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Teach: Make a Difference
Teach: Make a Difference
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      • MAT vs. ME
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  • Online Education
  • Education Degrees
  • MAT vs. ME
  • Education Degrees
    • Online Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs
    • EdD vs. PhD
    • Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Programs
    • Online Master of Science in Teaching
    • Online Master of Education (ME) Programs
    • MAT vs. ME
  • Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Online Master’s in School Counseling
  • Online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
  • Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Online Masters in Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
  • Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)
  • Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

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Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master in Education

Becoming a teacher in most states does not require a Master's in Education or Master of Arts in Teaching, but many aspiring teachers still opt to pursue an advanced teaching degree. Pursuing a Master’s is a great way to potentially earn more money as a teacher, as well as establish yourself as a highly qualified expert. Besides a Master's of Arts in Teaching and a Master's of Education, you may also want to consider a Master's of Science in Teaching (sponsored).

There are many teachers who pursue their Master’s to further enhance their knowledge of teaching itself. These aspiring educators pursue either a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or a Master's in Education (M.Ed). When thinking of a Master’s in Teaching, many people use the terms Master of Arts in Teaching and Master's in Education interchangeably, assuming the difference is subtle or nonexistent. The difference, however, is actually much larger than you might think, and knowing the difference between a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master's in Education can steer you in the direction that’s right for you.

  • Master's in Teaching
  • Master's in Education
  • Other Teaching Degrees

CONTINUE YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT BEYOND A TERTIARY LEVEL

Bok Teaching Certificate: Higher Education Pedagogy

This 8-week course will help you engage deeply with the most relevant research on effective and engaging teaching methods in the higher education context, entirely online. Ensure the continued development of your career as an educator with an online short course.


Master of Arts in Teaching at USC Rossier

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT) is for aspiring teachers who want to gain the skills and knowledge they need to become great educators.


ME in School Counseling at USC Rossier

The Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling degree is for students who are aspiring to become school counselors in K-12 settings and seek to explore the challenges affecting students and schools in the 21st century.

Master of Science in Teaching at Fordham University

The online Master of Science in Teaching program prepares aspiring teachers (grades 1-6) for initial teaching certification or dual certification in teaching and special education.

M.Ed. with School Counseling Specialization at Vanderbilt Peabody

Vanderbilt University's Peabody College offers an online Master of Education in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling for students interested in becoming school counselors and making a meaningful difference in K–12 settings.

Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership at University of Dayton

The University of Dayton School of Education and Health Sciences offers a top-ranked online MSE in Educational Leadership that prepares students to serve effectively at all levels of leadership from pre-K to grade 12.

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Master’s in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) focuses primarily on the advancement of your teaching career. This is the degree most often pursued by people who want hands-on teaching experience and are seeking to work directly with students. The MAT focuses heavily on advanced coursework in a specific subject to hone your expertise. Coursework for the MAT also focuses on pedagogical theory and implementation. Essentially, the MAT will teach you how to be a teacher: methodology, stylistic approach, etc. Oftentimes, the Master of Arts in Teaching consists of hands-on experience that places you in a classroom as a student teacher  to practice what you are learning.

Read more about our partner the Master of Arts in Teaching program at USC Rossier School of Education here.

Master's in Education

A Master's in Education (M.Ed) is an advanced degree geared more towards moving beyond the classroom and into the education system itself. Certified teachers and aspiring teachers can pursue an M.Ed and still remain in the classroom, but the Master's in Education allows for a broader range within the educational sphere. The M.Ed. is divided into three majors, or focuses, around different aspects of education:

Curriculum and Instruction

This major focuses on teaching and learning, and is ideal for people who want to begin their teaching career or advance their career with excellent preparation in educational theory. An M.Ed of Curriculum and Instruction focuses primarily on teaching, public service, and scholarship. You will also gain a better understanding of curriculum development, teacher leadership, and human development.

Counselor Education

This major is right for you if you are seeking to become a guidance counselor or a school’s mental health professional.  Mental health, however, is an entirely different field in and of itself, so if you’re interested in becoming a mental health counselor, you should find out about your specific state’s requirements.

Educational Administration

This major will prepare you to become a principal or a higher level school administrator. Coursework in this major is built around educational law, building and community issues, and faculty leadership.

Other Teaching Degrees

Also great for enriching and advancing your teacher career are the Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Science in Education, both of which are less known than the MAT or M.Ed. A Master of Arts in Education allows for more flexibility in focusing more heavily on in-classroom teaching than administrative work. The Master of Science in Education is more appropriate for people interested in educational research.

Whether or not you want to impact the education system by working at a high-level administrative level with a Master's in Education, or on a more fundamental level in the classroom with a Master of Arts in Teaching, any program can greatly benefit your teaching career. Pursuing an advanced degree makes you more appealing to your employer, and can even entitle you to greater benefits. You will also have a far-reaching impact on society by ensuring you are fully prepared and qualified to teach, allowing you to inspire and influence your students in ways that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Learn more about the importance of Masters Degree Program Accreditation.

University of Southern California
Affect Change in Today’s Schools with USC Rossier's Online ME in School Counseling

  • Top-Ranked School of EducationTop-Ranked School of Education
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University of Southern California
Affect Change in Today’s Schools with USC Rossier's Online ME in School Counseling

  • Top-Ranked School of EducationTop-Ranked School of Education
  • Complete in 20 MonthsComplete in 20 Months
  • Prepare to Pursue Your CredentialPrepare to Pursue Your Credential
  • No GRE RequiredNo GRE Required

Learn More

Sponsored

Learn More

Sponsored Program

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