Key Takeaways
- An MEd suits licensed teachers pursuing leadership roles, while an MAT helps new and aspiring teachers build hands-on classroom skills.
- Education administrators see a 44% wage premium with a master’s degree, the highest of any education role (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- MAT programs require full student teaching placements, while MEd fieldwork sometimes counts a current classroom or non-classroom setting.
- District salary lane advancement depends on local policy, so teachers should confirm degree and credit requirements with HR before enrolling.
If you’re considering a master’s degree in education to start, advance or pivot your career, it’s important to understand your options.
The two primary paths are a Master of Education (MEd) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). You may read that an MEd focuses on administration and non-teaching roles, while an MAT prepares classroom teachers. There’s some truth to that distinction, but it’s an oversimplification that doesn’t tell the entire story.
This post breaks down the key differences between an MEd and an MAT to help you decide which is right for you.
Want the Brochure for USD’s Online Master of Education Degree?
Earn your M.Ed. in just 20 months with a program designed for working professionals.
What is an MEd (Master of Education)?
An MEd degree is designed for working educators who wish to expand their understanding of teaching theories, pedagogy, strategies and more. Though the degree is well-suited to teachers seeking new ways to make an even greater impact in the lives of their students, those who choose the MEd pathway often aspire to expand their career beyond the classroom.
For example, a teacher might be interested in becoming a school principal, designing curriculum, working in a college or university setting or pursuing a business role such as corporate trainer. An MEd can build those specific skill sets by offering students the choice of specializing in areas such as:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- School Leadership
- Inclusive Learning and Special Education
- Literacy and Digital Learning
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)
- Technology and Innovation
While MEd programs traditionally take about two years to complete, there are flexible online formats that enable you to work a full-time teaching job while earning your Master of Education degree. Most MEd degrees also prepare you for initial licensure in your state.
What is an MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching)
A Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to give current and prospective teachers the hands-on, practical skills they need to be effective in the classroom.
An MAT offers many opportunities to focus on:
- Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Gifted and Talented Education
- And more
Similarly, for career changers seeking to enter the classroom, an MAT provides the required preparation, including coursework aligned with initial state licensure and a student teaching component that offers hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
Much like the MEd degree, MAT degree programs typically take about two years to complete and are offered in varying formats at many schools across the country.
[RELATED] 10 Traits of Successful School Leaders >>
| MEd | Both | MAT |
| 36 credits/units (average) | 2 years to complete | 42 credits/units (average) |
| Current educators looking to advance their careers | Can incorporate field experience | Aspiring or new teachers |
| Provides comprehensive understanding of the practice of education | Can increase earning potential | Focuses on practical skills and subject-specific information |
| Prior teaching experience required | No prior teaching experience required |
MEd vs MAT [Career Opportunities and Salaries]
Teachers choose to become teachers because they love to teach, not to become millionaires. However, earning a master’s degree not only helps you expand your spectrum of career opportunities, it can also significantly increase your earning potential.
Though estimates vary greatly, a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report examining graduate degree “wage premiums” for those who hold a master’s over a bachelor’s degree indicates significant differentials in the education field.
According to the most recent BLS data, “Education administrators had the highest percentage wage premium, with 44 percent higher wages for master’s degree holders than for bachelor’s degree holders. The wage premium for preschool and kindergarten teachers was nearly as high, at 43 percent.” The differential for elementary and secondary school teachers ranged from 24 to 28 percent.
Are You An Educator Considering the M.Ed Path?
Read the top 11 reasons to earn your master of education degree.
The following is national median salary data for jobs commonly held to education professionals possessing a Master of Education or a Master of Arts in Teaching:
MEd job titles and salaries:
- School Principal (elementary, middle and high school) – $104,070
- Post-Secondary Education Administrator – $103,960
- Training and Development Manager (Corporate Trainer) – $127,090
- Curriculum Developer – $74,720
- Media Specialist – $64,320
- School Counselor – $65,140
MAT job titles and salaries:
- Elementary School Teacher – $62,310
- Middle School Teacher – $62,970
- High School Teacher – $64,580
- Special Education Teacher — $64,270
District Acceptance & Salary Lane FAQ
Before pursuing an MEd or MAT, it helps to know how each degree can affect salary lanes and district recognition. These common questions and answers cover eligibility, coursework and required documents.
