When deciding whether to go for a master’s degree in the education field, many prospective students also wonder what type of degree they should pursue. The most common offerings are a Master of Education (M.Ed.), a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and a Master of Science in Teaching (MST). Although there are some commonalities among them, there are distinct differences. Many schools have created separate master’s degree programs so that students can focus on the most relevant facets of education that align with their career goals. The following is a comparison of these degree types. MAT and MST Programs Who They're Designed For: MAT and MST programs are generally designed for educators who envision themselves spending their entire careers in the classroom teaching. Program Length: These programs often take two to three years, and the number of credit hours needed to graduate averages 30-45 credits. As many as one-third of these credits may be devoted to practicums and student teaching assignments where students develop practical skills through hands-on experience. Prerequisites: Applicants may or may not be required to have prior teaching experience before entering an MAT or MST program. Courses: Coursework for an MST may be more heavily focused on teaching skills, pedagogical theory, and methods. MAT coursework may lean more toward honing expertise in teaching a particular discipline, such as math, language arts, or social studies, or on working with a particular student group, such as middle schoolers or special education students. MAT and MST programs both include courses on curriculum development, instructional design, and leadership, which are also typically found in M.Ed. programs. M.Ed. Programs Who They're Designed For: M.Ed. programs are aimed at educators who want to enhance their teaching skills and are considering taking on other roles in the educational system. These occupations include principals and other administrative positions, learning specialists, and curriculum designers. Program Length: M.Ed. programs usually require the completion of 30-36 credit hours over two years. Prerequisites: Applicants are often required to have some teaching experience before entering a program. Courses: Coursework in an M.Ed. program often explores teaching theory and encourages students to research and analyze education practice. Enrollees may be able to choose an area of concentration that allows them to focus on a particular aspect of K-12 education, such as curriculum design, counseling, or administration.