Advanced degrees equip educators with specialized knowledge, leadership skills and instructional expertise that are highly valued in schools, colleges and other educational institutions. So, unsurprisingly, a graduate degree in education can enhance career prospects in many subfields in education.  

Earning a master’s degree in education can open doors to leadership roles, higher salaries and greater job security. Individuals who are interested in starting a teaching career as well as current education professionals can benefit from understanding the differences in focus, scope and career preparedness that different types of education master’s degrees offer.  

Education Master’s Degrees for New Teachers

Earning a master’s degree in education can help individuals build the skills and pedagogical knowledge necessary for becoming a teacher.  

Master of Arts in Teaching

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is ideal for individuals transitioning into teaching from a non-education background, as well as those looking to advance their existing education careers. The program prepares students with classroom management strategies, curriculum development skills and student assessment techniques.  

In an MAT program, students learn: 

• Pedagogy 

• Subject-specific instruction 

• Classroom management 

• Measuring student learning 

MAT programs typically give students the option to focus on a specific teaching field. For example, graduates of an MAT with Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification degree program can pursue careers such as: 

• Middle school teacher 

• High school teacher 

Importantly, to work as a teacher, students in most states must also complete their state licensure requirements.  

Education Master’s Degrees for Teacher Advancement

For current teachers, several education master’s degree programs can enable upskilling and specialization in teaching. 

Master of Arts in Elementary Education

An MA in Elementary Education is designed for educators who want to deepen their expertise in teaching young learners (grades K-6) and advance their careers in elementary education. This program enhances instructional skills, curriculum development knowledge and leadership abilities, preparing graduates to improve student learning outcomes and take on advanced roles in the field. 

In an MA in Elementary Education program, students learn: 

• Child development and learning theories 

• Classroom management and student behavior 

• Literacy and language development 

• Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education 

• Lesson planning 

Graduates of this program have various career opportunities in teaching, curriculum development and school leadership roles in elementary school settings. 

Master of Arts in Exceptional Child Education

An MA in Exceptional Child Education prepares educators to work with students who have diverse learning needs. This program focuses on creating inclusive learning environments to support the success of all students. 

In an MA in Exceptional Child Education, students learn: 

• Special education law and policy 

• Individualized education plans (IEPs) 

• Student assessment 

• Behavior management and intervention strategies 

• Differentiated instruction 

• Assistive technology in special education 

Graduates of this program are prepared for specialized roles such as: 

• Special education teacher 

• Behavioral specialist 

• IEP coordinator 

• Assistive technology specialist 

Graduates also work in nonprofit organizations, therapy centers or government agencies focused on disability services and advocacy. 

Master of Arts in Secondary Education

An MA in Secondary Education is designed for educators who currently teach middle and high school students (grades 6 through 12). The program provides advanced knowledge in instructional strategies, curriculum design and student assessment. 

Students in an MA in Secondary Education program learn:  

• Advanced teaching methods 

• Curriculum development 

• Classroom management and student engagement 

• Technology integration in education 

• Culturally responsive teaching 

Graduates of this program are equipped to advance their careers in secondary education teaching, curriculum development and school leadership at the middle and high school levels. Some graduates also work in education policy, nonprofit organizations or teacher training programs to improve the quality of secondary education on a larger scale. 

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

An MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares educators to teach English as a second or foreign language in diverse educational settings. This program provides the knowledge and skills needed to support English language learners (ELLs) of all ages, helping them develop proficiency in English while fostering cultural awareness and academic success. 

Students in a TESOL program learn: 

• Second language acquisition 

• TESOL teaching methodologies 

• Curriculum development and assessment for ELLs 

• Multicultural education 

• Technology in TESOL 

Graduates of this program have a wide range of career opportunities in education, language instruction and curriculum development. 

• ESL (English as a second language) teacher 

• EFL (English as a foreign language) instructor 

• Bilingual education specialist 

• TESOL program coordinator 

Many graduates also work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies and international education programs focused on English language learning. 

Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership

An MA in Teacher Leadership is designed for experienced educators who want to take on leadership roles within their schools and districts while remaining in the classroom. This program focuses on instructional leadership, mentorship, professional development and school improvement strategies to help teachers become change agents in education. 

Students in an MA in Teacher Leadership program learn: 

• Professional development and teacher training 

• Classroom innovation and technology integration 

• School leadership and collaboration 

Graduates of this program are equipped for leadership roles in education while continuing to teach or transitioning into instructional and administrative positions. Career opportunities include: 

• Lead teacher or mentor teacher 

• Instructional coach 

• Curriculum specialist 

• Department chair or grade-level lead 

• Professional development coordinator 

Many graduates may work in teaching positions, while others move into district-level positions, educational nonprofits or teacher preparation programs. 

Education Master’s Degrees for Administrative Advancement

Education professionals interested in administrative careers can earn an education master’s degree that teaches relevant skills for overseeing schools, school districts, colleges or universities. 

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

An MA in Educational Leadership program is designed for educators seeking leadership roles in K-12 schools, districts and educational organizations. This program equips students with the skills needed to manage schools, develop curriculum, oversee faculty and staff, and implement policies that improve student learning and institutional effectiveness.  

Students in an MA in Educational Leadership program learn: 

• School administration 

• Educational law 

• Organizational management 

• Data-driven decision making 

• School-community relations 

• Organizational management 

• Educational law 

Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership roles such as: 

• Principal or assistant principal 

• District administrator 

• Education policy analyst 

• Superintendent 

• Education consultant 

Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

An MA in Higher Education Administration is designed for professionals interested in postsecondary education administration. It can focus on leadership, student engagement and educational policy. 

Students in an MA in Higher Education Administration program learn: 

• College operations 

• Student support 

• Higher education policies 

• Funding 

• Assessment and accreditation 

Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of nonteaching and entry-level leadership roles in colleges, universities and other educational organizations such as: 

• Academic advisor 

• Student affairs professional 

• Institutional researcher 

• Educational administrator 

Choose SEMO Online for Your Master’s in Education

SEMO Online is committed to preparing educators for success through high-quality, flexible and accessible degree programs. Whether you’re looking to launch or advance your teaching career, transition into administration, or specialize in a specific area of education, SEMO Online offers a variety of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist online education degree programs designed to help you achieve your professional goals. 

SEMO Online’s education master’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexibility, affordability and a rigorous curriculum. Southeast Missouri State University also offers on-campus programs in education for students who prefer a traditional, in-person learning experience.  

Explore what it takes to become a transformative educator. Start your education career today.