postgraduate degree in education

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

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A groundbreaking approach to teacher education — for people seeking to learn to teach, for experienced teachers building their leadership, and for all educators seeking to enhance their practice and create transformative learning opportunities.

Teachers change lives — and at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, you can be part of the change. The Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) Program at HGSE will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, support, and professional network you need to design and lead transformative learning experiences, advance equity and social justice, and generate the best outcomes for students in U.S. schools.

The program’s innovative approach is intentionally designed to serve both individuals seeking to learn to teach and experienced teachers who are deepening their craft as teachers or developing their leadership to advance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and districts. 

And through the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching , HGSE offers significant financial support to qualified candidates to reduce the burden of loan debt for teachers.

Applicants will choose between two strands:

• Do you want to become a licensed teacher? The Teaching Licensure strand lets novice and early-career teachers pursue Massachusetts initial licensure in secondary education, which is transferrable to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Licensure candidates have two possible pathways — you can select a preference for either the residency fieldwork model or the internship fieldwork model . The residency model is for people ready to make an immediate impact as a teacher; the internship model offers a more gradual path.
• Do you want to focus on the art of teaching, without licensure? The Teaching and Leading strand will enable you to enhance your own teaching practice or to lead others in transforming learning in classrooms, schools, and other settings. Candidates can pursue a curriculum tailored toward an exploration of teaching practice or toward teacher leadership.

Note: Ideal candidates will come with the intention to work in U.S. schools.

“At the heart of TTL is helping teachers reach all students. Whether you are preparing for the classroom yourself or are an experienced teacher preparing to improve teaching and learning on a wider scale, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead others in learning.” Heather Hill  Faculty Co-Chair

After completing the Teaching and Teacher Leadership Program, you will be able to:

• Leverage your knowledge and skills to lead others in joyful, equitable, rigorous, and transformative learning.
• Analyze instruction for the purpose of improving it.
• Foster productive inquiry and discussion.
• Identify, understand, and counteract systemic inequities within educational institutions.

The Harvard Fellowship for Teaching

HGSE is committed to investing in the future of the teaching profession — and minimizing the student debt that teachers carry. We offer a signature fellowship — the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching — to qualified candidates. The fellowship package covers 80 percent of tuition and provides for a $10,000 living stipend.

This prestigious fellowship is prioritized for admitted students pursuing the Teaching Licensure Residency model. Additional fellowships may be awarded to qualified candidates admitted to the Teaching Licensure Internship model and the Teaching and Leading strand. Fellowship decisions are determined during the admissions process. Fellowship recipients must be enrolled as full-time students.       HGSE offers a range of other  financial aid and fellowship opportunities to provide greater access and affordability to our students.

Curriculum Information

The TTL Program is designed to help you gain the knowledge and practice the skills essential to leading others in learning — and will create pathways to success that will allow you to thrive as an expert practitioner and mentor in your community. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the curriculum are:

• Commence your Foundations studies with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 10–15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available.

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to TTL.

• The TTL Program Core Experience (4 credits), is a full year course where all students come together to observe, analyze, and practice high-quality teaching.
• Teaching methods courses (10 credits) in the chosen content area, which begin in June. 
• A Summer Field-Based Experience (4 credits), held on site in Cambridge in July, allows you to begin to hone your teaching practice. 
• Two courses focused on inclusivity and diversity in the classroom (6 credits). 
• Field experiences , where students in the Teacher Licensure strand will intern or teach directly in Boston-area schools.
• Individuals interested in enhancing their own teaching practice can engage in coursework focused on new pedagogies, how to best serve diverse student populations, and special topics related to classrooms and teaching.  
• Experienced teachers may wish to enroll in HGSE’s Teacher Leadership Methods course, designed to provide cohort-based experience with skills and techniques used to drive adult learning and improve teaching.
• Candidates can take elective coursework based on interests or career goals, which includes the opportunity to specialize in an HGSE Concentration .

Advancing Research on Effective Teacher Preparation 

As a student in the TTL Program, you will have the opportunity to contribute to HGSE’s research on what makes effective teacher preparation. This research seeks to build an evidence base that contributes to the field’s understanding of effective approaches to teacher training, including how to support high-quality instruction, successful models of coaching and mentorship, and effective approaches to addressing the range of challenges facing our students.

