Careers in Education: What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Education?

When most people think about careers in education, they picture a classroom teacher — lesson plans in hand, students at their desks, and a full school day ahead. While that image remains central to the field, it only scratches the surface of what’s possible with a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd). For those who care deeply about learning, leadership, and the impact of education at every level, an MAEd opens the door to a wide range of meaningful careers.

Today’s education professionals are needed in more roles than ever before, leading schools, designing curriculum, supporting student mental health, and integrating new technology into the learning experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth in several education-related fields, especially in school leadership and administration, school counseling, and instructional coordination. As student needs evolve, so does the demand for professionals who bring both expertise and empathy to their work.

Concordia University Irvine offers focused, flexible MAEd programs that prepare educators to meet these needs head-on. Whether you’re ready to move beyond the classroom or deepen your influence within it, a graduate degree in education can help you step confidently into the next chapter of your career.

Explore Master of Arts in Education Degree programs at Concordia >

Career Paths for MAEd Graduates

A Master of Arts in Education is a prestigious graduate degree, but it’s also a launchpad for diverse, purpose-driven careers. Whether your passion lies in leading schools, supporting student development, or innovating how education is delivered, each MAEd concentration at Concordia University Irvine is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

The following sections explore distinct professional pathways available through Concordia’s MAEd offerings, along with the types of individuals who are likely to thrive in each. If you're wondering where your talents, values, and interests could lead you in education, this guide is a great place to start.

Educational Administration

In today’s shifting educational landscape, strong leadership is more critical than ever. From navigating teacher shortages to implementing inclusive curriculum standards, school administrators are at the center of efforts to reimagine education for the next generation. For educators who are ready to move beyond the classroom and lead systemic change, a master’s in educational administration is more than a credential — it’s a call to action.

The Master of Arts in Educational Administration program at Concordia prepares future leaders to answer this calling with clarity, compassion, and competence. Designed for working educators, the program blends academic rigor with real-world relevance, emphasizing servant leadership grounded in Christian values. Graduates emerge with not only administrative qualifications but a clear sense of mission in today’s education climate.

Why Pursue Educational Leadership Now?

Educational administration roles are evolving rapidly as schools respond to complex social, political, and staffing challenges. Districts across the country — and particularly in California — are actively seeking leaders who can adapt to change, support teacher retention, and build equitable learning environments.

• Rising Demand: The BLS projects a steady 3% growth in K–12 education administrator roles through 2033. According to the BLS, California is one of five states with the highest employment level in Education Administrator, Kindergarten through Secondary, employing 29,380 in total as of 2023.
• Shifting Priorities: Today’s administrators must lead through complexity — balancing student wellness, academic achievement, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement, often with limited resources.
• Career Impact: Leadership isn’t just about compliance — it’s about transformation. Schools need decision-makers who can think systemically, communicate effectively, and inspire trust among teachers, families, and students.

Ideal for individuals who:

• Are effective communicators and decision-makers
• Are passionate about equity, accountability, and school improvement
• Desire to lead at the building or district level

Potential roles include:

• Principal or Assistant Principal
• School District Administrator
• Instructional Supervisor
• Director of Curriculum
• Director or Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction
• Director of Student Services
• Director of Special Education
• English Learner or Bilingual Program Coordinator
• Director of Assessment and Accountability
• Professional Development Coordinator
• Title I, LCAP, or Categorical Programs Coordinator
• MTSS/PBIS District Lead
• Director of Educational Technology
• Human Resources Administrator

Demand for educational leaders is expected to remain strong, particularly as school systems respond to evolving student needs and teacher workforce changes. Effective educational leadership today requires managerial skills, but it demands enhanced problem-solving abilities, a strong foundation in values, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to service. Programs like the MAEd in Educational Administration at Concordia are designed to support that kind of growth, preparing educators to lead with integrity, navigate complexity, and advocate for meaningful change in their schools and communities.

