DEGREES & PROGRAMS
Master of Science in Education Degree Programs
Amanda, M.S. Curriculum & Instruction student
WGU M.S. in Education Programs
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: $4,125 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: $4,125 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: $4,125 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.
What Is a Master of Science in Education?
An M.S. in Education is a graduate degree that helps current and future educators, or those interested in training and instruction, gain the skills and qualifications necessary to advance in their careers. A master's degree can help teachers move beyond the classroom into administrative roles, whether that’s a step up into a leadership position like principal, vice principal, or administrator, or a job in curriculum development and design. It also can help those who want to move into an instructional field get the qualifications they need to become a curriculum designer, instructional trainer, and more.
The advanced education master's degree programs at WGU include rigorous coursework and curriculum that prepare you to better help students learn while setting yourself up to progress in your career. WGU graduate programs in education can be completed online on your schedule, making it possible for you to continue teaching or working while you progress toward a master’s degree. We also value the skills you already possess—our unique competency-based education model lets you progress through courses more quickly using your existing knowledge. Teacher education is key for allowing educators to progress in their careers and their lives.
How Long Does an M.S. in Education Program Take?
24 Months*
On average, most students take about 24 months to complete a Master of Science in Education program. However, with competency-based coursework, you can use your experience and time to accelerate your lessons and graduate faster.
*WGU Internal Data
How Much Does an M.S. in Education Cost?
$4,125
At WGU, the Master of Science programs are $4,125 per six-month term. Students can take as many courses as they are able during that term and not pay more. This allows them to save time, and money.
How Do You Abbreviate Master of Science in Education
M.S.Ed.
Aknowledged abbreviations include M.S. in Education, an M.S.Ed, Msc(Ed), or an M.S.E. Sometimes you’ll even see it as simply MS in Education.
Who should get a Master of Science in Education Degree?
Some master's degrees in education will require that you have a bachelor’s degree in education and are a licensed teacher. Others will just require a bachelor’s degree, or a degree and some teaching experience. It’s important to understand the requirements before you apply. A desire to move into academic administration and leadership will require a teaching license, while curriculum design will require some instructional experience. The learning experience design and educational technology at WGU simply requires you hold a bachelor's degree.
Many of our Master of Education students are current teachers looking to improve their qualifications, pay, and career outlook. If you’re ready to change the trajectory of your career to be an educational leader or impact the curriculum for students, an M.S. in education could be a critical first step.
Other M.S. in Education students are business professionals looking to develop their instructional and training focus and progress their career in that way. Whatever your background and future aspirations, there is a Master of Education program that can fit your needs.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation for its programs from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077.
Every education program offered through the WGU Teachers College has been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through 2025.
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.
Learn About a Career in Education
Why Choose WGU For Your Education Master's Degree?
WGU is a great place to pursue your M.S. degree for many reasons:
- Low, flat-rate tuition means that you're charged the same amount per six-month term, regardless of how many classes you take.
- Competency-based curriculum means you can use your knowledge to your advantage, passing assessments to accelerate your program and graduate faster. Graduating faster also saves you money.
- We offer scholarships and financial aid to help with our already affordable tuition, making college education accessible for even more students.
- Respected and accredited programs ensure that your M.S. degree is meaningful for you as an educator. Accreditation adds validity and value to your degree.
What's the Difference Between an M.Ed and an M.S.?
There are a few differences between a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degree and an M.S. in Education degree. While both are Master of Education degrees, they prepare you to advance your career in different ways.
For example, an M.Ed, or Master of Arts in Education can work for those who are current teachers, looking to expand their knowledge and qualifications.
An M.S. in Education degree, on the other hand, qualifies current teachers and those with experience in academics to work in leadership positions including principal, vice principal, and superintendent, or in roles focused on curriculum development. It is also a great fit for those in the corporate world who are interested in setting themselves up for success in new ways. With a focus on learning styles, technology, and instruction, a Master of Arts in Education program can uniquely qualify you for specific roles in training and instruction.
What Can You Do With a Master of Science in Education?
There are many career options for those with an education graduate degree, including:
- Vice principal
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Curriculum designer
- Instructional coordinator
- Education consultant
- Learning experience designer
- Educational technologist
A degree in educational leadership will allow you to work in administrative roles anywhere, from elementary schools to high schools. On the other hand, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction will focus more on careers where you set the standards. If you want to improve literacy, build coursework, create certification programs, and other educational systems, this graduate program could be a good fit for you. And a degree in learning experience design and educational technology can help you advance in the corporate world with specialization in training and instruction.
What Are The Benefits of a Master of Science in Education Program?
A Master of Science in Education program can help you progress in your career within education. With this particular master’s degree, you could enjoy a number of benefits including:
- The ability to make a career change. If you’re looking to move out of teaching and into a leadership role, earning a Master of Science in Education is a great stepping stone. With your M.S.Ed, you could be prepared to look for jobs as a principal, administrator, or curriculum developer.
- Increased earning potential. The jobs you qualify for with an M.Ed often have a much higher pay grade. Working as a principal, developing curriculum, or being a district administrator requires not only in-depth knowledge of teaching techniques and student development, but also a broader skill set that includes an understanding of managerial practices and additional policies.
- Improved job security. The more qualified you are, the more valuable you become. A Master of Science in Education will bolster your résumé and provide evidence of your qualifications. An advanced degree could help you stand out and be considered for administrative roles for which educators without a master’s degree will not be considered.
- An expanded professional network. Pursuing an M.S. degree in education allows you to grow your network. Connect with like-minded educators to gain additional perspectives, helpful career advice, and pathways to career progression beyond your current school and district.
- Added respect. Earning a master’s degree in education can earn you a stamp of approval from your peers and higher-ups. A master’s degree is symbolic of your dedication to education and student success and it will help you distinguish yourself within your circle and beyond.
