Is Getting a Second Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Education | 6min Read
Online Master’s in Education MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
Program Overview Why get an online master's in education?
Implement positive change within your learning community with an online MEd degree from Southern New Hampshire University. You'll gain the insights and expertise needed to inspire learners and serve as a role model and support system for colleagues.
Designed to align with 21st-century learning, the online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction prepares educators in all settings to lead across diverse settings with cultural awareness while applying local, state and national standards. You'll also design learning experiences that are relevant, outcome-driven and culturally inclusive for all ages, education levels and learning environments.
Skills you'll learn:
- Complex curriculum & assessment design
- The principles of Universal Design for Learning
- Research-based instructional strategies
- Educational leadership skills
- Inclusive teaching techniques
Courses & Curriculum Online MEd courses that prepare you for your career
Earn your online master's in education in curriculum and instruction with the option to specialize your program with one of 6 concentration areas.
Throughout this program, you’ll focus on developing and implementing effective curriculum while strengthening your skills as an experienced, thoughtful educator and leader. You’ll use current research and data to inform curricular decisions, and by the end, you’ll have a ready-to-implement curriculum and a professional portfolio that showcases your knowledge.
Online education degree concentrations
In this program, you can choose to focus on a general track or add one of six career-focused concentrations.
Dyslexia & Language-Based Learning Disabilities
Learn methods to support students struggling with reading and writing with the Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities.
This innovative concentration within our Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is a joint partnership with Landmark Outreach, the professional development arm of Landmark School, located in Beverly, Massachusetts. Landmark School is a renowned leader in the field of serving, educating and empowering students who have language-based learning disabilities (LBLD).
The curriculum for this concentration was developed in partnership with Landmark School faculty members, using resources and media on the cutting edge of LBLD student support to help you better engage with students who have dyslexia or other LBLDs. If you already have a master's degree and are looking for more intensive study in this area, you might be interested in our Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia & Learning Based Disabilities.
In the online MEd program, you'll learn how to apply innovative, research-based approaches to heighten students' executive function, information-processing skills, oral and written expression, social-emotional confidence and self-advocacy skills. Courses will center on how students with LBLDs learn, self-regulate and benefit from tailored instruction.
The dyslexia studies and language-based learning disabilities concentration is a master's-only pathway program that does not lead to licensure or prepare you to become a Landmark specialist. The online curriculum and instruction master's program is ideal for K-12 educators who are leading in the area of curriculum and instruction.
Career outlook:
The LBLD-focused Master in Curriculum and Instruction online program, in partnership with Landmark School, is ideal for currently certified teachers and educators already leading in the area of curriculum and instruction. It can also be a great fit for administrators or parents looking to improve their understanding and support of teaching and nurturing children with LBLD.
Demand for instructional coordinators will continue to grow as schools focus on the effectiveness of educators and curriculum evaluation and improvement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 2% through 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.1
Courses may include:
- Executive Function and Study Skills
- Expressive Language-Skills and Writing
- Reading Interventions for Students with LBLD
Educational Leadership
Learn to lead in the classroom and beyond with your online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Leadership.
Graduates of this program will develop a deeper understanding of roles that are crucial to education leadership – including district and site administrators, classroom teachers and directors of peer groups.
Learn more about earning your online master's in educational leadership.
Courses may include:
- Education Law and Ethics
- Building Community Through Education
- Leading Educational Organizations
Online Teaching
With the growing need for hybrid and virtual learning environments and teaching skills, a degree in online teaching can help bridge the gaps.
Gain strategies, learn technologies and build confidence in your virtual classroom when you earn your Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching.
You'll focus on adapting your in-person teaching know-how to the online world. You'll also better understand how to support your students with different backgrounds and abilities whether you're in a physical classroom or not.
Learn more about earning your online teaching degree concentration.
Courses may include:
- Methods of Online Instruction
- Strategies in Online Instruction
- Technology in Online Education
Reading
Develop the skills you need to help children in grades K-12 overcome reading difficulties with the online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading.
Encouraging students to explore methods of reading, writing, listening and speaking development in the early elementary grades is essential to a successful classroom environment. When you have students with unique literacy needs, diverse teaching instruction can be critical to their success.
Designed to align with 21st-century learning, this online master's in curriculum and instruction program with a concentration in reading gives you in-depth knowledge of literacy issues and insight into specialized support and diagnostic procedures for students with reading issues.
This specialized online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program prepares educators in all settings to be leaders in their field, with a global awareness across cultures and geographies. You'll explore early literacy development from kindergarten to grade 4. From there, you'll examine strategies that promote literacy and writing skills for students in grades 4 to 8. Finally, you'll discover how to assess the progress of students with literacy difficulties.
