Studying education involves all aspects of learning, including training, teaching, and tutoring techniques. This field is for anyone who has a passion for helping students build both intellectual and practical skills. Getting a Master’s Degree in Education will help you become a better teacher, a leader in educational policy, or even an educational administrator. Earning a Master’s of Education scholarship can make earning this degree in teaching more financially viable.
Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Education can work in different roles depending on their concentration. Some can work in the classroom, some at the postsecondary level, and others for school districts. Some may decide to work outside of the school system and can find other options in private organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
What Is a Master’s of Education?
A Master’s of Education is the graduate study of teaching, planning, learning, and classroom assessment. There are also subfields you can specialize in such as curriculum studies, primary education, adult education, or secondary education. You may also decide to specialize in a particular subject, for example, biology or chemistry.
Education courses will teach you a wide range of skills. One of the most important is the ability to communicate effectively with kids of different age groups. You will learn how to capitalize on their natural curiosity in order to nurture their interest in learning. You will also study adult education and how it differs from teaching children.
Important skills that you will learn while getting your Master’s in Education include designing curricula, planning lessons, and analytical, research, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Depending on the program of study you choose, you can complete the program through either part-time or full-time graduate study.
How Much Does a Master’s of Education Cost?
The cost of a Master’s Degree in Education will vary from place to place. However, the average tuition fee for a Master’s Degree in Education according to the National Center of Education Statistics is $19,792.
Master’s of Education Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
According to PayScale, the average salary of a Master’s of Education degree holder is $60,000. An elementary school teacher earns an average salary of $47,370, while a high school teacher earns an average salary of $50,683.
Is a Master’s of Education Worth It?
Obtaining a Master’s in Education is worth it as it will establish you as an expert. It shows that you have a deep level of expertise in the field of education and that you are committed to honing your skills to succeed in your chosen profession.
This degree also enables you to move up the ladder from teacher to administrator. Becoming a school principal or superintendent usually requires a master’s degree in addition to years of teaching experience. If you choose to stay in teaching, a master’s degree will boost your career by putting you in a position to mentor other teachers.
Another reason to consider obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education is that it will allow you to earn a higher salary and will lead to new job opportunities. Obtaining a scholarship can help make your goal of pursuing your master’s degree smoother.
How to Pay for Your Education Graduate Degree with Master’s of Education Scholarships
A Master’s of Education scholarship is a type of financial aid given to eligible students typically for academic achievement. There are two major types of scholarships: a full scholarship, where all of your tuition fees are covered, and partial scholarships, where only some of your tuition is covered.
There are scholarships for everyone, but each has unique eligibility criteria. Most scholarships will require that you provide referral letters and write a short essay. Your eligibility for a given education scholarship will often depend on your area of residence, your specialization, and whether you have a teaching license.
So, you must do thorough research and read instructions carefully before applying for a scholarship. To make it easier for you, below are some organizations offering Masters of Education scholarship opportunities.
Best Master’s of Education Scholarships: Overview
| Organization | Scholarship Name | How Much It Covers |
| American Association of School Administrators (AASA) | Richard D. Miller Scholarship Award | $2,500 plus $500 travel allowance |
| American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) | Leon Bradley Scholarship Program | $3,500 |
| Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) | Elementary Mathematics Specialist Scholarship | $2,000 |
| Central Scholarship | Endowed Scholarships for Teachers | $2,500 |
| James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation | James Madison Graduate Fellowship | $24,000 |
| Massachusetts Reading Association (MRA) | Donald L. Landry Graduate Scholarship | $1,000 |
| National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) | NACA Foundation Graduate Scholarships | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program | Pi Lambda Theta Student Support Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Teach NYC | Jose P. Graduate Scholarship Program | Full tuition |
| Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) | Dr. Marc Hull Special Education Leadership Scholarship | $1,750 |
Best Master’s of Education Scholarships: In Detail
Richard D. Miller Scholarship | AASA
The Richard D. Miller Scholarship was named after a former executive director of the AASA. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student of excellence who is earning a Master’s Degree in School Administration and who intends to pursue a career in school superintendency.
Seven graduate students in educational administration will receive $2,500 from the AASA. The scholarship also includes a travel allowance of $500 to attend the AASA National Conference on Education. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from the chair of the school of education that they’re enrolled in. Each college or university campus can only submit one application.
Leon Bradley Scholarship Program | AASPA
The AASPA sponsors the Leon Bradley Scholarship Program to provide educational funding to minority graduate students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Higher Education specializing in school administration. Only full-time students are considered for this award.
Eligible applicants must have formal teaching experience, should have a GPA of at least 3.0, and should be a resident of New England or a Mid-Atlantic state. Applicants must also be part of a minority group, such as Native Americans or African Americans, and must include a letter from their university’s dean of education.
Elementary Mathematics Specialist Scholarship | AMTE
The Elementary Mathematics Specialist Scholarship focuses on elementary education. The recipient will receive $2,000 to improve their mathematics knowledge, leadership abilities, and teaching skills. This is done by enrolling in university coursework and training that will help them become a specialist in elementary mathematics.
Qualified candidates must have three years of full-time teaching experience and a valid state certification. They need to be registered at an accredited American university and should also be an ATME member in good academic standing.
Endowed Scholarships for Teachers | Central Scholarship
The Endowed Scholarships for Teachers are sponsored by Central Scholarship and are offered to graduate students pursuing a Master’s in Education, even if they have an undergraduate degree in a non-teaching field.
