Leading a classroom and leading a school district share much in common, starting with a passion for serving students from diverse social and economic backgrounds. A graduate degree—like a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or a Master of Education (MEd)—can help you join the next generation of educators to provide all students equitable education regardless of their location, socioeconomic status, or abilities.
While these degree programs have many similarities, they differ in significant ways as well, including the leadership roles for which they prepare students. Understanding the differences is an essential first step for anyone choosing between the two degrees, the specializations they offer, and the careers to which they lead.
Learn How an Advanced Degree Can Help You Make a Difference in Students’ Lives
What Is an MAT Degree?
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is an advanced degree designed to prepare prospective teachers for specialized teaching roles. MAT curricula cover techniques for teaching critical subjects, such as science, mathematics, and literacy. Coursework commonly integrates specialized courses with those covering key pedagogical concepts, such as educational psychology, classroom management, and teaching diverse students.
MAT degrees can also focus on teaching students in a specific demographic, like the American University (AU) online MAT in Elementary Education, or teaching students with special needs, like the AU online or in-person MAT Special Education: Learning Disabilities program.
What Is an MEd Degree?
A Master of Education (MEd) is a postsecondary degree designed to build expertise in educational theory and the operational side of the educational system. Coursework typically focuses on big-picture philosophies that graduates can apply in the real world to administer guidance or promote organizational change, drive quantitative research, and promote public policy.
MAT vs. MEd: Degree Similarities and Differences
A primary goal of MAT and MEd degrees is to empower graduates to transform the lives of students and the future of education. Developing and leveraging transformational leadership styles lies at the core of AU’s MAT and MEd programs. Where they differ is in emphasis and approach.
MAT vs. MEd Leadership Styles
MAT degree programs emphasize the educational needs of individual elementary and secondary-level students in specific school environments. They focus on the practical teaching skills and leadership styles that are most effective in the classroom and other school settings, wherever teachers interact directly with students.
MEd degrees focus on how educational leadership can transform entire schools and school systems. Students learn leadership skills for leading teams and projects in government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private companies.
MAT vs. MEd Specializations
The two degrees are further distinguished by their specializations. The AU MAT in Elementary Education curriculum emphasizes cultural competency and promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills. Program coursework includes Effective Teaching for Diverse Students, Teaching Science in the Elementary School, and Children’s Literature: A Critical Literacy Perspective.
The AU MAT Special Education: Learning Disabilities focuses on preparing teachers to meet the needs of students at risk for or living with learning disabilities. Coursework covers Language Development and Remediation, Learning Disabilities, and Methods of Managing Students with Behavior Disorders.
In contrast, the AU online MEd specializes in education policy and leadership. Coursework covers Economic Inquiry in Education, Education Law and Policy, and Quantitative Research in Education.
MAT vs. MEd: Career Options
While neither an MAT nor an MEd will exclude you from any education careers, each degree is better suited to a particular career path.
MAT Career Options
MAT degrees prepare students to pursue teaching or curriculum development-focused job roles, such as:
- Elementary school teacher
- Special education teacher
- Curriculum specialist
- Educational consultant
- Training and development specialist
MEd Career Options
An MEd degree readies students to pursue a wide range of leadership and administrative roles across multiple sectors of the education system. These include roles at local schools—e.g., classroom teacher, guidance counselor, administrator, instructional coordinator—as well as roles at the district and state levels and in private industry (e.g., education publishing, instructional design). An MEd can also lead to roles related to educational research, where students can seek innovative ways to advance educational concepts.
For example, AU alumni who earned an MEd in Education Policy and Leadership are employed by government agencies in policy-setting roles and by nonprofit organizations such as Jumpstart and Leadership for Educational Equity.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to decline by one percent through 2033. However, despite this decline, there will still be around 106,500 job openings each year as older staff members exit the workforce. Special education teaching employment is expected to remain at the same level through 2033. Demand for education administrators should grow by 1.3 percent.
Salary Comparison
According to Payscale, MAT degree holders earn an average yearly salary of $60,000. However, salaries differ based on job roles and seniority. For example, elementary school teachers earn around $51,000, mathematics teachers earn about $55,000, and special education teachers earn closer to $57,000. Learning and development specialists earn around $68,000 per year.
MEd graduates earn an average salary of around $65,000 a year. MEd salaries also vary by role and employer. Middle school principals earn approximately $107,400 while school superintendents earn closer to $148,000.
MEd vs. MAT: Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, your career aspirations and interests should inform which program you choose. An MAT could be the right fit if you want to lead in a classroom or learning development setting. An MEd could be better if you’re interested in leading educational organizations and influencing policy.
Prepare to Make a Difference
Regardless of their degree path, both MEd and MAT graduates are equipped to exert a sustained, positive influence on their communities. This makes earning either degree a satisfying achievement. At AU, you can gain the expertise and skills needed to shape key educational concepts and drive equitable education, either in the classroom or in an administrative role.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, explore the AU online MAT Elementary Education, online or on-campus MAT Special Education: Learning Disabilities, and the online MEd in Educational Policy and Leadership programs. Or contact our enrollment team for more information and advice on which program to choose.