Will an MAT count for lane advancement?
An MAT can count for lane advancement in many districts, though it depends on local policies. Districts often recognize MAT credits for salary schedule movement when the degree aligns with teaching or licensure requirements.
Does the degree need to be in education specifically?
Most districts require that the degree be in education or a closely related teaching field for lane advancement.
Do graduate credits from certificates count?
Graduate credits from certificate programs sometimes count toward lane movement, but this varies by district.
What documentation do I submit?
Typically, documentation for lane advancement includes official transcripts, course descriptions and proof of program completion. Some districts may also request additional forms or approvals from curriculum supervisors.
Master of Education vs. Master of Arts in Teaching [Comparison Table]
| MEd | MAT | |
| Average Units/Credits | 36 | 42 |
| Time to Complete | 2 years | 2 years |
| Ideal For | Current, licensed educators looking to move into leadership roles or improve their own instructional strategies | Those looking to launch or advance a teaching career |
| Program Focus | Comprehensive understanding of the practice of education | Practical skills and subject-specific information |
| Teaching Experience? | Yes | No |
| Sample Coursework | Educational Leadership, Curriculum Design, Educational Research Methodology, Cognition & Learning | History and Philosophy of Education, Learner Differences, Technology & Instruction, Foundations in Literacy |
| Common Careers | Principal Curriculum Developer Instructional Coordinator Reading Specialist | High School Teacher Special Education Teacher Middle School Teacher Elementary School Teacher |
MEd Degree vs MAT Degree: Programs
An MEd prepares professionals to work in education beyond the classroom. Graduates often pursue roles in instructional design, student advising, administration and leadership.
Many MAT programs cover the full K–12 range and offer specializations by grade level or age group. This focused approach works well for those committed to a specific teaching path, but it can limit opportunities to build a broader skill set or move into other areas of education.
MEd Degree vs MAT Degree: Concentration Areas
Educators earning their MEd can expand their teaching expertise with concentrations in:
Teaching STEAM: A hot topic in education, teaching STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) in K–12 classrooms is a highly valued skill set among educators.
Curriculum and Instruction: This concentration provides beginning and current teachers a comprehensive understanding of educational theory, which includes curriculum development, teacher leadership and human development.
Literacy and Digital Learning: Digital learning tools and education go hand in hand, and the ability to incorporate these tools into your classroom is essential. This concentration pairs digital literacy with improving student performance in core subjects.
Counselor Education: Aspiring guidance counselors or school mental health counselors typically choose (or are required to complete) this concentration.
Educational Administration: If you’re interested in becoming a principal or other high-level school administrator, this concentration is for you. You’ll study faculty leadership, educational law and community issues. Some aspiring school administrators also seek to earn their doctorate in education, which opens up further career opportunities.
MAT degrees are available with (though they are certainly not limited to) the following specializations:
Early Childhood Education: These programs concentrate on instructing students ages 4 and younger, though some extend to include kindergarten and first grade.
Primary/Elementary Education: This MAT concentration is designed for teachers who want to specialize in K–6 instruction. Teaching methods and learning styles form the basis of coursework, and electives allow educators to round out their expertise.
Secondary Education: This specialization equips teachers to lead grades 7–12. Foundational topics are covered, with additional concentration in mental health and inclusivity excellence.
Special Education: Teaching students with special needs or disabilities requires this MAT concentration. Coursework includes learning about a range of intellectual, physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as how to instruct these students in a way that acknowledges and respects their abilities and needs.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE): Though a bit difficult to define, this speciality (also called Talented and Gifted, or TAG) involves teaching children identified as having above-average intellect or aptitude in certain skill areas. TAG educators can teach at academies or so-called “magnet” schools in specific subjects like performing arts, mathematics or speech and debate. GATE also encompasses teaching students who are considered twice-exceptional, or identified as having above-average intellect and one or more disabilities.
Want the Brochure for USD’s Online Master of Education Degree?
Earn your M.Ed. in just 20 months with a program designed for working professionals.
