education master's degree

Education Leadership (online)

Graduate Program

The Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) prepares students with the skills needed to change the world through education. The online Master’s in Education Leadership is a part-time, two-year Ed.M. program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways. The program is specifically designed for working education professionals who bring at least seven years of relevant or transferrable work experience. Through this program, students will strengthen the invaluable skills they’ve already developed and develop the tools to propel themselves to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

Find the Best Education Schools

A master’s degree in education is a logical next step for educators eyeing a career in educational leadership, administration or counseling. The degree covers areas like school finance, educational law and other managerial aspects. Principals, superintendents, college administrators and others looking to effect change in the school system might consider this degree. Depending on the state, some schools require teachers to earn a master’s for license advancement after a certain amount of time.

For full rankings, GRE scores and student debt data, sign up for the U.S. News Education School Compass.

• 2024 Best Education Schools
• # 1 Teachers College, Columbia University  (tie) New York, NY
• # 1 University of Wisconsin--Madison  (tie) Madison, WI
• # 3 University of California--Los Angeles  (tie) Los Angeles, CA
• # 3 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor  (tie) Ann Arbor, MI

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Education Programs, Specialties and Additional Rankings

The many programs and specialties for a master’s degree in education translate into essential administrative roles at schools. Through these specialties, professionals will hone their ability to create curriculums, use educational theory to form school policy, work with special education classes, evaluate students’ emotions through educational psychology and much more.

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration and Supervision
• Educational Psychology
• Education Policy
• Elementary Teacher Education
• Higher Education Administration
• Secondary Teacher Education
• Special Education
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Best Online Programs

Explore education schools that offer the convenience of online programs.

• Online Graduate Education

Additional Education School Resources

See which schools have the largest programs.

• Education Schools: Largest Programs
• A-Z List of Education Schools

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Master's programs.

Master's programs are full-time, intensive programs that integrate educational theory and practice. The small cohort sizes provide an intimate setting for academic inquiry and foster individual contact with faculty and fellow students.

Education Data Science (EDS)

Sep 15, 2023

Sep 23, 2024

The EDS program combines modern data science analyses and computational methods with a deep understanding of learning, schools, and education policy. With rigorous academics and real-world experience, the program prepares the first generation of education data science leaders.

Learn about EDS

Individually Designed MA (for current Stanford doctoral students)

The Individually Designed MA in Education is intended for doctoral students at Stanford who would like to earn a master's in education while studying for their PhD outside of the GSE. Students develop their individual program of study in consultation with a GSE advisor and must finish in three years. 

Learn about the Individually Designed MA

International Comparative Education / International Education Policy Analysis (ICE/IEPA)

ICE/IEPA addresses educational practice in a rapidly changing global context, in both less-developed and industrialized countries. Students examine such problems as the political economy of underdevelopment and educational planning in comparative perspective. The major research project requirement provides students the opportunity to develop excellent research skills.

Learn about ICE/IEPA

Learning Design and Technology (LDT)

Sep 15, 2023

LDT integrates powerful contemporary ideas about learning with emergent technologies to design and evaluate learning environments, products, and programs. LDT graduates bring their skills to bear in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, research institutions, and educational technology companies.

Learn about LDT

Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies (POLS)

POLS emphasizes the knowledge, theory, and skills necessary for effective leadership in a variety of education-focused organizations. Students design their own programs of study focused on pre-K-12 education, non-profit leadership, policy analysis, higher education, or a combination of these broad areas.

Learn about POLS

Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP)

June 24, 2024

MA + teaching credential

STEP offers both an elementary and secondary route. Both programs lead to teacher certification in the state of California, and both require intensive, supervised practice at school sites as well as academic course work that focuses on cutting-edge, school-based research.

Learn about STEP

Curriculum and Teacher Education (CTE)

CTE is an individualized, research-intensive program intended for students with prior professional experience in education. 

Learn about CTE

Joint MA programs

Joint ma/jd in law and education.

The joint MA/JD degree combines study for the JD degree in law with an individualized program in education.

Learn more about the joint MA/JD

Joint MA/MBA in education and business administration

The joint MA/MBA allows students to pursue an MA in education at the GSE and an MBA at the Graduate School of Business. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MBA

Joint MA in public policy and education

The MA/MPP joint degree allows students in the POLS program to simultaneously pursue a master's in public policy from the School of Humanities and Sciences. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MPP

"Many of the classes I've taken have helped me connect the dots on various educational issues and understand how institutions and education leaders have a role to play in improving the educational opportunities of all students, especially those from underserved populations."

Master’s graduates were employed (full time or part time)

STEP graduates hired as teachers

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DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Master of Science in Education Degree Programs

Amanda, M.S. Curriculum & Instruction student

WGU M.S. in Education Programs

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and...

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and are looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.

• Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

• Differentiated Instruction
• Curriculum and Instruction Design
• Educational Research

Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a...

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.

• Time:  60% of grads earned this degree within 23 months.
• Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is for licensed teachers who are ready to take the next step in their education career.

• School Financial Leadership
• People & Talent
• School Operations and Management
• Leadership Ethics

Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree. 

States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

No teaching license required.

