Masters in Teaching
Contents
Masters in Teaching
Masters in Education
Master of Science in Education
There are three main types of graduate degrees in education: Masters in Teaching (MAT), Masters in Education (MED), and Master of Science in Education (MSED). This guide provides an overview for each type of degree, key differences, and tips for determining which degree is right for you.
Masters in Teaching (MAT)/(MIT) FAQ’s
Who should get a MAT?
The MAT which is sometimes referred to as a Masters in Teaching (MIT) degree prepares students with strong liberal arts backgrounds, including everyone from recent college graduates to career-changers, to become highly qualified, licensed classroom teachers. The MAT is also offered at some universities as a fifth year program in which students spend an additional year after completion of their undergraduate work earning the MAT in conjunction with a state teaching license. These students often specialize in a subject area for their undergraduate degrees and earn the MAT in order to teach that subject in school. In general, if you wish to teach at primary or secondary public schools, you will need a MAT degree in conjunction with a state license. Some private schools may also require the MAT degree in order to teach.
How is a MAT different from a MSED and MED?
The Master of Arts in Teaching is a Master of Arts degree. Typically speaking master of arts degrees do not require a thesis, and in its place take additional course work followed by examinations to demonstrate understanding of knowledge. Such degree programs are designed for those who do not wish to move on in academia with a more advanced degree, and are ideal for career changers looking to get into the field of teaching. Because of this there often is not a great selection of concentrations.
What are the admission requirements for a MAT Degree?
If you are sub-matriculating as a fifth year student at the same university where you are completing your Master’s, some of the requirements, such as GRE scores, may be waived. Instead, you will need to apply in your second or third year, depending on the program, with recommendation letters from your professors. You will also need to demonstrate competency in core curriculum classes, typically with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, depending on the school. If you are not a sub-matriculating student, and are a career changer, you will need a undergraduate degree from a accredited university, and may be required to take the GRE or the MAT. Due to the nature of the degree program most do not require prior teaching experience.
What are the tuition rates for MAT programs?
Tuition rates vary depending on the school. For example, in-state tuition at a public university may range from $10,000 to $15,000 while tuition at a private university can be as high as $40,000. Tuition rates also depend on whether you are sub-matriculating from a four-year program and on how many credit hours the program is.
What majors/concentrations are offered for a MAT?
Due to the nature of the degree, see what is the difference section, most MAT programs do not offer the breadth of concentrations that a MED will. The schools that do offer majors include those which are more generalized such as math, reading, and language. If you are looking to specialize you may want to consider a MED.
What is the curriculum/courses of an MAT degree like?
MAT programs generally focus on general education, and are designed to bring, career changers, or those who have not taught before up to speed on the environment of the classroom, and how children learn. This includes technology and psychology. Secondarily programs focus on the principles of education and teaching methodologies. This includes studying the best ways to promote children’s knowledge development, theories behind literacy and language-acquisition, and curriculum basics. MAT programs will also cover general education subjects including literacy, mathematics, science and social studies.
How long does it take to graduate from a MAT program?
The majority of MAT programs can be completed in one year (12 to 15 months) of full-time study, this will depend though on how many times a year they offer courses. Most MAT degree programs are 15 months although some can be longer. Some programs combine two summers (3 months each) of classes with one school year (9 months) of practical, classroom instruction. Some universities also offer part time weekend and evening programs to accommodate professionals who are changing careers. Depending on the number of classes taken each semester, these programs can be completed in two to three years.
Does the MAT require work inside the classroom?
Yes, a majority of the MAT programs require you to work inside the classroom. If you are pursuing a MAT to become a teacher this will be a critical component of the program for you. Review the schools approach to facilitating your involvement with a local school. This becomes even more important if you are considering an online MAT.
Are there online Masters in Teaching degree programs?
Yes, it is possible to obtain your MAT online. There are many top ranked and regionally accredited universities offering online MAT’s. In many cases, these programs will pair you will local schools in order to complete field-based requirements. If you are considering an online MAT there are many factors to consider such as, what will my diploma say, how do they address tuition rates, are the admissions requirements different, and what format of learning do they employ.
How will a MAT program improve my career options?
The MAT provides the foundation necessary for an initial public teaching license. Your MAT coursework will prepare you to take the state teaching examination in the state where you are attending school. That being said there may be additional requirements in the state you reside. Make sure you examine those requirements if you are taking your MAT online, and reside in a different state. Many states have reciprocal licensing agreements. For example, if you become a licensed teacher in Massachusetts, 44 other states and the District of Columbia will also recognize this certification. However, if you wish to teach in a specific state different from the state where you are currently studying for your MAT, you should confirm licensing and degree requirements with that state’s Department of Education.
Masters in Education (MED) FAQ’s
Who should get a MED?
The Masters in Education is designed for individuals with a background in education, such as public school teachers, who wish to advance their career and broaden their knowledge of curriculum instruction, counseling and school administration. The MED will also help individuals who do not have an education background succeed as curriculum coordinators or in other instructional-based careers.
How is a MED different from a MAT and MSED?
A Masters of Education (M.E.d) is considered a professional masters degree. They are normally a successive degree to your bachelors from the same discipline, and often require it as a component of admissions. They do not normally require a thesis for completion., and depending on the institution are terminal. Meaning they do not enable you to obtain a doctorate. Most M.E.d’s are for working professionals who want to apply their learnings and therefore can offer the best varierty of concentrations.
What are the admissions requirements for a MED program?
The majority of Masters in Education Program students are licensed teachers, who may already hold a MAT or equivalent degree. However, not all MED programs require a teaching certification. Programs focusing on curriculum instruction, for example, are popular with non-certified individuals looking to advance their knowledge of education to compliment a specific career.
