Master of Education (MEd)
The Master of Education (MEd) is a graduate-level degree in the US designed for educators seeking advanced knowledge and leadership roles in education.
Careers open to education graduates
Institutions awarding this level in education (1,263)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Western Governors University · Salt Lake City
- Grand Canyon University · Phoenix
- American College of Education · Indianapolis
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- University of the Cumberlands · Williamsburg
- National University · San Diego
- Lamar University · Beaumont
- Ball State University · Muncie
- Walden University · Minneapolis
- Relay Graduate School of Education · New York
- Teachers College at Columbia University · New York
- Arkansas State University · Jonesboro
- University of West Alabama · Livingston
- Hunter College · New York
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University · Durant
- University of the People · Pasadena
- Touro College · New York
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Harvard University · Cambridge
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- National Louis University · Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- Concordia University Chicago · River Forest
- University of Phoenix-Arizona · Phoenix
- Southern New Hampshire University · Manchester
- Northwest Missouri State University · Maryville
- New York University · New York
- Georgia Southern University · Statesboro
- Brandman University · Irvine
- Emporia State University · Emporia
- Montclair State University · Montclair
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Capella University · Minneapolis
- University of West Florida · Pensacola
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- Wilmington University · New Castle
- Fort Hays State University · Hays
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- CUNY Queens College · Queens
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- William Carey University · Hattiesburg
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- University of West Georgia · Carrollton
- University of Northern Colorado · Greeley
- Pennsylvania Western University · California
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- Louisiana State University in Shreveport · Shreveport
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- Boston University · Boston
- Wilkes University · Wilkes-Barre
- Portland State University · Portland
- Brooklyn College · Brooklyn
- University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Fitchburg State University · Fitchburg
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- Lehman College · Bronx
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- East Texas A&M University · Commerce
- The University of Arizona Global Campus · San Diego
- University of North Texas · Denton
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- Concordia University Irvine · Irvine
- Concordia University · Saint Paul
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- Towson University · Towson
- Regent University · Virginia Beach
- Saint Joseph's University · Philadelphia
- Clemson University · Clemson
- Pace University · New York
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- DePaul University · Chicago
- James Madison University · Harrisonburg
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota · Winona
- Merrimack College · North Andover
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- Old Dominion University · Norfolk
- Campbellsville University · Campbellsville
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Mississippi State University · Starkville
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- Buffalo State University · Buffalo
- University of Nebraska at Kearney · Kearney
- Nova Southeastern University · Fort Lauderdale
- California State University, East Bay · Hayward
- Bank Street College of Education · New York
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Eastern Washington University · Cheney
- Belhaven University · Jackson
- College of New Jersey · Ewing
- Azusa Pacific University · Azusa
- Purdue University West Lafayette · West Lafayette
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- Boston College · Boston
- Alder Graduate School of Education · Redwood City
- Mississippi College · Clinton
- Kansas State University · Manhattan
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- College of Mount Saint Vincent · Bronx
- University at Albany · Albany
- University of La Verne · La Verne
- Georgia College & State University · Milledgeville
- William Paterson University · Wayne
- Sam Houston State University · Huntsville
- Cambridge College · Boston
- Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- Morningside College · Sioux City
- University of Southern Maine · Portland
- Lesley University · Cambridge
- Framingham State University · Framingham
- Appalachian State University · Boone
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- California Baptist University · Riverside
- Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles
- San Francisco State University · San Francisco
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- Angelo State University · San Angelo
- Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago
- Valdosta State University · Valdosta
- Vanderbilt University · Nashville
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Niagara University · Niagara University
- Rowan University · Glassboro
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- University of St. Francis · Joliet
- Marshall University · Huntington
- University of Redlands · Redlands
- Alliant International University · San Diego
- University of San Francisco · San Francisco
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- McDaniel College · Westminster
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus · University Park
- Lipscomb University · Nashville
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke · Pembroke
- University of Missouri–St. Louis · Saint Louis
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- Loyola University Maryland · Baltimore
- Hofstra University · Hempstead
- Jackson State University · Jackson
- Bridgewater State University · Bridgewater
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Pittsburg State University · Pittsburg
- Tennessee Technological University · Cookeville