• Time: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975 per 6-month term
• Courses:  12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

• The K-12 pathway
• The Adult Learner pathway
• Learning Experience Design
• Assessment and Learning Analytics
• Learning Technology
• Research Methodology

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

What Is a Master of Science in Education?

An M.S. in Education is a graduate degree that helps current and future educators, or those interested in training and instruction, gain the skills and qualifications necessary to advance in their careers. A master's degree can help teachers move beyond the classroom into administrative roles, whether that’s a step up into a leadership position like principal, vice principal, or administrator, or a job in curriculum development and design. It also can help those who want to move into an instructional field get the qualifications they need to become a curriculum designer, instructional trainer, and more.

The advanced education master's degree programs at WGU include rigorous coursework and curriculum that prepare you to better help students learn while setting yourself up to progress in your career. WGU graduate programs in education can be completed online on your schedule, making it possible for you to continue teaching or working while you progress toward a master’s degree. We also value the skills you already possess—our unique competency-based education model lets you progress through courses more quickly using your existing knowledge. Teacher education is key for allowing educators to progress in their careers and their lives.

How Long Does an M.S. in Education Program Take?

On average, most students take about 24 months to complete a Master of Science in Education program. However, with competency-based coursework, you can use your experience and time to accelerate your lessons and graduate faster.

*WGU Internal Data

How Much Does an M.S. in Education Cost?

At WGU, the Master of Science programs are $3,975 per six-month term. Students can take as many courses as they are able during that term and not pay more. This allows them to save time, and money.

How Do You Abbreviate Master of Science in Education

Aknowledged abbreviations include M.S. in Education, an M.S.Ed, Msc(Ed), or an M.S.E. Sometimes you’ll even see it as simply MS in Education.

Who should get a Master of Science in Education Degree?

Some master's degrees in education will require that you have a bachelor’s degree in education and are a licensed teacher. Others will just require a bachelor’s degree, or a degree and some teaching experience. It’s important to understand the requirements before you apply. A desire to move into academic administration and leadership will require a teaching license, while curriculum design will require some instructional experience. The learning experience design and educational technology at WGU simply requires you hold a bachelor's degree.

Many of our Master of Education students are current teachers looking to improve their qualifications, pay, and career outlook. If you’re ready to change the trajectory of your career to be an educational leader or impact the curriculum for students, an M.S. in education could be a critical first step. 

Other M.S. in Education students are business professionals looking to develop their instructional and training focus and progress their career in that way. Whatever your background and future aspirations, there is a Master of Education program that can fit your needs.

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation for its programs from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. 

Every education program offered through the WGU Teachers College has been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through 2025.

WGU is a top conferrer of STEM degrees that is partnered with Beyond100K. WGU joins nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and foundations to combat challenges and prepare more teachers for STEM teaching positions nationwide.

Learn About a Career in Education

Why choose wgu for your education master's degree.

WGU is a great place to pursue your M.S. degree for many reasons:

• Low, flat-rate tuition means that you're charged the same amount per six-month term, regardless of how many classes you take.
• Competency-based curriculum means you can use your knowledge to your advantage, passing assessments to accelerate your program and graduate faster. Graduating faster also saves you money.
• We offer scholarships and financial aid to help with our already affordable tuition, making college education accessible for even more students.
• Respected and accredited programs ensure that your M.S. degree is meaningful for you as an educator. Accreditation adds validity and value to your degree.

What's the Difference Between an M.Ed and an M.S.?

There are a few differences between a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degree and an M.S. in Education degree. While both are Master of Education degrees, they prepare you to advance your career in different ways.

For example, an M.Ed, or Master of Arts in Education can work for those who are current teachers, looking to expand their knowledge and qualifications.

An M.S. in Education degree, on the other hand, qualifies current teachers and those with experience in academics to work in leadership positions including principal, vice principal, and superintendent, or in roles focused on curriculum development. It is also a great fit for those in the corporate world who are interested in setting themselves up for success in new ways. With a focus on learning styles, technology, and instruction, a Master of Arts in Education program can uniquely qualify you for specific roles in training and instruction.

What Can You Do With a Master of Science in Education?

There are many career options for those with an education graduate degree, including:

• Vice principal
• Superintendent
• Curriculum designer
• Instructional coordinator
• Education consultant
• Learning experience designer
• Educational technologist

A degree in educational leadership will allow you to work in administrative roles anywhere, from elementary schools to high schools. On the other hand, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction will focus more on careers where you set the standards. If you want to improve literacy, build coursework, create certification programs, and other educational systems, this graduate program could be a good fit for you. And a degree in learning experience design and educational technology can help you advance in the corporate world with specialization in training and instruction.

What Are The Benefits of a Master of Science in Education Program?

