What Is the Difference Between M.Ed. & MAT?
Whether you're a novice or veteran teacher, a graduate degree in education can boost your career prospects. However, it can be overwhelming to choose the right program. A Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master in Education will lead you in different directions, and understanding these differences will help you define and pursue your professional goals.
Learn to Teach
As the name implies, a Master of Arts in Teaching is geared towards classroom teachers, either for teachers seeking professional development or for non-teaching professionals who want to become certified while earning a master's degree. All MAT programs offer training in educational theory, content-specific pedagogy and practical classroom experience. This might include such courses as behavioral management, teaching students with special needs and teaching writing. After observing experienced teachers, you will complete an unpaid teaching apprenticeship in a real school.
A Master's in Education is broader, training first-time classroom teachers but also providing concentrations in areas like educational leadership, administration, curriculum design and technology. If you're interested in education management, or if you want to explore options beyond the classroom, this degree exposes you to many facets of education. If you want to teach or conduct research at the university level, an M.Ed. is the first step toward a Ph.D. in Education.
Location, Location, Location
MAT and M.Ed. programs can look very similar depending on the institution. Some universities offer either an MAT or an M.Ed. program that takes a comprehensive approach, tailored to teachers' individual goals. Also, consider where you want to teach and investigate graduate programs in these areas. Each state requires its own teaching certificate, which involves tests, money and red tape. An in-state program can improve your employment prospects in large, high-profile districts undergoing education reform. It can help your job prospects to obtain certification first, gain a few years of classroom experience, then pursue a master's degree with the financial support of your district.
Consider Your Options
Ongoing professional development is often required to maintain your certification, so you can slowly pursue a master's degree over time. A master's degree in your subject area is often sufficient to teach in a private school. Novice teachers may want to consider alternative routes to certification, such as fellowship programs and Teach For America. If you currently work or are looking to switch careers, bear in mind that a full semester of unpaid teaching is the most important part of your program.