If you hope to make a lasting, transformational impact on young people's lives, a master's in K-12 education can prepare you for administrative positions that direct positive change within a school or district.
Earning a master's in K-12 education is a substantial investment in your professional future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that positions for elementary and middle school principals — one of the highest-paying jobs in education — will grow 8% over the next decade. Other management-level careers in education boast even higher projected career growth. In addition to steady growth in the field, professionals with master's degrees in K-12 education can explore a variety of career opportunities throughout their careers, especially if their master's programs include a specialization. In the sections below, you can learn everything you need to select a graduate program that matches your educational and professional goals.
What are the best K-12 education programs of 2020? Here are our top 10:
Should I Get a Master's in K-12 Education?
An on-campus master's in K-12 education program may be appealing for many reasons. For example, on-campus programs usually adhere to that state's K-12 education laws and policies, making it easier to qualify for relevant certifications and licenses. Also, professors usually have experience as administrators or teachers in that state, making them valuable resources to students. Finally, many on-campus K-12 education degree programs offer both evening and summer courses, making them a perfect option for teachers who would otherwise not have the chance to further their education.
Students who immediately begin their graduate program after earning their bachelor's degree may also benefit from an on-campus program. The education provided by a master's in K-12 education program goes much further than any bachelor's program. Master's programs typically focus on research, where students pursue in-depth research projects that culminate in a master's thesis. Master's programs also invite students to specialize in an area that can open new career opportunities after graduation.
What Can I Do With a Master's in K-12 Education?
K-12 education graduate programs stress both a holistic education in K-12 best practices and the chance for students to specialize in a field. Depending on the specialization, students can continue their role as a teacher in the classroom or transfer into one of many administrative roles. Beyond administration, teachers who pursue a master's in K-12 education are qualified to work with other groups of students, such as English-language learners or special education students. The five occupations below represent some of the most popular careers for graduates of a master's in K-12 education.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best States for Teachers
Teachers impact their students' lives in fundamental, lasting ways. They help students learn how to succeed in school and beyond. Working in education not only offers the potential to affect change, it also offers a stable career with the opportunity for increased compensation over time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that between 2014 and 2024, prospective teachers at the preschool through postsecondary level will benefit from 1.9 million job openings. The need for teachers shows no signs of slowing in the future. Between 2016 and 2026, the BLS projects as fast as average, 7%, job growth for elementary, middle, and high school teachers, while the projected job outlook for postsecondary teachers is much faster than average, at 15%.
Most people do not enter education to get rich, but in many places teachers make a respectable living, especially as they gain experience and education over time. Compensation for teachers varies based on a factors like where they teach, grade level, and experience and education. Kindergarten through high school teachers make a median annual salary between $56,900 and $59,170. Postsecondary teachers make significantly more, with a median annual salary of $76,000.
Methodology
We created this ranking of the best states for K-12 teachers to help current and prospective teachers understand where to find the best professional opportunities. Our methodology considers several factors, including average salary, public education spending per pupil, change in adjusted teacher salary over time, average pension, and cost and quality of living.
State spending on public education and teacher compensation gives an idea of how much the state values educators. States that spend more on education tend to offer better work environments and higher salaries for teachers than states that spend less on education. We hope the following list of the best states for teachers can help educators make knowledgeable decisions about where to start — or advance — their careers.
How to Choose a Master's in K-12 Education Program
Prospective students should consider a master's in K-12 education program from multiple angles. For instance, a program can take two or three years to complete — depending on whether you study full- or part-time — so decide which learning style best suits you. Additionally, the program's curriculum can have a significant impact on your educational experience. Programs that offer courses only during the day may not work for you if you are a full- or part-time teacher. If you must work while you take classes, consider whether an on-campus or online program is best for you. Many online programs offer lower tuition than comparable on-campus programs, along with the flexibility to complete coursework in the evenings or on weekends. Finally, keep in mind that not all programs offer specializations. Research every program on your shortlist to ensure that they provide your desired specialization.
Besides courses relevant to your future career plans, the best master's programs include practicums or direct experiences that bolster your resume and expand your list of professional contacts. These experiences often lay the foundation for your master's thesis. Depending on the program, you may have a choice of either writing a thesis or completing another similarly rigorous program. Requirements enforced by programmatic accreditation agencies may also influence your choice of a thesis or final project. You can learn more about programmatic accreditation in the section below.