A Master of Science in Education program can help you progress in your career within education. With this particular master’s degree, you could enjoy a number of benefits including:

• The ability to make a career change. If you’re looking to move out of teaching and into a leadership role, earning a Master of Science in Education is a great stepping stone. With your M.S.Ed, you could be prepared to look for jobs as a principal, administrator, or curriculum developer.
• Increased earning potential. The jobs you qualify for with an M.Ed often have a much higher pay grade. Working as a principal, developing curriculum, or being a district administrator requires not only in-depth knowledge of teaching techniques and student development, but also a broader skill set that includes an understanding of managerial practices and additional policies.
• Improved job security. The more qualified you are, the more valuable you become. A Master of Science in Education will bolster your résumé and provide evidence of your qualifications. An advanced degree could help you stand out and be considered for administrative roles for which educators without a master’s degree will not be considered.
• An expanded professional network. Pursuing an M.S. degree in education allows you to grow your network. Connect with like-minded educators to gain additional perspectives, helpful career advice, and pathways to career progression beyond your current school and district.
• Added respect. Earning a master’s degree in education can earn you a stamp of approval from your peers and higher-ups. A master’s degree is symbolic of your dedication to education and student success and it will help you distinguish yourself within your circle and beyond.

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Ultimate Guide To Online Master’s In Education Programs

Earning a master’s degree in education is an excellent way for educators and teachers to unlock career opportunities, increase earning potential, and expand their knowledge. According to the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  (BLS), the median annual wage for education occupations was $52,380 in May 2020. Educators with a graduate-level degree have the ability to earn more, especially if expanding to administration and counseling. 

This educational guide decodes the different options available including master of arts in teaching (MAT) and master of education (M.Ed.) as well as online versus on-campus options. Read on for more information about this exciting degree opportunity for educators. 

What Is An Online Master’s Degree In Education?

A master’s in education is an advanced degree for teachers and educators that is typically earned in two to four years. It is considered a graduate-level degree and not a terminal degree. Educators have the ability to earn a  doctorate  after graduating with a master’s degree. 

Many teachers seek a master’s in education, which provides an in-depth study of a specific facet of education, examines the latest research-based education practices, and prepares graduates for leadership and administrative roles. Individuals that are specifically interested in working as an academic advisor or  school principal  will need a master’s degree in order to achieve their career goal. 

There are several types of master’s degrees available to interested individuals. The most popular are the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Master of Education (MEd). These focus on both the academic teaching aspect as well as administrative roles. 

Best Schools With Degrees in Education

Finding the perfect graduate degree program can be overwhelming especially with so many available options, particularly online. Universities.com has compiled a list of the top 10 education colleges in the U.S. These programs all offer multiple education specialties for graduate students, are accredited, affordable, and have high student satisfaction. 

• Walden University
• Concordia University – Texas
• Harvard University
• National University
• Azusa Pacific University
• University of California – Los Angeles
• Ohio State University – Main Campus
• Stanford University
• Nova Southeastern University
• University of California – Berkeley

Check out Universities.com’s  full list of schools that offer education degrees .

If you’re looking for other schools that offer Master’s in Education programs, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the  perfect school for you !

What Can I Do With A Master’s Degree In Education?

Earning a master’s degree in education can open countless career opportunities beyond teaching in the classroom. However, it can also advance your teaching career in the classroom. Possible career opportunities include, 

• Academic advisor
• Adult literacy coach
• Art teacher
• Career counselor
• Corporate trainer
• Curriculum consultant
• Curriculum designer
• Curriculum developer
• Director of digital learning
• District administrator
• Educational coordinator
• Education consultant
• Education policy analyst
• Elementary school teacher
• English teacher
• Gifted and talented program director
• Guidance counselor
• Gym teacher
• High school teacher
• Instructional coordinator
• Instructional designer
• Kindergarten teacher
• Literacy specialist
• Middle school teacher
• Museum educator
• Music teacher
• Private tutor
• Program director
• School principal
• School psychologist
• School superintendent
• Special education teacher
• Standardized test developer
• TESOL or ESL teacher
• Test prep specialist
• Textbook author
• Training and development specialist
• Vice principal

How Much Do Teachers With A Master’s Degree Make?

According to the  BLS , the median annual wage for education occupations was $52,380 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950. For example, 

• Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers – $55,350
• Career and technical education teachers – $59,140
• High school teachers – $62,870
• Instructional coordinators – $66,970
• Kindergarten and elementary school teachers – $60,660
• Middle school teachers – $60,810
• Postsecondary teachers – $80,560
• Special education teachers – $61,500

The  National Center for Education Statistics  shows the average national salary for teachers working in public schools, by the highest degree earned and years of teaching experience. For example, even if two teachers both have 6-9 years of experience, a teacher with a bachelor’s degree earns $45,390 while a teacher with a master’s degree earns $52,750, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

According to the  National Council on Teacher Quality , the average teacher with a master’s degree earns an additional $2,760 their first year after graduating. This could grow to $7,358 upon peak career wages. 

Teacher Job Projections

Employment in education, training, and library occupations is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. This is faster than the average for all occupations with an expected 441,000 new jobs to be added from 2019 to 2029. While there is growth in this field, it does not guarantee a job. For example, large urban public schools are in need of educators whereas wealthier suburban public schools might not have vacancies. 

Potential Master’s in Education Careers

• Median Salary: $59,140 
• Career Outlook: +5% (2020-2030)

Career and technical education (CTE) teachers provide training in subjects such as auto repair, cosmetology, and culinary arts. They teach vocational and technical content to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to enter an occupation.

• Median Salary: $98,490 
• Career Outlook: +8% (2020-2030)

Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. They coordinate curriculums, manage staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students.

• Median Salary: $66,970 
• Career Outlook: +10% (2020-2030)

Instructional coordinators need a master’s degree and related work experience, such as teaching or in school administration.

• Median Salary: $61,500 

Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

• Median Salary: $80,560 
• Career Outlook: +12% (2020-2030)

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and career and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

• Median Salary: $97,500 

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the department in which they work, such as admissions, student affairs, or the registrar’s office.

 Source: BLS 

Earning A Master’s Degree Education

A master’s degree in education is a post-undergraduate degree focusing on leadership, curriculum, and instructional development for teachers and/or administrators. While not required for all teachers, a master’s degree can help increase career opportunities, salary potential, and networking options. Teachers also commonly earn advanced degrees in order to fulfill continuing education requirements to renew their teaching certificates and develop their teaching skills.  

Types of Education Master’s Programs

There are two main graduate degrees available to educators: master of arts in teaching (MAT) and master of education (MEd). However, there are other options available including master of arts in teaching (MAT) and master of science in teaching (MST). There is  debate about which degree is best  for specific individuals and career paths but ultimately it is up to you to decide which option is best for your career and goals.  

Related:  MEd vs MAT: Which Education Degree Should You Get?

Online Master Of Education Specializations

Some options for specializations with an education degree include:

• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Adult Education and Training
• Curriculum and Instruction for Educators
• Instructional Design and Technology
• Leadership of Educational Organizations
• Special Education
• School counseling
• English as a Second Language
• Education Administration

Graduate Education Degree Coursework

Specific courses will vary depending on the type of graduate program and course study as well as program but most students can expect to take similar courses throughout the program, 

• Curriculum development
• Instructional design
• Universal classroom design
• Motivating today’s learners
• Wellness and the educator
• Legal and ethical issues
• Effective learning assessment
• Leadership theory
• Integrated learning
• Technology in education
• Education research methodology
• Social justice and educational equality
• Data driven decision making
• Qualitative methods in educational research
• Cognition and learning
• Foundations of creativity
• Conflict resolution

Skills Learned in a Education Program

Graduate school can propel educators forward in their careers because of the advanced skills learned. Specific skills will depend on the type of graduate program and focus. You can expect to learn the following skills throughout your graduate program:

• Broader knowledge of discipline
• Clarity of effective writing and speaking
• Integrity and ethical conduct
• Societal and civic responsibilities
• Teaching competence
• Improved communication and interpersonal skills
• Critical and creative thinking

Choosing The Best Online Master’s Degree In Education

An online program might be the best fit for you and your family because of the cost, flexibility, and availability. This type of program is especially promising for those that live in rural areas where there may not be any local in-person graduate programs available. Choosing an online program can be taxing because there are so many options available but it is essential to make sure the program is accredited. 

Teacher Licensure

Teachers are required to hold state licensure and certifications when actively working as an educator. This license proves that an educator has completed certain state-mandated requirements and has passed all state-mandated teaching examinations. Because educators are licensed, it is even more important to make sure that the graduate program is accredited. 

Online vs. On Campus Education Degrees

Oftentimes, educators will have many options for graduate school including online degree options or on-campus options. Determining which fit is best for you and your family is the first step in deciding if a program is right for you or not. 

Many educators opt to complete their  master’s degree online  because online programs are convenient, particularly for working teachers. They offer:

• Flexibility with scheduling
• Convenience to take your class from anywhere at anytime
• Wider range of graduate programs to choose from
• Retain current employment
• Freedom to work at your own pace
• In many cases, a cheaper price tag than on-campus options
• No on campus commute

On-campus options do have a lot of benefits if it is a feasible option for you. These include,

• Face to face learning with professor
• Socialization with like minded professionals
• Consistent schedule
• Establish connections and networking opportunities
• Active discussion opportunities

Graduate programs are usually designed for working professionals. What does this mean? In-person classes are held at night to accommodate teachers’ work schedules and are consistently held on the same night(s) of the week throughout the duration of the program.

Accreditation

Ensuring a graduate program is accredited is key for anyone interesting in pursuing a master’s in education. Accreditation is the process that evaluates graduate programs to determine if it is meeting specific state and national standards. This is a voluntary process but most major universities and colleges are accredited.  According to the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation is meant to:

• Assess the quality of academic programs at institutions of higher education.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement of academic quality at colleges and universities and stimulate general raising of standards among educational institutions.
• Involve faculty and staff comprehensively in institutional evaluation and planning.
• Establish criteria for professional certification and licensure and for upgrading courses offering such preparation.

Accredited programs benefit students in many ways, including, 

• Receive federal financial aid
• Transfer credits towards the program
• Job market competitiveness
• Professional certification and licensure 

There are multiple types of accreditation for graduate-level programs. The  U.S. Department of Education  (ED) and the  Council of Higher Education Accreditation  (CHEA) oversee regional accrediting agencies.

Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. Schools receive regional accreditation from one of seven regional accrediting bodies, determined by where the school is located. The seven regional accrediting bodies are, 

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Applying To Masters In Education Programs

Applying to a master’s in education program can be overwhelming, especially if you are working full time. From gathering references, paying application fees, and submitting undergraduate school transcripts, the application process can be tedious work. However, all schools generally require the same forms and documents for acceptance consideration. 

Remember, before considering applying for a graduate education program, you  MUST  hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Without this, you will not be able to start a graduate program. 

It’s important to remember that all requirements and prerequisites must be met in order for the graduate school to consider your application for acceptance. Consider making a spreadsheet of all of the documents needed for the applications with deadlines for each graduate program. 

Admission Requirements for Graduate Education Programs

Paying for a master’s in education.

Let’s be honest, graduate school isn’t cheap. Financial assistance options for graduate school can be harder to navigate and might not be as readily available to students as with undergraduate assistance. Most students require financial assistance and that is why it is important to speak to a financial aid representative at the University to understand your options. 

Not everyone will qualify for all the different types of aid that are available but hopefully between scholarships, grants, and federal loans the cost of graduate school will be more manageable. 

It is also important to speak to your employer. Many education systems offer some form of  tuition reimbursement for educators  earning their master’s in education. 

Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of the different types of monetary aid that is available. Remember, research the different types of aid you may be eligible for and apply early. 

Scholarships

A scholarship is an award of financial aid to a student to further their education. This money does not have to be repaid. There are a variety of different types of scholarships. These include

• Merit-based
• Student-specific (gender, race, religion, family, and/or medical history)
• Career-specific
• College-specific

Most scholarships will require letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and personal essays. Monetary amounts can be as little as $100 to as much as the cost of your education. You can  apply to multiple scholarships  as long as the school is on the approved list. 

Grants are determined by financial need. They can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, teaching supplies, and educational supplies. When applying for grants they will inform you how they are to be applied towards your education. The amount of money you are eligible to receive depends strictly on your financial situation.

Typically grants do not have to be repaid as long as you graduate with your masters in the allotted amount of time. If you were to drop out there can be incurred costs.

Student Loans

Unlike scholarships and grants, loans must be repaid. Loans incur interest, so you will ultimately repay more than the initial amount of the loan. The exact terms of the loan will depend on the lender and other factors. There are several types of student loans.

The most common loans are Federal Student Loans. Federal student loans are a great option for most students for the following reasons:

• They don’t have to be paid back while you’re in school.
• They charge lower interest than loans from private lenders.
• If you’re having trouble paying back your loan, there are programs you can qualify for to assist you.
• You don’t need any credit history to get a federal student loan.

Two other fairly common loans are direct subsidized loans and direct unsubsidized loans more commonly referred to as Stafford Loans. 

Direct Subsidized Loans

• U.S. Department of Education loan
• Must meet certain income requirements
• Demonstrate financial need
• Government pays interest rate on loan while in schools
• Pay back once graduated

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

• Don’t have to meet income requirements
• Student is responsible for accrued interest

Federal Perkins Loan 

• Very low-income students
• Lender is the education institution
• Meet income requirements
• School must have funds available, limited monetary amounts

Private Student Loans

• From banks and credit unions
• Very high interest rates
• Payments required while in school

Scholarships For Master’s In Education Students

• Award: $1000
• Available to graduate or undergraduate students majoring in education
• Deadline: October 1 and December 31
• Award: $2,500
• Deadline: April 1st
• Offered by the Central Scholarship Program to graduate students with undergraduate degrees in non-teaching fields who are pursuing a master’s in education
• Requirements: Maryland residents within 200 miles of Baltimore City, have a family income under $90,000 a year, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and attend an accredited United States college
• Award: $1,750
• Deadline: Rolling
• For graduate students obtaining a master’s degree in special education
• Requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, attend an accredited U.S. school, reside within Vermont, be seeking licensure for special education administration, and show commitment to creating inclusive learning environments for students with disabilities
• Award: $6,000 for full-time or $3,000 for part-time study 
• Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a chemistry-related field
• Requirements: Less than one year work experience, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be committed to serving as high school chemistry teachers
• Award: $24,000 for two years
• Deadline: March 1st
• Most elite scholarships for master’s in education students who have a desire to teach the American Constitution in high schools
• Requirements: Must be U.S. citizens, hold an accredited bachelor’s degree, and take at least 12 semester credits of constitutional study. 
• Recipients must teach American history in grades 7-12 for one full academic year after receiving their master’s
• Award: $2,500 to $5,000
• Deadline: April 22nd
• For graduate students actively pursuing a master’s degree or credential for teaching science, technology, engineering, or math in K-12 schools
• Requirements: Must be in their second semester, take at least two courses per term, attend an accredited on-campus U.S. school, carry a minimum GPA of 3.5, have American citizenship, and submit at least two faculty letters of recommendation

Career Resources For Educators

• American Federation of Teachers
• American School Counselor Association
• International Society for Technology in Education
• National Association for Music Education
• National Association of Secondary School Principals
• National Council of Teachers of English
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• National Education Association
• National Science Teachers Association
• Society of Health and Physical Educators
• Earning a master’s degree in education opens many doors for educators and increases salary earning potential. Specific job opportunities include educational consultant, educational coordinator at a museum, zoo, and/or aquarium, school counselor, principal, curriculum developer, or content developer.
• This will depend on your career goals! Some careers in education are only available with a master’s degree.
• Typically, a master’s in education will take around two years to complete for a full-time student. Part-time programs are generally three to four years.
• This will also depend on your career goals. If you are interested in becoming a principal and working in administration then a master’s in educational leadership or administration would be ideal; whereas, if you are interested in finding a job as a school counselor then the master’s in school counseling would be a perfect fit. It’s not that one degree is better than the other – it just depends on career goals.

