M.A. Teaching vs M.A. in Education

Sometimes people refer to an MAT degree and an M.A. in Education interchangeably. Both of these degrees help further the careers and skills of people interested in pursuing a career in education. Still, these two master's degrees vary significantly in content and in the kinds of educators who are most likely to benefit from them. Take a moment to compare MAT vs MAEd programs to understand the difference and figure out which one will help you achieve your specific goals.

Key Takeaways: MAT vs. MAEd

How a master's degree in teaching compares with a master's degree in education:

• The MAT degree focuses on the practice of teaching and can provide the pathway to initial teacher licensure.
• The MAEd degree serves licensed teachers who are ready to move into specialized or leadership roles.
• Exact program structures vary by institution.

What Is a Master of Arts in Teaching?

Who Is an MAT Designed For?

Generally, people who already have a bachelor’s degree but want to qualify as classroom teachers will have an interest in an MAT. On the other hand, people who already teach but want to expand their qualifications to other subjects or grade levels also tend to enroll to build the skills they need.

Best for: Aspiring K–12 teachers, career changers entering education, and current teachers seeking advanced classroom skills or initial teacher licensure.

Coursework, Clinical Experience, and Teacher Preparation

Graduate students may also select certain areas of concentration, such as special education, elementary education, or subject areas for higher grades. Generally, these programs blend coursework with actual classroom experience, including clinical and practicum experiences, to provide broad depth of knowledge and practical readiness. Completion of the program may also fulfill certification requirements for state licensing boards. University of the Cumberlands' MAT offers concentrations across grade levels and subject areas.

What Is a Master of Arts in Education?

How an MAEd Builds on Education Experience

In contrast to an MAT, universities develop programs for a master's degree in education to serve licensed teachers who already have classroom experience and are ready to move into specialized or leadership roles. In education, M.A. stands for Master of Arts. Some schools call a similar degree a Master of Education (M.Ed.). This degree may not satisfy all initial licensing requirements because it has been tailored more for individuals who already hold teaching licenses.

Leadership and Specialized Areas of Study

For instance, teachers may have an interest in working in administration as a principal, focusing on becoming a school counselor, or leading curriculum development at the district level. An education master's degree can open these sorts of doors. However, candidates can choose certain concentrations for additional certification, such as Literacy Specialist, Teacher as Leader, and School Counseling; all areas identified by the Every Student Succeeds Act as priorities for educator development. University of the Cumberlands' MAEd also includes options in principal preparation and special education.

Best for: Licensed teachers seeking school administration roles, instructional coordinators, school counselors, and educators pursuing leadership positions outside the classroom.

The Biggest Differences Between an MAT and an MAEd

While educators can benefit in many ways by continuing their own educations, it's important for them to find the right course of study for their interests and career goals. Because both a master's degree in education and an MAT degree focus on various facets of education, current or prospective educators often consider one of these two programs. While they both serve current or aspiring teachers, they do have different aims, and choosing the wrong one can mean misaligned coursework, delayed licensure, or a degree that doesn’t open the doors you’re expecting.

Classroom Preparation vs. Leadership and Specialization

An MAT builds classroom teaching skills, while an MAEd builds educational leadership skills.

Initial Licensure vs. Advanced Credentials

An MAT may lead toward initial teacher licensure, while an MAEd builds on an existing license.

Clinical Experience and Curriculum Focus

MAT programs center on student teaching; MAEd practicums tie to a specialization.

Which Graduate Education Degree Is Right for You?

The simplest way to choose is to ask yourself one question: do you want to be in the classroom, or do you want to lead beyond it?

Consider an MAT if You Want to Enter or Focus on Classroom Teaching

If your goal is to become a great K–12 teacher or to deepen your skills in the classroom you’re already in, the MAT is likely the right fit. It’s built around the craft of teaching: pedagogy, classroom management, student teaching, and subject-area mastery. It also provides the pathway to initial teacher licensure if you don’t yet hold one.

Consider an MAEd if You Want to Expand Into Leadership or Specialized Education Roles

If you're already a licensed teacher and find yourself drawn toward administration, counseling, curriculum leadership, or a specialized role outside the day-to-day classroom, the MAEd is designed for you. It assumes you know how to teach and focuses instead on how to lead, support, and shape the broader educational system around you.

Check Your State's Certification Requirements Before Choosing

Licensure and reciprocity requirements vary by state. While University of the Cumberlands' programs were developed to meet licensing or certification requirements in Kentucky, they may also satisfy requirements in other states, depending on each state's rules. The MAT also includes Kentucky's Option 6 alternative certification pathway.

Why Educators Pursue a Master's Degree

Do you really need a master's degree to teach? Well, most states and school districts will not require new teachers to already hold a master's degree. However, many encourage this level of education through salary schedules and advancement opportunities for educators who have completed post-graduate programs. And while some places don't require a master's degree for new teachers, they may ask teachers to complete one once they begin their careers.

Current and prospective teachers decide to earn a master's degree for a variety of reasons. Here are three:

1. Build Advanced Teaching, Curriculum, or Leadership Skills

Most educators view their jobs as much more than a way to earn a salary. They view it as a vocation that positively impacts people and strengthens communities. An online MAT or online MAEd can give educators the knowledge, confidence, and experience they need to grow in their careers and better serve their students and fellow educators. Master's degree students may enroll in a program to move into administration, specialize in a specific type of teaching, or deepen their subject-area expertise. Some school districts even offer tuition reimbursement for approved courses — check with your local school district to see if you are eligible. The U.S. Department of Education also offers TEACH Grants of up to $4,000 per year for eligible graduate students committed to teaching in high-need fields.

2. How Graduate Education May Affect Salary

According to the National Education Association's 2024–25 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, pay for graduate education varies substantially by district. Of course, teaching salaries vary across different parts of the country, so some educators may earn more or less than the average.

3. Prepare for Roles With Different Education Requirements

At the same time, a master's degree can open the door to higher-paying educational careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary, middle, and high school principals typically need a master's degree, teaching experience, and often a state license. Principals earn a median annual salary of $104,070 as of May 2024.

Can You Complete an MAT or MAEd Online?

Some students may pursue one of these master's degrees right after completing their bachelor's degree. However, many prospective students already have jobs, either in schools or in another field. To serve these students, top universities have developed online and flexible degree programs that help busy professionals fit graduate study into their schedules without stepping away from their careers. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 56% of graduate students took at least one distance education course in fall 2021. Field-experience requirements may still apply.

Choose the Graduate Education Path That Matches Your Goals

When in doubt, think about where you want to be in five years: behind a desk full of students, or helping shape the school or district those students learn in..

Advance Your Education Career at University of the Cumberlands

If you're looking for a convenient, flexible, and effective online MAT or MAEd program, consider University of the Cumberlands. Top professors bring hands-on experience in their fields and a genuine commitment to developing future educators. The university offers competitive tuition rates, supportive instructors, and flexible online programs designed to meet the needs of today's busy students.

The right choice depends on your credentials and goals. Explore the online Master of Arts in Teaching or the online Master of Arts in Education at University of the Cumberlands, or request more information to find the program that fits your goals.