What Can I Do With a Master’s in Education?
A master’s degree in education offers many possibilities for those passionate about shaping the future of education. With an advanced understanding of pedagogy, leadership and specialized areas like special education or educational technology, graduates are equipped to make an impact in a variety of roles. These roles may include administration, curriculum design, educational policy development or counseling, for example.
In This Article:
- Benefits of a Master’s in Education
- Study Specialized Areas of Teaching
- Can You Teach at a University With a Master’s?
- Master’s in Education Careers
Benefits of a Master’s in Education
Every learner returning to school for a graduate degree has their own unique reasons for doing so. Some of the many potential benefits that may motivate you could include the following:
Professional Growth
Having a master’s degree can enable you to potentially pursue a number of options in a variety of different educational settings. For example, your degree may prepare you to step outside of the classroom and explore careers in areas such as curriculum development, educational consulting or administration.
Many careers and jobs may value candidates with advanced degrees. Having a master's degree in education could be viewed by some employers as an indication of reliability, intelligence and an eagerness for lifelong learning. Additionally, employers may recognize that teachers and education professionals, particularly those with advanced degrees, often possess useful and transferable skills.1
Explore Opportunities for Higher Pay as a Teacher
Generally, master’s degree holders earn higher wages compared to those with bachelor’s or associate degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2 After earning a bachelor’s degree, choosing to dedicate time to a master’s program could provide the preparation you need to explore opportunities for higher pay.
For example, according to one survey, 88% of the largest school districts in the country customarily offer pay raises to teachers who earn master’s degrees. This pay may vary based on years of experience in addition to academic credentials.3
Study Specialized Areas of Teaching
A Master of Education teaches important skills and knowledge and provides an opportunity to stay current with effective teaching methods. A master's degree also allows you to specialize. If you are already in the classroom but are interested in honing your skills in a particular area so you can teach certain age groups or subject areas, a master's degree in education can be the way to go.
You can earn master’s degrees in specialized areas like early childhood education as well as in secondary education subjects or administration. A master's degree in education can also help you work with a student population that requires or benefits from specialized instruction. For example, many teachers go back to school to earn a master's degree in special education. Technology and teacher leadership are also common educational fields in which to pursue a master’s degree.
Can You Teach at a University With a Master’s?
Career requirements can vary from one school and state to the next. In general, however, a master’s degree can be sufficient to apply for jobs at a community college. A four-year university will generally require a doctoral degree.4
It’s important to note that for postsecondary teachers, it’s best to earn a degree in the field you wish to teach.3 For example, if you plan to teach undergraduate students who are earning an education degree at a community college, then a master’s in education may be an ideal choice for you.
Master’s in Education Careers
There are plenty of career options to consider as you decide whether to go back to school to earn your graduate degree. Some master’s in education careers to consider could include the following:
School Administrator or Principal
To become a school administrator or principal, you generally need a minimum of a master's degree in education or leadership.5 Earning your advanced education degree is the first step toward applying to a new role as a vice principal or principal or taking on another leadership role in a school.
It’s important to note that while there are opportunities in private schools for unlicensed principals,1 who might not hold a master’s degree, obtaining a graduate degree and state licensure may open the door to more employment opportunities. No matter where your career path in school administration leads, you may have plenty of chances to positively impact students and encourage them to achieve their dreams.6
Administrators must understand the entire workings of a school, from the curriculum and the student population to how to engage with parents and how to be strong educational leaders. A specialized master's program in educational leadership and administration will teach you to tackle the full range of administrative demands.
According to the BLS, elementary, middle and high school principals earned a median annual wage of $103,460 as of May 2023.7
Education Teacher
If you aspire to become an elementary teacher, yet you earned a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, you still have options available to you. You could earn a master’s in education that leads to initial teacher licensure in your state.
The BLS reports that kindergarten and elementary teachers had a median annual wage of $63,670 as of May 2023.8 Another option is to become a postsecondary teacher,4 with the BLS noting a median annual wage of $84,380 as of May 2023.9
Special Education Teacher
If you decide to earn a master’s in education that has a concentration in special education, interested in teaching students who have exceptionalities. Special education teachers work with students with mild, moderate or severe learning, mental, emotional or learning exceptionalities. Special education teachers must adapt lesson plans to meet the unique needs of their students, as well as develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student in collaboration with other professionals and the student’s parents.
According to the BLS, special education teachers had a median annual wage of $65,910 as of May 2023.10
At Grand Canyon University, the College of Education supports you along your journey to fulfilling your purpose. If you’re interested in positioning yourself for potential career growth or would like to switch to a career in education, explore our master’s degrees in education today.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 Finley, A. (n.d.). How College Contributes to Workforce Success. Association of American Colleges and Universities. Retrieved Feb. 13, 2025.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Education Pays. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2025.
3 Nittler, K. (2018, July 26). How Do School Districts Compensate Teachers for Advanced Degrees? National Council on Teacher Quality. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2025.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2025.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become an Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2025.
6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals. Retrieved Feb. 13, 2025.
7 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals as of May 2023, retrieved on Jan. 22, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
8 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers as of May 2023, retrieved on Jan. 22, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
9 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Teachers as of May 2023, retrieved on Jan. 22, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Postsecondary Teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
10 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Special Education Teachers as of May 2023, retrieved on Jan. 22, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Special Education Teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Approved and verified accurate by the dean of the College of Education on Feb. 19, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