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Is College Worth It?

1. labor market and economic trends for young adults, table of contents.

• Labor force trends and economic outcomes for young adults
• Economic outcomes for young men
• Economic outcomes for young women
• Wealth trends for households headed by a young adult
• The importance of a four-year college degree
• Getting a high-paying job without a college degree
• Do Americans think their education prepared them for the workplace?
• Is college worth the cost?
• Acknowledgments
• The American Trends Panel survey methodology
• Current Population Survey methodology
• Survey of Consumer Finances methodology

A majority of the nation’s 36 million workers ages 25 to 34 have not completed a four-year college degree. In 2023, there were 19 million young workers who had some college or less education, including those who had not finished high school.

The overall number of employed young adults has grown over the decades as more young women joined the workforce. The number of employed young adults without a college degree peaked around 1990 at 25 million and then started to fall, as more young people began finishing college .

This chapter looks at the following key labor market and economic trends separately for young men and young women by their level of education:

Labor force participation

• Individual earnings

Household income

• Net worth 1

When looking at how young adults are doing in the job market, it generally makes the most sense to analyze men and women separately. They tend to work in different occupations and have different career patterns, and their educational paths have diverged in recent decades.

In 1970, almost all young men whose highest educational attainment was a high school diploma (98%) were in the labor force, meaning they were working or looking for work. By 2013, only 88% of high school-educated young men were in the labor force. Today, that share is 87%.

Similarly, 96% of young men whose highest attainment was some college education were in the labor force in 1970. Today, the share is 89%.

By comparison, labor force participation among young men with at least a bachelor’s degree has remained relatively stable these past few decades. Today, 94% of young men with at least a bachelor’s degree are in the labor force.

The long-running decline in the labor force participation of young men without a bachelor’s degree may be due to several factors, including declining wages , the types of jobs available to this group becoming less desirable, rising incarceration rates and the opioid epidemic . 2

Looking at labor force and earnings trends over the past several decades, it’s important to keep in mind broader forces shaping the national job market.

The Great Recession officially ended in June 2009, but the national job market recovered slowly . At the beginning of the Great Recession in the fourth quarter of 2007, the national unemployment rate was 4.6%. Unemployment peaked at 10.4% in the first quarter of 2010. It was not until the fourth quarter of 2016 that unemployment finally returned to its prerecession level (4.5%).

Studies suggest that things started to look up for less-skilled workers around 2014. Among men with less education, hourly earnings began rising in 2014 after a decade of stagnation. Wage growth for low-wage workers also picked up in 2014. The tightening labor markets in the last five years of the expansion after the Great Recession improved the labor market prospects of “vulnerable workers” considerably.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the tight labor market, but the COVID-19 recession and recovery were quite different from the Great Recession in their job market impact. The more recent recession was arguably more severe, as the national unemployment rate reached 12.9% in the second quarter of 2020. But it was short – officially lasting two months, compared with the 18-month Great Recession – and the labor market bounced back much quicker. Unemployment was 3.3% before the COVID-19 recession; three years later, unemployment had once again returned to that level.

Full-time, full-year employment

Since the Great Recession of 2007-09, young men without a four-year college degree have seen a significant increase in the average number of hours they work.

• Today, 77% of young workers with a high school education work full time, full year, compared with 69% in 2011.
• 83% of young workers with some college education work full time, full year, compared with 70% in 2011.

The share of young men with a college degree who work full time, year-round has remained fairly steady in recent decades – at about 80% – and hasn’t fluctuated with good or bad economic cycles.

Annual earnings

Annual earnings for young men without a college degree were on a mostly downward path from 1973 until roughly 10 years ago (with the exception of a bump in the late 1990s). 3

Earnings have been increasing modestly over the past decade for these groups.

• Young men with a high school education who are working full time, full year have median earnings of $45,000 today, up from $39,300 in 2014. (All figures are in 2022 dollars.)
• The median earnings of young men with some college education who are working full time, full year are $50,000 today, similar to their median earnings in 2014 ($49,100).

It’s important to note that median annual earnings for both groups of noncollege men remain below their 1973 levels.

Median earnings for young men with a four-year college degree have increased over the past 10 years, from $67,500 in 2014 to $77,000 today.

Unlike young men without a college degree, the earnings of college-educated young men are now above what they were in the early 1970s. The gap in median earnings between young men with and without a college degree grew significantly from the late 1970s to 2014. In 1973, the typical young man with a degree earned 23% more than his high school-educated counterpart. By 2014, it was 72% more. Today, that gap stands at 71%. 4

Household income has also trended up for young men in the past 10 years, regardless of educational attainment.

