Combined Master's and Teaching Credential Programs: Prerequisites & Career Paths for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can you do with a combined master’s and teaching credential?

Earning a combined master’s and teaching credential opens a wide range of career opportunities in education and beyond. With both advanced academic preparation and the credentials to teach, graduates are positioned to make an immediate impact in schools while also keeping doors open for long-term growth.

• Classroom Teacher: The most direct path is becoming a licensed teacher in elementary, middle, or high school, equipped to design engaging lessons and address diverse learning needs.
• Specialized Educator: With a master’s-level foundation, you may pursue roles in special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or subject-specific teaching.
• Instructional Leader: Many graduates move into roles such as department chair, curriculum specialist, or mentor teacher, guiding peers and shaping instructional practices.
• Administrative Pathways: A master’s degree can pave the way to leadership positions like assistant principal, principal, or district administrator, especially with further credentials.
• Education-Adjacent Careers: Beyond schools, your advanced training may qualify you for roles in educational nonprofits, curriculum development companies, or policy organizations.

Ultimately, a combined program not only gets you into the classroom faster but also provides the advanced skills and credentials to expand your influence across the education field.

Where can you work with a combined master's and teaching credential?

Graduates of combined master’s and teaching credential programs have the flexibility to work in a variety of educational settings. This dual qualification prepares you not only for traditional classrooms but also for specialized and non-traditional roles where advanced training is highly valued.

• Public and Private Schools: Teach at elementary, middle, or high schools with full licensure, supported by the deeper knowledge gained through graduate-level coursework.
• Charter Schools and Alternative Education Programs: Work in innovative learning environments that often value teachers with advanced training and fresh perspectives.
• Community Colleges: With a master’s degree, some graduates may qualify to teach entry-level or developmental education courses at two-year institutions.
• Specialized Learning Centers: Serve students in areas such as special education, ESL, or gifted programs, where specialized expertise is in demand.
• Education Nonprofits and Policy Organizations: Apply your teaching background to curriculum design, advocacy, or teacher training initiatives.
• Corporate Training and Educational Technology: Use your skills in instructional design and pedagogy to create training programs or develop learning technologies outside traditional schools.

By blending classroom readiness with advanced academic preparation, this combined pathway allows you to make an impact in both traditional school systems and broader education-related fields.

How much can you earn with a combined master's and teaching credential?

Earning both a master’s degree and a teaching credential often unlocks higher salary potential—though the exact earnings vary widely based on location, school district, experience, and subject areas.

To give you an idea, elementary and middle school teachers earn an average of $69,790 and $70,040 per year, respectively, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Secondary school teachers, meanwhile, earn an average annual salary of $73,420. Special education teachers for preschool, elementary, and secondary school, earn an average of 72,230 per year.

Instructional coordinators earn an average of $77,600 per year. Education and childcare administrators earn an average of $109,470, with those working in kindergarten through secondary schools earning an average of $113,360 and those in preschool and daycare centers earning only about half of that figure. School principals, meanwhile,  earn an average of $111,719 per year.

What is a combined master’s and teaching credential program?

A combined master’s and teaching credential program is an accelerated pathway designed for individuals who want to become licensed teachers while also earning a graduate degree. Instead of pursuing these qualifications separately, students complete both requirements in a single, streamlined program. This structure saves time and often reduces costs compared to enrolling in two separate programs.

In these programs, students take coursework that covers both practical teacher preparation—such as classroom management, lesson planning, and student assessment—and advanced education studies, like curriculum design, educational research, or equity in education. Many also include student-teaching experiences that provide hands-on training in real classrooms.

This pathway is especially valuable for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, as it provides a direct route to careers in education or in teaching without needing to return for an additional undergraduate degree. By graduation, students are not only eligible for state teaching licensure but also hold a master’s degree that enhances career opportunities, salary potential, and leadership pathways in education.