Explore the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Administration program at Concordia University Irvine  to learn more.

School Counseling

The mental health and well-being of students have become central concerns in today’s K–12 environment. As schools work to provide more holistic support, the role of school counselors is expanding beyond academic advising to include mental health advocacy, crisis intervention, and social-emotional learning guidance. For educators and professionals drawn to mentorship and student development, school counseling offers a fulfilling and increasingly essential career path.

Concordia’s Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling program is designed to equip compassionate leaders with the skills to support students’ emotional and academic growth, while preparing them for PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) credentialing in California.

Why Pursue School Counseling Now?

There’s growing recognition of the impact that mental health has on student achievement. As a result, California and other states are investing in school-based counseling programs, making this an opportune time to step into the field.

• Rising Demand: The BLS projects a 4% growth in school counselor positions nationwide through 2033. SchoolCounselor.org projects job market trends for school counselors in California to grow 11.6% between 2018 and 2028.
• Changing Student Needs: Today’s students are navigating academic pressure, social media influence, identity development, and trauma. Counselors play a pivotal role in helping them build resilience and find success.
• Career Impact: School counselors often serve as the bridge between students, families, teachers, and administrators — creating support systems that directly influence student well-being and long-term outcomes.

Ideal for individuals who:

• Excel in interpersonal communication and empathy
• Are interested in guiding students through academic and personal development
• Want to support mental health and wellness within schools

Potential roles include:

• School Counselor
• Guidance Counselor
• College and Career Advisor
• Academic Intervention Specialist

As the importance of mental health in schools gains more attention, the demand for trained school counselors is growing steadily.

Discover more about the Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling at Concordia University Irvine program.

Curriculum and Instruction

Between diverse student needs, evolving standards, and increased accountability, today’s classrooms are more complex than ever and require more than just well-intentioned teaching — they demand intentional design. For educators who feel limited by one-size-fits-all approaches and want to lead real instructional change, advanced study in curriculum and instruction offers a meaningful next step.

A Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction is designed for educators who want to do more than teach — they want to shape how learning happens. This program helps professionals deepen their understanding of instructional theory, turn research into practice, and lead improvements that impact not just individual classrooms but entire schools or districts.

Why Pursue Curriculum Leadership Now?

Education systems are prioritizing innovation, equity, and relevance in curriculum design — and they need skilled professionals who can lead that charge.

• Growing Demand: The BLS forecasts a 2% increase in employment for instructional coordinators through 2033. According to Projections Central, instructional coordinators job openings are expected to increase 13% in California between 2020 and 2030.
• Curricular Shifts: New standards around diversity, equity, and digital literacy require updated curriculum frameworks and professional development to support them.
• Career Impact: Specialists in this field help educators translate complex goals — like critical thinking, career readiness, and cultural competence — into real classroom practice.

Ideal for individuals who:

• Are passionate about instructional design and the science of learning
• Enjoy research, writing, and curriculum development
• Want to enhance classroom practice through evidence-based strategies

Potential roles include:

• Instructional Coordinator
• Curriculum Developer
• Education Consultant
• Professional Development Specialist
• Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

Employment for instructional coordinators is growing as schools nationwide prioritize curriculum alignment, instructional quality, and measurable student outcomes. This trend reflects a broader shift in education: one where content expertise and pedagogical leadership are essential to addressing achievement gaps, implementing new standards, and supporting teachers in increasingly dynamic learning environments.

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University Irvine program.

School Psychology

As mental health concerns, learning differences, and behavioral challenges become more visible in school communities, the need for skilled, compassionate school psychologists continues to grow. These professionals play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the academic, emotional, and social needs of students — often serving as the first line of support for those navigating trauma, developmental disorders, or barriers to learning.

School psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and education. They conduct assessments, design interventions, and collaborate with families and educators to create safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments. In doing so, they help schools not only comply with legal and ethical standards, but also fulfill their responsibility to meet every student where they are.

