – M.Ed.

An online master's degree for current teachers and others...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers and others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on designing top-notch curriculum.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 87% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Instructional design
  • Research fundamentals
  • Measurement and evaluation

Improve teaching, training and learning. Learn to build better curriculum with this education master's degree.

What are the benefits of a Master of Arts in Education degree?

There are many benefits to choosing to pursue a Master of Arts in Education degree program, including:

  • Increase your knowledge. A master's degree in education gives you a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills by providing you with critical coursework in understanding education and learning as a whole. For many careers, this knowledge will be vital.
  • Make a career change. If you're currently in the classroom or even in a non-teaching profession, an M.Ed degree can help you make a shift to a more leadership, administrative, or training focused career. This credential will be vital in many of the types of careers you may be interested in.
  • Increase earning potential. Professionals with advanced degrees have the ability to earn raises and have higher salary levels all throughout their career. A Master of Arts in Education degree program can help you boost your résumé and make you eligible for higher paying positions.
  • Improve job security. Professionals with higher education often see greater job security because their skills set them apart. This credential could be key in helping you land and keep a job in the education field.
  • Build a professional network. When you pursue higher education, you'll meet other like-minded educators who are passionate about helping learners, just like you. Creating a network of other professionals is an important part of your career journey.
  • Gain more respect. Higher education is a key way to gain more respect from your peers and administration. An M.Ed degree will demonstrate that you are committed to furthering yourself, and committed to being the professional in the education field.

Why choose WGU for your Master of Arts in Education degree?

WGU is a great fit for your M.Ed degree for many reasons, including:

  • Low, flat-rate tuition means that you're charged the same amount per six-month term, regardless of how many classes you take. 
  • Competency-based education means you can use your knowledge to your advantage, accelerating your program and graduating faster. Graduating faster also saves you money. 
  • We offer scholarships and financial aid to help with our already affordable tuition, making college education accessible for even more students.
  • Respected and accredited programs ensure that your M.Ed degree is meaningful for you as an educator.

Learn about a career in education

Take a look at all the degree programs you can choose from that help you further your education career.

View all education degrees