Colleges with Top Education Programs
For individuals passionate about shaping young minds and contributing to the future, a Master's in Education (M.Ed.) can be a transformative step. Regardless of specific personal or professional goals, there's a master's in education for everyone. An advanced degree can present more job opportunities and higher earning potential while allowing one to grow as a teacher. This guide explores some of the best Master's in Education programs across the United States, highlighting the diverse specializations and opportunities they offer.
The Value of a Master's in Education
Earning a master's degree can open potential job opportunities. In many school districts, teachers earn more when they have master's degrees. By earning a master's degree, you can open yourself to potential job opportunities. An advanced degree can present more job opportunities and higher earning potential while allowing you to grow as a teacher.
Types of Master's Degrees in Education
There are five primary types of master's degrees in education, which have some key similarities and differences. Curriculum varies, but many M.Ed. programs offer specializations. Some programs focus on developing teaching skills, preparing students to meet licensure requirements.
- Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.): Completing an M.S.Ed. prepares you to pursue educational leadership roles. Many M.S.Ed.
- Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.): An M.A.Ed. typically suits current educators looking to advance into leadership positions. The education component of the master of arts option will be less centered on STEM subjects.
- Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.): M.A.T. program participants may already have bachelor's degrees in education or transition from other fields. Many M.A.T.
- Master of Instruction (M.I.T.): An M.I.T. is for students who want to become teachers but do not have bachelor's degrees in education or professional experience. Many M.I.T.
Licensure and Career Prospects
Educators receive teaching licenses at the state level, and each state has specific requirements for licensure. Every state requires teaching licensure to teach in public schools. In general, educators must have certain educational credentials, such as a bachelor's degree in education. Depending on the type of educator you plan to be, there may be more requirements. For example, some states may require secondary teachers to have licensure in specific subject areas. In general, a master's in education can lead to many roles in education with strong salaries.
The BLS projects jobs in educational instruction and library occupations as fast as average from 2022-2032. With a master's degree in education, you can pursue many available jobs. Work experience is often a big factor in determining salaries. Still, a master's degree can provide a salary bump. More advanced degrees are a factor in increasing pay to teachers in more than 145 school districts across the United States.
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Admission Requirements and Program Structure
First, you'll generally need a bachelor's degree in education and work experience in the field. You may also need a minimum undergraduate GPA, as well as GRE or GMAT scores. A master's in education degree generally includes 30 credits of core and elective courses and a capstone project related to a concentration. Some programs require a master's thesis. You can typically finish a master's degree in 1-3 years, but this timeline can change based on degree type and full-time vs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
A master's degree creates a significant financial investment. Consider these scholarships:
- Who Can Apply: This program provides aid to students completing or planning to enroll in coursework for a career in teaching.
- Who Can Apply: Junior, senior, and graduate students who have declared an elementary education major can apply for this sponsored scholarship.
- Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing education degrees in STEM fields qualify for this award.
Top Master's in Education Programs
Grad School Hub ranks schools and programs based on factors such as academic quality, school affordability, and program offerings.
Harvard University's School of Education: Harvard's School of Education provides various graduate-level options, including a master's in school leadership and teacher education. Undergraduates at Harvard are encouraged to pursue the Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) program at the Graduate School of Education, which houses the Harvard Teacher Fellows Program and its residency fieldwork model pathway. On top of their primary field, students may also pursue a secondary field in Educational Studies, allowing them to examine the field of education from multiple disciplinary perspectives.
Utah State University's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services: Utah State University's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services offers several master's in education degree programs, including M.Ed. degrees in elementary education, instructional leadership, and secondary education.
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Indiana University's School of Education: Indiana University's School of Education offers several master's in education programs. Prospective students may choose from one of 20 areas of study including early childhood education and elementary education. The no. 1 school of education in Indiana, IU offers a bachelor’s degree in areas like Counseling and Student Services, Music Education, Special Education, Visual Arts Education, World Languages, and many others. Taught by well-known scholars and experts, graduates are routinely named the best teachers in Indiana.
The University of Kansas: The University of Kansas offers several master's in education degrees to prepare students and teachers to pursue various leadership roles in education. Offering the no. 1 Special Education Public Program, KU’s School of Education and Human Sciences offers a broad array of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Johns Hopkins University: Johns Hopkins University is a top-tier research school known for its academic rigor.