This measure takes into account the contributions of everyone in the household. For this analysis, we excluded young men who are living in their parents’ home (about 20% of 25- to 34-year-old men in 2023).

• The median household income of young men with a high school education is $75,200 today, up from $63,800 in 2014. This is slightly lower than the highpoint reached around 2019.
• The median household income of young men with some college education is $92,200 today, up from $81,100 in 2014. This is close to the 2022 peak of $93,800.

The median household income of young men with at least a bachelor’s degree has also increased from a low point of $118,700 in 2014 after the Great Recession to $145,000 today.

The gap in household income between young men with and without a college degree grew significantly between 1980 and 2014. In 1980, the median household income of young men with at least a bachelor’s degree was about 38% more than that of high school graduates. By 2014, that gap had widened to 86%.

Over the past 10 years, the income gap has fluctuated. In 2023, the typical college graduate’s household income was 93% more than that of the typical high school graduate.

The 2001 recession and Great Recession resulted in a large increase in poverty among young men without a college degree.

• In 2000, among young men living independently of their parents, 8% of those with a high school education were in poverty. Poverty peaked for this group at 17% around 2011 and has since declined to 12% in 2023.
• Among young men with some college education, poverty peaked at 12% around 2014, up from 4% in 2000. Poverty has fallen for this group since 2014 and stands at 8% as of 2023.
• Young men with a four-year college degree also experienced a slight uptick in poverty during the 2001 recession and Great Recession. In 2014, 6% of young college graduates were in poverty, up from 4% in 2000. Poverty among college graduates stands at 5% in 2023.

Labor force trends for young women are very different than for young men. There are occupational and educational differences between young women and men, and their earnings have followed different patterns.

Unlike the long-running decline for noncollege young men, young women without a college degree saw their labor force participation increase steadily from 1970 to about 1990.

By 2000, about three-quarters of young women with a high school diploma and 79% of those with some college education were in the labor force.

Labor force participation has also trended upward for college-educated young women and has consistently been higher than for those with less education.

After rising for decades, labor force participation for young women without a college degree fell during the 2001 recession and the Great Recession. Their labor force participation has increased slightly since 2014.

As of 2023, 69% of young women with a high school education were in the labor force, as were 78% of young women with some college education. Today’s level of labor force participation for young women without a college degree is slightly lower than the level seen around 2000.

The decline in labor force participation for noncollege women partly reflects the declining labor force participation for mothers with children under 18 years of age . Other research has suggested that without federal paid parental and family leave benefits for parents, some women with less education may leave the labor force after having a baby.

In contrast, labor force participation for young women with a college degree has fully recovered from the recessions of the early 2000s. Today, 87% of college-educated young women are in the labor force, the highest estimate on record.

Young women without a college degree have steadily increased their work hours over the decades. The past 10 years in particular have seen a significant increase in the share of employed noncollege women working full time, full year (with the exception of 2021).

• In 2023, 69% of employed young women with a high school education worked full time, full year, up from 56% in 2014. This share is the highest it’s ever been.
• In 2023, 65% of employed women with some college worked full time, full year, up from 58% in 2014. This is among the highest levels ever.

The trend in the share working full time, full year has been similar for young women with college degrees. By 2023, 78% of these women worked full time, full year, the highest share it’s ever been.

Unlike young men, young women without a college education did not see their earnings fall between 1970 and 2000.

The 2001 recession and Great Recession also did not significantly impact the earnings of noncollege young women. In the past 10 years, their median earnings have trended upward.

• For young women with a high school diploma, median earnings reached $36,000 in 2023, up from $30,900 in 2014.
• For those with some college, median earnings rose to $40,000 in 2023 from $37,700 in 2014.

For young women with a college degree, median earnings rose steadily from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. By 2003, they reached $62,100, but this declined to $55,200 by 2014. In the past 10 years, the median earnings of college-educated young women have risen, reaching $65,000 in 2023.

In the mid-1980s, the typical young woman with a college degree earned about 48% more than her counterpart with a high school diploma. The pay gap among women has widened since then, and by 2014, the typical college graduate earned 79% more than the typical high school graduate. The gap has changed little over the past 10 years.

Noncollege young women living independently from their parents have experienced large household income gains over the past 10 years, measured at the median.

• In 2023, young women with a high school diploma had a median household income of $61,600, up from $48,100 in 2014.
• The pattern is similar for young women with some college education. Their median income rose to $75,200 in 2023 from $64,600 in 2014.

The median household income for young women with a four-year college degree is significantly higher than it is for their counterparts without a degree. College-educated young women have made substantial gains in the past 10 years.

The income gap between young women with and without a college degree has widened over the decades. In 1980, the median household income of young women with a college degree was 50% higher than that of high school-educated women. By 2014, the income gap had grown to 139%. Today, the household income advantage of college-educated women stands at 121% ($136,000 vs. $61,600).

Poverty trends for young women mirror those for young men, although young women are overall more likely to be in poverty than young men. The past 10 years have resulted in a steep reduction in the share of noncollege women in poverty.

