Beyond the Classroom: 16 Career Paths for MS in Education Graduates

The transition from a classroom role to a specialized career often begins with a single, quiet question: “Can I do this forever?” For many educators, the reality of burnout can be a catalyst for a professional change.

An MS in Education (MSEDU) is frequently viewed as a path toward a salary increase or a new title within the same school. However, an advanced understanding of pedagogy, paired with sharpened leadership and communication skills, creates a foundation that can translate into various sectors. This guide explores 16 professional paths that allow MSEDU graduates to apply their expertise in new environments.

Moving into administration allows educators to stay close to the learning environment while shifting their focus to institutional culture and systems.

Principals and vice principals set the tone for an entire school. They oversee daily operations, student discipline, instructional quality, and teacher evaluations. They can also work closely with families and community partners on school-wide priorities.

Superintendents serve as the chief executives of school districts. They oversee district budgets and major funding decisions while leading negotiations with boards or unions. Instead of managing one campus, they coordinate multiple schools’ staffing, programs, facilities, and support services.

Special education directors and coordinators ensure districts meet legal obligations while building systems that support students with disabilities. They monitor IEP compliance and guide specialized staff through complex cases.

These roles shape how learning happens, whether through curriculum design, digital tools, or high-quality educational content.

Often working behind the scenes, curriculum designers decide what gets taught and how by analyzing standards and evaluating existing programs. They design or select materials that help teachers implement high-quality instruction across a district or university center.

These professionals operate at the intersection of pedagogy and technology, coaching teachers on learning platforms and digital devices. They ensure that technology supports instruction rather than distracting from it.

In this sector, educators review manuscripts, map content to academic standards, and develop assessments for major publishing companies. It is a direct application of curriculum expertise within a private-sector timeline.

These are examples of careers for teachers who like facilitating learning but are ready to exit the traditional classroom.

Corporate trainers design and deliver learning experiences to help employees upskill or onboard. They facilitate workshops and update digital modules to ensure a company’s workforce remains competitive.

These directors manage programs for learners outside the traditional K–12 path, such as high school equivalency or professional certificates. They oversee instructors and align curriculum with local workforce needs.

Career coaches work one-on-one with adults to identify professional strengths and navigate the job market. They provide practical support through résumé reviews and interview strategy sessions.

These roles might attract educators who want to move upstream and help shape decisions about funding and community services.

Policy analysts research legislation and analyze data to inform government agencies or advocacy campaigns. They examine systemic factors to build evidence-based arguments for educational reform.

Working inside a nonprofit puts you close to communities at the margins of traditional schooling. Education specialists in these contexts design and run programs like literacy initiatives, college-access workshops, mentoring schemes, or after-school tutoring.

Community directors coordinate learning ecosystems like homework hubs and parent support sessions from a neighborhood base. They work to remove practical barriers to education and incorporate local feedback.

Educational work in correctional settings asks for a very particular mix of steadiness and hope. Inside, you might be teaching literacy or numeracy, preparing learners for equivalency exams, or coordinating vocational courses under strict security rules. 

You can use your MS in Education in places where curiosity and experience design take center stage.

These educators turn teaching skills into public programming by designing tours and hands-on activities for visitors. They create informal learning environments that spark curiosity about collections or live exhibits.

A master’s in education translates well into specialist writing for university blogs, parent guides, or education companies. Writers influence practice by researching pedagogical trends and producing clear, researched prose. Many writers who work freelance from home can balance several clients and deadlines, while others hold in-house roles for media outlets or large educational institutions.

Educational event planners build the spaces where professionals come together to learn. In this role, you coordinate conferences, summits, or professional learning days, handling everything from speaker outreach and program design to venue logistics and sponsor relationships.

For some people, the “worth it” question is financial. For others, it is about more sustainable schedules or a fulfilling career in education (other than teaching) that offers fresh ways to lead and design learning.

Salary data shows that moving into leadership and specialist roles can lift your earning potential beyond a typical classroom salary. However, these figures describe national medians in many regions and employers. Actual offers will vary.

*Job outlook compares to the average projected growth of about 3% across all occupations.

An MSEDU is most valuable when aligned with your goals, tolerance for further study, and financial reality. If you’re after long-term access to specialised roles and are ready to invest in that trajectory, the degree could be a powerful lever. If your priorities are short-term income or a quick exit into unrelated work, then a different path may fit better than graduate study.

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Education is built for any trajectory. The 30-credit online program blends leadership and learning theory with real-world application. To determine if this path is right for you, it may be helpful to compare the MSEDU vs. MAT vs. EdD. The MSE program offers four targeted concentrations and includes an optional on-campus immersion in Malibu. Take a closer look at the program today or contact the admissions team for more information

• Can I Work in HR With a Master’s in Education?

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  Yes, you might be able to work in HR with a master’s in education. Many HR specialist and HR manager roles list a bachelor’s in HR, business, or a related field as the typical requirement. An MS in Education could be considered a related field depending on the role and scope.

• Do I Need a Principal’s License to Be an Administrator?

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  Most states in the US require principals to receive a specific principal, leadership, or administrator license. To qualify, candidates typically need a graduate degree, completion of a preparation program, and practical experience. Details will vary by jurisdiction; check with your school board for the most up-to-date requirements.

• What Is the Highest-Paying Job with a Master’s in Education?

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  There is no one highest-paying job for MS in Education graduates. Actual pay depends heavily on role, sector, location, and experience, so these figures should be viewed only as benchmarks.