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Comparing Education Master's Degrees
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Which Education Master's Degree Is Right for You?
If you’re ready to expand your impact as a teacher or become qualified for additional roles in the education world, it’s likely you’ve thought about a master’s degree program. But with all the options out there, which one is right for you?
WGU offers three education master’s degree programs:
- Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
- Educational Leadership – M.S.
- Education Technology & Instructional Design – M.Ed.
This guide reviews these degree programs, their coursework, and their job outcomes so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Education
Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
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.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum and Instruction Design
- Educational Research
- Assessment
Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.
Education
Educational Leadership – M.S.
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 Law
- 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.
Education
Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.
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
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- 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.
Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Who Should Apply for this Program?
If you already have a bachelor's degree in education and are interested in enhancing your career by building strong learning opportunities for students, then a master's degree in curriculum and instruction is one to consider.
You’ll play an integral part in impacting the future for students and teachers alike with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. This program provides you a direct path to become a leader in education, impacting individual students in classrooms, and shaping the future of your community.
What Will I Learn in the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction Program?
You’ll cover topics including:
- Curriculum Theory
- Learning Theories
- Educational Psychology
- Curriculum Design
- Curriculum Evaluation
- Assessment for Student Learning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Instructional Theory
- Research Foundations
- Research Design and Analysis
- Research Questions and Literature
What Careers Can I Pursue with an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction?
With a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, you’ll be prepared for the following career paths:
"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
Master of Science in Educational Leadership
Who Should Apply for This Program?
If you’re an experienced, licensed teacher who’s ready to take the next step in your career and move into an administrative or leadership role, a master’s degree in educational leadership can help you do just that.
This program will give you the skills you need to manage educational institutions, including overseeing teachers, developing and implementing curriculum standards, and improving how your staff helps students achieve their academic goals. You'll also be positioned to manage budgets, ensure proper security, and better interact with parents, the public, and district administrators.
What Will I Learn in the M.S. in Educational Leadership Program?
You’ll cover topics such as:
- Leadership Foundations and Ethics
- School Law
- Leadership of Curriculum Design and Instruction
- People and Talent in Educational Leadership
- School Financial Leadership
- Practicum in Educational Leadership–Focus on Professional Practices
- Practicum in Educational Leadership–Focus on Instruction and Operations
- Educational Leadership Capstone
- Systems Management and School Operations
- Leading Inclusive Schools
- Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices
- Cultural Competency and Social-Emotional Learning
What Careers Can I Pursue with an M.S. in Educational Leadership?
As a graduate of this degree program, you’ll be ready to explore the following career paths:
Master of Education, Education Technology & Instructional Design
Who Should Apply for This Program?
This master’s degree in educational technology and instructional design does not require students to be a licensed teacher or even to have any background in education. Thus, this program is well suited for two groups: educators and administrators working in academic environments, and trainers working in a corporate environment. The program is split into two tracks providing actionable knowledge either for traditional educators looking to improve learning experiences, or individuals in corporate environments looking to enhance their organization’s design and delivery of workforce development and training. Applicants to this program should hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. An undergraduate degree in teaching is not required.
This degree program will teach you how to design engaging learning experiences with a focus on the modern online learning environment. It includes an in-depth focus on assessment and learning analytics, learning technology, and e-learning course design for either K–12 students or adults, depending on the track you select.
What Will I Learn in the M.Ed., Education Technology & Instructional Design Program?
Some areas of study in this master’s degree include:
- Learning Experience Design Foundations
- Assessment and Learning Analytics
- Learning Technology
- Learning Experience Design Lab
- Identifying Learner Needs and a Research Problem
- Developing an E-Learning Solution and Research Methodology
- Implementing and Evaluating E-Learning Solutions
- Designing and Facilitating E-Learning Experiences for K–12 Students or Adult Learners
What Careers Can I Pursue with an M.Ed., Education Technology & Instructional Design?
A master’s degree in educational technology and instructional design prepares you for numerous jobs in education and other sectors. Popular roles include:
What Are the Differences between These Programs?
The biggest differenc between these programs is the enrollment requirements and career outcomes. For example, to be considered for the M.S. in Educational Leadership, you must be a current, licensed teacher. If you’re looking for an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, you should also have work experience in education. However, this isn’t the case for the M.Ed., Education Technology & Instructional Design, which requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, but not a teaching license.
On top of the eligibility differences, each degree will prepare you for vastly different education careers. Here is a quick recap of how the programs differ in who they cater to:
- The M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction is best for those with educational experience who want to move into curriculum design roles and change what and how students learn.
- The M.S. in Educational Leadership is best for licensed teachers who want to move out of the classroom and into administrative roles.
- The M.Ed., Education Technology & Instructional Design is best for K–12 teachers, higher education instructors, or corporate trainers who are set on solving problems related to learner experience, particularly in online learning environments.
Explore all of WGU’s online, accredited education programs and get started today!
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1: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
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2: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
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3: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
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COST & TIME
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By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