TTL students will be able to participate in research studies as part of their courses, and some will also serve as research assistants, gaining knowledge of what works, as well as a doctoral-type experience at a major research university.

Explore our  course catalog . (All information and courses are subject to change.)

Note: The TTL Program trains educators to work in U.S. classrooms. Required coursework focuses on U.S. examples and contexts.

Teaching Licensure Strand

Students who want to earn certification to teach at the middle school and high school levels in U.S. schools should select the Teaching Licensure strand. TTL provides coursework and fieldwork that can lead to licensure in grades 5–8 in English, general science, history, and mathematics, as well as grades 8–12 in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics. In the Teaching Licensure strand, you will apply to one of two fieldwork models:

• The residency model – our innovative classroom immersion model, with significant funding available, in which students assume teaching responsibilities in the September following acceptance to the program. 
• The internship model – which ramps up teaching responsibility more gradually.

In both models, you will be supported by Harvard faculty and school-based mentors — as well as by peers in the TTL Program, with additional opportunities for network-building with HGSE alumni. Both models require applicants to have an existing familiarity with U.S. schools to be successful.  Learn more about the differences between the residency and internship models.

Summer Experience for Teaching Licensure Candidates

All students in the Teaching Licensure strand will participate in the Summer Experience supporting the Cambridge-Harvard Summer Academy (CHSA), which takes place in Cambridge in July 2023. Through your work at CHSA, you will help middle and high school students in the Cambridge Public Schools with credit recovery, academic enrichment, and preparation for high school. Students in the Teaching Licensure strand will teach students directly as part of the teaching team. This is an opportunity for you to immediately immerse yourself in a school environment and begin to practice the skills necessary to advance your career.

Teaching and Leading Strand

The Teaching and Leading strand is designed for applicants who want to enhance their knowledge of the craft of teaching or assume roles as teacher leaders. Candidates for the Teaching and Leading strand will share a common interest in exploring and advancing the practice of effective teaching, with the goal of understanding how to improve learning experiences for all students. The program will be valuable for three types of applicant:

• Individuals interested in teaching, but who do not require formal licensure to teach. This includes applicants who might seek employment in independent schools or in informal educational sectors such as arts education, after-school programs, tutoring, and youth organizations. 
• Experienced teachers who wish to deepen their practice by learning new pedagogies and developing new capacities to help students thrive.
• Experienced teachers who seek leadership roles — from organizing school-based initiatives to more formal roles like coaching and professional development.

As a candidate in the Teaching and Leading strand, your own interests will guide your journey. If you are seeking a teacher leader role, TTL faculty will guide you to courses that focus on growing your skills as a reflective leader, preparing you to facilitate adult learning, helping you understand how to disrupt inequity, and teaching you how to engage in best practices around coaching, mentoring, and data analysis. If you are seeking to learn about the craft of teaching, our faculty will similarly direct you to recommended courses and opportunities that will meet your goals.

Students in this strand can also take on internships within the TTL Program (e.g., program supervisor, early career coach) or the HGSE community, and at surrounding schools or organizations. And you can customize your learning experience by pursuing one of HGSE's six Concentrations .

Note: Applicants in the Teaching and Leading strand should expect a focus on leadership within U.S. schools.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Heather C. Hill

Heather Hill studies policies and programs to improve teaching quality. Research interests include teacher professional development and instructional coaching.

Victor Pereira, Jr.

Victor Pereira's focus is on teacher preparation, developing new teachers, and improving science teaching and learning in middle and high school classrooms. 

Rosette Cirillo

Sarah Edith Fiarman

Noah Heller

Eric Soto-Shed

Career Pathways

The TTL Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including:

Teaching Licensure Strand:

• Licensed middle or high school teacher in English, science, math, and history

Teaching and Leading Strand: 

• Classroom teachers
• Curriculum designers 
• Department heads and grade-level team leaders 
• District-based instructional leadership team members 
• Instructional and curriculum leadership team members 
• Out-of-school educators; teachers in youth organizations or after-school programs
• Professional developers and content specialists 
• School improvement facilitators 
• School-based instructional coaches and mentor teachers
• Teachers of English as a second language
• International educators seeking to understand and advance a career in U.S. education

Cohort & Community

The TTL Program prioritizes the development of ongoing teacher communities that provide continued support, learning, and collaboration. Our cohort-based approach is designed to encourage and allow aspiring teachers and leaders to build relationships with one another, as well as with instructors and mentors — ultimately building a strong, dynamic network. 

