If you are an educator who would like to earn a graduate degree, you will need to learn the difference between a Master’s in Teaching and a Master’s in Education. Each of these graduate degrees offer you advantages and a greater potential for career growth, but the curriculum between the two are very different.
Before you can choose the appropriate degree program you need to know just what you plan on doing professionally following graduation. Then, you can research each program and find the one that is the best fit. Read on and you can steer yourself in the right direction as you enroll in an advanced program.
What is a Master’s in Education?
A Master’s in Education, which is commonly transcribed as an M.Ed., is a terminal graduate degree program that teaches educators about the education system based on the concentration that the student selects. In most cases, you can choose between programs with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction, Counselor Education or Educational Administration.
The Curriculum and Instruction major is all about educational theory, leadership and curriculum development. The Counselor Education major is more centered around mental health and the skills you will need in guidance counseling. Lastly, the Educational Administration major is designed just for educators who aspire to become a principal or administrator and need to cover law and leadership of faculty coursework. Since there are multiple paths, it is important that you know what your end goal is before studying for an M.Ed. degree.
What is a Master’s in Teaching?
The Master’s in Teaching, which is transcribed MAT, is a graduate arts degree with a focus on humanities and that skills that you need to be an expert hands-on teacher. If you enroll in an MAT program, you will take advanced coursework that will help you hone your expertise and use different teaching strategies and methods based on the student demographic that you are currently working with.
One of the great things about the MAT degree program is that educators who specialize in teaching a specific subject can take courses centered all around the subject to become experts. Another area of focus is on theory and implementation, which allows you to apply the methods that you have learned in a classroom setting.
What Can an Advanced Degree Do for Your Career in Education?
It is best to go with a MAT degree if you love to teach but need that hands-on experience that you are lacking. If you would prefer to be a curriculum expert, a guidance counselor or an administrator, you are better off with an M.Ed. graduate degree. You can land jobs at high schools and community colleges with either Master’s. Graduate degrees can really help you advance your career and increase your earning potential. In fact, there is a huge gap between the supply and demand of graduate degree holders, so it will only drive your career.
Teachers with a Master’s earn as much as $64,883, according to the National Education Association. If you would like to push forward in your career and make a better living, it is time to pick an advanced degree. Compare the curriculum for each degree, know the difference between a Master’s in Teaching and a Master’s in Education, and then you can improve your skills.