Choosing Between MEd and MAT Based on Current Status
| Current Status | Best Option | Why It Fits |
Already a licensed teacher seeking advancement | MEd | Strengthens teaching skills, opens leadership roles, supports curriculum design, instructional coaching or administration |
Not yet licensed and need a teaching program | MAT | Prepares for initial state licensure; includes student teaching, classroom management, and mentorship; must align with state requirements |
Career changer with a subject-specific degree | MAT or MEd (depends) | If student teaching is required for licensure, MAT is needed; if classroom experience or alternative certification is already in place, MEd may be possible |
MEd Degree vs MAT Degree: Coursework
Since an MEd degree outcome expands beyond classroom instruction, courses will cover broader topics such as school administration, education law, school counseling or academic advising.
The primary goal of a MAT degree is to help graduate students become teachers. Besides an introduction to teaching foundational subject matter, MAT program courses cover psychological and social theories, instructional strategies for students with different learning styles and abilities, and teaching within state curriculum standards.
MEd Degree vs MAT Degree: Time Commitment
In general, master’s degrees can be completed in two years with a full-time schedule. Part-time course loads will extend this timeline, as will certain specializations.
MAT degree programs generally require full-time commitment, but there are MEd programs that can be completed on a part-time or flexible schedule, including the online Master of Education degree at University of San Diego. This program offers two courses per semester, each with a 7-week duration, able to be completed in two academic years.
MEd Degree vs MAT Degree: Field Experience
Some MEd programs offer a practical component, though not necessarily one in a classroom. Depending on your specialization or program, you may be placed into an assistantship in a school guidance office, counseling center, administrative headquarters or with experienced curriculum designers.
Nearly every MAT degree program includes a student teaching component, offered concurrently with coursework. This is the best way to gain classroom experience before taking on the full responsibility of becoming a licensed teacher. Putting what you’ve learned into action (and getting to observe more seasoned teachers at work) is an invaluable “field experience” that can’t always be taught in a classroom setting.
Fieldwork Reality: MEd vs. MAT
Fieldwork is a core part of many MAT and some MEd programs, giving hands-on experience in real classrooms. Here’s what it usually looks like:
- Typical time per week: Most programs expect about 20 hours weekly in a classroom, though it can vary by program and semester. Some intensive placements may require full-day or multi-week commitments.
- Current classroom experience: Some programs allow teachers already in classrooms to count that experience toward fieldwork hours, but it usually must meet specific program guidelines and may need documentation or supervisor approval.
- Observations and placements: Fieldwork often involves observing experienced teachers, planning and teaching lessons and getting feedback from mentors. Programs may require placement in multiple grade levels or subject areas, so students gain exposure to different teaching environments.
Earning Your Education Master’s Degree Online
Thanks to advancements in online learning, earning an education master’s degree online while continuing to work is easier than ever before. Whether it’s a career shift to the classroom, reaching a new education goal or advancing to leadership roles elsewhere, a master’s degree can help provide the skills and credentials to advance any professional goal.
Explore USD master of education specializations to get started.
[RELATED] Download our free eBook to learn the top reasons to earn your Master of Education degree >>
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an MAT count for salary lane advancement?
In most districts, yes, an MAT can move you into a higher salary lane, since it’s a relevant, education-focused graduate degree. However, lane advancement policies are set locally through each district’s collective bargaining agreement or salary schedule.
Does my graduate degree need to be in education to count toward lane advancement?
Many districts accept any regionally accredited master’s degree for lane advancement, while others require the degree to be education related or directly tied to your teaching assignment. Because requirements vary widely, check your district’s salary schedule or ask HR whether a degree like an MEd or MAT is required, or if a related field also qualifies.
Do graduate credits from a certificate program count toward lane advancement?
Many salary schedules require a set number of graduate credit hours, often 15 to 30, beyond a bachelor’s degree, and credits earned through a graduate certificate can often be applied if they’re from an accredited institution. Some districts require those credits to eventually roll into a full degree.
What documentation do I need to submit for lane advancement?
Most districts require an official transcript showing your completed credits or degree, sent directly from the institution to your HR or payroll office. Some also ask for a copy of your diploma or a letter of program completion if you haven’t finished the full degree yet.
