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Master of Education
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Your Career in Education
For career-minded educators, there are countless reasons to consider earning your Master of Education degree.
- The desire to become an even better teacher
- Transforming your classroom with new strategies learned
- Making a greater impact in the education of your students
- Reinvigorating your passion for your craft
- Building a foundation for educational leadership opportunities
- Enjoying the satisfaction of fulfilling a long-held goal
An estimated 52% of the nation’s 3.3 million public school teachers have a master’s degree or higher. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 58% of public school teachers hold a post baccalaureate degree (i.e., a master’s, education specialist or doctoral degree).
And though like most teachers you are probably not in it for the money, earning your master’s is also a way to position yourself for a possible pay increase as well as opportunities to move up the ladder into administrative and leadership roles.
Industry insights
3,000+
Number of students impacted by the average teacher during their career (WeAreteachers.com)
$98,490
Median salary for school principals (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Careers in Education
A Master of Education degree is not just valuable for classroom teachers looking to expand your skills or land your ideal teaching job. It is also a pathway to educational leadership positions like school principal and opportunities such as educational consultant, learning and development (L&D) specialist, college/university instructor and more.
Classroom Teacher
Prepare engaging lesson plans and provide instruction to students. Assign homework, grade tests, document student progress and much, much more.
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Projected Salary:$60,810
School Principal
Serve as the leader of your school, influencing the culture and learning systems, serving as advisor to teachers, and ensuring every student is getting the most out of their education.
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Projected Salary:$98,490
Educational Consultant
Perhaps working in a particular specialty, collaborate with teachers and administrators to affect policy, enhance curriculum, improve or implement educational initiatives, etc.
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Projected Salary:$102,938
References:
*Salary estimates from employment sites such as U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LinkedIn, Springboard, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, etc. Estimates often update in real time based on changing data.
Success Stories
Great teachers, great curriculum, and the materials that they choose are really thought out. It’s made me a better person.
I gained so much more within my teaching pedagogy. I feel more confident as an educator. I fell in love with action research and grew into a reflective practitioner.
The mission and core values of the SOLES program and the University of San Diego attracted me to the MEd program. Within the first semester in the program, I was thoroughly impressed by the consistency of professors who aided and supported teaching and learning while actively incorporating the school’s mission. Online learning can be intimidating, but USD has surpassed my expectations of online learning and has continuously been committed to helping me grow academically and professionally.
USD MEd STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Our Master of Education students and alumni are not only accomplished teachers and scholars committed to academic excellence, they are also engaged in improving practices in a broad range of fields and interests. Our graduates consistently indicate that their MEd experience at USD played an integral role in their professional trajectory.
Related Articles & Resources
As part of the University of San Diego’s role as a thought leader in the Master of Education sphere, we regularly publish blog posts about trends, teaching strategies and important educational and instructional topics, as well as additional information resources.
MEd 7 Online Learning Myths for Educators
Webinar 7 Online Learning Myths for Educators 7 Online Learning Myths for Educators Online learning has become the norm in the wake of COVID-19, but there are still many misconceptions about its efficacy and how to properly utilize this teaching medium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the online Master of Education program include a preliminary licensure or does it lead to a teaching credential?
It does not lead to a teaching credential. Our program requires that students have two years of teaching experience. As a result, most students already have a teaching credential or they work in roles that do not require a teaching credential.
Is the online Master of Education program open to students from outside the United States?
Yes! We have students and alumni from all over the world.
Is specific standardized testing like the GRE required for acceptance to the Master of Education program?
No, the GRE is not a requirement. The admissions committee takes a comprehensive approach when reviewing all applications.
Is it possible to be accepted into the program and work through the courses without being a teacher at the same time?
While you do not have to be a teacher simultaneously, you do have to have access to a classroom in order to apply what you’ve learned. Our program focuses on helping to provide skills that educators can apply immediately in their classrooms or places of work.
What accreditations does the online USD MEd program possess?
The USD MEd program is regionally accredited by WASC (the Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Regional accreditation is a very important consideration when deciding on a program because it is the most widely accepted in terms of transfer credit and eligibility for employer tuition assistance programs. It is typically awarded to degree-oriented, nonprofit or state-owned institutions (as opposed to for-profit schools or religious schools that offer vocational or technical training).
How do I get started with the application process?
Click here to watch a series of short videos explaining how to fill out your online application.
If you are ready to apply to a program now start here.
It’s always best to connect with an Enrollment Advisor, who can also help you navigate the application details as well as help you order your official transcripts.
What is the Next Step?
Now that you’ve done some “homework” about the University of San Diego’s Master of Education degree program, a great next step is to start a conversation with a USD enrollment advisor who can answer all of your questions and offer more insight into this life-changing opportunity.