What Is a Master's in Education?

Whether you're interested in strengthening your classroom practice or considering a move into a school leadership role, earning a master's in education can be an important step in the process. A Master of Education (MEd) is a graduate degree that can help you develop your expertise in curriculum development, pedagogy, and school administration.

This advanced degree can position you for several career paths in education, including school administration, curriculum design, and policy making. By expanding your skills and knowledge, you may be able to take advantage of new opportunities in specialised roles that give you greater influence over the education system and your professional growth.

If this aligns with your goals, explore what it takes to earn an MEd and what you can do with one. 

Master of Education: Key facts

An MEd is an advanced degree designed to help teachers strengthen their knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom skill set. It can also position educators to move into leadership roles, becoming school principals, policymakers, or higher education administrators, among other opportunities.

How long does a master’s in education take? 

MEd programmes typically take two years (four semesters) to complete. Depending on the school you attend, you may need to participate in an internship in a classroom. This gives you practical experience applying what you learned in your classes and exploring the range of approaches teachers take to manage their classrooms and present lessons.

What do you learn in an MEd programme?

In a Master of Education programme, you will gain advanced knowledge of pedagogy, classroom management, child development, and curriculum development, among other topics. Many programmes encourage you to focus on an area of education, such as: 

• Early childhood education

• Educational technology

• Leadership

• Higher education

• Counselling

Depending on the area you choose to specialise in, you can expect to take courses that relate to your focus as well as more foundational courses.

Sample MEd courses include:

• Research in education

• Social foundations of education

• Learning and classroom assessment

• Psychology of learning

• Inclusion of students with disabilities

• Policy and advocacy in education

Teaching certification

The minimum qualification for teachers in India is a bachelor's degree, but some schools prefer to hire teachers with a master's degree like an MEd. You may need to apply for certification, if the jurisdiction where you will work requires it. 

MA in education vs. MEd

A Master of Arts (MA) in education is another graduate degree available to teachers. This is typically a two-year programme and includes courses related to education theory, policy, curriculum, and the education system in India. Some programmes require you to choose a concentration in an area like mathematics education, language education, or early childhood education. If your career plans include a role as a teacher, curriculum planner, or assessment coordinator, an MA in education may be the better option for you.

The curriculum for an MA in education tends to focus more on education theory to help teachers refine their craft, while an MEd programme is usually more research-based and practical. You may find the degree more useful if you want to pursue a role as a school administrator or trainer.

As you research potential programmes, make sure to review the required courses you’ll be expected to take so you can ensure that you'll achieve the outcomes you want. It may also be worthwhile to reach out to an advisor to gather more information so you can select the best degree type for your goals. 

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

At the master’s level, you also have the option of earning your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, which focuses on similar subjects as the MEd, including classroom management, assessment, and pedagogy. 

An MAT can be useful for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in a different subject but who are now interested in teaching. The MAT degree can also be a good option for teachers who are already certified and are now interested in advancing their education. MAT degrees typically take one to two years to complete.

Applying to a master’s in education programme

You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 50 per cent aggregate marks to apply to a Master of Education programme. Beyond that, specific entry requirements vary between schools. Some programmes will require a qualifying examination, while others have dropped this component. To apply to a programme, you need to complete an official application, submit required documentation, and pay fees.

How much does a master's in education cost?

The cost to earn a master's in education varies, as programme fees range from around ₹30,000 per year to as much as ₹60,000 per year [1, 2]. The actual price you will pay depends on several factors, including the school you choose, the funding they provide, and whether you attend an on-campus or online programme. 

5 jobs you can pursue with an MEd

Whether you’ve recently graduated with your bachelor’s degree or you’re currently teaching, a Master of Education can be worthwhile. With it, you can advance your teaching career, explore administrative and leadership opportunities, or consider non-school-based roles in education. Let's go over five roles you can get with an MEd.

*All salary data reflects average total pay in the United States according to Glassdoor (May 2025).

1. Curriculum designer

Curriculum designers develop and improve what students learn by thinking deeply about how they learn. Your work may include creating learning objectives, designing instructional materials, and developing assessments. 

Salary: ₹7,33,000 [3]

2. School principal

School principals work directly with students and staff, managing the day-to-day operations of an elementary, middle, or high school. They oversee the school’s budget, set performance goals for students and staff, and represent the school at outside functions.

Salary: ₹31,00,000 [4]

3. School counsellor 

School guidance counsellors assist K-12 students with enrolling in classes that meet their education goals and assist with creating career goals. They may also monitor changes in behaviour that suggest a student may need additional support. 

Salary: ₹26,688 [5]

4. School administrator 

School administrators serve in various roles, such as headmaster, vice principal, and education board professionals. Your responsibilities in these positions may include leading teachers, managing budgets, and establishing performance goals for schools.

Salary: ₹25,000 [6]

5. Education manager

Education managers work with multiple schools across a region, helping the staff to implement policies. In this role, you may help develop curriculum, assist with policy implementation, and oversee the work of school staff.

Salary: ₹98,000 [7]

Get started

A master's in education can help you deepen your teaching expertise and lead to opportunities in leadership roles in administration, curriculum design, and educational policy making. You can find a number of education courses from leading universities on Coursera, including Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development from the University of Illinois, Critical Issues in Urban Education from The University of Chicago, or Learning to Teach Online from the University of New South Wales.

You can also continue your education with a Professional Certificate, such as Arizona State University’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to teach English to speakers of other languages. Start for free with a 7-day trial.

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