What kind of master’s degree should a teacher get? The answer is both complex and simple.
Teachers regularly voice their concerns regarding low salaries, yet invest more and more of their time acquiring degrees and certifications that don’t add significant income to their paychecks.
So you want to obtain a master’s degree and for it to be worth your time and money. This post outlines what kind of master’s degree should a teacher get.
*Disclaimer: This post represents my opinions and experiences and is for educational purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, and this post does not represent formal financial advice.
What kind of master’s degree should a teacher get?
1. Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Earning Potential: FAIR
Career Options Outside of Classroom: DECENT
Leadership Opportunities: VERY GOOD
Job Market Competitiveness: FAIR
With a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, you could be a math coordinator, reading specialist, or curriculum coordinator.
In some school districts, specialists are on the same pay scale as teachers or receive a stipend.
2. Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education/ESL
Earning Potential: POOR
Career Options Outside of Classroom: DECENT
Leadership Opportunities: DECENT
Job Market Competitiveness: POOR
Upon further investigation, you may discover that you don’t necessarily need a master’s degree in bilingual education in order to get the position you desire.
You’ll earn more in a bilingual coordinator or leadership role compared to a teaching role.
3. Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
Earning Potential: VERY GOOD
Career Options Outside of Classroom: VERY GOOD
Leadership Opportunities: VERY GOOD
Job Market Competitiveness: DECENT
If you aspire to become a principal, this degree is for you.
You receive a respectable return for your money, and it affords you additional professional opportunities.
This is the best master’s degree for teachers who don’t want to teach full-time anymore.
4. Master’s Degree in Library Science (Librarian)
Earning Potential: FAIR
Career Options Outside of Classroom: VERY GOOD
Leadership Opportunities: FAIR
Job Market Competitiveness: FAIR
Many librarians in K-12 settings receive pay similar to teachers.
While they do have options outside of the classroom, librarians often plan and teach lessons to various grade levels in addition to their primary duties.
5. Master’s Degree In an Area of Speciality (e.g. Elementary Education, Math, Spanish, etc.)
Earning Potential: POOR
Career Options Outside of Classroom: POOR
Leadership Opportunities: POOR
Job Market Competitiveness: FAIR
This master’s degree is good for those who would like to expand their knowledge in their current discipline area.
This degree focuses on instructional strategies, teaching/learning theory, and some educational leadership.
Inching up on the pay scale just a bit may be the only extra compensation you receive.
6. Master of Arts In Counseling
Earning Potential: DECENT
Career Options Outside of Classroom: VERY GOOD
Leadership Opportunities: VERY GOOD
Job Market Competitiveness: DECENT
This degree is designed for educators who desire to become school counselors. It focuses on counseling strategies plus theories as well as educational psychology.
7. Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Earning Potential: POOR
Career Options Outside of Classroom: POOR
Leadership Opportunities: DECENT
Job Market Competitiveness: DECENT
8. Master’s Degree in Education/Teaching
Earning Potential: POOR
Career Options Outside of Classroom: POOR
Leadership Opportunities: POOR
Job Market Competitiveness: POOR
Individuals who study for this master’s degree are usually second-career teachers with an undergraduate degree in something totally different.
In this regard, this degree makes perfect sense for them, as it’s a way to get a foot in the door to the teaching profession without acquiring another bachelor’s degree.
9. Master’s Degree in Higher Education
Earning Potential: DECENT
Career Options Outside of Classroom: VERY GOOD
Leadership Opportunities: DECENT
Job Market Competitiveness: DECENT
Want to work at a community college or university? Then a master’s degree in higher education may get you there.
But this one is tricky.
The requirements to work in a post-secondary setting depend on the position sought, and a good number of full-time teaching gigs require a Ph.D.
When deciding what master’s degree to get as a teacher, this is one you should research thoroughly.
Your background in K-12 teaching may not be enough.
10. Master of Arts In Special Education
Earning Potential: DECENT
Career Options Outside of Classroom: FAIR
Leadership Opportunities: FAIR
Job Market Competitiveness: GOOD
This degree is targeted at educators who want to work with students with disabilities.
The curriculum of this program involves learning about policies, laws, and instructional strategies related to special education.
What Kind of Master’s Degree Should a Teacher Get? Other Factors to Consider
Time and Cost
If you’ll be paying for your own master’s degree, research to see if your school has any tuition-reduction programs.
Also, look into available scholarships or grants.
Decide for yourself if the time and cost of getting a master’s degree are really worth the investment.
Public vs. Private Schools
Many specialists and principals in private schools may not have a master’s degree or even a teaching certification.
Where you graduated from and/or who you know plays a bigger role in these academic settings.
So know the norms in your academic circles because a master’s degree may not be the best option.
Teachers and Master Degrees: Q & A
What master’s degree is best for teachers?
Whether or not a master’s degree is worth it for a teacher is dependent on her individual interests and career goals.
It’s a good idea to consider demand, costs, and benefits before finalizing a decision.
Is a master’s degree worth it for teachers?
A master’s degree is worth it for teachers if they are okay with the costs, time commitment, and return (or lack of return) on their investment.
Conclusion: So What Kind of Master’s Degree Should a Teacher Get?
So, what kind of master’s degree should a teacher get? As you can see, it depends on several factors such as interests, career goals, and the demands of the market.
Research all options thoroughly, think about your future goals and consider everything.
Make sure the master’s degree you invest in is worth the money plus contributes to your life of living comfortably as an educator.