Not all graduate students in a Master of Education program have a classroom in mind as their final career destination. The skills and knowledge gained in an M.Ed. program can open the door to many different careers for educators ready to take their next career steps beyond the classroom.
What can you do with a master’s in education? Some decide to work in curriculum design or educational policy. Others focus on consulting, including helping establish teacher standards for a school district. Still others enjoy working for community centers and nonprofit organizations, creating educational programs for kids and adults alike. Some are motivated to leadership positions in schools or district administrations.
Teachers and other busy professionals can transition into education-related careers by earning a degree in a 100% online program.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education Other Than Teaching?
The majority of people earning a Master’s degree in education are classroom teachers. In some parts of the country, including Massachusetts, regulations require earning a master’s degree to maintain teacher certification. Graduate students also broaden their knowledge, make better candidates for the top teaching jobs, and may increase their earning potential.
Some experienced teachers seek to combine their classroom experience with a graduate-level education in a new career field. Others may want to work in education but not the classroom. In either case, these students seek alternative jobs with a Master’s in education.
In general, other than teaching, graduate students can follow one of two main career paths: moving onto a non-teaching job within the education system or establishing a career outside the formal education system.
Non-Teaching Jobs in Education
Former teachers and other professionals will find that earning a graduate degree qualifies them for various non-teaching education degree career options.
Principal. This ranks among the most popular choices for teachers ready to leave the classroom. A K-12 principal manages school operations, oversees staff and curriculum, sets strategic goals for a school, and develops a plan to achieve them.
Instructional designer. In this job, master’s degree holders help set policies, create teaching materials, develop curricula, and monitor educational outcomes.
Educational consultant. Education specialists can work as consultants in several ways, including advising students and their families on navigating the college admission and financial aid process. Some consultants work with school districts, helping establish teaching standards or specializing in technology to enhance educational outcomes.
Outside of Education
A Master’s degree in education can lead to a career outside formal education. The website We Are Teachers lists more than two dozen career opportunities outside the classroom for those with a master’s in education.
One of the most popular is corporate training. Much like instructional designers in an educational setting, these professionals design training programs, instruction manuals, and other corporate training materials. These jobs also are available with large government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Other potential careers outside of the education system include the following. Some of these positions require additional education or certification beyond a Master’s degree in education:
- Community director
- Career coach
- Addiction counseling
- Educational curator for history and art museums, zoos, aquariums, and historical attractions
- Event planner or consultant
- Prison educator
- Writer specializing in educational topics
Merrimack College’s Master of Education Programs
Developed by scholar-practitioners, the Master’s degrees in education and certificates at Merrimack College give graduates the skills to succeed in careers inside and outside the classroom. Merrimack offers a variety of concentrations in education, allowing professionals to pursue a career path that meets their interests and maximizes their talents. They include Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School (5-8) and High School (8-12) Education, English as a Second Language, and Moderate Disabilities.
Professionals can also earn certificates in Teacher Leadership, Educational Technology, DEI in Schools, Social Emotional Learning, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). These degree and certificate programs prepare graduates for success in the formal educational system and careers outside education, where their unique skills are in demand.