Career outlook:
Demand for instructional coordinators will continue to grow as schools focus on the effectiveness of educators and curriculum evaluation and improvement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for instructional coordinators was $74,620 in 2023.1
Courses may include:
- Emerging and Early Literacy Development K-4
- Content Area Literacy Grades 4-8
- Assessing and Instructing Students with Literacy Difficulty
Special Education
Learn to support the needs of a diverse learner population with the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education.
You'll find ways to create an inclusive space for learning, and successfully navigate the challenges related to teaching children with mild to moderate disabilities.
Learn more about earning your online master's in special education online.
Courses may include:
- Language-Based Learning Environments
- Students with Exceptionalities
- Assessment of Student Performance
Technology
Boost your leadership and technology skills to benefit your school with the online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Technology.
The technology concentration coursework will teach you how to assess and incorporate technology into your lessons to improve student learning. Discover how to work within a school's current administration to maximize the use of technology in the classroom. You'll increase your marketability by learning the latest advancements in curriculum and instruction.
This specialized online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program prepares educators to succeed in a tech-enabled field. You'll explore what it means to be an education leader, and apply technology in both traditional and non-traditional learning settings. By the end of your program, you'll emerge with a deep understanding of how to adapt and grow in an evolving field. You'll also develop a global awareness across cultures, geographies and diverse sets of learner populations.
Career outlook:
The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Technology is perfect for educators looking to integrate digital technology into their curriculum. Whether you want to merge technology into a traditional classroom setting or optimize distance learning experiences, you'll discover curriculum theory, principles and frameworks that can help you serve learners. You'll learn about current trends, and get a glimpse into the future of learning — a future you can ultimately help shape and define.
This specialized concentration can also help you distinguish yourself in your field – and empower students along the way. Today's learners, particularly at the elementary and secondary education level, are better equipped than ever to aptly navigate technology – from mobile phones to tablets and beyond. This specialized degree can help you build the skills you need to reach those learners and optimize their classroom experiences.
Courses may include:
- Integrating Digital Technology I K-12
- Integrating Digital Technology II K-12
- Integration Specialist Toolbox
Master's in online education degree courses
This online master's in education program is designed for educators who are leading in the area of curriculum and instruction. Students will be exposed to an in-depth study of teaching, learning and curriculum design.
The program consists of 12 MEd in Curriculum and Instruction courses, including 9 core classes and either 3 major elective courses or one of our 3-course concentration options. The 36-credit-hour program lets you tailor the degree to your interests and professional needs.
Our 4 major courses in Curriculum Design explore the foundational design theories and principles in various learning environments. You'll then build upon that foundation by implementing Differentiated Instruction (DI) strategies to meet the needs of unique subsets of learners. From there, you'll explore assessment theories and, finally, dive into emerging theory and design. You'll also develop your own course curriculum and portfolio.
You'll then complete your online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a seminar and a capstone course – allowing you to synthesize your learning. This will not only document your growth but also showcase your work to future employers.
Courses may include:
The Educator as Leader
Course ID:
EDU 515
Discover the frameworks and approaches used in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program. Explore what it means to be an educational leader in today's rapidly changing, multi-cultural education environments and investigate the many traditional and non-traditional facets of contemporary educational leadership. Examine competencies, characteristics, and practices that relate directly to student achievement and are grounded in current professional standards.
Evidence-Based Research for Education
Course ID:
EDU 530
Learn about the various types and methods of educational research. Examine the value of education focused action research in a variety of learning environments. Develop foundational knowledge and skills to read, interpret, and use data to enable professional growth and improve student learning experience.
Leadership in Teaching and Learning
Course ID:
EDU 545
Explore educational leadership concepts by focusing on the characteristics and best practices needed to define and increase success in learning. Employ multiple measures to resolve learning challenges utilizing effective communication and collaboration in ways that empower oneself and others to enhance one's role as an educational leader. Learn about legal, ethical, and professional issues existing in today's educational environments that impact effective leadership.
Curriculum Design 1: Foundations in Curriculum Design
Course ID:
EDU 570
Explore the foundations of curriculum design theories and principles used in various learning environments. Apply Understanding by Design (UbD), Differentiated Instruction (DI), and the standards of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), for designing and developing a functional and effective curriculum that matches all students' learning needs.
Curriculum Design 2: Differentiated Instruction
Course ID:
EDU 615
Implement Differentiated Instruction (DI) strategies for all students, especially as they apply to unique students. Use multiple data points to design curriculum that can be differentiated and aligned to student, state, and national goals and standards by embedding technology, including assistive technology, in teaching and managing students. Examine DI strategies for English Language Learners, students with disabilities and learning differences, and high performing students as part of a heterogeneous learning environment.
