What is an MEd?: How it compares to a Master of Arts in education

An MEd is designed for experienced educators, built around the daily work of teaching and school leadership. Coursework centers on pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management and instructional strategy, with an emphasis on applying what you learn directly in a school setting.

Many MEd programs also lead toward a specific outcome. ASU's online MEd in educational leadership with a concentration in principalship, for example, prepares graduates for Arizona principal certification. Other MEd programs lead to K-3, K-8 or 6-12 teacher certification in Arizona. If you're seeking certification in another state, confirm the licensure requirements. You can often do this by communicating with that state's department of education.

Career paths for MEd graduates include:

• School principals and assistant principals lead a school's staff, students and instructional programs with a median annual wage of $104,070*.
• Curriculum coordinators, specialists and instructional designers develop curriculum standards and instructional materials with a median annual wage of $74,720*.
• Special education teachers work directly with K–12 students with exceptionalities and earn a median annual wage of $64,270*.

*All wage data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2024.

Do you need an MEd to become a teacher?

Requirements vary by state, but a bachelor's degree and a state teaching license are typically the minimum to teach in a public school. An MEd isn't required for entry-level teaching in most states. Many educators pursue one later to move into leadership, add a certification or qualify for a salary increase tied to an advanced degree.

If you didn't major in education as an undergraduate, an MEd with an embedded certification track can also be your path into the classroom for the first time.

What is a Master of Arts in education?

An MA in education takes a broader, more interdisciplinary view. Instead of focusing on classroom management and licensure, the coursework for this degree often pairs education with a specific content area, language or population, such as literacy, multilingual learners or autism support. It's a strong fit if you want deep expertise in a subject or specialty and plan to apply it across a range of settings, not only inside a traditional K–12 classroom.

Career paths for MA in education graduates include:

• Reading specialists, literacy coaches and literacy coordinators design or teach literacy programs outside a single classroom. 
• Educators supporting bilingual and multilingual learners work across preK-12 schools, colleges, universities or organizations serving linguistically diverse communities.
• Behavior analysts apply behavior-analytic principles in education, clinics or community settings. ASU's MA in special education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis meets coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam pathway.

Which degree is right for you?

We know that choosing a degree is a crucial decision, so we’ve mapped out a solution to simplify the process. Now that you understand the difference between an MEd and MA degree in education, start by asking yourself some questions to narrow down your program choices:

• Do you want to teach or lead inside the Arizona school system?
• Do you want to work in curriculum, instructional design or program administration, inside or outside a school?
• Do you want deep expertise in a specific subject, language or population that travels across settings?

Next, explore the options outlined below to find the degree that matches what you want to do:

Whichever path fits your goals, you can build it online or in person at ASU.