How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Education?

Education is a powerful force in effecting positive change in society. The World Bank has cited education as:

• A driver of global development and stability
• A key factor in lowering poverty rates and strengthening health
• An important component in promoting equity and inclusion

Professionals who work in education are critical to providing quality education that changes students’ lives. People who are considering enrolling in a Master of Arts (MA) in Education degree program can benefit from learning about the many paths they can choose in pursuing an advanced degree in education, as well as how long it takes to get a master’s degree in education. 

Master’s in Education Program Length

Exploring the length of master’s degree programs in education can be helpful when individuals are making plans to pursue graduate education to enhance their expertise.

Understanding How Long a Master’s Degree in Education Takes

In general, master’s degree programs take about two years to complete if students are enrolled full time. However, the exact duration depends on the particular degree program and the particular higher education institution. Some programs can be completed in fewer than two years, while others can take longer than two years to complete.

How Long Is a Master’s Degree Program?

Options for master’s programs and the number of required credits will determine their length. For example, while bachelor’s programs require students to complete 120 to 130 credits, master’s programs require students to complete 30 to 60 credits. 

Each school will vary in the number of credits it requires. Traditional campuses often have semesters that are about 15 weeks long. However, some schools offer terms that are shorter. 

If students take the maximum course load without taking a term off, theoretically they could complete 30 credits in about a year. However, the length of time it will take to complete a graduate degree in education will be based on an individual’s schedule and how many courses they take at the same time. Academic advisors can help guide students when planning a timeline for graduate education. 

Can You Complete a Master’s Program in a Year?

Some colleges offer accelerated master’s degree programs that students can complete in one year. A single course is generally about three credit hours. The number of credits necessary to complete a graduate degree will vary depending on the school, so it can be helpful to speak with an academic advisor regarding options.

Dual-Degree Programs

Some individuals may decide to complete two different graduate degree programs simultaneously through dual-degree programs. Of course, this will take longer than pursuing an individual graduate degree. The time it takes to finish a dual-degree program depends largely on the dual-degree program, so it’s important to learn about the time frames associated with specific dual-degree programs.

Exploring Program Options to Determine Time Commitment

To pinpoint a timeline for completing a graduate degree in education, it’s helpful to become familiar with the required and elective courses.

In addition, it can be beneficial to speak with an academic advisor about any transferable credits prospective students may have, as well as any options for minimizing how long it could take to complete a graduate program in education.

Types of Master’s Degrees in Education

Learning about specific master’s degrees in the field of education is a great way to learn which program aligns with your preferences and career goals.

Master of Arts in Education

An MA in Education degree can be beneficial to a range of education professionals, including teachers, administrators, and community leaders who advocate for schools.

Requirements for a MA in Education degree typically require 30 credits. Students take required courses in subjects such as curriculum development, educational assessment, and educational research. In addition, they choose from elective courses in subjects such as teaching and pedagogy, technology applications in classrooms, and language and literacy.

Students in these degree programs also typically complete a master’s thesis focusing on a specific research question.

Master of Arts in School Administration 

An MA in School Administration is a 30-credit program in which students gain valuable expertise in areas such as managing a school, promoting a culture of teaching, leadership, and demonstrating a cultural understanding of education. 

Students learn how to apply coursework to real-life responsibilities and gain knowledge and skills that can be helpful in roles such as superintendent or school principal. In these degree programs. students take required courses in subjects such as financial management, human resource management in schools, leadership, and parent and community relations.

These degree programs also require students to complete capstone courses that give them the opportunity to conduct research using the expertise they’ve acquired.

Master of Arts in Special Education 

Completing an MA in Special Education degree can equip individuals to work as special education teachers. For example, they can work with K-12 students who have moderate-to-severe disabilities or mild-to-moderate disabilities. 

An MA in Special Education degree program typically requires 44 credits, so it’s important to keep that in mind when calculating the completion time for a graduate education degree in this subject. These programs feature required courses in subjects such as psychological and developmental foundations, clinical assessment, and special education program management. 

Students in these programs also complete student teaching requirements.

Master of Arts in TESOL 

Completing an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares individuals to teach English as an additional language, as well as support the communities where their students live. Earning this degree provides individuals with a valuable awareness of working toward equity in education.

These programs typically require students to complete 30 credits. Students take required courses in subjects such as TESOL foundations, digital technology for TESOL instruction, TESOL pedagogy, TESOL curriculum design, and applied linguistics.

In addition, students complete a capstone course in which they use their expertise to create an online TESOL teaching portfolio.,

Master of Arts in Educational Therapy

Students who complete an MA in Educational Therapy degree program acquire knowledge and skills to create and apply remediation curriculum and intervention strategies that can support students who face learning differences. They also gain the expertise to perform and interpret assessments of their students and then integrate assessment information into treatment plans for their students.

In these degree programs, students complete 33 credits, and they take required courses in subjects such as neuropsychological principles in education, instructional strategies for students with reading difficulties, and the roles of an educational therapist.

In addition, students typically complete internships in which they have the opportunity to work with students at schools, clinics, and universities. 

Benefits of Completing a Master’s in Education 

Careers in education can be highly rewarding, and taking the time to complete a master’s degree program in education can help individuals become better teachers, work in particular specializations, and learn about recent research they can apply in the classroom. It’s a way to invest in yourself and your classroom.

Examples of the benefits of earning a master’s degree in education are outlined below.

Specialize in the Field of Education

A master’s degree program can allow individuals to specialize in areas such as special education, early childhood, and TESOL. These programs can help educators work with students who require several types of specialized instruction.

Earn a Higher Salary 

Earning a graduate degree can allow educators to earn higher salaries. Even new teachers who have a master’s degree are more marketable than new teachers who have a bachelor’s degree. 

Individuals who have a master’s degree also could be eligible for a broader range of positions, such as roles in department leadership.

Comply With Requirements 

Some states and schools require educators to have a master’s degree in education to work in certain teaching positions. Therefore, individuals who have already earned a master’s degree are eligible for those positions.

Make a Difference

Using expertise acquired through completing a master’s degree in education improves individuals’ ability to make a difference in students’ lives. They learn the best way to engage students and how students learn, as well as the challenges that students can face in accessing education.

Learn More About Earning a Master’s Degree in Education

Choosing to earn a master’s degree in education is a personal decision and depends on your goals. However, individuals who are interested in advancing in their careers, staying up to date on the latest research and technology and education, and helping others have much to gain if they take the time to complete a graduate degree in education.

Individuals who want to pursue an advanced degree in education can explore the Notre Dame de Namur University MA in Education degree program, as well as other master’s degree programs in education, to learn how those programs can help them reach their career goals. Spanning a wide range of subjects in graduate study, these programs can prepare education professionals to work in the aspects of education that align with their interests. Start enhancing your expertise in education today.