• Today, 21% of young women with a high school diploma are living in poverty. This is down from 31% in 2014.
• 15% of young women with some college education live in poverty, compared with 21% in 2014.
• Young women with a college degree are consistently far less likely than either group to be living in poverty (5% in 2023).

Along with young adults’ rising incomes over the past 10 years, there’s been a substantial increase in their wealth. This part of our analysis does not look at men and women separately due to limitations in sample size.

In 2022, households headed by a young high school graduate had a median net worth of $30,700, up from $12,700 in 2013. Those headed by a young adult with some college education had a median net worth of $52,900, up from $15,700 in 2013.

The typical wealth level of households headed by a young college graduate was $120,200 in 2022, up from $46,600 in 2013.

There has not been any significant narrowing of the wealth gap between young high school graduate and young college graduate households since 2013.

Wealth increased for Americans across age groups over this period due to several factors. Many were able to save money during the pandemic lockdowns. In addition, home values increased, and the stock market surged.

• Most of the analysis in this chapter is based on the Annual Social and Economic Supplement collected by the U.S. Census Bureau. Information on net worth is based on a Federal Reserve survey, which interviews fewer households. Due to this smaller sample size, the net worth of households headed by a young adult cannot be broken out by gender and education. ↩
• Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that the labor force participation rate for men ages 25 to 54 has been declining since 1953. ↩
• This analysis looks at the earnings of employed adults working full time, full year. This measure of earnings is not uncommon. For example, the National Center for Education Statistics publishes a series on the annual earnings of 25- to 34-year-olds working full time, full year. ↩
• Other studies using hourly wages rather than annual earnings find that the college wage premium has narrowed. For example, researchers at the San Francisco Federal Reserve report that the college wage gap peaked in the mid-2010s but declined by just 4 percentage points to about 75% in 2022. ↩

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Journey to the classroom: Alumna begins new career in education with support from BGSU

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Flexible and convenient programs allow Rachel Lill ‘18 to pursue a career change

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

Bowling Green State University alumna Rachel Lill ‘18 may not have been a teacher for the first part of her professional life, but an instinctual desire to educate those around her was ever present.

When she left her career in retail management in search of a better work-life balance, Lill took a job tutoring at-risk students — an opportunity that inspired her to return to BGSU to become a teacher.

“I absolutely fell in love with teaching,” Lill said. “My passion for teaching was always there, but tutoring opened my eyes to the real possibility of changing careers. My path to becoming a teacher might differ from most, but I was led to exactly where I was meant to be.”

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Lill’s journey to the classroom began in 2017 when she reenrolled at  BGSU Firelands  in Huron, Ohio, to finish the bachelor’s degree she started more than a decade earlier. 

With a degree in liberal studies, Lill joined Vermilion Local Schools, east of Huron, as an intervention specialist in 2019 through Ohio’s alternative resident educator license, a common pathway into teaching for those changing careers.

To earn her professional teacher license, Lill enrolled in the  alternative resident educator program (AREP)  through  BGSU Online  in Spring 2023. The graduate certificate program, offered in convenient seven-week sessions, is the final step required for professional licensure.

Classes are taught by the same BGSU faculty who teach in-person classes in the nationally-ranked education program in the  College of Education and Human Development.

Through the flexible BGSU Online program, Lill was mentored by Dr. Meg Vostal, an assistant teaching professor in the  School of Inclusive Teacher Education.

“I began my teaching career during the pandemic, which was discouraging at times,” Lill said. “Meg helped me understand that there always will be challenges in education, but you have to focus on the things that are within your control. She helped get me into the right mindset to move forward and make a difference.

“That program was such an amazing experience. It was the recharge I needed coming out of the pandemic.”

Vostal said Lill’s dedication and passion for teaching were supported by the evidence-based pedagogy classes at BGSU, which are designed to help teachers transform their good intentions into excellent instruction.

“Rachel's student-centered classroom practices impressed me from the start,” Vostal said. “She entered the teaching profession with a strong commitment to help students with disabilities reach their goals. It's a joy to support early-career teachers like Rachel who are eager to master the craft of teaching.”

Grateful for the support she received with each BGSU experience, Lill returned once again to pursue her  master’s degree in special education, specializing in secondary transition , through BGSU Online.

“The combination of knowledgeable and caring faculty with an environment suited for working professionals made my decision to pursue my master’s degree at BGSU incredibly easy,” Lill said. “I know I’ll receive a quality education that will help make me a better educator.”

Lill will begin her new role as a middle school intervention specialist in Danbury Local Schools in Marblehead, Ohio, in the 2024-25 school year.

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | [email protected] | 419-372-6349

Updated: 05/20/2024 01:48PM

Watch HGSE's Presentation of Diplomas and Certificates 2024

• Posted May 23, 2024
• By News editor

Following the University Ceremonies in Harvard Yard, HGSE diplomas and certificates are awarded to all graduates (both doctoral and master's) on stage in Radcliffe Yard. Dean Long will give her address; graduates will be individually presented with degrees and will walk across the stage.

Live stream begins Thursday, May 23, at 1:45 p.m.

For more information on Commencement 2024, visit:  https://www.gse.harvard.edu/commencement .

The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education

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