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    • The Basics of a Master's Degree

    A Master of Education (M.Ed) is typically the most general-study master's degree in education that an individual can earn. It is an ideal option for people interested in pursuing any of the following career paths:

    • educational administration
    • leadership in the education field
    • educational research and policy
    • guidance counselor
    • other counseling degrees

    The M.Ed provides a solid foundation for additional higher education degrees, such as an education specialist degree or a doctorate.

    To get accepted into a Master of Education program, an individual will need to have obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and will need to choose an education specialty. Different specialty programs are available at different universities. They may include the following:

    • Curriculum and Instruction Strategies
    • Educational Leadership
    • Educational Psychology
    • Inclusion Education
    • Literacy
    • Special Education

    Most Master’s programs consist of a set of core of classes that everyone is required to take, as well as specialization courses that will vary for the different focuses. The core classes may include the following topics: leadership, educational theory and strategies, classroom management, 21st century thinking and technology, and research.

    Regardless of specialty, a Master of Education program will consist of upper level classes (400 and 500 levels or higher), educational research, exams, and term papers.  Many programs require a final project, which may consist of one or more of the following:

    • a written exam
    • a master's thesis, which will be overseen by an adviser
    • non-thesis work (i.e. research project, internship, etc.)

    As with many degree programs today, there are different methods for obtaining M.Eds, including ground, online, and blended programs.  There are pros and cons for each type of program.  Many M.Ed programs are designed for people who are already in the teaching profession, which means that their class schedules are designed around typical teaching schedules.

    Ground
    Ground degree programs are what people typically think of as traditional college programs, where all of the courses are offered “in-person.”
    Pros: The face time and personal interactions that students have with their professors and fellow students can be invaluable. Some students find they make connections that are worthwhile both personally and professionally.
    Cons: Ground classes do not offer the flexible schedule that many online classes do.  They may not be an option for students who do not live in a close proximity to that particular university or class site location.

    Online
    Online M.Ed. degree programs offer courses through the Internet. Students use regular Internet access to complete these programs.
    Pros: Online classes are available at any time in any location. Few, if any, classes will have specific time requirements for logging in or participating in online discussions or other live interactions.  Many classes allow for students to complete the material on their own time frame and submit it by specific deadlines.
    Cons: Online classes do not offer the face time that ground classes do. Students will still interact with professors and students online, but these interactions may not be as personal as they would be in a classroom. Students in online classes may live all over the country, which will not make in-person interaction possible.

    Blended
    Blended Master of Education degree programs offer a combination of ground and online classes.  The ratio of ground-to-online classes will vary in different programs.
    Pros: Blended programs offer more flexibility than most ground programs.  For example, students may have the option to take some classes in-person or online.  Students will get the pros of both ground and online programs through their different classes.

    Cons: Blended Master’s programs are still not feasible for students who do not live near the university or class site location. They can still provide logistical issues for students who have other set schedules, such as set work or child care hours.

    Keeping a high-level of student engagement is an important priority for all teachers.  The skills that professionals gain through master of education degree programs tend to allow them further this engagement.  Additionally, all of the M.Ed specialties allow educators passionate about their field to be more engaged and knowledgeable.