Counting The Years: How Long Does It Take To Get A Master's Degree In Education

If you're looking to advance your career in education, obtaining a Master of Education (MEd) can be an excellent option. However, before embarking on this journey, you may be wondering, "How long does it take to get a master's degree in Education?" This is an important question to consider, as it will impact your schedule and financial planning. Fortunately, you've come to the right place! 

In this article, we will provide you with in-depth information about pursuing a master's degree in Education and the duration of the program. Whether you're a recent college graduate or a seasoned educator, we have got you covered. So, let's get started!

What Is a Master's Degree in Education?

A master's degree in Education is a graduate-level program that is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective educator. 

However, it is much more than just a compilation of courses and skills. A master's in Education is a valuable investment in your future as an educator and a commitment to making a real difference in the lives of your students.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's Degree in Education?

Typically, a master's degree in Education can take anywhere from one to three years to complete. It does largely depend on the number of credits required, which can range from 30 to 60. For example, if you take a full course load and do not take any terms off, you can complete 30 credits in a year. Still, the duration of the program relies on several different factors.

Factors That Can Affect Duration 

So, how come some programs can be completed in just one year while others take three? Let's closely look at some factors that can affect the duration of an MEd.

Prior education

If you have a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, you can complete your MEd in less time than someone who does not have a background in education. This is because you can transfer some previous coursework towards your degree or have already completed some prerequisites. 

However, if you come from a different field, you need to take additional courses to meet the requirements for the MEd program, which could increase the duration of your studies. 

Experience

Having experience in the education field for some time means you have gained valuable knowledge and skills that help you complete your coursework more efficiently. Moreover, if you have experience in teaching or a related field, you can earn credits through a prior learning assessment, which could further reduce the time needed to complete your degree.

Workload

Another significant factor that can influence the duration of your MEd program is how you manage your workload and allocate time for completing assignments and coursework.

If you have a full-time job or other commitments that take up much of your time, you'll likely take fewer courses each semester to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments. On the other hand, if you have more free time, you can take more courses each semester and complete your degree more quickly.

Institution and program requirements

Each institution and program has its own set of requirements that students must fulfill to graduate. Some programs require more courses, fieldwork, practicum hours, or other requirements that can extend the length of your program. 

It's important to thoroughly research the institution's requirements and the program you are interested in before enrolling to ensure you can commit the necessary time and resources to complete your degree. 

Program format

Some programs offer a traditional, in-person classroom format, while others are entirely online. 

In-person programs require students to attend classes during specific times and days each week, which can limit flexibility and extend the length of the program. Meanwhile, online programs can offer more flexibility regarding when and where students can complete their coursework, allowing students to take more courses each semester and potentially complete their degrees more quickly.

Additionally, some programs offer accelerated options that allow students to complete their degree in less time, often by taking more courses each semester or attending classes during the summer months.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Education?

What career opportunities await you after completing your degree? Well, the possibilities are vast and exciting! Let's go through some of them together. 

School principal

Principals oversee the daily operations of schools, including coordinating curricula, supervising staff, and ensuring a safe learning environment. They earn an average annual salary of $168,935 , depending on the school and district size.

ESL teacher

ESL teachers assist students who are not native English speakers in learning how to read, speak, and comprehend the language. Their responsibilities include developing lesson plans and course materials that students can understand easily. The median yearly salary for ESL teachers is around $52,125 .

Special education teacher

Special educators offer customized learning opportunities to students to support their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development. They adapt curricula and create teaching materials that align with each student's abilities. The average yearly salary for special education teachers is $74,815 .

Educational consultant

Educational consultants collaborate with students, schools, and parents to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes by implementing new methods and policies to improve financial aid and admissions processes or providing guidance to students regarding their academic and professional aspirations. Their median yearly salary is $66,275 .

Librarian

A librarian helps people find information and resources in a library. They manage collections, create educational programs, supervise staff, and maintain databases. Their job is to assist library members in learning, researching, and exploring. The median yearly salary for librarians is $61,887 .

Instructional designer

Instructional design involves the creation of learning activities, assessments, and assignments, as well as computer-based training modules and storyboards. The development of tools such as instructor's manuals and rubrics is also part of this process, often in collaboration with subject matter experts. Those working in this field earn around $75,977 annually.

Career counselor

Career counseling and advising professionals utilize aptitude and achievement assessments to assist students or clients in assessing their interests, skill sets, and abilities. They also evaluate their education, background, and training to help them establish reasonable goals. The average annual wage for advisors and counselors in the education and career sectors is $58,919 .

Corporate trainer

Corporate trainers, also known as Technical Trainers, enhance efficiency by educating workers on new abilities and information. They employ various methods such as workshops, talks, and teamwork activities to keep employees up-to-date on company objectives and protocols. Their average annual salary is $60,359 .

Tutor

Tutors assist students by reviewing and explaining class concepts, processes, and problem-solving. The focus and content of tutoring sessions are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student and are designed to support classroom learning. The median yearly earnings for tutors is $40,105 . 

Is a Master's in Education Worth It?

Is it worth it to pursue a master's in Education? It's a valid question that many teachers and educators ask themselves at some point in their careers. 

A master's in Education can provide advanced knowledge and skills in your field, making you a more effective and knowledgeable teacher. You'll gain a deeper understanding of educational theory and research and be able to apply that knowledge in the classroom.

But the benefits don't stop there. A master's degree can also lead to higher salaries and greater job opportunities. Based on this alone, pursuing a MEd is a wise investment. However, the final decision is entirely up to you!

Bottom Line

Whether you want to become a teacher, advance your career, or improve your teaching skills, earning a master's degree in Education helps you achieve your goals. Keep in mind that while the time commitment can be challenging, the benefits of earning this degree are well worth it. 

So, if you're ready to take the next step, start exploring your options! Check our Master of Education program and see how you can make a difference in the lives of students and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a master's degree 1 or 2 years?

On average, it takes about two years to complete a master's degree program, approximately half the time it takes to obtain a bachelor's degree.

How hard is a master's degree?

Pursuing a master's degree can be more demanding than undergraduate studies as it entails a heavier workload and a deeper dive into a specific subject. However, the rewards of gaining extensive knowledge in your field are worth the effort.

What factors can influence how long it takes to earn a master's in Education degree?

Several factors influence the time it takes to earn a master's in Education degree. These factors include prior education, experience, the workload, institution and program requirements, and the program format.