M.Ed stands for Masters of Education degree, which is the most common type of graduate-level teaching degree. M.Ed degrees are typically designed to increase the skillets of current and future teachers, so that they can create engaging curricula, clearly communicate academic principles, and inspire their students. Types of degrees that are similar to M.Ed degrees include:
Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.): The M.R.E. degree is the highest level of academic degree that prepares students to teach professional ministry.
Master of Arts in Special Education (M.SpEd): The M.SpEd degree is to prepare teachers for the challenging task of teaching students with cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.
Master of Arts in Higher Education (M.A.H.E): The M.A.H.E. degree is for people who want to become professional administrators in colleges and universities in roles such as dean, provost, and president.
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.): The B.Ed. is the undergraduate level degree for students who will go on to continue their academic career in education.
Doctor of Education (D.Ed): D.Ed. degrees are the terminal level of academic degree and are meant for educational professionals who are looking to take their career to the next step through research and inquiry into a specific field of education.
What is a Masters in Education?
A Masters in Education (M.Ed) degree prepares students for various professional roles that will help to enrich educational experiences for students and teachers. M.Ed degrees typically require students to complete 30 credit hours of teaching courses, as well as a student-teacher residency experience.
There are a variety of specializations that are available for M.Ed students, including administration, instruction, and counseling. Students typically focus on their specialization with their final 15 credit hours, spending their first 15 credit hours on core courses for M.Ed degree seekers. Core courses often include:
Methods of Research: Classes that are designed to give students statistical proficiencies that allow them to evaluate and create educational studies that test the efficacy of curricula, educational technology, and standardized tests.
Educational Psychology: Classes that teach the psychological dynamics that influence pedagogical theories, and prepares students to motivate and inspire their students through positive reinforcement.
Instruction and Assessment: Gives teachers a foundation of pedagogical theories, allowing them to understand different methods and their efficacies and shortcomings.
Educational Technology: Classes about the current technology that is utilized in classrooms and for online instruction, allowing teachers to utilize their capabilities when they can be beneficial to their students.
Education and Public Policy: Classes that discuss current educational policy, what kind of reforms have been historically effective, and what we can potentially do in the future to create an optimal education system.
If you think these types of classes sound like they will engage you and prepare you for your desired professional role, you should check out some of the top M.Ed degree programs to see if any of them might be a good match for you. If any of the programs pique your interest, be sure to follow the links to their school website and request more information about what their program has to offer you.
