Is a Master’s in Education Worth It?

Lifelong learning is important in many professions, but teachers know that continuing to learn is particularly critical for those working in education. A study published in the International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research in 2024 found that teachers believe lifelong learning plays a key role in sustaining their ability to:

Make positive contributions to society
Stay up to date on changes in technology that affect teaching
Apply problem-solving skills to instruction
Improve their own quality of life

One of the best ways for teachers to continue learning is to pursue a Master of Education (MEd) degree. But earning a graduate degree can be a big undertaking, and some may wonder if a master’s in education is worth it. For those who have been considering enrolling in a graduate degree program such as an MEd in Instruction program, it can be helpful to explore why getting a master’s degree is worthwhile for many educators.

What Is a Master of Education Degree?

Master of Education programs are graduate-level degree programs designed to provide individuals with expertise in a specific area of education, such as teaching, administration or curriculum, that enables them to strengthen educational systems.

One of the main reasons many educators believe MEd programs are valuable is that the advanced knowledge and skills they gain in these programs can immediately be put to use in their careers. For example, educators in MEd programs that focus on teaching and learning strategies can acquire advanced expertise in areas such as:

Managing classrooms
Developing and using classroom assessments
Using instructional technology
Educating students with diverse learning styles
Employing data to improve educational practices

What a Master of Education Degree Program Entails

Typically requiring individuals to complete 30 credit hours to graduate, a Master of Education degree program offers core courses in subjects such as:

Educational research
Curriculum and instruction
Instructional technology
Diversity in education
Special education

MEd students also can pursue a concentration that allows them to take courses that focus on their area of interest. For example:

Pursuing a concentration in elementary, middle or secondary education involves taking courses in subjects such as content area instruction, curriculum and instructional management.
Pursuing a concentration in special education involves taking courses in subjects such as teaching students with disabilities and assessment in special education.

Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Education

There are a number of reasons why earning a master’s in education is worthwhile for many educators. For example, earning an MEd can offer an individual the following benefits.

Acquire Advanced Expertise in Education. Enhancing their expertise in education is a good way for educators to expand their ability to use strategies that can make them more effective educators. Acquiring more knowledge of pedagogical theories and the needs of students in modern classrooms can strengthen their ability to offer instruction that makes a difference in their students’ lives.
Earn a Higher Salary. Completing an MEd program can lead to greater earning power. The median annual salary for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in education was about $63,000, while the median annual salary for individuals with a master’s degree in education was about $69,000 as of June 2025, according to the compensation website Payscale.
Specialize and Advance in the Field of Education. Educators who earn an MEd can focus on the particular aspects of education that interest them. For example, they can concentrate on special education, art education, physical education or music education. Holding a master’s degree also enhances an educator’s credentials, which can improve their potential to advance into a leadership role and gain the opportunity to employ different leadership styles in education.
Launch a New Career. Individuals who want to apply their expertise in a career outside the classroom can earn an MEd and then pursue a role in training, consulting or developing curriculum for organizations that operate outside of education.

4 Careers With an MEd

Looking at specific potential job options can help demonstrate the value of an MEd. The examples below highlight just a few roles that are available to individuals who earn an MEd.

1. Special Education Teacher

Educators who teach special education work with students who face physical, mental, learning or emotional disabilities. These teachers are skilled at assessing students and adapting their educational approaches to meet the needs of students who are challenged by disabilities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, as of May 2024, special education teachers have a median annual salary of $64,270. While the BLS projects that the total number of positions for special education teachers will not grow through 2033, it estimates that schools will have openings for 35,900 special education teachers each year through 2033 due to factors such as teacher resignations and retirements.

2. Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators focus on aspects of education related to instruction, such as a school’s teaching standards, teacher training or curriculum implementation. For example, instructional coordinators can be responsible for creating educational materials and helping teachers incorporate those materials into their instruction.

Instructional coordinators have a median annual salary of $74,720 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. The BLS projects 2 percent growth in the number of instructional coordinator positions from 2023 to 2033.

3. Educational Consultant

Educational consultants offer their expertise to students and their families who are seeking advice and assistance in making decisions related to students’ education. For example, educational consultants can work with teachers and schools to offer advice on how to improve and strengthen their educational programs.

As of July 2025, Payscale reports that educational consultants have a median annual salary of about $73,700. The BLS projects the following job growth for professionals in occupations related to that of educational consultants from 2023 through 2033:

Four percent growth in positions for school and career counselors and advisers
Eleven percent growth in positions for management consultants

4. Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers craft, assess or improve educational curricula in a school or district. This entails responsibilities such as evaluating textbooks or course content and identifying modifications to improve students’ education.

According to the BLS, all instructional coordinators, including curriculum specialists, have a median annual salary of $74,720 as of May 2024. The BLS expects they will see 2 percent job growth from 2023 to 2033.

Enhance Your Expertise With a Master of Education Degree

For many educators, the value of an MEd degree is evident in the advanced expertise it offers them and the career opportunities it makes available to them. MEd graduates are positioned to become better educators who are well equipped to strengthen educational systems.

Individuals who have an interest in advancing their knowledge and skills in education can explore Augusta University Online’s Master of Education in Instruction degree program to learn how it can help them reach their career goals. Offering six concentrations — in general education, elementary education, middle grades education, secondary education, P-12 education and special education — the program allows educators to focus their graduate education on their area of interest.

Start working to achieve your ambitions in education today with AU Online.

Sources:
Idealist, “What’s That Degree For? An Overview of Common Graduate Degree Programs”
Indeed, “How to Become a Curriculum Developer (With Tips)”
Indeed, “How to Become an Educational Consultant (Plus Salary Info)”
International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, “Teachers’ Views on Lifelong Learning”
Payscale, Average Education Consultant Salary
Payscale, Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree
Payscale, Master of Education (MEd) Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Education Teachers