If you’re an educator—or working your way to becoming one—you may be asking yourself a big question: Is earning a master’s in education worth it these days?
Given the current trends, (some of which you may be noticing, others you may not feel the impact of) we think the answer is more compelling than ever. Let’s break down what makes a master’s in education worth it.
1. Career Advancement Opportunities
One of the biggest reasons educators pursue an MSEd, as you probably would guess, is to grow their careers. If you earn a master’s degree, you automatically:
- Qualify for leadership roles (e.g. principal, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach)
- Access higher salary tiers in public and private schools
- Stand out in a competitive job market
Of course, it wouldn’t be a current analysis without some current trends and data. General data indicates that higher educational attainment correlates with increased earnings. For example, in 2023, the median weekly earnings for individuals with a master’s degree were $1,737, compared to $1,493 for those with a bachelor’s degree—a difference of $244 per week. This amounts to an annual difference of approximately $12,688 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). That’s a big number!
2. Develop Specialized Skills That Make a Difference
Is a master’s in education worth it if you don’t obtain new skills and knowledge that help you stand apart? Of course not! Quality graduate-level education programs are the ones that give you the chance to focus on areas that matter most in today’s classrooms. This can be accomplished through the kind of education master’s you pursue and through certificate or other add-ons that are becoming more and more available and more tailored to the kind of educational skills you want to enhance.
At Cairn, certificates include:
- Graduate Certificate in Autism
- Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology
- Graduate TESOL Certificate
These specializations allow you to support diverse learners and lead with confidence. Especially now that more and more additional certificates, certifications, and endorsements are available, you can tailor the exact right path for your career!
Not only does a master’s in education help you in the long-term, many MSEd programs are tailored just for you if you are considering that step of education now! We know that many of our students are already balancing a full teaching schedule, family responsibilities, and community involvement.
That’s why Cairn offers fully online graduate education programs and online certificates that fit your lifestyle. We know that in this day and age accessible education is important to those pursuing a graduate degree. We hear you! You can complete your coursework while still teaching full time—without sacrificing quality or connection.
4. Faith Integration That Addresses Today's Issues in Education
What sets Cairn’s MSEd program apart is our commitment to biblical integration. We believe that how you teach is deeply connected to what you believe. In whatever type of school you end up teaching in—public, private, and everything in between—your ultimate calling is to live, teach, and lead as a Christian.
A MS Ed from Cairn equips you to navigate today’s arising complexities. You will learn to teach with compassion, stand firm on your beliefs, and train up the next generation with integrity.
5. Real Impact in Real Classrooms
Earning your MSEd isn’t just about theory—it’s about transforming practice. Our students report increased confidence, deeper student engagement, and stronger leadership capacity after just a few courses.
Take it from a recently graduated student whose insight lends itself to the meaningful and transformative nature of a quality education degree:
Is a Master’s in Education Worth It?
Only If You’re Ready to Grow
If you’re passionate about education, leadership, and lasting change, a MSEd is more than a credential—it’s an investment in your calling. And with flexible, faith-integrated programs like those at Cairn University, it’s more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re looking to advance your teaching skills, open new career doors, or step into leadership, a master’s of education can be a powerful next step. But like any graduate degree, it’s important to consider your goals, the return on investment, and the type of program that fits your life.
At Cairn University, we’ve helped hundreds of educators grow professionally and personally through our master’s in education and specialized certificate programs—grounded in academic excellence and a biblical worldview.