As a TTL student, you will build a community around a shared commitment to teaching and teacher development. You will learn from and with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, levels of expertise, and instructional settings. To further connections with the field, you are invited to attend “meet the researcher” chats, engage in learning through affinity groups, and interact with teaching-focused colleagues across the larger university, by taking courses and participating in activities both at HGSE and at other Harvard schools. 

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Teaching and Teacher Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Donors Invest in Teachers, Reaching Key Milestone

The $10 million Challenge Match for Teachers, now complete, will expand scholarships for students in Teaching and Teacher Leadership

HGSE Honors Master's Students with Intellectual Contribution Award

Degrees and Programs

Residential Master's in Education

Immersive campus experience for aspiring and established educators, leaders, and innovators, with five distinct programs to choose from.

Online Master's in Education

Part-time, career-embedded program, delivered online, for experienced educators looking to advance their leadership in higher education or pre-K–12.

Doctor of Education Leadership

Preparing transformative leaders to have the capacity to guide complex organizations, navigate political environments, and create systemic change in the field of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Training cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines, generate knowledge, and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

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Master's programs are full-time, intensive programs that integrate educational theory and practice. The small cohort sizes provide an intimate setting for academic inquiry and foster individual contact with faculty and fellow students.

Education Data Science (EDS)

Sep 15, 2023

Sep 23, 2024

The EDS program combines modern data science analyses and computational methods with a deep understanding of learning, schools, and education policy. With rigorous academics and real-world experience, the program prepares the first generation of education data science leaders.

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Individually Designed MA (for current Stanford doctoral students)

The Individually Designed MA in Education is intended for doctoral students at Stanford who would like to earn a master's in education while studying for their PhD outside of the GSE. Students develop their individual program of study in consultation with a GSE advisor and must finish in three years. 

Learn about the Individually Designed MA

International Comparative Education / International Education Policy Analysis (ICE/IEPA)

ICE/IEPA addresses educational practice in a rapidly changing global context, in both less-developed and industrialized countries. Students examine such problems as the political economy of underdevelopment and educational planning in comparative perspective. The major research project requirement provides students the opportunity to develop excellent research skills.

Learn about ICE/IEPA

Learning Design and Technology (LDT)

Sep 15, 2023

LDT integrates powerful contemporary ideas about learning with emergent technologies to design and evaluate learning environments, products, and programs. LDT graduates bring their skills to bear in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, research institutions, and educational technology companies.

Learn about LDT

Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies (POLS)

POLS emphasizes the knowledge, theory, and skills necessary for effective leadership in a variety of education-focused organizations. Students design their own programs of study focused on pre-K-12 education, non-profit leadership, policy analysis, higher education, or a combination of these broad areas.

Learn about POLS

Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP)

June 24, 2024

MA + teaching credential

STEP offers both an elementary and secondary route. Both programs lead to teacher certification in the state of California, and both require intensive, supervised practice at school sites as well as academic course work that focuses on cutting-edge, school-based research.

Learn about STEP

Curriculum and Teacher Education (CTE)

CTE is an individualized, research-intensive program intended for students with prior professional experience in education. 

Learn about CTE

Joint MA programs

Joint ma/jd in law and education.

The joint MA/JD degree combines study for the JD degree in law with an individualized program in education.

Learn more about the joint MA/JD

Joint MA/MBA in education and business administration

The joint MA/MBA allows students to pursue an MA in education at the GSE and an MBA at the Graduate School of Business. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MBA

Joint MA in public policy and education

The MA/MPP joint degree allows students in the POLS program to simultaneously pursue a master's in public policy from the School of Humanities and Sciences. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MPP

"Many of the classes I've taken have helped me connect the dots on various educational issues and understand how institutions and education leaders have a role to play in improving the educational opportunities of all students, especially those from underserved populations."

Master’s graduates were employed (full time or part time)

STEP graduates hired as teachers

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DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Master's in education degrees designed to help you make a difference, master of science in education programs.