Curriculum Design 3: Assessment for Student Learning
Course ID:
EDU 645
Explore assessment theories and practices as integral elements of curriculum and instructional design. Interpret assessment data from multiple sources and use that data to inform curricular choices. Investigate embedding technologies into curriculum to assess and interpret student learning effectiveness as part of the continuous feedback cycle.
Curriculum Design 4: Emerging Theory and Design
Course ID:
EDU 655
Investigate emerging theories of design and learning in today's increasingly complex technology-enhanced learning environments. Apply theory-based strategies for providing curriculum and instruction in traditional, alternative, virtual, and augmented learning settings.
Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction
Course ID:
EDU 683
Prepare for the Capstone by developing and focusing scholarship and artifacts for the portfolio, including a personalized educational philosophy statement. Drawing from the technology-focused, inclusion-centric themes explored throughout the program, draft an evidence-based curriculum proposal that addresses a self-identified achievement gap.
Capstone in Curriculum and Instruction
Course ID:
EDU 690
Integrate previous coursework and demonstrate the mastery of knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. Synthesize prior learning in order to develop a complete curriculum in an area of interest for utilization, along with the portfolio, in illustrating a cohesive educational philosophy and showcasing growth as an educational leader.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MEd in Curriculum & Instruction curriculum.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree program does not lead to licensure. While there may be opportunities for endorsement, state requirements vary greatly, and SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of those programs will result in rank, endorsements and/or salary increases and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board prior to enrolling.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: April 20, 2026 | July 6, 2026
Next term starts:
February 2, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Our mission is your success
Grow in your career as an educator alongside instructors with industry credentials and real-world experience.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Daniel Tanguay
Dr. Danny Tanguay joined Southern New Hampshire University in 2014, serving in a variety of roles before stepping into his current position. Before his time at SNHU, Tanguay was a mathematics teacher, headmaster and education director within various New Hampshire school districts.
Tanguay says this master's program gives you the "opportunity for personal growth and enrichment in the development of curriculum that focuses on meeting students where they are at in the learning process and then helping them create a personal pathway for success. In the end, as educators, we need to continue to grow, if we expect our students to grow."
Position
Academic Dean
Joined SNHU
2014
Education
- PhD in Educational Leadership from Capella University
- MBA & MS in Organizational Leadership from SNHU
- BS in Mathematics Education with a minor in Coaching from Plymouth State University
What other instructors have to say
Hear from more SNHU instructors about the master's in education degree.
"Change is a constant. Learning how to adapt and adjust, that’s been one of the skills that’s been most helpful in my career. It’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of who my students are over time and all the trends, standards and new research, and being able to continually improve."
Dr. Audrey Rogers, Associate Dean, Graduate Education Programs
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Additional Requirements:
- Resume including any relevant K-12 instructional or curriculum development experience, for at least six months
- Non-Licensure Acknowledgment form
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$23,724
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,977 $3,954 $5,931 $7,908If 3 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $21,747
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,770
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,793
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with an online master's in education?
Demand for instructional coordinators will continue to grow as schools focus on the effectiveness of educators and curriculum evaluation and improvement.1
By combining education principles and curriculum design with the latest advances in technology, this online MEd can help you become a more adaptable educator.
Occupations
With an MEd, you can build a strong foundation of education theory and gain hands-on experience to ensure you’re ready to apply this knowledge to any teaching environment. Some possible job settings are:
Elementary Schools
Instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for middle school.
Charter Schools
Create and deliver instructional lessons that meet both curriculum requirements and the mission of the charter school.
Middle & High Schools
Create engaging curriculum for active learning to support students for state testing and college prep.
Homeschools
Execute lesson planning, curriculum development and other tasks as needed to keep students focused on learning in a home setting.
Government
Evaluate the effectiveness of curriculums and teaching techniques established by school boards, states or federal regulations.
Child Care Centers
Provide a safe space for children while their parents work and offer activities that aid in both creative and intellectual development.
$74,620
The median annual wage nationally for instructional coordinators in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
$63,670
The median annual wage nationally for kindergarten and elementary school teachers in 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
This degree will open up opportunities to achieve my dreams. It also has helped to show that no matter what my physical limitations are, I have knowledge and skills that are incredibly valuable.
Angelina Kump ’24
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
What is the best master's degree to get in education?
The best master’s in education is the one that works best for you. Before choosing a program, it’s important to ensure it supports the licensure path you’re on — or fits your goals if you’re not seeking licensure. With the right degree, you’ll be well-positioned to advance your career and succeed in the ever-changing world of education.
