Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master of Education: Which Is Right for You?

Education is one of the most rewarding careers, offering the opportunity to shape young minds and influence the future. However, advancing in the field often requires further education, and choosing the right graduate degree can be challenging. Many aspiring and current educators find themselves asking: Should I pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or a Master of Education (MEd)?

This guide will help clarify the differences between these degrees, breaking down how each aligns with different career goals, licensure needs, and long-term aspirations.

MAT vs. MEd at a glance

To start, here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences between a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Education.

Now let’s dive deeper into each degree and what it entails.

What is a Master of Arts in Teaching?

An MAT is designed for individuals who want to become licensed teachers and develop strong instructional skills. The program focuses on how to teach, emphasizing pedagogy, instructional methods, and classroom management rather than subject-specific content mastery.

While MAT programs align with state licensure requirements, they do not provide direct preparation for subject-area licensure exams. Instead, students are expected to build their content expertise independently, as licensure exams like the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) assess subject knowledge separately from teaching ability. “Our courses are not set up to prepare people to take the MTELs, nor should they be,” says Shaunna Harrington, a professor in Northeastern’s Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education programs. “The MTELs measure content expertise, not teaching expertise.”

Some key components of an MAT program include:

• Learning how to design lesson plans, assess student learning, and manage classrooms effectively
• Gaining real-world teaching practice through supervised classroom placements
• Supporting students in meeting licensure requirements

Who should pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching?

The MAT is best for individuals who are passionate about teaching and want a structured pathway to becoming a certified classroom teacher.

This degree is particularly suited for:

• Career changers who want to transition into teaching
• Recent undergraduates who studied a subject area and now want to become a licensed teacher
• Current school employees, such as paraprofessionals or substitute teachers, who want a full-time classroom teaching role
• Aspiring educators who value hands-on learning and direct student engagement

By focusing on instructional strategies and classroom effectiveness, MAT programs prepare students to become confident, well-rounded teachers.

Career outcomes with a Master of Arts in Teaching

The most common career path for MAT graduates is becoming a licensed K–12 classroom teacher. Many choose to teach at the elementary or secondary levels. Beyond traditional classroom teaching, MAT graduates can advance into positions such as:

• Mentor teacher or grade-level lead to provide guidance and support to fellow educators
• Instructional coach to help improve teaching strategies

For those dedicated to classroom instruction and student learning, the MAT provides a direct path to becoming an effective and impactful teacher.

What is a Master of Education?

An MEd is designed for experienced educators who want to expand their expertise and take on leadership roles in education. This degree focuses on school administration, curriculum development, education policy, and specialized instructional areas, allowing graduates to influence education both inside and outside the classroom.

Some key components of an MEd program includes:

• Preparing educators for roles as principals, administrators, or department heads
• Focusing on designing effective teaching programs and improving student outcomes
• Exploring how policy impacts schools and develops data-driven strategies for improvement

Who should pursue a Master of Education?

Educators pursue an MEd for a variety of reasons, from improving their teaching effectiveness to advancing into leadership or specialized roles. That’s why many programs offer concentrations in areas like Special Education, Higher Education, or Instructional Design, allowing educators to tailor their studies to their career goals.

For those focusing on special education, an MEd provides the skills needed to support diverse student populations.

“Most teachers today work in inclusive classrooms,” Harrington says. “An MEd—especially in special education—gives them the skills to better support diverse students.” Therefore, the MEd is an excellent path for educators hoping to deepen their ability to meet these varied needs while also preparing for career advancement.

An MEd is ideal for teachers and education professionals who want to enhance their teaching effectiveness, take on leadership roles, or specialize in a particular area of education.

This degree is particularly beneficial for:

• Classroom teachers who want to deepen their knowledge and improve instructional strategies to support diverse learners
• Educators looking to specialize in areas such as special education, instructional design, or curriculum development
• School and district leaders who aim to move into roles such as principal, curriculum coordinator, or department head
• Higher education professionals working in academic advising, student affairs, or program administration

By equipping educators with advanced teaching methods, leadership skills, and expertise in specialized areas, an MEd prepares professionals to drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.

Career outcomes with a Master of Education

Graduates with an MEd often move into leadership, administrative, or specialized educational roles. Many become school principals or assistant principals, overseeing school operations, managing teachers, and implementing school-wide policies. Others work as curriculum developers or instructional coordinators, designing teaching materials and training educators on best practices.

For those interested in education reform, an MEd can lead to roles such as education policy advisor or consultant, where graduates help shape policies at the district, state, or national level. Additionally, those with an interest in higher education can work in academic advising, student affairs, or university administration.

Ultimately, an MEd provides the credentials and expertise to transition from classroom teaching to leadership, allowing educators to drive systemic change in education.

Finding the right path: MAT vs. MEd

Choosing the right graduate degree depends on your career aspirations and the impact you want to have in education. If your passion lies in leading a classroom and making a direct difference in students’ learning experiences, but you don’t have teaching credentials, the MAT provides the training and licensure pathway to become a certified teacher. If you’re an experienced educator looking to expand your influence—whether through specialization, curriculum development, or leadership—the MEd equips you with the expertise to shape the future of education.

Northeastern’s MAT and MEd programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexible online and hybrid learning options. Whether you’re starting your teaching career or seeking to advance in the field, Northeastern provides the resources, faculty expertise, and experiential learning opportunities to support your journey.