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a...

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.

• Time:  60% of grads earned this degree within 23 months.
• Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is for licensed teachers who are ready to take the next step in their education career.

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

• School Financial Leadership
• People & Talent
• School Operations and Management
• Leadership Ethics

Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree. 

States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and...

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and are looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.

• Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
• Differentiated Instruction
• Curriculum and Instruction Design
• Educational Research

Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

No teaching license required.

• Time: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975 per 6-month term
• Courses:  12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

• The K-12 pathway
• The Adult Learner pathway
• Learning Experience Design
• Assessment and Learning Analytics
• Learning Technology
• Research Methodology

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

M.A. in Education Program | For Licensed Teachers

Mathematics Education (K–6) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.

• Time: 61% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
• Tuition: $3,975   per 6-month term.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to add K-6 math education to their license.

• Number Sense and Functions
• Geometry and Statistics
• Research Design

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.

English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal...

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal includes a focus on teaching in ELL or ESL settings.

• Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 17 months.
• Courses: 11 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to add ELL or ESL to their license.

• Assessment Theory and Practice
• Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
• Instruction Planning and Implementation
• Theories of Second Language Acquisition

Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching science to middle school students.

Available in all states that offer a middle-grades general science endorsement.

• Time: 63% of students earned this degree within 18 months.
• Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

This program is for currently licensed teacher who want to add middle-grades science to their license.

• Earth science
• Space science

Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle school students. Available in states that offer a middle-grades math teaching endorsement.

• Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 16 months.
• Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.

This program is designed for current teachers who are looking to add middle grade math to their license.

• College algebra
• Finite mathematics
• Trigonometry and pre-calculus
• Mathematics learning and teaching
• College geometry
• Probability and statistics 

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.

• Time:  64% of students earn this degree within 18 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975 per 6-month term.
• General Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle and high school students.

• Time: 64% of students earn this degree within 18 months.
• Courses: 18 total courses in this program.

This program is designd for current teachers who are looking to add secondary math to their license.

• Probability and statistics
• Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
• Mathematics history and technology
• Mathematical modeling and applications

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.

• Time:  60% of students earn this degree within 14 months.
• Courses : 12 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary earth science to their license.

• Physical Geology
• Earth Systems
• Ocean Systems

Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.

• Time:  62% of students earn this degree within 17 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975   per 6-month term.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary biology to their license.

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Heredity and Genetics

Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.

• Time:  62% of students earn this degree within 15 months.
• Courses : 13 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who wish to add secondary physics to their licensure.

• Waves and optics
• Electricity and magnetism
• Space, time and motion

Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.

M.A. in Teaching | Leading to Teacher Licensure

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

• Time:  64% of students finish within 24 months.
• Courses : 24 total courses in this program (25 for Washington residents)
• Lesson Planning
• Behavioral Support Strategies
• Educational Psychology & Development
• Classroom Management

This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

• Time: 61% of students finish this middle school math teaching degree within 24 months.
• Courses: 20 total courses in this program (21 for Washington residents).
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Educational Psychology
• Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teaching
• Mathematics History
• Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners

This M.A. Teaching program in middle grades math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) program in that it does not require courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. The curriculum of this online math degree is designed to prepare middle school math teachers for success.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.

• Time: 64% of students finish this high school math teaching degree within 25 months.
• Courses: 21 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
• Algebra for Secondary Teaching
• Geometry for Secondary Teaching
• Statistics and Probability for Secondary Teaching

This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This program differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

• Time: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
• Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
• English Pedagogy
• Reading Instruction and Interventions
• Disciplinary Literacy

This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

• Time: 62% of students finish this secondary science teaching degree within 24 months.
• Courses: 18 total courses in this program (19 for Washington residents)
• Science Technology
• Science Methods

This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.

Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.

• Time:  64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
• Courses: 26 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.

• Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
• Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Methods of Instruction and Intervention

Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.

Online Endorsement Program

English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement Prep

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school...

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings.

Become highly qualified in ELL or ESL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

• Time: 62% of students finish within 13 months.
• Courses: 8 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to earn an ELL/ESL endorsement.

Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.

WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.

Learn about Master of Science in Education Degrees

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Education degree program can be a great option for current teachers hoping to move into leadership roles, or for those hoping to move into curriculum roles.

