M.A. and M.S. and M.Ed., oh my! You’re probably wondering what the heck all of the abbreviations are for?! In this case, M.A., M.S., and M.Ed. are the different types of Master’s Degrees that you could receive in the education field. Many school districts are now requiring teachers to take graduate-level courses in order to refine their instructional strategies. Additionally, if you are thinking of eventually becoming a principal, you will almost undoubtedly need a master’s degree. So, if you are planning on traveling down the master’s degree road, you should understand that different master’s degrees help you to achieve different goals.

Master of Education

A Master of Education degree, or M.Ed., is geared towards teachers who are seeking to move beyond the classroom, and into more administrative or other specialized roles. This is a professional, graduate-level degree, which is generally not viewed in the same light as a teaching degree.

There are many online schools that offer M.Ed. with the opportunity to focus on educational leadership, among other areas. Another popular area of specialization is educational technology, which has become increasingly available over the past few years.

Most M.Ed. graduates go on to become a principal or school district administrator. However, there are other opportunities for M.Ed. graduates, including becoming a reading or technology specialist.

Master of Arts in Teaching

A Master of Arts in Teaching, commonly called MAT, is a bit different from the M.Ed. Many master’s degrees in education primarily focus on the subject area that will be taught to students. For example, most of the coursework required in order to teach history will focus on history, rather than on educational theory. The MAT focuses on precisely that: educational theory and strategies.

Some online MAT programs offer very general overview of the foundations of effective teaching. You can also find MAT programs that combine the study of widely established ‘best practices’ in the classroom with a focus on teaching within a specific discipline. Either way, the MAT is a very beneficial teaching degree.

Those individuals who receive a MAT degree usually choose to remain teaching in the classroom. A MAT can also furnish the educator with the appropriate credentials needed to become a department chairperson. The online MAT degree often leads to an increase in earning power, so you can look at that as an added reward.

Master of Arts in Education

A Master’s of Arts in Education degree allows its recipient to be flexible and specialize in one of several concentrations. In addition to taking core classes in educational philosophy, child psychology, educational ethics, and education research methods, educators seeking to obtain this advanced degree generally specialize in one of several fields, such as history, reading, biology, etc.

Many teachers who prefer to stay in the classroom often opt to pursuing an online Master of Arts in Education. The flexibility of online learning greatly benefits those teachers who want to continue teaching which they are earning a more advanced degree. These teachers are often looking to receive a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in either elementary or secondary education. Many universities also offer a concentration in special education. Those who are looking to leave the classroom after obtaining this degree often pursue concentrations in educational leadership, technology, or counseling.

You can check out specific universities to see which programs they have available here.

Master of Science in Education

Although the other advanced degree programs tend to be more widely-known, the Master of Science in Education is yet another option for educators seeking a professional degree. The Master of Science in Education degree can easily provide professional educators with the tools they need for success in the classroom, as well as advancement in educational leadership. This degree program allows educators the opportunity to take a more scientific approach to the study of education. Popular concentrations for those teachers pursuing this degree include instructional technology and educational research.

It is common to find that the coursework required for M.S. Education programs tend to take a scientific slant and include coursework in statistics and educational evaluation and measurement. It is very common for educators pursuing this degree to leave the classroom, and, in many instances, the school.

Educators who hold a Master’s of Science in Education often have excellent job prospects in the educational research sector. Many go on to work with school districts, state governments, or private research organizations, often assessing student performance. After that, the educator would suggest possible policies that could be enacted in order to boost student achievement. Others degree holders seek out careers as technology supervisors schools or school districts, working in distance education, or pursuing doctoral studies.

The same opportunities for advancement should be available, regardless of the specific advanced degree the educator received. Whether it’s a Master of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, or a Master of Education, you can easily boost your skill set and credentials by obtaining one of these degrees.