If you select an on-campus or hybrid learning program, consider how your location directly influences your professional future. Most of these programs prepare students to earn licensure in the same state as the school resides in. You should consider programs in states that have teacher shortages, even if that requires you to move across state lines. Also, keep in mind an area's cost of living and the salaries each state offers its teachers.
Programmatic Accreditation for Master's in K-12 Education Programs
When researching potential K-12 education degree programs, you should ensure that your target schools hold regional accreditation. All programs should have either regional or national accreditation. When students enter a specialized academic program such as K-12 education, they should be sure their program meets the highest academic standards. Programmatic accreditation agencies specialize in different academic subjects, with experts and professionals in the field leading these organizations.
In the United States, the Council for the Education of Educator Preparation (CAEP) grants programmatic accreditation to the best K-12 education programs. When the CAEP examines a program, they focus on five standards: practical knowledge, the quality of clinical or practicum experiences, recruitment, program impact, and continuous improvement (i.e. whether the program evolves with the latest advances in teacher education). Programs that don't have CAEP accreditation may not qualify students to apply for teacher licensure or certification.
Master's in K-12 Education Program Admissions
The admissions process for on-campus master's degrees is likely similar to your undergraduate program. Application requirements include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and possibly test scores. Depending on the school, the admissions department may also ask you to come in for an interview.
If you plan to complete an online program, expect similar application requirements. Online programs that use a rolling admissions process should give you their decisions must faster than most on-campus programs. Also, some online programs provide the opportunity to start classes only days after receiving an acceptance.
No matter which learning style you prefer, you should apply to three to five programs. Include one or two that you consider "reach" programs, and one to two programs that you consider "safety" programs. After you apply, check with each school's admission department to determine if they received all of your materials.
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
For all master's programs, applicants must have a bachelor's degree. Some schools offer programs where students can earn a bachelor's and master's in education, typically in five years. Most master's in K-12 education programs accept applications from students with bachelor's degrees unrelated to education.Professional Experience:
For the vast number of programs, students without professional experience may apply. Programs that limit applications to those with teaching experience usually offer specialized curricula to help teachers further hone their skills.Minimum GPA:
As with all graduate school admissions, the higher the undergraduate GPA, the better. For competitive programs, applicants should have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Those with a lower GPA should expect to explain their academic performance in their application essays.
Admission Materials
Application:
Due to the specialized nature of most graduate programs, most do not use the CommonApp; expect to fill out a different application for each program. Many programs, however, ask for similar information such as your educational and professional history. Given that most programs ask for applicants to submit essays, expect the application process to take a significant amount of time.Transcripts:
As you prepare your applications, ask the college or university where you earned your bachelor's degree to send official transcripts to the graduate schools on your shortlist. Expect to pay a small fee for each transcript you send. This process may take up to one month, so request transcripts as soon as possible.Letters of Recommendation:
Most programs require two to three letters of recommendation. If you have work experience, inquire if one or more letters can come from a work supervisor. Otherwise, ask your undergraduate professors to write your letters. Be sure to ask for letters at least two weeks before you need people to submit them.Test Scores:
Although some master's programs do not require test scores for admission, expect most programs on your shortlist to require either GRE or MAT scores. You can take either of these tests at a local testing center. Similar to sending transcripts, you may need to pay a small fee to submit scores to graduate programs.Application Fee:
All graduate programs charge an application fee that pays for the university to consider your application. Expect to pay between $50-$65 per program. Some universities offer fee waivers to applicants who can prove financial need or have prior military service. If you need a waiver, inquire with your target school's admission department as soon as possible.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master's in K-12 Education Program?
In addition to core courses, your graduate program may offer multiple opportunities to enhance your educational experience and prepare you for your future career. In the sections below, you can learn more about program concentrations, exciting courses, and some important details about programmatic costs and length. Finally, you'll learn more about licenses and certificates applicable to master's program graduates.