Eligible candidates must be Maryland residents who live within 200 miles of Baltimore. Candidates must be US citizens or permanent legal residents, have a minimum GPA of 2.8 or higher and have a family income of less than $90,000.
James Madison Graduate Fellowship | James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
The James Madison Memorial Teaching Fellowship program is one of the most elite scholarships for education graduate students. It is open to students who hope to become outstanding teachers of the US Constitution in secondary schools. One scholarship is awarded per state.
To qualify for the fellowship program, applicants must be US citizens with an accredited bachelor’s degree. Candidates must take at least 12 credits per semester of constitutional study. Winners of this scholarship must then be willing to teach American history in secondary school for one full academic year after obtaining their master’s degree.
Donald L. Landry Graduate Scholarship | MRA
The Donald L. Landry Graduate Scholarship is offered to certified teachers who are pursuing a Master’s in Education and who are looking to obtain a reading specialist license.
Qualified candidates must be MRA members attending an accredited college in Massachusetts, and should also participate in the yearly MRA Conference. To apply, candidates must submit along with their online application an essay of 350 words describing which educational theorist they would like to visit their classroom and why.
NACA Foundation Graduate Scholarships | NACA
The NACA Foundation offers four scholarship opportunities for students annually. The annual scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are for students enrolled in an accredited doctoral degree program or graduate program focusing on student personnel services.
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Eligible applicants must be US citizens or residents, as well as college degree students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must also have experience in organizing campus activities. The application includes writing a short essay discussing the professional goals they plan to accomplish in the next five to 10 years.
Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award | PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program
The Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award is available to students and PDK members who have finished at least 12 semester credits of their doctoral degree or Master’s Degree in Education.
Eligible applicants must display educational leadership potential, have made recognizable community contributions, hold a minimum GPA of 3.75 at the graduate level, and must stand out in their specific educational discipline. Academic excellence is the priority if you want to get this scholarship.
Jose P. Graduate Scholarship Program | Teach NYC
Teach NYC sponsors the Jose P. Graduate Scholarship Program. The scholarship is given annually and covers full tuition for students earning a Master’s Degree in Education who plan to teach in the fields of monolingual/bilingual speech-language pathology, bilingual special education, bilingual school psychology, or blind and visually impaired.
Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Candidates must also be US citizens or permanent legal residents with a New York state teaching certification. candidates must also be willing to work in the New York City public school system. Note that there is a nonrefundable application fee of $75.
Dr. Marc Hull Special Education Leadership Scholarship | VSAC
The VSAC sponsors the Dr. Marc Hull Special Education Leadership Scholarship for graduates pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education.
Eligible candidates must be Vermont residents with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 and must be attending an accredited US institution. They should be able to show that they are working toward a license for special education administration, and should show that they are committed to creating a comprehensive learning environment for children with special needs.
How to Pay for Your Education Graduate Degree Without Scholarships: Alternative Financial Aid Options
Not every scholarship application will be successful. If you miss out on the scholarship opportunities you hoped to get, don’t be too worried. There are other options to secure financial assistance as a student.
Student Loans
One of the most common forms of financial assistance for college students is loans. However, keep in mind that loans are not like grants or scholarships — you will be expected to pay back the lender with interest. Some popular loan options for graduate students include private loans, graduate PLUS loans, low-interest Stafford Loans.
Assistantships
Assistantships are a form of financial aid provided to graduate school students through part-time employment. The assistantship program requires that a student works as a teacher assistant, research assistant, or assistant to a college professor.
The teaching assistant program allows the student to work as a teacher in exchange for tuition remission or a stipend, whereas a research assistant will receive payment for assisting a professor with his or her research.
Tuition Reimbursement
Some employers now offer tuition reimbursement to help workers further their education and acquire new skills. Home Depot is one of the large corporations that provides this opportunity. Tuition reimbursement is not uniform, so each company has its own internal policy. Some offer up to 100 percent reimbursement, while others offer assistance to students on a case-by-case basis.
Work at Your University
Looking for a job at your school is another good way to offset your tuition costs. With a work-study program through your college, you will have the option to work on a part-time or full-time basis, and it should be easy to schedule around your coursework.
Should You Apply for Master’s of Education Scholarships?
Yes. Applying for scholarships is a great way to cut back on expenses and to avoid taking on too much debt while you’re still a student. Scholarships can be an amazing opportunity to work toward your specific career goals. It may take some time and energy to apply, but the rewards will be worth it in the long run.
Master’s of Education Scholarships FAQ
A Master’s in Education can open up a lot of job opportunities. Some of the roles you will be eligible for after completing your program include principal, curriculum developer, educational administrator, special education teacher, instructional designer, educational consultant, and school or career counselor.
Yes. If you’re ambitious about your career in education, then you should get a master’s degree. Any role beyond that of a teacher that you aspire to in the future will require at least a master’s degree. Whether you’re planning to work as a curriculum director or a school administrator, it is highly likely that you will need a master’s degree.
Yes. Most teachers in the US are paid more if they are graduates of advanced degree programs. The National Council on Teacher Quality reports that teachers with a master’s degree earn an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to bachelor’s degree holders.
By the time the teacher reaches the maximum point of their payscale, their salary advantage will have expanded to an average of $7,358 per year. So, earning an advanced education degree will boost your earning potential.
Typically it will take you around two years to wrap up your Master’s Degree in Education if you are attending full-time study. It can take anywhere from three to four years for students participating in part-time study to finish their master’s degree. Some schools even offer an accelerated graduate program that you can complete in as little as 12 to 18 months.
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