Is a master's in teaching worth it?

By: Amy Boyington, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán

Published: January 17, 2025

A master's degree in teaching can prepare educators for career advancement and skill enhancement. Explore this guide to learn more about the benefits of this degree.

What is a master's degree in teaching?

Earning a master's degree in teaching — also known as a master of arts in teaching, or MAT — can help current and future teachers develop practical skills, like assessing educational growth, teaching literacy, and embracing learning differences. Many MAT programs offer concentrations to specialize in a specific teaching area, like special education or mathematics.

MAT programs generally require 30 to 36 credits, although some programs require more than 40 credits. You can expect to complete a master's degree in teaching in about two years, although some can be completed in one year.

Note that MAT programs differ from master of education (M.Ed.) programs. An MAT degree advances your teaching skills, while an M.Ed. degree prepares you for leadership roles in the education field.

Is getting a master's degree in teaching worth it?

A master's in teaching can be worth its time and cost commitment if you live in a state that requires educators to pursue a master's degree after receiving initial licensure, such as New York and Massachusetts. Without completing this requirement, you may not be eligible for professional licensure.

This degree may also benefit teachers looking to specialize in a subject like history or special education. An MAT program typically offers specializations to build advanced skills in your select content area. However, if you plan to remain in your teaching position rather than pursue a specialization, you may not find the MAT's cost and time commitment worthwhile.

How much does an MAT degree cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and fees for a graduate degree was $20,513 for the 2021–22 academic year. However, costs can vary significantly between private and public institutions. Per NCES, the average private school charged $28,017, while public schools charged an average of $12,596 in the same year.

You should also factor in other expenses not covered by tuition and fees, like textbooks, housing, transportation, and tools you might need for school. If you need to complete an internship, this may impact the hours you can commit to working a job.

Financial aid, such as federal grants and school-based scholarships, are available for eligible MAT students and don't need to be paid back. You can also take out federal or private student loans, although you'll need to repay them over time.

Are teachers in demand?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for elementary, middle, and high school teachers will decline by 1% from 2023–33, citing budget cuts and reduced enrollment numbers as potential reasons. Still, per the BLS, more than 211,000 job openings may be available each year across the decade for K-12 educators as teachers retire or switch career paths.

Does a master's in teaching have a good ROI?

The BLS lists the median salary range in 2023 for elementary, middle, and high school teachers as $63,670 to $65,220 annually. Other potential careers for master's in teaching graduates, like school advisors, who made $61,710, and instructional coordinators, who made $74,620 in 2023.

Considering that the average graduate degree costs $20,513, according to NCES, a typical two-year MAT may cost about $41,000. If you're an MAT graduate who secures a teaching position or something similar, you could earn back the cost of your degree in less than one year.

However, the return on investment for M.Ed. graduates could be greater. This degree often leads to higher-paying positions, like school principals and postsecondary education administrators, who, according to the BLS, earned a median salary of $103,460 and $102,610, respectively, in 2023.

Take the next step in your career

Advance your education career with an online master's degree in teaching. Online MAT programs help students earn their teaching certification, gain practical experience, and specialize in their chosen field.

Check out edX's MAT degree programs, or get started with a course today.