University of Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania's master's in education degrees offer various concentrations, including education entrepreneurship, education policy, and higher education. UPenn’s Graduate School of Education offers several pathways for graduate students, including multiple joint and dual degree offerings. Undergraduates, too, can gain preparation for a career in education. Students can take a number of courses taught by GSE faculty and learn alongside graduate students. Another option is submatriculation.
The University of Texas College of Education: The University of Texas College of Education offers research-driven experiences for graduate students. Students can pursue electives to fit their interests and goals. Some M.Ed. At UT Austin, students will learn how to teach children with different backgrounds and abilities.
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Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University: Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University educates current and aspiring teachers and leaders by fostering the necessary knowledge to take action and improve education. Eleven master's in education degrees are available, including in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, educational technology, and higher and postsecondary education. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College offers degrees that blend subject matter knowledge, classroom techniques, and professional teaching experience - all before graduation.
Vanderbilt University: Available programs at this top-ranked school include master's of education degrees in curriculum and instruction, K-12 leadership, and special education. Through Vanderbilt’s Peabody College, students can pursue programs in areas like Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Peabody also offers 21 master’s programs, 2 Ed.D. program tracks, and six Ph.D. programs.
The School of Education at the University of Colorado: The School of Education at the University of Colorado offers graduate programs in curriculum and instruction, educational equity and cultural diversity, educational foundations and policy, learning sciences and human development, and research and evaluation methodology.
Northwestern University: Northwestern University offers education master's degrees in K-12 teaching, educational studies, and learning sciences.
The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology: The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology offers several M.Ed. programs that equip students for leadership roles in education. Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology encompasses a wide variety of programs at the undergraduate level and beyond.
University of California, Los Angeles: University of California, Los Angeles' education school is known as a leading institution for equipping teachers who want to make a difference in urban and multi-ethnic environments. The university also offers a more rigorous four-quarter master's of education in urban teaching. Fees for each term vary depending on your resident status.
University of Florida's College of Education: University of Florida's College of Education features M.Ed. programs in areas of study like early childhood education, educational technology, and teacher leadership for school improvement. The College of Education at the University of Florida continues to dominate the rankings, with a top (no. 2) spot as the home of one nation’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs. Meanwhile, UF’s BA in Education Sciences, launched in 2020, is ranked no. This program gives students a foundation in education, preparing them to further explore a career in the field.
Michigan State University: M.Ed. programs in counselor education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, reading, and special education include concentrations for students to dive deeper into their preferred fields. News’ best places in the country to earn an online master’s degree in education, MSU also boasts top undergraduate education programs. Both the elementary and secondary programs have been ranked no. Fieldwork is central to the curriculum. Students grow their understanding of pedagogy through internships and experiential learning.
Teachers College at Columbia University: The Teachers College at Columbia University has ten different departments of more than 100 education programs. Admissions are restrictive, however.
University of Maryland: University of Maryland's M.Ed. program offers various sub-specializations like elementary/middle school, English, social studies, and special studies. The College of Education at the University of Maryland offers extensive research opportunities at multiple levels, both graduate and undergraduate, along with practice-oriented programs.
The University of Connecticut: The University of Connecticut offers master of education degrees in numerous specialties like adult learning, curriculum and instruction, and special education. Graduate certificates and teacher certification programs are also available. Many meet the needs of working students who would continue working.
University of Oregon's College of Education: University of Oregon's College of Education offers several master's in education programs, with available specializations like sociological foundations of education, teaching English to speakers of other languages, and elementary education.
Stanford University's Graduate School of Education: Stanford University's education master's programs combine educational theory and practice. Specializations include education data science, learning design and technology, and teacher education. Through Stanford’s renowned Graduate School of Education, undergraduate students can explore pathways in teaching and learning, too. This is an undergraduate minor in education that offers a broad and focused study of research, theory, and practice.
Michigan State University's master of education program: Michigan State University's master of education program is known for its research with children and its contributions to policy development.
The College of Education at the University of Washington: The College of Education at the University of Washington offers several specialized graduate programs focused on research and field study: curriculum and instruction, education and equity, educational policy, educational psychology, and special education. The UW College of Education offers a wide variety of programs taught by nationally-recognized faculty, including undergraduate studies in areas like Early Childhood & Family Studies; Education, Communities & Organizations; Education, Learning & Society; and more.
University of Virginia's Curry School of Education: University of Virginia's Curry School of Education offers rigorous yet practical education research to support the quality of teaching and clinical practices in the state. The school offers several master's of education degree programs, including administration and supervision, curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, and counselor education. Many of the M.Ed. Future teachers and current teachers alike have access to a range of degree and certificate programs at the UVA School of Education and Human Department. Just some of the niches students can pursue include Curriculum & Instruction, ESL Education, Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, and Social and Emotional Learning.
