Educators play a crucial role in our ever-changing world and give back to your community. If you have a passion for teaching, getting a Master of Arts in Education is a fulfilling decision. Keep in mind it is important to find a program that matches your interests and goals.

Note: To enroll in a master’s program in any field, you must complete your bachelor’s degree. Your undergrad emphasis does not have to be in education for you to apply to an education master’s program.

What is a Master’s in Education

At its core, a Master’s in Education breaks down how teachers teach, think, and do. These education programs provide you with evidence-based teaching methods, various tools, and techniques.

These tools will prepare you for accommodating various students’ learning preferences and unique needs. You will graduate with a deeper understanding of curriculum design, educational psychology, and leadership. 

When deciding what to study in education, there are many options to choose from, including but not limited to:

• Special Education
• School Administration
• Educational Therapy
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

As your knowledge grows, you can better shape, inspire and impact students’ lives.

Job Security

Getting a graduate degree shouldn’t just be about money, even though it can lead to a stable and fulfilling career. A Master’s Degree in Education makes you a sought-after candidate for employers. Compared to those with just a bachelor’s degree, grad school students earn more money or get higher salary raises.

PayScale reports that the typical salary for positions requiring a master’s in education is $64,000. These figures vary according to the type of job, location, inflation, and industry. Pay also varies depending on whether you choose to work in public or private/specialty sectors.

Advance Your Teaching Career

A master’s degree opens doors to exciting opportunities for career advancement. Many leadership roles such as school administration, curriculum development, or educational consulting, often require candidates with advanced degrees. By earning your Master’s, you position yourself as a qualified and competitive prospect to lead and shape the future of education.

Shape and Nurture Young Minds

The ultimate goal in education is to foster a love for learning and ensure students reach their full potential. A Master’s in Education focuses on specialized training in educational psychology and differentiated instruction. Differentiated instruction is about customizing instructions for individual students.

You will gain a better understanding of student behavior, motivation, and cognitive development. Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your teaching style to maximize engagement and student success. From our own school experiences, we know that not everyone learns the same. Graduating with a strong knowledge focused on educational adaptation benefits your future students inside and outside the classroom.

Education Innovation

Education is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with advancements in technology and research. A Master’s in Education exposes you to the latest trends and innovations in educational technology, instructional design, and learning theories. This strengthens your methods of teaching, creating an exciting and enriching learning environment for students.

Policy and Advocacy

Gain a deeper understanding of the broader issues and challenges within the education system. Through this knowledge, you can be instrumental in changing education policies and shaping the future of education locally, regionally, or nationally. These positive changes benefit students, teachers, and communities in the long run. 

Go Beyond Teaching

While education ties to becoming a teacher, various opportunities do not involve standing in front of the classroom. Having a graduate degree prepares you to be able to influence the direction of education and improve students’ lives. You can achieve such opportunities through educational consulting, pursuing a leadership role, conducting research, or launching your own business.

Educational Consultant

As an educational consultant, you provide guidance and support to schools, districts, and educational organizations. You can help them develop effective curricula, implement innovative teaching strategies, and improve overall educational practices. This job lets you collaborate with teachers and school leaders, sharing your ideas to improve students’ learning.

Educational Leadership 

Leadership roles such as principal, superintendent, or educational administrator are available through an education master’s. In these positions, you have the chance to build and shape the direction of an entire school or district. You can implement policies and initiatives that promote student success, create a positive school culture, and foster a supportive learning environment. 

Educational Entrepreneurship

Use your skills to help students and educators in the digital age. For entrepreneurs, having a master’s in education can provide substance in the field. With newly learned knowledge of educational technology, instructional design, and learning theories, you can develop innovative educational products or services. You can do this by creating educational apps, developing online courses, or starting a tutoring center.

Research and Academia

For those interested in research and academia, a master’s can open doors to pursue a Ph.D. in Education. With a doctorate, you can become a professor or researcher. You can conduct research studies, analyze data, and develop theories that advance our present understanding of teaching and learning. By sharing your findings you can influence educational practices and contribute to the ongoing improvement of the education system.

NDNU’s School of Education (SoE)

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Notre Dame de Namur (NDNU) specializes in graduate programs. Comprising three schools in Business & Management, Education, and Clinical Psychology, each program offers a variety of specializations. Many of NDNU’s graduate students have become active teachers and administrators in San Mateo County and beyond.

To nurture future leaders, NDNU’s programs offer small class sizes, giving students individualized attention and counseling. The SoE master’s programs prepare competent teachers, specialists, administrators, and community leaders.

Find the Right Degree Program

As the world and technology change, education degree programs must adapt and integrate their offerings. NDNU provides evening classes tailored to working professionals. Whether in-person or fully online, this graduate school offers various opportunities to earn your graduate degree.

In-Person Education Master’s Programs

Master of Arts in Education (MA ED)

Enhanced teaching strategies, curriculum development, and research provide future educators with the resources they need to promote social justice. The program helps students learn through specialized courses that improve their knowledge of developing and evaluating curricula. Graduates are prepared for positions in educational organizations that require leadership and consulting.

Master of Arts in School Administration (MA SA)

NDNU’s Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and MA SA are an integrated 30-unit program. The course covers leadership, management, finance, human resources, curriculum development, and assessment. And it also includes opportunities for real-world fieldwork experience.

Master of Arts in Special Education (MA SE)

Special education is a highly rewarding and in-demand field. The Education Specialist Credential prepares students to teach in special education settings for students aged K-12 to 22. These credentials are divided into two levels: mild/moderate and moderate/severe, with each level addressing different student needs.

100% Online Education Master’s Programs

Master of Arts in Educational Therapy (MA ET)

NDNU is one of three schools in the U.S. offering a unique Master of Arts in Educational Therapy degree. The program provides foundational and advanced skills in assessment and develops individualized educational plans (IEPs). Educational Therapists customize an IEP to support students with learning difficulties, helping parents, staff, and teachers.

Master of Arts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (MA DEIL)

The DEIL program at NDNU trains future effective leaders who can address inequality, bias, and social justice. Students gain knowledge and experience to create and implement inclusive strategies in different areas. The program integrates a capstone project for all students. Students can lead efforts to address real needs in community organizations, education, research, policy, business, non-profits, and communities.

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The TESOL program provides online education for individuals worldwide interested in language learning for immigrant and underserved populations. The program focuses on new developments in the field and technology aiming to train practitioners with expertise in knowledge and skills.

Find Your Perfect Program

In the end, earning a Master’s in Education is a life-changing two-year journey. Consider your interests, skills, and long-term career objectives when choosing the best grad school. Reflect on the area of specialization that appeals to you and your future contribution to education.

If you want to make a difference and have a lasting impact, going on this educational journey is worth it. Beyond the classroom, your expertise can influence educational policies and practices, making a lasting impact on education as a whole. With increased knowledge, improved skills, and a passion for teaching, you will be prepared to inspire, guide, and empower your students.

Unlock Your Potential at NDNU

After learning the benefits of earning a degree in education, it’s time to think about what to do next. You can build the required network and acquire the necessary skills by enrolling in graduate school. You will be able to positively influence students’ lives and help the field of education advance.

If any of NDNU’s offerings appeal to you, we encourage you to reach out to our Admissions team for more information!