The chart below shows that a significant percentage of teachers in the U.S. are not education majors. Some majored in business, psychology, liberal arts, and history. This highlights the advantage of combined master's and teaching credential programs.

What master’s degree do you earn in a combined master's and teaching credential program?

The type of master’s degree earned in a combined program typically depends on the university and the state’s credentialing requirements, but most fall within the field of education. Common options include:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Focuses on practical classroom skills, pedagogy, and instructional methods. This degree is ideal for those entering the teaching profession for the first time.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.): So what is a master of education degree? M.Ed. offers a broader view of education, often covering leadership, policy, and curriculum development in addition to teaching practice.
• Specialized Master’s in Education: Some programs allow you to focus on areas like special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or STEM education, giving you deeper expertise in a high-demand field.

In most cases, students complete graduate-level coursework alongside credential requirements, culminating in both a master’s degree and eligibility for a state teaching license. This dual qualification not only prepares you for the classroom but also positions you for future roles in leadership, curriculum design, or educational policy.

What credentials are available in combined master’s and teaching credential programs?

Combined master’s and teaching credential programs prepare graduates for state-approved licensure, and the specific credential you earn depends on the level and subject area you plan to teach. While requirements vary by state, the most common teaching credentials offered in these programs include:

• Multiple Subject Credential: Qualifies you to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, most often at the elementary school level.
• Single Subject Credential: Allows you to teach a specific subject, such as English, Math, Science, or Social Studies, typically in middle schools and high schools.
• Education Specialist Credential: Prepares you to work with students who have disabilities, ranging from mild to moderate or moderate to severe needs, often in special education programs.
• Bilingual Authorization or ESL Credential: Equips you to teach English learners and support multilingual classrooms, a growing need in many school districts. So if you want to take on the ESL teacher career path, this credential is for you.

Some universities also offer niche credentials, such as in early childhood education or career technical education, alongside the master’s degree. By completing one of these combined pathways, you graduate ready for state licensure and enter the workforce with both advanced academic training and practical teaching qualifications.

The current salary for teachers is trending up from previous years, and the best way to take advantage of pay hikes is to earn a teaching credential. With these credentials, you may want to consider them along with the trends accompanying teacher pay, as shown below.

Can you get two teaching credentials at the same time?

Yes, in many cases you can earn two teaching credentials at the same time, though it often depends on the program and state requirements. Some combined master’s and teaching credential programs allow students to pursue dual credentials, which can expand your career opportunities and make you more versatile as an educator.

• Multiple + Education Specialist Credential: Many candidates pair a general education credential (for elementary or secondary teaching) with a special education credential, preparing them to work with both general and special needs populations. You can also look into the top special education graduate programs if this area is something you want to explore more extensively.
• Single Subject + Bilingual Authorization: Teachers may combine a subject-area credential with a bilingual or ESL authorization, making them highly valuable in diverse, multilingual classrooms.
• Dual Subject Credentials: In some programs, it’s possible to work toward two single-subject credentials (e.g., Math and Science), though this usually requires additional coursework or testing.

While earning two credentials at once may add extra time or requirements to your program, it can significantly enhance your employability and flexibility. Schools often prioritize hiring educators who can teach across multiple areas, especially in high-demand fields like STEM, special education, and ESL.

What are the prerequisites for a combined master’s and teaching credential program?

Admission requirements for masters in education and teaching credential programs vary by university and state, but most share a common set of prerequisites. These are designed to ensure that candidates are academically prepared and ready to enter a teacher preparation track. Typical prerequisites include:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree does not have to be in education, making these programs accessible to career changers.
• Minimum GPA: Many programs require a cumulative GPA of 2.75–3.0, though some offer conditional admission for applicants who demonstrate other strengths.
• Basic Skills Competency: Applicants may need to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics, often through exams like the CBEST (California) or Praxis Core (other states).
• Subject Matter Competency: Some programs require proof of subject expertise, which can be shown through coursework, exams (such as the CSET or Praxis Subject Assessments), or a state-approved subject matter program.
• Letters of Recommendation and Statement of Purpose: Candidates are typically asked to submit recommendations and a personal statement outlining their goals in teaching.
• Clear Background Check: Because teaching involves working with children, applicants must usually undergo a background check and obtain fingerprint clearance.

Meeting these prerequisites ensures that students are academically prepared and eligible to enter supervised teaching experiences while completing their graduate coursework.

What skills do you need in a combined master’s and teaching credential program?

Succeeding in a combined master’s and teaching credential program requires more than just academic ability—it calls for a mix of interpersonal, organizational, and critical thinking skills that prepare you for both graduate-level study and the demands of the classroom. The key skills you need for an education degree in general include:

• Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex concepts clearly, listen actively, and adapt your approach for diverse learners.
• Classroom Management: Strong organizational and leadership skills to create a structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds, languages, and experiences students bring to the classroom.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The flexibility to adjust lesson plans, respond to challenges, and find creative solutions when students struggle.
• Collaboration: A willingness to work with mentor teachers, peers, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Time Management: Balancing graduate coursework, credential requirements, and student-teaching demands requires discipline and prioritization.
• Reflective Practice: The ability to evaluate your own teaching methods, accept feedback, and continually improve.

Developing these skills is essential for long-term career success. Many programs even highlight practical connections to workforce readiness, including insights into fields such as nursing entry level salary, to help students see how advanced credentials can affect professional opportunities across industries.

The chart below shows the most common skills teachers indicate on their resumes.

How long do master's and teaching credential programs typically take to complete?

The length of a combined master’s and teaching credential program depends on the university, state requirements, and whether you study full-time or part-time. On average, most programs take 1.5 to 3 years to complete.

• Full-Time Students: Many complete the program in about 18 to 24 months, since coursework for the master’s degree and credential is integrated.
• Part-Time Students: Those balancing work or other commitments may take closer to 3 years, as they spread out coursework and student-teaching requirements.
• Accelerated Options: Some schools offer intensive pathways that can be finished in as little as 12 to 15 months, though these require a heavier course load and year-round study.
• Student Teaching Requirement: Regardless of pace, all programs include a supervised student-teaching placement, which typically lasts a semester to a full academic year and is factored into the timeline.

This flexibility makes the programs accessible to diverse students, including career changers. Just like how some health professionals wonder should an NP get a DNP,  similar questions apply in education—balancing time, cost, and career goals.

What career advancement opportunities are available to graduates of combined master's and teaching credential programs?

Graduates of combined master’s and teaching credential programs are well-positioned not only to enter the classroom but also to pursue long-term advancement in education. The dual qualification—graduate-level expertise and licensure—creates multiple pathways for growth.

• Leadership in the Classroom: Master’s-prepared teachers often take on mentorship roles, guiding new educators, leading professional learning communities, or piloting innovative teaching strategies.
• Specialized Teaching Roles: With advanced training, graduates may move into high-demand areas such as special education, STEM, or English as a Second Language, where expertise is valued and often better compensated.
• Curriculum and Instruction Specialists: Many step into roles focused on curriculum development, instructional coaching, or designing district-wide teaching initiatives.
• School and District Leadership: A master’s degree can serve as a stepping stone toward administrative positions like assistant principal, principal, or superintendent, often with additional certifications.
• Higher Education and Teacher Training: Some graduates transition into teaching at community colleges or serving as instructors in teacher preparation programs.
• Education Policy and Nonprofit Work: Advanced credentials also open doors to roles in policy advocacy, educational nonprofits, and organizations shaping the future of learning.

By combining classroom readiness with advanced academic preparation, these graduates enjoy more options for career mobility, leadership, and influence within the education sector.

Besides, these options highlight the versatility of the degree. In fact, specialized fields with documented shortages, like forensic science technician salary per state comparisons in the sciences, show how advanced qualifications can boost employability and earning potential in niche areas of education and beyond.

The image below shows that public schools alone have a huge need for certified special education teachers. This makes special education and specialized teaching roles a great area for career advancement opportunities. 

What alternative careers outside the school setting are available to graduates of combined master's and teaching credential programs?

While many graduates of combined master’s and teaching credential programs pursue traditional classroom teaching, the skills they gain—such as communication, leadership, and curriculum design—also translate to careers beyond the school setting. Alternative paths include:

• Corporate Training and Development: Designing and delivering employee training programs in business, healthcare, or technology sectors.
• Educational Technology (EdTech): Working with companies that create digital learning tools, serving as curriculum designers, product specialists, or instructional technologists.
• Curriculum and Publishing: Developing educational materials, textbooks, or online resources for publishing companies or nonprofit organizations.
• Nonprofits and Community Programs: Leading educational initiatives, youth programs, or literacy projects in nonprofit or community-based organizations.
• Policy and Advocacy: Contributing to education policy at local, state, or national levels, focusing on equity, access, and systemic improvement.
• Consulting: Advising schools, districts, or businesses on instructional strategies, diversity and inclusion, or professional development.

These alternative career paths highlight the adaptability of an education degree. For example, graduates may step into roles aligned with information services, such as positions similar to those held by professionals with an ALA-accredited online master's in library science, where teaching, research, and information management intersect.

What is the job outlook for graduates of combined master's and teaching credential programs?

The job outlook for graduates of combined master’s and teaching credential programs reflects steady demand for qualified educators and growing opportunities in specialized areas.

According to the BLS, the overall employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to decline 2% from 2024 to 2034. However, despite this decline, about 103,800 job openings are projected each year over this 10-year period. 

The employment of high school teachers is also expected to decline 2% from 2024 to 2034, but this still translates to 66,200 openings each year. The employment of middle school teachers is likewise projected to decline the same percentage, but with 40,500 openings.

Meanwhile, the employment rate for special education teachers is projected at -1%, but 37,800 openings can still be expected each year over the decade.

This decline in employment rate does not mean that teacher shortage is a myth. 

According to Equate Education, the U.S. is facing a nationwide crisis that is marked by declining enrollments in teacher-preparation programs and thousands of teaching vacancies. Current estimates, in fact, suggest between 42,000 and over 100,000 teacher vacancies nationwide. It does not help that the number of teachers entering the workforce keeps on declining, with projections indicating a decrease of 21% in newly hired educators by 2030.

In addition to classroom teaching, those with a master’s degree often qualify for advancement into leadership, curriculum, and education policy roles, which are seeing steady demand. While salaries vary by district and state, the combination of advanced training and licensure makes graduates more competitive candidates in hiring processes, helping them stand out in a crowded job market.

Here’s What Graduates of a Combined Master’s and Teaching Credential Program Have to Say About Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know About Combined Master's and Teaching Credential Programs

Are combined master’s and teaching credential programs available online?

Yes, many universities now offer fully online or hybrid formats, combining virtual coursework with in-person student-teaching experiences. Online options are especially popular with career changers or those balancing work and family. However, state licensure requirements still mandate supervised teaching in a classroom, so students must complete fieldwork locally.

Do combined programs accept part-time students?

Some schools do allow part-time enrollment, which can extend the program length to three years or more. This option is ideal for those who need flexibility due to work or personal responsibilities. However, not all universities offer part-time tracks, so it’s important to check program details before applying.

Is financial aid available for combined programs?

Yes, students may qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes loan forgiveness programs for teachers. Since combined programs lead directly to licensure, graduates may also be eligible for state or federal teacher grants, such as TEACH Grants. Many universities also provide specific scholarships for master’s-level teacher candidates.

Do combined programs require prior teaching experience?

No, most combined programs are designed for individuals without teaching backgrounds. Instead of prior classroom experience, programs emphasize student teaching placements where candidates gain supervised, hands-on training. Some universities, however, may value volunteer work or experience in youth programs during admissions.