Considering a Career Change? Explore Master’s in Education Jobs

The current teacher shortage and an evolving education landscape have created a demand for skilled education leaders in a diverse assortment of fulfilling roles. If you want to transition into a career that offers stability as well as opportunities to shape the future generation and make a consequential impact, earning a Master of Education (MEd) can help you reach your goals. An MEd equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed across education roles and settings.

This article offers guidance to those looking to transition into an education career by earning a Master of Education degree. It covers master’s in education jobs, earning potential, the benefits of earning an MEd, and whether pursuing this degree is worth the investment. 

Education Career Paths for Master’s Degree Graduates 

Unlike a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program, which focuses primarily on teaching skills and classroom management, an MEd encompasses education fields that include, but also extend beyond, teaching. Its broader focus on topics that include administration, counseling, policy, or leadership prepares MEd graduates for numerous roles both inside and outside the classroom. 

Education Leadership

A Master of Education prepares educators for leadership and administrative positions at the school, district, local, state, and national levels. Consider the following education leadership roles MEd graduates pursue:

• Nonprofit education leaders focus on social justice and equity in the classroom, often working with underserved communities. They work for organizations that promote educational equity and improve quality, such as Teach For America, The New Teacher Project, and Stand for Children.
• District/school leaders improve student outcomes and make a meaningful impact in their communities. They work to create environments that promote student success and support educators. They include principals, assistant principals, and administrators at the school level and directors, superintendents, and school board members at the district level.
• Policy analysts strive to improve education through policy change. They conduct research and provide recommendations to improve systems. Policy analysts can work in various settings, including government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and schools. 

Special Education

An MEd can prepare students for rewarding and impactful careers in special education. Education specialists with a background in special education understand the importance of learning styles in education and equity and create inclusive learning environments that help students succeed. They may work in such settings as schools, special education centers, and nonprofit organizations.

• Special education teachers support students with diverse learning, emotional, and physical challenges by adapting lessons to meet their individual needs and teaching essential skills for success.
• Counselors focusing on special education advocate for the needs of students with disabilities, collaborate with staff to enhance learning, and help students develop the skills they need to succeed. 
• Curriculum specialists with a special education focus develop instructional programs and materials to support the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities, collaborating with educators to enhance teaching strategies and promote student success.

Learning Design 

Learning design involves creating goal-oriented, inclusive, and learner-centered experiences to enhance learning outcomes. With a background in learning design, you can develop engaging and effective content that improves learning and helps students succeed. These professionals work in elementary and secondary schools, higher education, government, and the private sector.

• Learning experience designers create complete educational experiences that utilize learning theory to optimize retention and mastery.
• Instructional coordinators, also called instructional designers, create and review school curriculums, work with teachers and school principals, and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods.
• Curriculum designers collaborate with schools to develop and update lesson plans and educational programs, ensuring they align with standards, content needs, and available resources.

Beyond the variety of career paths, this field offers the opportunity to contribute to improved learning outcomes and continuously develop new skills.

Teaching English Learners (TEL)

Teaching English learners (TEL) involves identifying and addressing opportunity gaps in education for multilingual students using evidence-based strategies to create more inclusive and effective learning. These teaching careers provide rewarding opportunities to support diverse learners and enhance cultural awareness. MEd graduates in TEL roles may work in schools, community centers, and language programs.

• ESL success coaches provide tailored support to non-native English speakers to help them improve their skills and gain confidence.
• School support coordinators for English Language Learners (ELL) work to ensure ELL students have the resources and guidance to improve their language skills and succeed academically. 

Assess Your Earning Potential with a Master’s in Education   

Salary and earning potential with a master’s degree in education varies significantly based on role, experience, and location. However, education jobs typically use a higher salary scale for candidates with master’s degrees than for those with bachelor’s degrees. What follows is a summary of jobs and median pay for roles that hire candidates with MEds.

• Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers help adults learn basic skills, including reading, writing, and the English language. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals in these roles earn a median annual income of $60,560. However, adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers at junior colleges (local), where a master’s degree or graduate coursework is often preferred, earn $73,260 per year, on average. Top earners in the field make over $97,980.
• School and career counselors and advisors typically need a master’s degree. These professionals help students plan their academic paths, build essential skills, and prepare for future careers. They earn a median income of $61,710; the top 10 percent, who typically have more education and professional experience, make over $100,050.
• Training and development managers design and oversee programs that train employees. These professionals receive an average income of $125,040 and need a master’s degree for some positions. The highest earners in the field make over $220,060.
• Instructional coordinators develop and oversee school curriculums and evaluate instructional methods. These professionals typically need a master’s degree and earn a median annual income of $74,620. Those working in the government sector make $80,450 on average, while the top 10 percent earn over $109,500.
• Program managers are responsible for overseeing programs and organizations that support the community. They earn an average income of $77,030; a master’s degree is required for some positions in the field. Those working in local government (excluding education and hospitals) make $98,530, on average; the highest-paid program managers earn $127,550.
• Postsecondary education administrators manage student services, academic programs, and faculty research at higher education institutions. These positions usually require a master’s degree and pay, on average, $102,610, with the highest earners making over $209,870.

Beyond the Job: The Many Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Education 

Earning a master’s degree in education provides job stability, decreased unemployment, and career advancement opportunities in the education sector and beyond. Many leadership roles in education require a master’s degree; others strongly favor candidates who hold an MEd.

The Tulane University MEd program connects you with a diverse cohort of peers motivated by equity in education. You’ll join a supportive network of lifelong learners while benefiting from the program’s flexible format, enabling you to balance work and academic commitments. Additionally, the innovative curriculum allows you to tailor your studies to align with your career goals. Earning an MEd from Tulane equips you with the skills to successfully transition into an education career so you can improve the equity and inclusivity of teaching practices within your community.

Is a Master of Education Worth the Investment for Career Changers?

An MEd helps you develop expertise in the field, improves your career prospects and earning potential, and opens doors to advanced roles in education, administration, and leadership. While the degree program requires a financial and personal commitment, its benefits can make it a worthwhile investment for those passionate about pursuing careers in education. Consider your goals and the value of an MEd to determine whether it’s a good investment for you. 

Contact an enrollment advisor if you need help deciding whether the Tulane MEd suits your goals and interests. They can provide more information about the program. If you choose to apply, they can also help you prepare your application.