| Concentration | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership | This concentration prepares graduates for careers as school and district-level administrators. The curriculum offers courses like improving instruction and principles of organizational leadership. Graduates will have developed the interpersonal and managerial skills necessary to lead teams of teachers and support staff to help all students learn to the best of their abilities. | Vice principal, principal, instructional coordinator |
| International Baccalaureate | The International Baccalaureate (IB) program provides a rigorous, international education to students in primary and secondary school settings. Graduate students who select this concentration master essential IB teaching strategies through courses on culturally responsive instruction and educational research. Graduates go on to work at IB schools throughout the United States. | Elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, high school teacher, IB program coordinator |
| Special Education | A concentration in special education prepares graduates to work with mentally and physically disabled students. Course topics include reading interventions, responsive instruction, and in-depth instruction on the most prevalent disabilities in the school-age population. Graduates work in specialized roles that help students bridge the gap between their disabilities and the classroom. | Special education teacher, behavior intervention specialist, instructional coordinator |
| Technology for Educators | This concentration introduces teachers with classroom experience to the latest technological innovations that enhance student learning. Courses stress online teaching, leadership in educational technology, and technology curriculum. The curriculum emphasizes how graduates can integrate technology into their schools as well as their classrooms. | Elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, high school teacher, instructional technology coordinator |
| Work-Based Learning | Work-based learning programs allow high school students to gain valuable on-the-job experience while completing their education. Teachers who select this concentration master many work-based learning best practices, such as monitoring student progress and creating or modifying work-based learning programs at their high schools. | High school teacher, work-based learning coordinator |
Courses in a Master's in K-12 Education Program
Most master's in K-12 programs offer a similar core curriculum. The courses below represent a sample curriculum that students complete alongside courses in their concentrations.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's in K-12 Education?
For full-time students, a master's in K-12 education typically requires two years to complete. The length may vary depending on the program, however, as accelerated programs can let full-time students to earn their degrees in as little as 18 months. In either type of program, students dedicate at least one semester — possibly a year — to researching and writing their thesis. Students in master's programs earn a total of 36-48 credits, depending on graduation requirements and their concentrations.
Many students pursuing their master's in education program may work full- or part-time as teachers, and many programs offer a specialized part-time track to help students reach their educational goals. Part-time students, for instance, may take up to three years to graduate. Additionally, if these students teach or work at a school, they can fulfill their programs' practicum or internship requirements at work. Policies vary between programs, so prospective students who teach should inquire with their target school's before applying. Also, keep in mind that part-time students often spend more on tuition than full-time students. In the section below, you can learn more about tuition and how studying full-time can help you save money.
How Much Is a Master's in K-12 Education?
Although tuition rates vary between schools, prospective students should expect to spend approximately $10,000 a year for their master's degrees if they attend in-state public universities. Tuition for out-of-state-students, meanwhile, can reach $30,000 a year, and at the best private universities, students can expect to pay more than $40,000 annually. Keep in mind that you'll incur other costs while earning a degree: student fees, textbooks, technology, and daycare for young children all add up, and potentially double your expenses. As you research master's programs, investigate potential funding sources such as scholarships, grants, and federally backed loans.
Full-time students often spend less on tuition than part-time students. Most universities charge full-time students a flat tuition rate; if they decide to take a heavier course load one semester, their tuition does not increase. Part-time students, on the other hand, often pay tuition based on the number of credits they attempt each term. As long as they remain part-time students, more credits equate to higher tuition. Consequently, it pays to study full-time, especially if you do not have any significant obligations outside the classroom.
Certifications and Licenses a Master's in K-12 Education Prepares For
Resources for K-12 Education Graduate Students
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA helps undergraduate and graduate students earn federally backed financial aid. If students qualify for need-based aid, the FAFSA provides them with relevant loans, grants, and work-study programs.
U.S. News and World Report
U.S. News and World Report boasts extensive information on the nation's best graduate programs for K-12 education. Subscribers gain access to in-depth descriptions of universities' programs, enrollment, and the career outcomes of graduates.
Grad Resources
Grad Resources connects struggling graduate students to a network of expert mentors. The organization also provides free articles on several relevant topics, including navigating finances, time management, and staying healthy.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Compiled by teach.org, this page includes up-to-date information on the latest scholarships exclusive to students earning their K-12 education degrees. Visitors can search by funding type, education stage, and area of study.
Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed boasts multiple free articles applicable to students earning their advanced degrees in education. The website includes resources on navigating graduate school and how to transition from student to teacher.
Professional Organizations in K-12 Education
Professional organizations in K-12 education advocate on behalf of education professionals and help members advance their careers. The organizations below represent millions of professionals throughout the United States. When members join, they gain access to exclusive benefits, such as job boards, mentoring, professional insurance, and continuing education opportunities. Consider joining one or more organizations during your graduate education, as they prepare you for the transition between your education and your career.
