MA in Education Program Outcomes: Where Can This Degree Take You?

A Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) can open the door to meaningful career advancement, greater impact in educational settings, and new ways to inspire learning beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re already working in education, looking to transition into a related field, or hoping to merge your creative interests with your professional goals, this degree offers the flexibility and relevance to meet today’s evolving educational demands.

Graduates of MAEd programs bring a strong blend of teaching skills, leadership ability, and creative thinking to roles in schools, museums, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. With a focus on student-centered learning, cultural responsiveness, and educational innovation, an MA in education program equips educators to lead with intention and make a difference wherever they work.

What You’ll Gain From a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

MAEd graduates are equipped with a diverse set of tools to engage learners, develop creative curricula, and shape community-based initiatives. The outcomes of a strong MA in education program go far beyond theory, preparing professionals to apply their skills in both practical and visionary ways.

1. Student-centered teaching approaches

Graduates learn how to implement inclusive, responsive, and engaging pedagogy that puts students’ needs, identities, and experiences at the center. This outcome prepares educators to foster equitable learning environments in schools, museums, and other educational spaces.

2. Integration of contemporary art and social contexts

Modern education calls for more than rote learning. An MAEd program encourages educators to connect artistic practice with social issues, helping students think critically and engage with the world around them.

3. Emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL)

Understanding and supporting students’ emotional well-being is essential. MAEd graduates are trained to embed SEL principles into their work, strengthening classroom relationships, building empathy, and nurturing student growth beyond academics.

4. Creative leadership and arts advocacy

Leadership in education isn’t limited to administrative roles. MAEd programs develop educators who lead through action, advocating for the arts, initiating change, and applying research-backed strategies to promote creativity and learning.

5. Community engagement through art

Graduates are empowered to take education outside of traditional environments and into the community. Whether leading public art projects or designing programs for nonprofits, they use art to foster connection, advocate for social issues, and spark collaboration.

Career Paths With an MAEd Degree

An MAEd isn’t confined to traditional teaching roles. It’s a versatile degree that equips professionals to take on leadership positions, launch creative initiatives, and support learning in a wide range of settings.

Below are just some of the roles where MAEd graduates thrive:

1. Advanced educator (preK–12)

While this degree doesn’t lead to teacher certification, it can support educators already working in classrooms who want to grow into leadership roles. Many MAEd graduates pursue instructional coaching, curriculum development, or arts integration positions in schools where creative and inclusive teaching methods are in demand.

2. Museum educator or curator

For those drawn to public education outside the classroom, museums offer opportunities to connect people of all ages with art and history. MAEd graduates can design engaging exhibits, lead public programming, or manage educational outreach at cultural institutions, using their knowledge of learning theory and visual communication to spark curiosity.

3. Community arts program director

This role combines creativity with civic purpose, designing community-based art initiatives that foster belonging, expression, and social advocacy. MAEd graduates are uniquely equipped to engage diverse populations in participatory projects that use art as a tool for connection and change.

4. Educational consultant

Educational consultants offer guidance to schools, arts organizations, and nonprofits on everything from program evaluation to inclusive teaching strategies. An MAEd provides the foundational knowledge and research skills needed to advise clients and help them implement effective, equity-centered practices.

5. Corporate trainer or learning & development specialist

In the private sector, companies increasingly seek out professionals who can build internal training programs. MAEd graduates can work in corporate environments to design engaging employee education and development opportunities, especially in creative industries or mission-driven organizations.

6. University or college faculty (adjunct or full-time)

Graduates with an MAEd may be qualified to teach at the postsecondary level in fields such as art education, community arts, or human development. These roles often combine teaching with research, mentorship, and departmental leadership.

7. Nonprofit education manager

Nonprofits working in youth services, public health, or the arts often hire program managers to lead educational initiatives. MAEd graduates bring a unique mix of creativity, planning, and leadership to these roles, helping develop programming that’s responsive to community needs.

8. Recreation or arts director (municipal government)

Municipal roles like Parks & Recreation leadership often involve arts and education programming for children, families, and seniors. MAEd holders can lead workshops, manage staff, and direct city-wide events focused on enrichment and inclusion.

9. Expressive arts facilitator or creative wellness educator

For those who pursue a concentration in expressive art therapy, an MAEd can lead to roles that support mental health and personal growth through creative practice. Graduates may work in community health agencies, schools, or private settings to facilitate group sessions, workshops, and expressive experiences.

10. Entrepreneur or startup founder

Some graduates use their degree to launch their own ventures, like independent schools, artist collectives, therapy studios, or online education platforms. With a foundation in curriculum design, leadership, and community engagement, MAEd professionals are well-positioned to build innovative and sustainable educational models.

Skills That Set MAEd Graduates Apart

No matter the career path, MAEd graduates carry forward a strong skill set rooted in:

  • Student-centered pedagogy that meets diverse learners where they are
  • Contemporary art integration that makes learning relevant and critical
  • Social-emotional learning (SEL) for compassionate and effective teaching
  • Creative leadership to advocate for the arts and drive change
  • Community engagement to promote equity and belonging through education

These program outcomes translate directly into impact, allowing graduates to shape learning environments, strengthen institutions, and inspire meaningful participation across all ages and backgrounds.

MA in Education Program FAQs

What can I do with a Master of Arts in Education?

A Master of Arts in Education can lead to a variety of high-paying roles in and beyond traditional classrooms, including positions in curriculum development, museum education, nonprofit leadership, higher education, and community-based programming. It’s especially valuable for professionals who want to advance their careers, lead educational initiatives, or integrate the arts into broader learning environments.

Is an MA in Education worth it if I’m not a classroom teacher?

Yes. An MAEd is the right fit for educators, artists, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals who want to expand their impact through education. It’s not just for classroom teachers. It’s for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of learning, creativity, and community engagement.

How is a Master of Arts in Education different from a Master of Education (M.Ed.)?

While both degrees focus on education, an MAEd often emphasizes research, arts integration, and interdisciplinary approaches. It’s typically geared toward creative professionals and those working in diverse educational settings, whereas an M.Ed. may be more focused on instructional leadership, school administration, or licensure-based teaching paths.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to expand your career possibilities and lead with creativity, Maine College of Art & Design’s online MA in Education program offers the flexibility, community, and rigor to help you get there.

With small class sizes, expert faculty, and a curriculum grounded in student-centered learning, social impact, and arts integration, you’ll gain the tools to thrive across a range of educational, nonprofit, and creative fields. Whether you choose to focus on expressive arts therapy, arts leadership, or design your own path, our MAEd empowers you to educate, inspire, and create lasting change on your terms and on your time.

Learn more about what’s possible when you earn your MAEd from Maine College of Art & Design.

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