The 2020 Guide to Online Masters in Education (MEd) Programs

A master’s degree can carry a lot of weight in the teaching job market and those who have their master’s are often regarded as thought leaders in their field. In addition, a master’s is typically the basic requirement for teaching at the college or university level.

Pursuing an online masters in education or a online master of arts in teaching can also help improve your teaching skills. These degrees focus on teaching somebody how to be a teacher, with heavy emphasis on pedagogy, teaching methods, philosophy of education, and educational technology.

One of the top perks to gaining an advanced degree is the mobility that comes with an online MEd degree or similar masters degree. Teachers with advanced degrees may be able to work towards school administration positions and can become mentors to other teachers based upon specific graduate training.

Perhaps the most appealing benefit of earning an masters in education degree online is the potential for additional compensation for teachers with advanced degrees. Some schools will pay a teacher more for having a master’s or a doctorate, and some will even reimburse them for continuing their education.

Master’s programs in the areas of classroom technology and instructional design provide students with the basic framework needed for learning in the 21st century, focusing on designing and implementing classroom technology in formal and informal learning environments. Coursework includes classes focusing on product design, technology in the classroom, cognition, instructional design, adaptive technology and online literacy.

Masters in Education programs with an emphasis on educational psychology (also referred to as school psychology) are designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of learning, development, motivation, research and assessment in various fields of education. Graduates of educational/school psychology programs may have careers in fields such as program evaluation, curriculum development and academic testing, and may work in schools, non-profit agencies and health-related institutions. Coursework includes classes focusing on statistics, learning theories, research methods, cognition and child/adolescent development.

Master’s degree programs focusing on educational economics and policy provide students with an understanding of the political, legal, economic and social factors of the education system. Students with degrees in educational economics and/or policy may work within government agencies and nonprofit organizations that focus on educational reform and advocacy. Coursework includes classes focusing on policy analysis and implementation, educational law, community development, sociology, urban education and decision making.

Museum education/museum studies degrees are designed for students who wish to pursue a career in art, history and/or science within informal learning environments such as museums, historical institutions and libraries. Museum education programs provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise needed to teach in a museum, utilizing galleries and other media to enhance the learning of both children and adults. Coursework includes classes focusing on public relations and marketing, educational media, fundraising, art history and cognitive development.

Master’s degrees in higher education (also referred to as post-secondary education) prepare students with the leadership and administrative skills needed to be a leader in today’s colleges and universities, as well as government institutions that address the needs of higher education. Higher education focused degree programs focus on student/academic affairs, leadership theory, management and finance. Coursework includes classes focusing on college teaching, leadership and management, student development and diversity in higher education.

MEd programs with an emphasis on school counseling are designed to prepare students with the skills and experience needed to counsel students, families and members of the community in areas such as coping with personal issues, academic advisement and advocacy. Students who pursue a master’s degree in counseling may work within a number of formal and informal educational settings such as K–12 schools, colleges, hospitals and nonprofit organizations. Coursework includes classes focusing on interview techniques, group counseling, family systems and special education.

For more on masters programs for aspiring school counselors, learn about Online Master's in School Counseling degrees.

Master’s degree programs in educational leadership prepare students for leadership roles in public and private education institutions, which may include positions such as principal, dean, department head, superintendent, athletic director and instructional leader. Coursework includes classes focusing on business administration, personnel management, cultural diversity, educational law and policy, learning and assessment.

Consider also an online doctorate of education program to further exemplify your mastery of educational administration.

Bilingual education and TESOL programs provide students with the foundational skills required to work with bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) students in today’s diverse educational settings, which prepares students to work as teachers, curriculum designers and evaluators in a number of formal and informal learning environments. Coursework includes classes focusing on linguistics, literacy, pedagogy and oral/written language skills.