Masters in Teaching Vs Masters in Education is similar to teaching vs. education. While teaching is often confined to the classroom, education is a much wider term which goes beyond the classroom. Both Masters in Teaching and Masters in Education sound very similar but they focus on different aspects of academics. You can also check master degree for some depth knowledge.

Both Masters in Teaching and Masters in Education provide great opportunities for career growth and job security. It is important for us to understand the relevance of these degrees as per your career goal. Choose the one that best matches your career path.

Masters in Teaching Vs Masters in Education: Key Traits

• Masters in Teaching is a graduate program for prospective teachers which focuses on practical skills and subjective knowledge. It is mostly preferred by working teachers to gain knowledge in their subjects and enhance their teaching careers. It is a two years program. master of arts in teaching programs online provides master’s of teaching online with certification
• Masters in Education focuses on the practice of education. It is for aspirants who want to expand their careers beyond the classroom. It emphasizes more on teaching theories and strategies and not on practical skills and subject knowledge. It is good for those looking for jobs as a school principal, education administrator, and curriculum designing Master of arts in education.
• Admission requirements: Masters in Teaching and Masters in Education, both have similar requirements for admission. First and foremost, one should have a bachelor’s degree. At the time of Selection, GPA scores, as well as scores on teaching certification exams (State required), are reviewed. If one does not hold a teaching certificate, he / she should attain a provisional certificate. In most Masters in Teaching and Masters in Education programs, field experience is compulsorily required.

Difference between Masters in Teaching and Masters in Education

• Educational Pathways: Masters in Teaching is the best fit for those who intend to build a career in Classroom Teaching. It could be pursued by both, those who are already employed as Teachers and those who plan to take up teaching roles in the future. Those who are already employed can take up flexible programs which have classes after their school hours. Whereas those who plan to take up a teaching role in the future and supplement the program with content specific courses. Masters in Education is the best fit for those who intend to build a career in roles like educational administration, principal, school counseling, etc. Someone pursuing this degree could be a teacher or could be working in related fields.

• Curriculum:  The basic difference between Masters in Teaching and Masters in Education courses is clearly their purpose. Masters in Teaching, apart from classes in the subject area also includes classes like Classroom Management, Theories, Pedagogy, Methods and classroom usage of these methods. Masters in Education includes educational theories and Policies apart from an area of specialization. The areas of specialization could be like educational leadership, curriculum and design, school counseling, school administration, and curriculum and instruction.

• Instructional Differences: Masters in Teaching vs Masters in Education have instructional differences also. While masters in teaching is used for instruction and changing subject areas whereas masters in education is used for developing instructional tools and instructing teachers.

• Types of Jobs and Salaries: Masters in Education offers a wider range of job opportunities compared to Masters in Teaching. Masters in Teaching focuses on teaching career only, and Masters in Education has a broader reach and provide many career options in education-related fields and with better-paying jobs.

Masters In Teaching Degree vs. Masters In Education Degree: Concentration Areas

When we talk of masters in teaching vs masters in education, a major difference comes in the specializations that you can take up throughout your curriculum. Let’s see how.

Specializations in Masters in Teaching

Typically, a Masters in Teaching degree will have various specializations focusing on the specific subject of teaching. Here are some of the concentration areas where a Masters in Teaching degree might feature:

• Early Childhood Education – There are several Masters in Teaching programs that focus specifically on childhood education and early childhood learning. These programs are designed for teachers who want to work for students between the ages of 0 to 4. There are several programs including dedicated certifications for kindergarten and first grade.
• Primary/Elementary Education – The Masters in Teaching degrees that focus on elementary education equips the teachers with the required skills and techniques to work in K-6 classrooms. There is foundational coursework in areas like teaching methodology, learning techniques, and child psychology with additional electives on analyzing and understanding the entire curriculum.
• Secondary Education – The Masters in Teaching programs with their concentration on secondary education deal with teaching and managing the students from class 7-12. The coursework is very similar to other specializations, but as the children grow, their complexities increase as well. So, there is a huge focus on mental health and cultural diversity in public places such as schools. These learnings are focused on ushering in a change of thought towards betterment.
• Special Education – These specializations enable the teachers to interact with and teach the specially-abled students. The teaching technique changes here greatly, with more discussions on the methodology determined for specific groups of students. The learning also involves lessons on the different types of disabilities and interacting with those with the condition.

Specializations in Masters in Education

If we consider masters in teaching vs masters in education, the specializations in Masters in Education are very niche and target-oriented. The Masters in Education degree program allows the students to get a deeper understanding of different topics in the field of education. Some of the common specializations are:

• Curriculum and Instruction – This primarily focuses on teaching and learning, and is the best choice for those who want to get started with their teaching career. This also offers a strong theoretical approach to education. An M.Ed. graduate is proficient in public service, teaching, and managing scholarships. The students also learn about leadership as a teacher, human development, and curriculum designing.
• Counselor Education – With the increasing technology, career prospects, and mental health, both are getting complex. For that reason, every school needs a good guidance counselor and mental health counselor. This specialization is ideal for getting started as a career counselor. For a mental health counselor license, you should read about your state’s specific requirements.
• Educational Administration – This major is ideal for those who are looking for better career growth and are aiming for the principal’s rank or higher. The course is dedicated to faculty leadership, educational law, community issues, building issues, etc. You can also consider getting a Doctorate in Education for better career opportunities.

In masters in teaching vs masters in education, both have equal weightage and the choice solely depends on your preference and career choice.

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