Learn about Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees

If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, a Master of Arts in Teaching can help you get the education licensure you need for classroom credentials. Learn more about these types of programs.

Learn about Adding to Your Teaching License

If you're a current teacher looking to add to your license, a master's degree can help you get additional specialties and move into other teaching areas. Learn more about how these programs could work for your career goals.

EDUCATION MASTER'S DEGREES

Online master of education degrees for current or aspiring teachers.

An educator is also a lifelong learner. A master's degree, such as a master of science, or endorsement from an accredited university can help you build a career in K–12 education where you can make a huge difference in students' lives. It can also help you move into instructional or training careers outside the classroom.

For current teachers, academic advancement with a graduate degree, such as a master of science program, can help you specialize your career and may qualify you for a salary increase or lane change. At WGU, there are several academic options to choose from.

For professionals in a non-teaching career who have a bachelor's degree but want to move into a teaching career, an Master's of Arts in Teaching could be the path you're looking for.

We offer master's degrees for currently licensed teacher s looking to add to their license and Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degrees for those looking to advance their corporate or academic career.

Future Teachers Can Earn a Teaching License Through an Online Master's in Education

A career change to become a teacher can be a professionally and personally fulfilling move to make. But it can also seem like a daunting change—especially if you already have a bachelor's degree in your field and don't want to start from scratch.

You don't have to start over. You can begin your path to educational leadership in the classroom now.

An M.A. in Teaching degree, different from the Master of Science in Education degree program, can be your path. Designed for aspiring teachers who have a bachelor's degree but no teaching license, these programs are a faster path to your teaching certificate.

No bachelor's degree yet? Check out our academic programs for undergrad teacher-preparation.

Teacher Certification

Online. nonprofit. affordable.™, accredited, respected, recognized™.

The WGU Teachers College is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.

The teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and that the program has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to continue to do so.

WGU is a top conferrer of STEM degrees that is partnered with Beyond100K. WGU joins nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and foundations to combat challenges and prepare more teachers for STEM teaching positions nationwide.

Earn a Graduate Degree on a Teacher's Salary

As a nonprofit organization, WGU provides a convenient, cost-effective path to your master’s degree in education or endorsement. Tuition for degree programs in the School of Education is about $3,975 per six-month term— about half what you’d pay at other universities .*

Low tuition is just the start! Tuition is charged at a flat rate each 6-month term, regardless of how many courses you complete during that term. The standard term is based upon a full course load—at least 8 competency units (credit equivalents) for post-baccalaureate and master’s students. Individual progress may vary. Because you can accelerate through material you already know well or learn quickly—finishing more courses in a term without paying extra—you could end up saving even more.

*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 48% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2022 . WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.

COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION

Competency:  Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.

At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.

AT YOUR OWN PACE

At WGU, you are in charge of setting the pace. Spend time on areas where you need more understanding and accelerate in subjects where you already have knowledge.

Master Your Future

A master’s degree in business can give your career a boost. Plus, 97% of employers said they would hire another WGU grad.* If you apply now, you can take advantage of the Master Your Future scholarship. This scholarship awards recipients $2,500 ($625 per six-month term for up to four terms). With tuition under $4,500, this makes your dream career even more affordable.

* 2023 Harris Poll

For Current Teachers, a Master’s Degree Can Take You to the Next Level

Already a teacher? Imagine reaching the next level of your profession. Through one of WGU's online master’s teaching degree programs, you can put yourself in an excellent position to enhance your professional prestige, educational leadership, and earning potential. You’ll develop specialized skills and knowledge in a high-demand field and become a curricular and academic leader in your school.

You’ve worked to mold the futures of your students for years. Isn’t it time you thought about your own future?

Earning your master’s degree in education from the Teachers College at Western Governors University helps you secure a better future online, on your schedule, and on your budget. You’ll start seeing the benefits immediately.

A master’s degree often means an increased salary, job security, and retirement benefits. You’ll also notice an immediate improvement in your teaching skills. You’ll be able to reach your students in new ways and maximize the academic impact of every lesson. Your specialized knowledge and skills will not only benefit you, but also benefit your students and the school districts in which you teach.