What are the tuition rates for MED programs?
Tuition rates vary depending on the school. For example, in-state tuition at a public university may start at $15,000 for a full-time student, while tuition at a private university may be $35,000 or more. Online programs cost less, with one credit ranging from $191 to upwards of $850.
What majors/concentrations are offered for MED degree?
Masters in Education Degrees are offer the widest variety of majors. These include educational leadership, early childhood development, elementary education, secondary education, reading education, special education, gifted education, STEM – science, technology, engineering and math, art education, music education, coaching education, and education technology. Within some of the general concentrations, such as secondary education, students can focus on specific subjects and core competencies like English, History, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. If you sub-matriculate as part of a five-year program, this specific subject area typically matches your undergraduate studies. Some MED programs even offer a combined Early Childhood/Elementary Education major. To learn more see our Masters of Education Degrees Guide.
What is the curriculum/courses for an MED?
Each school offers a core set of courses that every student must take. Beyond that the curriculum varies for each major. For example, students studying for a MED in “Curriculum, Teaching and Learning” may take classes in models of instruction, multicultural education, and curriculum design. In contrast, students studying for a MED in “School Counseling” may take classes in human growth and development, multicultural counseling and the ethics of counseling. Additionally the curriculum may vary in length.
How long does it take to graduate with a MED degree?
Typical MED programs last one academic year, with full-time students generally complete all requirements in one year. However, programs can vary from school to school based on their curriculum. Some are as short as 30 credit hours and some are as long as 55. Ultimately the curriculum will determine the program length.
Are there Online Masters in Education Degrees?
Yes – many accredited masters in education programs offer their degree online. An Online Masters in Education is great for those who want to work and go back to school at the same time. Each online program is different, be sure to review their online learning teaching approach. Is is synchronous or asynchronous? How interactive are the sessions, what support is available? Do they provide a discounted tuition, or is the tuition higher due to applying the out of state rule? Thse are just some of the things to look for when considering an med on line. To learn more see our guide 10 Reasons to Consider a Online Masters in Education.
How will a MED help my career as a teacher?
A MED allows for advanced managerial positions at schools, including working as a principal or guidance counselor. Some MED graduates with a practical background in teaching may work as curriculum coordinators for schools, while others may work as educational coordinators for museums or even as military training instructors. To learn more about MED careers see our Masters in Education Career Guides.
Masters of Science in Education (MSED) FAQ’s
Who should get a Master of Science in Education?
The MSED degree is designed for individuals wishing to strengthen their theoretical background in education or applied education research. The degree provides a strong foundation in the field of education and prepares you for professional positions in a broad range of organizations ranging from academic institutions to policy think tanks. This degree may also be of interest to teachers wishing to strengthen their theoretical backgrounds in childhood development or public education policy.
How is a MSED different from a MAT and MED?
A Master of Science in Education (MSED) is a Master of Science Degree. Most masters of science degree programs focus heavily on research and methodologies and as such can be more technical in nature. They often require a thesis, which is followed up by an oral and written examination. A MSED is great for a teacher who wants to move on further in academia to obtain a E.D.d. or a Phd. Due to the nature of the degree the concentrations offered can be more limited in nature, such as curriculum, and educational leadership.
What are the admission requirements for a MSED degree?
Many of the Masters of Science in Education Programs do require that you have previous teaching experience, or that you are currently a licensed teacher, and or you have access to a classroom for the duration of the degree. In many cases this is necessary due to the research and methodology based approach to a master of science degree, and the curriculum, which can require a field based research project. Some Masters in Education Program require the GRE, or the MAT for admittance, although a majors of schools are moving away from this.
What are the tuition rates for MSED programs?
Tuition rates vary depending on the school. For example, in-state tuition at a public university may start at $12,000 for a full-time student, while tuition at a private university may be $35,000 or more. This will also vary based on the concentration and masters in education program chosen. Some of them have total credit hours that range from 30 to 55, which can significantly increase the price.
What majors/concentrations are offered for MSED degree programs?
Majors and concentrations vary widely, depending on the specific school. Due to the nature of the degree, Master of Scicence vs Master of Education, the concentrations that are offered focus on broader subjects such as curriculum development for all grades, whereas a MED might offer a concentration in elementary education. Therefore possible majors/concentrations include Educational Leadership, Education Policy, Reading/Writing/Literacy, Curriculum Development, and Inclusion, which covers both special education and gifted.
What is the curriculum/course for a MSED degree?
MSED programs all include a general foundation in education theory. Elective requirements vary depending on the major/concentration, but many include a foundational core focusing on research and methodology; leadership, motivational theory of students, differentiation theory, a research project, and portfolio. The remaining course will vary based on the concentration selected.
How long does it take to graduate from a MSED program?
The majority of MSED programs can be completed in one year of full-time study, but can vary from masters in education program to program due to the differences in curriculum. Some are as short as 30 credits, which can be completed in one year or as long as 55 credits, which can be two years.
Does the MSED require work outside the classroom?
In addition to regular coursework, many MSED programs require the completion of a mentorship, field placement, or portfolio/field project. While some of these placements may include classroom teaching, many others emphasize experience and practical skills through service-based placements, mentoring and research-assistant positions. These work experiences compliment future professional opportunities in public policy and educational research that are available to MSED graduates.
How will an MSED improve my career options?
Depending on your concentration, the MSED will prepare you for a wide range of education-based policy or academic research positions. For example, a MSED in “Educatonal Leadership” will prepare you to become a principal or to move on and obtain your doctorate to become a university administrator. Additionally many states are now requiring a masters level degree for teachers to either become certified or continue teaching. Some states provide additional pay increases.