Can You Get a Master’s Degree in Education Without a Bachelor’s Degree in the Same Field?

It’s natural to think of advancing your education as a series of consecutive steps. After high school, you complete a bachelor’s degree, then possibly your master’s degree, and so on. But when you change careers or take a break in your education, your educational journey may be more of a winding path than a straight line.

The traditional route of a four-year bachelor’s degree program in education followed by a two-year master’s degree program in the same field is common for those who want to pursue teaching, but it’s not the only way. Even if you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in another major and have never worked as a teacher, it’s not too late to return to school and get your master’s degree in education.

Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Education?

According to the most recent survey by the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES), more than half of US public school teachers (51 percent) hold a master’s degree. Whether you already have a bachelor’s degree in education or are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in education after earning a bachelor’s degree in another field, getting an advanced degree offers many exciting benefits.

Here are the many advantages you stand to gain from getting a master’s degree in education:

Obtain your teaching license.

A great master in education program provides the coursework and practical teaching experiences that prepare students to pursue their state teaching license. For example, the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed) program from MVNU Online combines a flexible online curriculum with placements in real PK-12 classrooms and prepares students to pursue one of three different Ohio teaching licenses.

Advance your career.

Getting a master’s degree in education isn’t just for those wanting to teach in a traditional K-12 environment. It can also be an excellent springboard for opportunities in related fields, such as special education or working with students with disabilities. A master’s degree in education can also support career growth by enabling you to pursue a higher education, such as an Ed.D or Ph.D.

Increase your earning potential.

Generally, the higher your education, the more you’ll earn. According to research from the National Education Association, teachers with a master’s degree have a starting salary 8.7 percent higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Improve your job security.

Additional knowledge and skills in the education field can help you become more attractive to future employers. As a result, you may have your pick of job opportunities from a broader pool and enjoy more job security.

Master's in Education Eligibility Criteria

Once you’ve decided that a master’s degree in education is right for you, the next step is  to understand what else may be required to apply. Most colleges have specific prerequisites and documents you need to submit as part of your application.

Graduate education admission requirements vary by school and program, so it’s essential to research individual programs and understand their admissions criteria. Depending on your program, you may need to submit any of the following with your application for admission:

• Transcripts from previous colleges and universities
• Standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT
• A personal statement or essay
• Letters of recommendation

MVNU Online strives to make it easy for adult learners to apply. Applicants to our degree programs are not required to submit test scores. There’s no need to study or schedule a standardized test before applying. You simply submit the application, send official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, and await your admissions decision. It’s that easy!

What You Can Do With a Master’s in Education

With a master’s in education, you can pursue a teaching career in a variety of PK-12 roles, covering the full range of subject areas. However, remember that each state has its own requirements for gaining a teaching license. For example, in Ohio, there are several types of teaching licenses that vary by length and the type of teaching allowed. Some require solely a bachelor’s degree, whereas others require a master’s degree in education.

MVNU Online’s Master of Arts in Education offers three different programs that can lead to the following Ohio teaching licenses:

• Professional Educator’s License (PEL): Students pursue a teaching license in one of 11 subject areas. In addition to coursework in teaching, the program also includes two field experiences and a teaching internship in the student’s chosen subject area. This powerful combination of coursework, fieldwork, and the internship is rising in popularity among individuals considering a comprehensive masters-level degree program in education.
• Intervention Specialist — Initial License (ISM): This license enables previously unlicensed education professionals to pursue a teaching career working with students with disabilities. Graduates of the program gain practical skills for developing, implementing, and evaluating student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Intervention Specialist — Advanced License (ISP): This license is for educators who are licensed to teach but want to expand their existing credentials and focus on special education. An ISP license equips educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the growing need for intervention teachers in grades K through 12.

Get Started with a Master’s Degree in Education Today!

Pursuing a master’s degree in education without a bachelor’s degree in the same major is very possible! Whether you’ve completed a degree in business, humanities, or another area, it can be a perfect complement to a master’s in education.

As you research your options and determine the route you would like to take in continuing your education, consider MVNU Online. Our graduate programs in education provide a challenging curriculum to help you pursue Ohio teaching licensure in the areas that interest you most. And because of the online learning component, you can take classes and submit assignments on a schedule that aligns with your work and family responsibilities.

Are you ready to get started on the next step in your educational journey? Learn more in our e-book, Which Education Program Is Right for Me?