M.Ed. vs MAT: Which Master's Degree for Teachers?

At a Glance

• MAT audience: non-teachers seeking initial teaching license
• M.Ed. audience: existing teachers seeking advanced skills or admin paths
• MAT length: 1–2 years, includes student teaching
• M.Ed. length: 1–2 years, often part-time
• Cost: $15,000–$60,000 for either
• Elementary Teacher median (May 2024): $62,340
• Principal / Ed admin median: $106,600
• Both qualify for pay-lane bumps on teacher salary schedules

What Counts as This Kind of Degree?

The MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) is a practitioner degree focused on pedagogy, classroom management, and student teaching. It typically includes the coursework and supervised teaching hours required for initial state licensure and is designed for people with a non-education bachelor's.

The M.Ed. (Master of Education) is a broader degree covering curriculum design, educational leadership, policy, counseling, technology, special ed, or administration. It does not typically lead to initial licensure — it builds on an existing teaching credential.

Who These Programs Suit

• MAT suits career changers with a non-education bachelor's entering teaching
• M.Ed. suits current teachers wanting specialization or administration
• M.Ed. suits aspiring principals, curriculum coordinators, or instructional coaches
• Either works for pay-lane movement on district salary schedules
• Neither is required — most states license with a bachelor's + EPP

Degree and Credential Levels

The table below summarises the main credential levels for this field.

CredentialTypical LengthWhat You Can DoMAT (initial licensure)1–2 years full-time or part-timeLicensed teacher, classroom roleM.Ed. — Curriculum & Instruction1–2 years part-timeAdvanced teaching, curriculum rolesM.Ed. — Educational Leadership1–2 years part-timePrincipal, assistant principal, district adminM.Ed. — Special Education1–2 years part-timeSpecial-ed teacher, specialist rolesEdD / PhD in Education3–5 yearsSuperintendent, academic, research

Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options

Both degrees are widely available online. Online MATs include a mandatory in-person student-teaching component placed in your local area. Online M.Ed. programs are fully virtual and common — a good match for working teachers.

Career Paths, Salaries, and Job Outlook

Figures below are May 2024 national median wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook unless otherwise noted. Actual pay varies by state, specialty, employer, and experience.

RoleMedian Annual Wage (May 2024)Projected Growth 2024–2034Elementary/Middle/Secondary Teachers$62,340–$64,580+0–1%Instructional Coordinators$74,620+2%Education Administrators (K–12)$106,600+2%Postsecondary Teachers$83,980+7%Educational Counselors$61,710+2%

On most district salary schedules, a master's moves you up a pay lane worth $3,000–$8,000 per year. Principal and district admin roles generally require M.Ed. in Educational Leadership plus teaching experience.

What Programs Cost

Public in-state online M.Ed. or MAT: $10,000–$25,000. Mid-tier online: $20,000–$40,000. Top-tier and private: $40,000–$80,000. WGU's M.Ed. and MAT programs are competency-based and often the lowest-cost credible option.

How to Choose the Right Program

1. Identify target role. Teaching = MAT. Admin/curriculum = M.Ed.
2. Confirm state approval if you're seeking initial licensure.
3. Check pay-lane policies at your district before enrolling.
4. Look at specialization. M.Ed. concentrations vary widely in content and outcomes.
5. Match format. Working teachers almost always benefit from online part-time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Enrolling in M.Ed. expecting initial licensure — it usually doesn't provide it
• Picking M.Ed. in leadership without teaching experience first (most states require it)
• Paying top-tier prices without pay-lane or role-change ROI
• Not confirming state approval of online MAT for licensure
• Ignoring competency-based options (WGU) for faster completion

Key Terms Glossary

• MAT — Master of Arts in Teaching — practitioner degree with initial licensure
• M.Ed. — Master of Education — broader degree for existing teachers or administrators
• EdD — Doctor of Education — practitioner doctoral degree; common for superintendents
• PhD in Education — Research-focused doctoral degree
• Pay lane — Districts pay based on education + experience; master's moves you up a lane
• Principal certification — State credential requiring M.Ed. in leadership + teaching experience
• National Board Certification — Voluntary advanced credential; pay bonus in most states
• EPP — Educator Preparation Program — state-approved teacher training

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MAT lead to a teaching license?

Yes — most MAT programs include the coursework and student teaching for initial licensure in the partner state(s).

Does M.Ed. lead to a teaching license?

Usually no. M.Ed. builds on existing licensure, except rare programs labeled 'M.Ed. with certification.'

Which pays more?

Either moves you up a pay lane ($3,000–$8,000/year). M.Ed. Educational Leadership opens principal tracks at $100,000+.

Is a master's required to teach?

No in most states; some (like New York) require master's completion within a set time after initial licensure.

Can I do MAT online?

Yes — but student teaching must be in person, placed in your local area.

Is WGU's program respected?

Regionally accredited and widely accepted for pay lanes and licensure. Competency-based format can be faster.

Key Takeaways

• MAT is for career changers entering teaching
• M.Ed. is for current teachers advancing into specialization or admin
• Both can move pay lanes on district salary schedules
• Online options are common and credible for both
• Principal roles typically require M.Ed. Educational Leadership + teaching experience