What Teachers Are Saying About WGU

See why teachers are finding WGU to be a good choice to advance their education careers.

"Coming back to get my master's degree after obtaining my bachelor's degree from WGU was the absolute best thing I could have done. I never dreamed before obtaining my bachelor's that I would get a master's degree, but WGU was such an amazing experience I was excited to continue."

—Tammie Montgomery M.S. Curriculum and Instruction

"What I got during my education at WGU was so current and I could actually transfer it right away into what I was teaching. It wasn’t like I had to wait until my education was over so I could start applying it.”

—Elizabeth Pendas M.A. Mathematics Education

See Wendy's story

"I've always been self-motivated, so working at my own pace to earn my master's degree was a perfect fit."

—Wendy Former journalist, who felt a call to become a teacher

Frequently Asked Questions about the Master's in Education Degrees

What's the difference between an master's in education (m.ed.) and a master of arts in teaching (mat).

When choosing an education master's program it's important to determine your career goals. If you want to become a licensed teacher, or if you're a current teacher and you want to expand your license, a Master of Arts in Teaching will be the right master's program for you. If you want to work in curriculum, leadership, administration, or other elements of education, a Master's of Arts in Education or a Master of Education will be the best master's program for you.

Should you earn your Master's in Education online?

For many students an online master's in education program is the ideal fit for their needs. An online program often allows you to continue working at your full-time job, giving you crucial flexibility, while also helping you earn an accredited and respected degree.

What specializations are offered with a master's in education degree?

Online master's degrees in education offer a wide variety of specialties. Some include:

• MAT programs for elementary education
• MAT programs for secondary education
• MAT programs for specific subjects like math, English, or science
• MEd programs in curriculum or instruction
• MS programs in educational leadership

What can you do with a master's degree in education?

You can utilize a master's degree in education for many career paths, including:

• Elementary school teacher
• Special education teacher
• Middle school or high school teacher
• Vice principal
• Superintendent
• Curriculum developer
• Learning experience designer
• Instructional coordinator
• Learning technology expert

Is a master's in education worth it?

An online master's in education program can allow you to change or further your career—in the education field degree programs are often required for you to be eligible for certain jobs, so having that credential on your résumé is vital.

What is the best master's degree to get in education?

The best master's in education program for you will depend on your career goals. If you want to get a license to teach, MAT programs will be ideal. If you want to work in education leadership, a master's degree with that specialization will be the best fit. If you want to work on curriculum and training, there are MEd programs and MSEd programs that can help you get where you need to go. 

What are the different master's degrees in education?

Generally there are three master's in education degree programs to choose from:

• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Arts in Education
• Master of Science in Education
• Master of Education

There are pros and cons for each type of degree programs—the main focus should be on which program will help you reach your specific career goals.

How long does it take to earn a master's in education?

Most traditional master's in education programs will take 2 years to complete. Online master's in education programs often give you the option to accelerate—for example WGU students often finish their master's in education programs in approximately 18 months.

What comes after a master's degree in education?

If you want to continue your schooling after completing a master's program, a doctoral program is usually the next step. This can allow you to move higher on the education career ladder, teach post-secondary courses, and more.

What is a master's degree in education?

Master of Education degree programs, often called M.Ed programs, are graduate level programs typically focused on preparing students for education careers that do not focus on teaching. These programs can prepare you for roles in administration, instructional technology, or curriculum planning and design, and more.

Is a master's in education a good degree?

For those involved in academics, including teachers that want to advance their careers, completing a master’s in education can be just the thing you need. In most districts a master’s degree in education can lead to higher salaries, and opportunities to move into administrative or leadership roles in your school or district. 

Is M.A. in Education equivalent to M.Ed.?

A Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Education degree are often terms used interchangeably. Sometimes there may be distinctions between these two types of programs, but often they are similar or the same.

What is the purpose of a master's in education?

The Master's of Education is an advanced degree for people who already have teaching experience. An M.Ed. allows the student to enhance their knowledge of education with respect to such areas as curriculum development, counselor education, or educational administration.

How many years is a master's degree in education?

The duration of master’s degrees varies depending on the institution that offers the degree program. In most cases a master’s degree in education requires approximately two years to complete, however, at WGU, competency based learning program allows you to use your current knowledge to move more quickly through your degree program.

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