University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development: University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development offers several accredited master's in education degree programs that provide students with cutting-edge research opportunities. Many of the graduate programs also have certificates or teacher licensure available.
The University of Illinois: The University of Illinois offers master's in education programs in four areas: curriculum and instruction; educational psychology; education policy, organization, and leadership; curriculum and instruction; and special education. The College creates a diverse community of learners. In 2014, UIUC received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award, recognizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The University of Michigan: The University of Michigan offers master's degrees in educational studies, educational leadership and policy, and higher education.
The University of Pittsburgh: The University of Pittsburgh's master's in education degrees include specialties like early childhood education, elementary education, education leadership, and secondary education.
Boston College: Social justice is a hallmark of Boston College's M.Ed. programs. The college also emphasizes theory, practice, and research.
New York University's Steinhardt School of Education: New York University's Steinhardt School of Education offers programs in elementary, secondary, and educational leadership. Founded in 1890 as the first school of pedagogy in the US, NYU Steinhardt continues its mission of educating educators and fostering innovation and creativity. At the undergraduate level, students study in the classroom, while also pursuing internships, study abroad, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Vanderbilt University: Vanderbilt University offers master's degrees in education with programs in education policy, elementary education, and secondary education. Several joint degree programs and concentrations allow students to customize their curricula.
Additional Top Teaching / Education Programs
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
University of Washington (UW): News’ education specialty areas, including Educational Psychology, which ranks no.
Pennsylvania State University: Penn State’s College of Education stays true to the belief that its students have the potential to positively impact the lives of others. Students will be equipped with the knowledge to pursue a range of careers across fields like policy-making, educational psychology, counseling, special education, and more.
Florida State University (FSU): The FSU College of Education offers world-class academics and a close-knit community. Faculty are pioneers in their fields - and students can work directly with them, at the forefront of education. They also have access to cutting-edge technology and resources, the most advanced teaching technology for testing and learning.
University of Maryland, College Park: The College of Education and Human Development offers teacher education programs that prepare students to be experts in their fields. There are several tracks, including Early Childhood, Special Education, and Elementary Education. After obtaining their bachelor’s degree, students may also apply to one of the university’s combined master’s teaching licensure programs.
University of Wisconsin - Madison: UW Madison’s School of Education offers a wide array of undergraduate programs. Students have a breadth of opportunities to conduct research and participate in experiential learning, such as volunteering, internships, and study abroad.
Clemson’s College of Education: A transformative leader in education, Clemson’s College of Education has a particular focus on serving underserved communities, offering award-winning programs in a range of areas. The College equips students for careers that make a difference in South Carolina and beyond and has ranked as the no. Students have the opportunity to participate in organizations, study abroad, and collaborate as a part of a close-knit community.
University of North Carolina (UNC): Over its 130-year history, UNC’s School of Education has served the state, educating teachers in a range of specialties. Today, the School offers undergraduate degrees in Human and Organizational Leadership Development, Human Development and Family Science, K-12 Music Education, and Education in Science and Teaching. A Pre-Master of Arts in Teaching is an early affiliation option for undergraduates who want to receive graduate credit while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.
University of Missouri (Mizzou): Mizzou’s College of Education & Human Development has a number of pride points. For one, it’s ranked no. The College offers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees in several niches and disciplines, and students engage in research and real teaching beginning sophomore year, completing their coursework in classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Elementary and special education programs culminate in a year-long senior year internship, called Senior Year On-Site Program.
University of Georgia (UGA): Education students have the option of several different pathways to pursue at UGA. Via the BSEd program, they can study areas like English Education, Health and Physical Education, Middle Grades Education, Science Education, Special Education, and more. Another option is the so-called “Double Dawg,” a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree pathway. Students may earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years or fewer. Examples include an AB in French/MAT in World Language Education, AB in Political Science/MAT in Social Studies, and BSEd in Science Education/MEd in Science Education.
The no. 7 public college of education - home to the no. One mission of the College is to close the inequity gap.
The school prepares students to become certified school personnel across organizations. It is a leader in certifying teachers in math and science. Just some of the many pathways include Counselor Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Educational Neuroscience, Educational Psychology, Gifted Education, Music Education, Reading Specialist, Physical Education, and Severe Disabilities.
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