Master’s in Education Programs in Florida
The Sunshine State has one of the largest school systems in the country with more than 4,000 public schools in nearly 70 districts. Pay scales vary significantly from district to district, but a master’s degree usually adds thousands more per year according to the Florida Department of Education.
Each year the state surveys school districts to identify which subject areas are facing critical teacher shortages. The list, compiled by the Florida Department of Education, has remained the same for several years: middle and high school math, middle and high school science, middle and high school English, reading, exceptional student education, English for speakers of other languages, foreign languages, technology education and industrial arts.
While having a degree in one of these areas doesn’t guarantee employment in the state, it can make the job search a whole lot easier. A Master’s in Education degree makes a successful job search even more likely. Read on for more information on programs in Florida, Florida careers for those with a master’s in an education-related field, or click on any of the school links to request information and take the first step towards earning your degree!
Earning your Master’s in Education in Florida
You can earn a Master’s in Education in a traditional campus setting, online, or through a hybrid program that combines both approaches.
Select Florida Schools with Advanced Education Degrees
| School | Programs Offered | Location |
| University of Florida | A variety of M.Ed. and M.A. in Education programs are available through the university’s College of Education. | Gainesville |
| University of Tampa | · M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction · M.Ed in Educational Leadership · M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology | Tampa |
| Florida State University | Offers a range of programs that extend beyond teaching, such as Educational Leadership & Administration and Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. | Tallahassee |
| University of North Florida | Offers programs in counselor education, educational leadership, elementary education, secondary education, and special education | Jacksonville |
If you want to earn a master’s degree but are worried about the costs, we’ve compiled a list of scholarship and grant opportunities just for you:
- The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) is awarded to high performing African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and Native American students, and can be applied to over 35 schools in Florida.
- The TEACH grant program offers $4000 per year to students who agree to teach in low-income areas for four years upon graduation.
- By joining the organization Phi Delta Kappa, you have an opportunity to apply for their scholarship, which is geared toward students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education.
- Be sure to contact the school you’re interested in to check if they offer scholarships or funding opportunities. Many schools offer Graduate Assistantships, wherein qualified students may teach or perform research to subsidize their educational costs.
Working in Florida with a Master’s in Education Degree
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall national outlook for the employment of teachers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Bureau of Labor Statistics information about teacher wages for Florida educators shows salaries vary throughout the state. Years of experience and education levels impact overall pay. If you compare salaries to those in other states, keep in mind that Florida has no state income tax.
A graduate degree in education opens opportunities outside of the just the traditional teaching route. Some such careers in Florida include:
- Educational research organizations, such as the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southeast, whose mission centers around evidence-based educational practices.
- Companies that publish textbooks and other educational materials, such as Pearson Education
- Education Technology (Ed Tech) companies in Florida, such as Learn Jelly
- Educational nonprofits like Beyond the Spectrum
Ready to take your next step towards earning your graduate degree in education? It’s simple – just click on any of the school links that interest you to get more information!
