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Articles > Education > What can you do with a master's in education?

What can you do with a master's in education?

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Photo of the College of Education Dean, Pam Roggeman, EdD.

Reviewed by Pamela M. Roggeman, EdD, Dean, College of Education

A teacher at the head of a classroom with whiteboards instructing a group of mature students.

If you’re looking to enhance your career in education, then pursuing higher levels of education like a master's in education can help make you a more qualified candidate. A master’s degree in education can help specialize your career path and prepare you to take on leadership roles as well. The curriculum in such a program focuses on honing the skills necessary to improve students’ educational progress in different areas.

Education isn’t just about teaching! Students interact both face-to-face and indirectly with principals, counselors, curriculum developers and administrators, in addition to teachers. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the career paths open to individuals who earn a master’s degree in education. From school principals to student behavior analysts, these roles can have a major impact on the community and the future. If you’re interested in pursuing one of these careers, °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ may be able to help. Please note that not all the jobs listed below can be achieved with a °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ degree. Some require additional education, licensure or training.

Leadership roles with a Master's in Education

Principal

Overview: Whether they work at the elementary, middle or high school level, school principals oversee the entire learning environment for students. They manage the instruction of teachers and staff, as well as class schedules, defining course requirements, general instruction, discipline and school budgets.

Education requirements: This position typically requires a master’s degree in education leadership or education administration. To work in a public school, principals are generally required to achieve certification as school administrators, in addition to completing an education program at a master’s degree level.

Salary range: As of May 2023, elementary, middle and high school principals , with a median wage of $103,460, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Employment of elementary, middle and high school principals is projected to show little to no change from 2022 to 2032, .

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Postsecondary education administrator

Overview: Postsecondary education administrators perform a number of roles at colleges and universities. They can work in different departments, ranging from admissions to the registrar’s office to student affairs. This can include work in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Their work is determined by the position they hold. For example, an admissions officer is a type of administrator who determines how many and which students to admit to a school.

Education requirements: A master’s degree is typical for this role, .

Salary range: Postsecondary education administrators earned between $46,540 and $109,500, with a median wage of $74,620, .

Job outlook: Employment of postsecondary education administrators is from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS.

Instructional roles with a Master's in Education

Instructional coordinator

Overview: By managing the overall school curriculum and teaching standards of a school or school district, instructional coordinators make sure that students and teachers are aligned and poised for success. Instructional coordinators can work in elementary and secondary schools, colleges and professional schools, as well as for state or local governments.

Education requirements: This position typically requires completion of an education program at the graduate level. A master's degree in education or curriculum development and instruction is a common prerequisite, . In addition, instructional coordinators may require certification, like a teaching license or an education administrator license to work in public schools.

Salary range: As of May 2023, instructional coordinators earned between $46,540 and $109,500, with a median wage of $74,620, .

Job outlook: Employment of instructional coordinators is from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS.

School counselor

Overview: School counselors take a personal approach to developing student skills, assessing student interests and strengths, and helping students plan their work or education future after they graduate. This can involve work at several grade levels, as well as collaboration with parents and teachers.

Education requirements: Almost every state requires that school counselors have a master’s degree in school counseling or psychology, . In addition, state-by-state certification and credentials will also likely be required, which means a graduate degree as a prerequisite.

Salary range: School and career counselors and advisors earned between $46,540 and $109,500, with a median wage of $74,620, .

Job outlook: Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS.

Student behavior analyst

Overview: Behavior analysts in schools help students overcome mental and social disabilities that can be obstacles to their educational development. They perform psychological work based in practice and theory to help students succeed. They can help teachers accommodate the needs of particular students.

Education requirements: Most student behavior analysts require a specialized degree, such as a master’s degree in special education. A state-issued certification and/or licensure will also likely be required to work in public schools. While °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ has degrees in special education, job outcomes do not directly align to this position.

Salary range: As of May 2023, school psychologists , with a median wage of $84,940, according to BLS.

Job outlook: BLS does not offer job outlook projection for this role at this time.

Special education teacher

Overview: Special education teachers focus on designing curriculum and teaching students with learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Special education teaching can be demanding but rewarding. Teaching with an emphasis on the unique needs of students with disabilities, these educators implement a curriculum to make sure that such disabilities don’t get in the way of teaching students the skills they need to succeed.

Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree is required at minimum to begin teaching special needs students, . Teachers in this field will also likely need to gain field experience in a student-teaching education program. A master’s degree in special education can enhance the skill set of a current teacher, such as in the area of classroom management.  

Salary range: As of May 2023, , with a median wage of $65,910, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Overall employment of special education teachers is  from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS.

Interested in a Master's in Education?

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Pamela Roggeman

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

As dean of the °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ College of Education, Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors.

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