Masters in Education Programs in Pennsylvania
A Master’s in Education program improves your instructional skills and opens doors to new opportunities and higher salaries. You become a more qualified, knowledgeable, and valuable teacher, able to better engage students and deliver results.
Pennsylvania teachers must convert their Level I teaching certificate, which they can earn after receiving their bachelor’s degree, to a Level 2 teaching certificate after six years of teaching. To earn their Level 2 certificate, teachers must take at least 24 hours of education past their bachelor’s degree – so for many Level 1 PA teachers working towards Level 2, earning a master’s degree is a logical step.
According to the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers in Pennsylvania make an average of $51,280 per year, but that varies from school district to school district and subject to subject. In general, teachers in Pennsylvania with the same number of years of experience, who hold a Master’s degree will receive a higher salary.
Opportunities also exist outside the field of education. Teachers have moved into positions as corporate trainers and education consultants, or have moved into professional organizations and nonprofit groups.
Are you ready to take the first step towards earning your master’s in education? Read on for information about the top colleges for education majors in Pennsylvania; career information for Pennsylvanians who have earned their graduate degree in education; or simply click on any of the school links to request more information on specific programs today!
Earning your Master’s in Education in Pennsylvania
You’ll be able to find one that matches your particular interests. Traditional, online and hybrid programs are available. Masters of Education programs in Pennsylvania offer a variety of different concentrations.
Below, you’ll find a table that includes a selection of the best teaching colleges in PA:
School | Specializations | Location |
University of Pennsylvania | 23 Master’s degrees in the Graduate School of Education | Philadelphia |
University of Pittsburgh | Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education, Education Leadership and more. | Pittsburgh |
Pennsylvania State University
| MS, Med, MPS | State College |
Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Master’s of Education | Indiana |
Penn State | Online program for master’s degrees in adult education | State College |
If you’re interested in earning your master’s degree but are concerned about the costs, check out these options for having part or all of your education subsidized:
- The E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Pennsylvania Scholarship Program offers scholarships and support to child care workers.
- If you’re interested in Penn State, the College of Education offers scholarships for some students. Be sure to check out the website for other schools you may be interested in to see what opportunities are available.
- Federal grants, such as TEACH Grant, might be a good option for you if you’re willing to work in an underserved field for four years.
- Some schools offer funding directly their education programs, such as the one at Penn State. Be sure to check out the school you’re interested in to see what scholarships they offer!
There are also opportunities for graduate students to get involved with research that can have a positive impact on education in Pennsylvania.
Working in Pennsylvania with a Master’s in Education Degree
Employment growth for teachers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Wages for teachers vary throughout the state, but in general, a Master’s in Education leads to higher pay and opens doors to opportunities in higher education, business, and the nonprofit sector. Most teachers in Pennsylvania earn between $40,000 and $65,000 per year, and those with a master’s tend to earn more.
For those who earn or want to earn a graduate degree in education but don’t want to teach, there are other options available to you. A few other jobs in the state of Pennsylvania include:
- education research firms like the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE)
- education nonprofits such as The Education Partnership
- textbooks or learning materials companies; for example, A. Davis Company
- education technology (ed tech) companies like KickUp
If you’re ready to take the first step towards earning your master’s of education, request information by clicking on any of the school links!