What Are the Requirements to Earn a Master of Education Degree?

In a competitive job market, there are numerous advantages to pursuing a master’s degree in education. Master’s degree holders earn more on average and have lower unemployment rates than those with only an undergraduate degree as well as those with no college degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

For teachers who are looking to unlock new professional possibilities, earning a Master of Education (MEd) can help them take the next step in their career. Along with helping teachers refine the tools they use in the classroom, an MEd program provides them with a more macro understanding of education, exploring areas like curriculum and policy design, and equips them with new skills they can apply to more advanced roles.

Understanding the requirements for a Master of Education program —including what it takes to enroll and what’s involved in completing the program—can help educators decide whether earning an MEd is the right path for achieving their goals.

What Is a Master of Education?

A Master of Education is a graduate degree for teachers who want to deepen their understanding of education and advance in their career. Emphasizing both theory and practical applications, MEd programs help educators gain skills in curriculum development, research, classroom assessment, and technology integration.

Through research and classroom practices, MEd students also learn advanced pedagogical strategies that can help them drive educational innovation and become better teachers.

MEd programs are ideal for educators looking to expand their professional horizons. Many are designed to help teachers qualify for leadership positions and roles outside of teaching.

Master of Education Curriculum

The coursework in MEd programs varies by institution and specialization, with some programs emphasizing general knowledge and others focusing on certain aspects of education, like special education or early childhood education.

Wilson College Online’s MEd program includes the following courses:

• Educational Perspectives—Diverse Society: This course examines the conceptual, theoretical, political, and philosophical dimensions of multicultural education, guiding educators as they learn to design inclusive teaching strategies and develop programs that embrace diverse identities.

• Differentiated Instruction: This course explores the concept of differentiated instruction by examining relevant research and current practices, equipping educators with the tools they need to address their students’ unique learning needs, strengths, styles, and preferences.

• Technology Integration—Classroom: This hands-on course helps educators develop practical strategies for integrating computer and multimedia technologies into their classroom to enhance the curriculum and improve communication.

Master of Education Requirements

To earn an MEd degree, educators first need to meet the program’s admission requirements, which typically include a base level of education and some teaching experience. Specific requirements for a Master of Education program may vary by institution but are likely to include a rigorous curriculum and coursework as well as a capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility requirements for an MEd program generally include completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution—though the degree doesn’t have to be in education—and possession of a current valid teaching certificate. Additional admission requirements can vary by program, sometimes entailing a minimum GPA as well as submission of standardized test scores and letters of recommendation.

Individuals seeking to enroll in Wilson College Online’s MEd program need to submit the following with their application:

• Resume

• Official college transcripts

• Copy of current valid teaching certificate

Because space is limited, admission to the MEd program is competitive, so educators are encouraged to apply early.

Graduation Requirements

The requirements for completing an MEd also vary from program to program. Students accepted into Wilson’s online Master of Education program need to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours to graduate. In addition to the program’s core courses, students must take a course that explores educational research methods, with a focus on action research, and prepare and present a master’s project based on their research findings.

Benefits of Earning an MEd

Ambitious educators have all kinds of reasons for pursuing a Master of Education. It can help them deepen their expertise, advance in their career, develop leadership skills, and even boost their earning potential.

MEd graduates who remain in the classroom generally command higher teacher salaries. According to 2020-21 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average base salary for public school teachers with a master’s degree was almost $15,000 higher than that of teachers with only a bachelor’s.

Beyond the financial perks, there are numerous other benefits to earning a Master of Education.

Gain New Knowledge and Skills

Master of Education students are typically experienced educators looking to broaden their expertise and expand their existing skill set. An MEd program helps educators develop skills in areas like curriculum design, educational research, and leadership, while also enhancing their existing pedagogical knowledge making them more effective educators.

MEd graduates can leverage their newly gained skills to pursue any of a wide range of roles, inside or outside the classroom.

Open Up New Career Opportunities

Many people pursue an MEd because they’re interested in shifting into a role outside the classroom, such as a leadership position or a more specialized role. Common career paths for MEd graduates include the following.

School Principal

Principals oversee the overall operations of a school, which involves day-to-day responsibilities such as managing teachers and support staff as well as broader duties such as developing curricula and managing budgets. Their other duties may include evaluating teachers’ performance; meeting with parents to discuss their children’s progress; and implementing district, state, and federal standards.

A principal’s job description varies by school and district based on factors such as the type and size of the school. In larger schools, for example, some responsibilities may fall to the assistant principal, another potential career option for MEd graduates.

School principals had a median annual salary of $103,460 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.

Superintendent

One level above principals, school superintendents oversee operations for an entire school district. They have many responsibilities, including managing the district’s spending, developing the district’s policies, directing the maintenance or renovation of school property, and representing the district to the public. Superintendents work closely with the school board to set goals and standards for their district, ensuring their students receive a quality education.

According to the compensation website Payscale, superintendents had a median annual salary of around $149,200 as of January 2025.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators, sometimes known as curriculum specialists, develop and implement school curriculum and teaching standards. Working alongside teachers and school administrators, instructional coordinators help design educational materials and make recommendations on teaching techniques and new technologies to optimize students’ performance. They may also provide and/or coordinate teacher training opportunities, such as conferences or workshops.

Instructional coordinators had a median annual salary of $74,620 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.

Become a More Impactful Educator

For teachers who meet the requirements for a Master of Education program, earning this degree can help them steer their career in an exciting new direction. The knowledge and skills they gain can position them for a role in school administration, curriculum design, research, or policy development.

If you’re looking to take your career in education to the next level, consider enrolling in the Master of Education program at Wilson College Online. Our fully online program can be completed in as few as 18 months. It’s designed to meet the needs of busy educators, with flexible, asynchronous course delivery that fits your schedule and enables you to put your learning into practice in your school and classroom while you earn your degree.

Discover how Wilson College Online can help you achieve your goals.

Recommended Readings

Private School vs. Public School: What Teachers Need to Know

Flexible Learning Environments: How Do They Benefit Students?

What Does a School Superintendent Do?

Sources:

Indeed, “How Much Does a School Superintendent Make? (Plus How to Become One)”

Indeed, “Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master of Education: What’s the Difference?”

National Center for Education Statistics, Characteristics of Public School Teachers

Payscale, Average School Superintendent Salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Pays, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators