Education Degrees Archives - 91�Թ�

Is a Master’s in Education Worth It? What to Know in 2025

Lydia Peters — Wed, 07 May 2025 15:15:08 +0000

If you’re an educator—or working your way to becoming one—you may be asking yourself a big question: Is earning a master’s in education worth it these days?

Given the current trends, (some of which you may be noticing, others you may not feel the impact of) we think the answer is more compelling than ever. Let’s break down what makes a master’s in education worth it.

1. Career Advancement Opportunities

One of the biggest reasons educators pursue an MSEd, as you probably would guess, is to grow their careers. If you earn a master’s degree, you automatically:

Qualify for leadership roles (e.g. principal, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach)
Access higher salary tiers in public and private schools
Stand out in a competitive job market

Of course, it wouldn’t be a current analysis without some current trends and data. General data indicates that higher educational attainment correlates with increased earnings. For example, in 2023, the median weekly earnings for individuals with a master’s degree were $1,737, compared to $1,493 for those with a bachelor’s degree—a difference of $244 per week. This amounts to an annual difference of approximately $12,688 That’s a big number!

2. Develop Specialized Skills That Make a Difference

Is a master’s in education worth it if you don’t obtain new skills and knowledge that help you stand apart? Of course not! Quality graduate-level education programs are the ones that give you the chance to focus on areas that matter most in today’s classrooms. This can be accomplished through the kind of education master’s you pursue and through certificate or other add-ons that are becoming more and more available and more tailored to the kind of educational skills you want to enhance.

At Cairn, certificates include:

Graduate Certificate in Autism
Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology
Graduate TESOL Certificate

These specializations allow you to support diverse learners and lead with confidence. Especially now that more and more additional certificates, certifications, and endorsements are available, you can tailor the exact right path for your career!

3. Flexibility for Working Educators

Not only does a master’s in education help you in the long-term, many MSEd programs are tailored just for you if you are considering that step of education now! We know that many of our students are already balancing a full teaching schedule, family responsibilities, and community involvement.

That’s why Cairn offers fully online graduate education programs and online certificates that fit your lifestyle. We know that in this day and age accessible education is important to those pursuing a graduate degree. We hear you! You can complete your coursework while still teaching full time—without sacrificing quality or connection.

4. Faith Integration That Addresses Today's Issues in Education

What sets Cairn’s MSEd program apart is our commitment to biblical integration. We believe that how you teach is deeply connected to what you believe. In whatever type of school you end up teaching in—public, private, and everything in between—your ultimate calling is to live, teach, and lead as a Christian.��

A MS Ed from Cairn equips you to navigate today’s arising complexities. You will learn to teach with compassion, stand firm on your beliefs, and train up the next generation with integrity.

5. Real Impact in Real Classrooms

Earning your MSEd isn’t just about theory—it’s about transforming practice. Our students report increased confidence, deeper student engagement, and stronger leadership capacity after just a few courses.

Take it from a recently graduated student whose insight lends itself to the meaningful and transformative nature of a quality education degree:

“From real-world classroom experiences—starting your first semester of freshman year—to the professors who pour so much of themselves into you spiritually, socially, and academically, Cairn’s School of Education offers so much to future educators.”

Amanda Barry

class of 2024

Is a Master’s in Education Worth It?

Only If You’re Ready to Grow

If you’re passionate about education, leadership, and lasting change, a MSEd is more than a credential—it’s an investment in your calling. And with flexible, faith-integrated programs like those at 91�Թ�, it’s more accessible than ever.

Whether you’re looking to advance your teaching skills, open new career doors, or step into leadership, a master’s of education can be a powerful next step. But like any graduate degree, it’s important to consider your goals, the return on investment, and the type of program that fits your life.

At 91�Թ�, we’ve helped hundreds of educators grow professionally and personally through our master’s in education and specialized certificate programs—grounded in academic excellence and a biblical worldview.

Earn Your Online Master's in Education (MSEd) Today!

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Trends for the Future of Education: How Cairn’s EdD Equips You to Lead

Laura Rossi — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:11:49 +0000

The provides insights into trends for the future of education and educational careers, including job outcomes and skill requirements. We’ve evaluated predictions, trends, and other useful information and assessed how Cairn’s EdD prepares you to meet these emerging demands.

BLS Data on the Future of Education

Postsecondary Education Administrators

.��Increasing college enrollment will drive demand for roles such as admissions officers, provosts, registrars, and student affairs professionals.

Top Executives

��This makes leadership positions like CEO or CFO in higher education an excellent opportunity for EdD graduates.

Postsecondary Teachers

Even if you yourself are not interested in full-time teaching, those interested in an EdD will be responsible for leading this fast-growing group of professionals.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

While one of the few careers in the educational world projected with a measure of decline, those with the right educational background will be set up for success.

*data as of January 2025

Other Relevant Trends

Some general trends in the coming years point to promising opportunities for those looking to earn an EdD, especially in leadership and specialized teaching. Key insights include:

Career Growth in Leadership Roles:

Median Salary

$ 90000

EdD holders are well-positioned for administrative and leadership positions in higher education, such as deans, provosts, or school superintendents. As seen with the career trends above, most positions will see growth. These roles are associated with competitive salaries. For example, the .

Career Security:

Employment Rate (those holding a doctorate)

Doctoral degree holders experience low unemployment rates— With an EdD, you gain a competitive edge and long-term job security in education.

Lifelong Learning and Micro-Credentials:

for lifelong education. EdD professionals with expertise in these innovative and niche educational models find themselves better prepared, able to lead others with vision and confidence.

Research-Driven Decision Making:

Unlike a masters, which highlights more general application, an EdD dives into research-based methodologies. Focused and technical courses prepare you to both research and apply, taking you to the next level of leadership.

For those pursuing or holding an EdD, aligning skill sets with these emerging trends—particularly in leadership, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning strategies—ensure robust career growth and influence. But what are those key skills?

The Future of Education: Are These Necessary Skills on Your Resume?

Understanding trends in education careers is vital, but equally important is mastering the skills these roles demand. According to BLS, these are the key skills essential for success across educational leadership roles:

Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and relationship-building are critical for administrators at all levels to work effectively with staff, students, and stakeholders.
Data Proficiency: Administrators must adapt to using education management systems and data analysis tools that inform decision-making.
Organizational Skills: Managing complex systems like student records and coordinating large teams are key requirements.
Leadership in addressing various challenges is increasingly important across all levels of educational leadership.
��
Problem-Solving: Schools and institutions face constant challenges, from addressing the pandemic’s aftermath to navigating student learning difficulties. Leaders need experience and expertise to solve these problems effectively.

Cairn’s EdD Sets You Apart and Up for Success

The future of education is in the hands of leaders like you. An EdD is a way to holistically prepare you for today’s challenges, deepen your knowledge, and cultivate skills that propel your career. Cairn’s EdD is prepared to equip you with these skills and tools—and much more. These unique program features will shape you into a leader that is set apart and prepared for the future of education:

Specialized Tracks

Cairn’s EdD program offers two specializations within the EdD program that serve the needs projected for the future of education. This customization allows you to tailor specific skills toward the career you want to have.

K–12 Leadership

With courses such as School Law, Organizational Theory and Team Building, Data Analysis, School Improvement for Educational Leaders, and others, this track prepares you to navigate the K–12 educational sphere at any type of school.

Strategic Leadership

In the Strategic Leadership track, you will take courses like Leading in Complex Environments, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cultivating Organizational Creativity and Innovation. These allow you to tackle a broad scope of skills while still honing in on particular and crucial leadership qualities.

Early Dissertation Support

The nature of a doctorate requires research. While some programs (especially online ones) have minimal guidance, Cairn works with you on your dissertation right from the start. This allows you to not only have better control of your busy schedule, but also to research and present the best possible dissertation.

Christ-Centered Worldview

Today’s schools are not immune to the complexities and issues of the rest of the world. Addressing topics like truth, identity, and other challenges well proves difficult, especially for someone responsible for leading others. Cairn’s EdD curriculum won’t compromise on the truths of Scripture. Instead, it is the source that instructs you how to treat others in love, find compassion in a broken world, and prize humility in leadership. This instruction sets you up to balance interpersonal skills with problem solving that models Christ.