A good master’s in education (MEd) degree will focus on using evidence-based research to inform curriculum and instruction and help you build educational leadership skills. Strong MEd programs also address the role of technology in the classroom and give you hands-on experience designing learning programs to address the diverse needs of students.
At SNHU, there are several concentrations available for the online MEd degree, so you can advance your training in a specific area of education.
"Design of the concentrations, in particular, emphasizes 21st-century learning frameworks that students can utilize as they look to advance their careers and develop transformative learning experiences that are relevant, outcome-driven, and culturally inclusive for all ages, education levels and learning environments," said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, an academic dean at Southern New Hampshire University.
- Our dyslexia studies and language-based learning disabilities concentration can prepare you to help students who struggle with reading and writing succeed in elementary, middle, high school and beyond. If you'd like to supplement your existing credentials with knowledge in this area, our Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia & Learning-Based Disabilities might also be a good choice.
- An educational leadership concentration will help you develop skills that you can apply in the classroom or in administration roles.
- An online teaching concentration can help you take your classroom skills virtual, teaching you strategies and technologies that can engage your students – even when you're not together.
- The reading concentration can prepare you for a career in reading instruction. You'll develop in-depth knowledge of literacy issues and gain insight into how to support students with reading challenges.
- With a special education concentration, you can explore traditional, innovative and research-based approaches to support the needs of children in inclusive classrooms.
- SNHU’s technology concentration focuses on assessing and integrating technology into classroom instruction – a high-demand skill in today’s digital world.
For those seeking a college leadership role, a master's in higher education administration prepares students for the challenges and complexities associated with a career as a post-high school educator or administrator.
Which is better, an MA in Education or MEd?
It depends on what you hope to do after earning your degree. Both types of online master’s in education can help advance a teaching career, but the programs do differ significantly.
Typically called a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), this master’s degree is primarily focused on advanced coursework in a particular subject and on teaching practices. If you want to work directly with students and gain specialized teaching experience, the MAT degree could be a good fit.
The MEd degree, on the other hand, is geared more toward teachers who want to not only further their career in the classroom, but also have an impact on the education system itself. While many MEd degree holders continue to work in the classroom, this degree can also help you become a leader in your school, district and even state education system.
Read more: What is an MEd?
What type of teacher gets paid the most?
Pay for teachers varies significantly and can depend on many factors, including your location, degree, grade level and school. For example, public school teachers typically earn more than private school teachers, and salaries can vary from state to state.1
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for public school kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $63,670 in 2023.1
The median annual wage for high school teachers in public schools was $65,220 in 2023.1 Post-secondary teachers, such as those teaching at community colleges, earned a median annual wage of $84,380 in 2023.1
Is a master's degree in education worth it?
Only you can decide if a master's degree in education is worth it for you. That said, those who earn their MEd can go on to potentially access new career opportunities, like principal, curriculum coordinator or even corporate trainer.
According to the BLS, those with an MEd may also boost their earning potential. Elementary, middle and high school principals earned a median annual wage of $103,460 in 2023.1 Meanwhile, instructional coordinators earned a median annual wage of $74,620, and training and development managers earned $125,040 the same year.1
Finally, an MEd offers the chance to shape the future of education. By helping train and support strong teachers and leaders, you can play a meaningful role in improving classrooms and communities for years to come.
Read more: Is a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Worth It?
How much do teachers make with a master's?
It depends. Many factors go into determining teacher salaries.
Not taking degree level into account, the median annual salary for elementary school teachers was $63,670 in 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 The median annual salary for high school teachers was $65,220 the same year.1 Pay increases for master's degree holders can vary significantly based on years of experience, location, grade level and subject, among other factors.
Using an MEd degree to advance into a leadership position, such as a school principal, could help you earn even more. According to the BLS, elementary, middle and high school principals earned a median wage of $103,460 in 2023.1
Can you get a master's in education completely online?
Yes, there are many master’s in education degrees you can earn completely online. These programs are often designed for licensed teachers who want to deepen their expertise in a specific area, increase their earning potential or explore new career opportunities in education. While licensure programs typically include a required student-teaching or experiential component, non-licensure programs commonly focus on specialized areas of education and draw on teachers’ existing classroom experience to support scenario-based learning in an online setting.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm#tab-1 (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-12/comparing-occupational-employment-and-wages.htm (viewed Oct. 22, 2025)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/OOH/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2Inside Higher Ed, Half of All College Students Take Online Courses, on the internet, at https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/10/13/new-us-data-show-jump-college-students-learning-online (viewed Feb. 15, 2023)
3National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Facts, on the internet, at https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80 (viewed Feb. 15, 2023)