What is the Difference Between a Master of Arts and Master of Science in Teaching?

Increasingly, both future and experienced educators are looking to complete a master’s degree in teaching in order to find a position within education, and this often requires deciding between a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Teaching. What is the difference between a Master of Arts and Master of Science in Teaching? Although these graduate degrees are similar, there are nuances of each degree that can make one the preferable choice depending on one’s choice of career path.

Master of Arts in Teaching

Many states require for classroom teachers to earn continuing education credits in order to maintain qualifications for certification. Often, education professionals will begin a graduate degree in teaching in order to earn these credits and complete a master’s level degree at the same time. The Master of Arts in Teaching typically focuses on classroom instruction techniques and advancing knowledge in teaching.

Although courses may vary, common course work includes classroom management, methods of teaching in elementary or secondary education, human development and learning, culturally responsive teaching, reading instruction, and technology in the classroom.

Some Master of Arts in Teaching programs also offer concentrations in a specific area of teaching. Examples of concentrations include special education, reading instruction, and English as a second language instruction. Additional information on classroom teaching specialization possibilities can be reviewed at the American Federation of Teachers website.

Master of Science in Teaching

A Master of Science in Teaching often includes similar course work to that of the Master of Arts; however, a Master of Science is often more focused on research and the administrative side of education. Many students choose this program in order to pursue positions outside of the classroom.

Often, a Master of Science in Teaching includes advanced course work in science, mathematics, or technology as well. For example, a secondary teacher of algebra, chemistry, calculus, or physics might pursue a Master of Science in order to complete both higher level courses in that field specifically as well as methods courses in instruction specific to that area.

Concentrations in the Master of Science in Teaching also often include curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, instructional design, learning and technology. For additional resources, visit the American Association of School Administrators website.

Related Resource: Master’s in Early Childhood Education

After a Graduate Degree in Teaching

Whether completing a Master of Arts or a Master of Science degree in Teaching, graduates have a number of options for positions and career opportunities in education. Many Master of Arts programs include the option to earn teacher certification to begin working in a classroom and are also often designed for working teachers to advance knowledge in an area of classroom instruction. With a Master of Science degree, many graduates go on to pursue careers in educational leadership, curriculum design, intervention programming, and education technology.

In addition to furthering or changing careers, the Master of Arts or Science in Teaching degree is also often the first step to completing an education specialist or Ph.D. The Master of Science, with its focus on research, is helpful in preparing for furthering education as well.

When looking at the factors of what is the difference between a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Teaching, future educators can find the degree best suited to preparing for a specific career path in education.