Flexible, Unique Program Model

By blending online format with a select few cohort training days (which can be attended online synchronously or in person), you will receive training tailored to you. You’ll reap the benefits of the flexibility of online school with the personal nature of our cohort model to both learn well and better know your peers and professors.

Ready To Be A Leader?

You have the power to shape the future of education. By pursuing an EdD, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead with integrity and wisdom. Explore Cairn’s EdD program today and take the first step toward transforming education—and your career!

Learn More about our EdD!

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Why a Christ-Centered Doctor of Education is the Unique Key to Your Career

Laura Rossi — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 14:48:39 +0000

As someone in education, you know there are requirements that mandate you to keep up with your credentials. This may motivate you to take a step in your educational pedagogy beyond garnering a few credits—like earning a doctor of education. Receiving the best education means you need to find the institution that best fits your needs. Sometimes, yes, you just need the continuing education credits. But when aren’t just looking for cursory credits, you need a reliable, credible institution; one that offers you a program that aligns with the truth of Scripture and puts Christ in every aspect of your life. In addition to checking off other factors in finding the best EdD program, you also have to consider the importance pursuing a Christian EdD.

So whether your career is in public, private, or Christian education, consider these reasons why a Christian institution will take you further in your spiritual life and career more than any other.

Inside the Doctor of Education Classroom

Take Edification From Faith-Integrated Curriculum

Christian EdDs incorporate biblical truth into the entire curriculum, not just convenient parts. In turn, you will be provided with a teaching approach that aligns your academic training with your spiritual growth.

Build Community with your Faith-Based Network

A doctor of education program founded in Christian truths fosters an environment where you can openly express and strengthen your faith. This brings encouragement and challenge you to grow as a person and subsequently, as a teacher. Your peers and professors serve as a network of support, encouragement, and resources in and beyond the program. In smaller, Christian EdD programs, you won’t be another number. The relationships you build will be genuine, lasting you for many years to come.

Train for Ethical and Moral Decision-Making

EdDs at Christian institutions should emphasize ethics and morality based in Scripture. Why does a Christian EdD matter if you already have a solid belief foundation? You need a program that aligns with how you already view people, equipping you to handle complex educational challenges with both compassion and truth.

Obtain a Framework for Holistic Student Development

Christian institutions teach future educators to view students as whole individuals—focusing not only on academic skills but also on emotional, social, and spiritual growth. A Christ-centered EdD will take you to the next level of this preparation in all areas of the program, whether that be through your dissertation, the curriculum, or peer conversation.

Outside the Christian EdD Doors

Acquire Ways to Grow as a Christian Beyond Your EdD

A diploma isn’t the only asset that should be offered to you in an EdD. A quality Christian school offers on- and off-campus like Bible studies and online platforms aimed to help you grow spiritually as you advance academically. These are the same institutions that host annual seminars, conferences, or other events designed just for teachers to grow not only in knowledge in the classroom, but to be encouraged spiritually beyond the program.

Find Preparation to Serve Diverse Communities

An authentic Christian EdD will encourage you to grow in empathy, preparing leaders to serve and support students from all backgrounds with love and fairness, setting you apart as someone who goes above and beyond for those they are responsible for. Look for a program that has curriculum built to give you ways to live out your faith in any setting.

Focus on Servant Leadership

Doctoral programs that value Christian truths should emphasize the importance of serving others, training you to be a selfless leader who prioritizes the well-being not just of students, but also of the educators you lead. This focus is guaranteed to set you apart. Look for a program that supports you in finding opportunities to apply what you are learning.

Pursue a Calling, Not Just a Career

When you are finished with your doctor of education program, a Christian one will have left you viewing your work as more than a degree. Your program will support the fact that you are pursuing a calling. You’ll graduate prepared to make to make a meaningful impact because the program aligned with your faith.

A Christian Education for a Christian Individual

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