Masters in Education and 2 Best Programs for Teachers (2024)

masters in education
Patrick Findaro
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Published on 28 Jun 2023 Time to read 5 min read Last update on 23 Oct 2023

An abbreviation for masters in education is M. Ed., it also has several other names such as Ed. M., M.S. Ed. Masters in education is a degree in which an individual can expand their knowledge of education. This specialized program, masters in education, offers educators to expand their understanding of instructional methods and curriculum development. There are several career paths if you have a master in education like a k-12 teacher, higher education, or special education teacher.

Contents

Top 2 best Masters in Education programs for teachers

Master of Education (M. Ed.) Degrees | UW College of Education

Each option of the program requires an internship, credit hours, and different courses, so students can apply the theoretical concepts from the classroom by facing real-world challenges. Working with an advisor or a professor, every master in education program undertakes different courses and projects which are helpful during your actual project such as thesis, portfolio, or internship. The masters in education graduates go on to work in counseling or education administration, among other career paths.

Admissions

For graduate programs admission you must meet the requirements of submitting your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo if you are not a native of the English language. In addition, you should submit your grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 from your last 60-semester credits, transcripts meaning any unofficial documents to any institution that you worked in for the last 5 years, one letter of recommendation in the exception to specialized education programs which require three letters of recommendations. A current academic and professional resume is to be sent to the admission office, in addition to an educational degree and any relevant awards or other achievements.

Tuition

The quarterly tuition fees for residents are $6,845 though the full-time tuition fees may vary slightly. The quarterly tuition fees for non-residents are $11,927 while the full-time tuition fees may vary slightly.

Westminster College

Westminster’s college offers a range of masters in education graduate programs aimed at providing educators with advanced knowledge and skills to excel in their professional roles. The college provides a supportive and engaging learning environment, and graduates from Westminster College masters in education programs are equipped with the necessary skills to address the challenges in the field of education.

Admissions

The purpose of Westminster College masters in education is to increase the number of professional teachers. This program is taught to develop scientific inquiries, and independent thoughts, and respond to major educational problems. The requirements for the masters in education program are flexible and allow for individual selection of courses based upon an assessment of each student’s educational background.

The requirements for the masters in education at Westminster College are quite simple: the successful completion of 10 specified courses or 30 semester hours.

Tuition

The college tuition per semester hour is $500 for the masters in education program, and to complete the masters in education program, you will need 30 semester hours.

University of Illinois Masters in Education

The University of Illinois offers a masters of arts in education with a focus on educational administration and leadership. The program combines theoretical and practical applications to prepare graduate students to teach with the latest strategies in the world of education. Specializations are available to tailor the program to individual interests and career goals. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and reflective practice, so students can master the skills needed to excel in the field of education. Students at the University of Illinois masters in education program can benefit from renowned faculty, state-of-the-art resources, and a vibrant learning community to advance their careers.

Admissions

Applicants must have earned at least a bachelor degree from an accredited college in the United States or a comparable degree from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad.  If admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate College. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or a comparable GPA for an international applicant, during the last two years of undergraduate study, is a minimum requirement for admission. Also, a professional resume, Three letters of reference, a personal statement regarding your professional goals, and a $70 application fee.

Tuition

For tuition, you could get a Wanda Taeschner Babcock Fellowship or the graduate fees which are approximately $14,000 per year for residents, and for non-residents the tuition is approximately $30,000 per year.

Masters in Education Post-Graduation Salary

After completing a masters in education, you could work at different institutions teaching. Working at a university opens up earning opportunities ranging from $91,000 to about $190,000 per year, as revealed by a professor from the University of Illinois. These salaries are influenced by various factors, such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of professional experience. Definitely, a masters in education will give you a competitive advantage when looking for job opportunities.

Among educators, K-5 elementary school teachers earn an average salary of $61,000, with the top 10% surpassing $99,420 and the bottom 10% falling below $43,950 annually. Similarly, middle school teachers (grades 6-8) receive an average salary of $61,320, with the highest 10% earning over $99,470 and the lowest 10% earning less than $45,510.

High school teachers, on the other hand, enjoy the highest average salary among their peers at $61,820 per year, with the top 10% making over $100,310 and the bottom 10% below $46,090 annually. Also, the salary range for public school teachers in Florida, who hold a master’s in education, generally spans from around $58,000 to $63,000, although this can vary due to teacher shortages. Meanwhile, in states like California and New York, the average salary for a K-12 principal stands at approximately $102,000, with salaries ranging from $128,000 to $138,000.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a masters in education offers educators the opportunity to expand their knowledge and enhance their teaching skills. The three best programs for teachers include the Master of Education degree at UW College of Education, Westminster College’s master of arts in education program, and the masters of arts in Education program at the University of Illinois. Overall, these programs equip teachers with the necessary expertise to excel in their careers and make a positive impact on education.

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