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 an MAEd versus an MAT to understand the difference and figure out which one will help you achieve your specific goals.

MAT vs. M.Ed.: What's the Difference?

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, they tend to heavily encourage this level of education by offering raises and promotions to educators who have successfully completed post-graduate programs. And while some places don't require a master's degree for new teachers, they will ask teachers to complete one once they begin their careers.

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 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. Let's explore the difference.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

As the name implies, the MAT degree focuses on the practice of teaching. 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.

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 student teaching — to provide broad depth of knowledge and practical readiness. Completion of the program may also fulfill certification requirements for state licensing boards, and in many cases satisfies reciprocity agreements across multiple states.

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

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

In contrast to an MAT, universities develop programs for a master's in education to serve licensed teachers who already have classroom experience and are ready to move into specialized or leadership roles. 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.

This degree may not satisfy all initial licensing requirements because it has been tailored more for individuals who already hold teaching licenses. 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.

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

Which 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?

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 almost certainly 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.

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.

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.

Why Consider a Master's in Teaching or Education?

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

1. Higher Salaries

Statistics consistently show that teachers with a master's degree earn more than those without one. According to the National Education Association's 2024–25 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, teachers with a master's degree earn approximately $5,285 more per year — a premium that compounds to nearly $158,000 more over a 30-year career compared to those with only a bachelor's degree.

Of course, teaching salaries vary across different parts of the country, so some educators may earn more or less than the average. 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 and secondary school principals earn a median annual salary of $103,460 — nearly double the median classroom teacher salary.

2. Skill Development

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 will 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.

3. Convenience

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 online enrollment in graduate education programs has grown steadily year over year, reflecting how mainstream and well-regarded online master's degrees have become.

How to Earn a Master's in Teaching or Education Online

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. While these programs were developed to meet licensing or certification requirements in Kentucky, they may also satisfy requirements in other states through reciprocity agreements.

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.