Careers With A Master’s Degree in Teaching

What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in education?

There are many jobs you can get with a master’s degree in education beyond the traditional schooling for teaching. Transitioning into roles such as a school counselor, educational consultant or principal could be a fulfilling career choice. All these opportunities, among others, utilize the skills you’ve already developed during your undergraduate studies. 

Principal

Principals oversee all school operations and typically require a master's degree in education, leadership, or administration. Additionally, they require 1-5 years of teaching experience. Principals can be employed in both public and private schools, from elementary through to high school levels. 

Main duties include: 
 

• Coordinating staff schedules
• Developing the curriculum
• Establishing school policies

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for a Principal in the United States is $103,460.

School Counselor

School Counselors mainly work with students either in public or private schools and take on a crucial role in supporting students with academic, personal, and social development. To become a school counselor you will need a master's degree in school counseling or a closely related field such as educational psychology and a state-issued credential.

Main duties include: 
 

• Working with students to help develop their academic skills
• Helping students manage social and emotional issues that might affect their education
• Engaging with parents and guardians to collaboratively establish and meet goals for the student  

Based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for School Counselors is $61,710, with a projected job outlook of 5% growth from 2022 to 2032. 

Educational Consultant

Becoming an Educational Consultant usually requires a master's degree in education and prior teaching experience. They specialize in certain areas such as educational policy, educational technology, or special education.

Main duties include: 
 

• Offering advice on various aspects of education
• Working with schools, institutions, or organizations to improve educational processes
• Provides guidance and direction to teachers

According to information from Indeed, the national average salary for Educational Consultants is $71,364 per year. This can vary based on company and location. 

Curriculum Designer

A Curriculum Designer is qualified to design the content and methods of classroom teaching. Holding a master's degree is one of the main requirements that enables them to research, plan, and write curriculum programs. A teaching license is also needed. 

Main duties include: 
 

• Establishing educational standards and grading systems for different school levels
• Guiding teachers in using the curriculum effectively and improving lessons
• Working with writers and teachers to create new learning materials and textbooks

The average salary for Curriculum Designers is $110,905 per year in the United States based on information from Glassdoor. The pay range can vary greatly depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.

Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts assess current policies and predict how new ones will impact schools, teachers, and students. Entry-level positions usually only require a bachelor's degree in teaching but to move into mid or senior-level roles, many employers require a master’s degree. 

Main duties include: 
 

• Identifying problems in schools and suggesting policy solutions
• Gathering and analyzing data from various sources
• Share findings and advice with government officials

On average, Policy Analysts earn $82,959 a year in the United States. Factors such as location, company, experience, and certifications affect earnings. Generally speaking, the more credentials and qualifications you earn, the higher the earning potential.

How to switch my teaching job to industry?

If you’re considering leaving teaching for an industry job, there are many career options available. Here are some steps to help you make the transition:
 

1. Identify your transferable skills including organizational, leadership, and time management abilities.
2. Decide on the type of career you’d like to pursue by considering what you're passionate about and which industries interest you most.
3. Identify and acquire the necessary additional qualifications. 
4. Start applying for jobs once you’ve secured the right qualifications, and remember the value of networking.

Is it worth going from a teacher to an administrator?

When considering a transition from teaching to administration, there are several factors to keep in mind.

While this comes with increased earning potential it also means more responsibilities. Your impact is broader than just the classroom but you’ll likely have fewer day-to-day interactions with students. This could be a great fit if you possess strong leadership skills and are eager to take on more responsibilities aligned with your career goals. 

The degree and qualifications you need as an education administrator will vary depending on your chosen career path.

Can you teach at a university with a master’s degree?

The exact requirements to teach at university vary by institution, course level, and subject area. It is common for universities to require professors to hold a doctorate in their chosen field, however, lecturers may be employed with just a master’s degree.  

Primary responsibilities include creating course content, conducting lessons, grading papers, and conducting research. Certifications and experience will help boost your earning potential while some schools prefer prior teaching experience.

The School Of Education & Human Services at Canisius

More information on the education programs offered at Canisius can be found on the School Of Education & Human Services page. 

Our online master’s education program has consistently ranked among the nation's top programs for six consecutive years.