- Florida International University · Miami
- Bowling Green State University · Bowling Green
- Mercy University · Dobbs Ferry
- Salem State University · Salem
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- Southern Arkansas University · Magnolia
- Radford University · Radford
- University of Houston · Houston
- Doane University · Crete
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- City College of New York · New York
- Long Island University · Brookville
- Eastern University · Saint Davids
- Gardner–Webb University · Boiling Springs
- University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- William & Mary · Williamsburg
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Youngstown State University · Youngstown
- Mercer University · Macon
- SUNY Oneonta · Oneonta
- George Washington University · Washington
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- Miami University-Oxford · Oxford
- West Chester University · West Chester
- Texas A&M International University · Laredo
- Western Illinois University · Macomb
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- SUNY Brockport · Brockport
- Minnesota State University Moorhead · Moorhead
- Northcentral University · San Diego
- New Jersey City University · Jersey City
About
The Master of Education (MEd) is a master level graduate degree pursued after earning a bachelor's degree. It is part of the US higher education system and focuses on deepening expertise in educational theory, practice, and leadership. This degree is typically offered by four-year institutions with regional accreditation and sometimes programmatic accreditation related to education. It is aimed at current or aspiring educators, school administrators, counselors, or education specialists who want to advance their careers. The MEd prepares students for professional roles in K-12 education, higher education, educational policy, or specialized areas such as curriculum development or counseling. It is recognized for enhancing professional qualifications and may be required for certain leadership or specialized positions in education.
- Graduate study after a bachelor's degree
- Offered by four-year institutions with regional accreditation
- Focus on education theory and leadership
- Targets educators and education professionals
- Prepares for advanced roles in schools and education systems
How to get in
Admission to an MEd program generally requires a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, often with a minimum GPA. Applicants may need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes GRE scores, though requirements vary. Many programs look for candidates with some background or experience in education, but some accept those transitioning from other fields. The application process can be competitive depending on the institution and program. Some schools use the Common Application for graduate admissions, while others have their own portals. Financial aid through FAFSA is available to eligible students. Overall, candidates should demonstrate motivation for advanced study in education and relevant academic preparation.
- Bachelor's degree required from accredited college
- Application materials include transcripts and recommendations
- Experience in education often preferred
- Selective admissions depending on program
- FAFSA financial aid available
Format and schedule
The Master of Education usually takes about two years of full-time study, though part-time and online options are common to accommodate working professionals. Programs typically require completion of a set number of credit hours, often around 30 to 36, including core courses and electives. Some MEd programs include practicum or internship experiences in educational settings to provide practical training. Evaluation is based on coursework, projects, presentations, and sometimes a capstone or thesis. The flexible format allows students to balance studies with professional responsibilities, and some programs offer evening or weekend classes.
- Typically two years full-time study
- 30 to 36 credit hours required
- Practicum or internship often included
- Evaluations via coursework and capstone
- Flexible scheduling for working students
What next?
After earning an MEd, graduates can pursue advanced roles such as school administrators, instructional coordinators, counselors, or education policy specialists. The degree may also serve as a stepping stone for doctoral studies in education or related fields. Some states require a master's degree for certain teaching licenses or leadership certifications. The MEd can enhance career advancement opportunities in public and private education sectors. Graduates may also transition into roles in higher education or educational consulting. Transfer agreements or articulation with doctoral programs can facilitate continued graduate study.
- Advanced education careers in schools and districts
- Preparation for leadership and specialist roles
- Pathway to doctoral studies in education
- May support licensure or certification
- Opportunities in consulting and higher education
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply for an MEd?
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some programs prefer candidates with education-related experience but may accept others.
How long does it take to complete a Master of Education?
Typically, full-time students finish in about two years, but part-time and online options can extend this duration.
Can I work while studying for an MEd?
Yes, many programs offer flexible schedules such as evening or weekend classes to accommodate working professionals.
Does the MEd lead to teacher licensure?
Some MEd programs support licensure or certification requirements, but this depends on the state and specific program.
Is the MEd recognized nationwide?
The degree is awarded by regionally accredited institutions and is widely recognized across the US education system.
What career opportunities does an MEd open up?
Graduates often pursue leadership roles in education, counseling, curriculum development, or continue toward doctoral studies.
Are there financial aid options for MEd students?
Eligible students can apply for financial aid through FAFSA and may access scholarships or assistantships depending on the institution.
Can I transfer credits from my bachelor's degree?
Some programs allow transfer of relevant graduate-level credits, but policies vary by institution.