Why Pursue School Psychology Now?

As schools across the country grapple with a youth mental health crisis, the role of the school psychologist grows increasingly more important.

Rising Demand: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 1% growth in employment for psychologists in school settings through 2033. Additionally, School Psychologist ranks #6 in Best Science Jobs by U.S. News Rankings.

State-Level Need: California, in particular, faces a critical shortage of credentialed school psychologists, driven by both increased student needs and retirements.

Wider Impact: School psychologists are not only interventionists — they are key contributors to multi-tiered systems of support, special education services, and trauma-informed practice.

Ideal for individuals who:

• Have a strong foundation in psychology and child development
• Want to play a direct role in student mental health services
• Are detail-oriented and collaborative

Potential roles include:

• School Psychologist
• Behavioral Interventionist
• Special Education Evaluator
• Mental Health Consultant

With increased awareness of learning disabilities and the mental health needs of K–12 students, school psychologists are in high demand across public and private school systems.

Explore the Master of Arts in Education: School Psychology program at Concordia University Irvine to get started.

Learning Design and Technology

As digital learning becomes a permanent fixture in both education and the workplace, professionals who understand how to design, implement, and evaluate effective digital instruction are in high demand. Learning design and technology specialists sit at the intersection of education, creativity, and innovation — turning content into experiences that are engaging, accessible, and outcomes-driven.

This field is ideal for those who see technology not as a gimmick, but as a powerful tool to close learning gaps, personalize instruction, and expand access across diverse learning environments. Whether working in K–12, higher education, or corporate training, professionals in this space play a key role in how people learn and grow in a digitally connected world.

Why Pursue Learning Design and Technology Now?

The rapid expansion of virtual learning has created lasting demand for experts in instructional design and educational technology.

Expanding Demand: According to TechGuide, employment for instructional designers and technologists is projected to grow 11% through 2030, driven by the proliferation of e-learning in both education and business.

Industry Relevance: The shift toward hybrid learning and remote training has made instructional design a critical function across sectors — from schools to healthcare systems to tech companies.

Ideal for individuals who:

• Are eager to explore new ways to integrate technology into classroom
• Are excited to learn how technology can enhance teaching and engagement
• Want to create engaging digital learning experiences
• Enjoy working at the intersection of education and technology

Potential roles include:

• Instructional Designer
• E-Learning Developer
• Learning Technologist
• Training and Development Specialist
• Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

As online and hybrid learning continue to grow, so does the need for professionals who can translate learning theory into well-crafted, digitally delivered instruction. A background in learning,  design and technology opens doors to flexible, future-ready roles that are shaping how education evolves.

Develop your expertise in the Master of Arts in Education: Learning Design and Technology program at Concordia University Irvine.

Early Childhood Education

There is growing consensus among educators, researchers, and policymakers that early childhood is the most critical window for cognitive, social, and emotional development. During this formative stage, educators do far more than teach — they nurture resilience, language acquisition, self-regulation, and a lifelong love of learning.

Amid ongoing national conversations around universal preschool, equitable access, and school readiness, the demand for highly trained early childhood professionals continues to rise. Those who choose this path are entering a field where their daily work can shape life outcomes — especially for children in underserved or at-risk communities.

Why Pursue Early Childhood Education Now?

Investments in early learning are accelerating, creating opportunities for educators to take on meaningful, high-impact roles.

Rising Demand: The BLS projects continued growth (4% through 2033) in preschool teacher and early childhood administrator roles, with particularly strong demand in states pursuing universal pre-K.

California Growth: The Employment Development Department (EDD) for California estimates 12% growth in early childhood education jobs in California between 2020 and 2030 — one of the highest rates in the education field.

Long-Term Impact: Early educators influence not just academic outcomes, but also a child’s confidence, behavior, and sense of belonging — impacts that extend far beyond the classroom.

Ideal for individuals who:

• Have a nurturing and patient demeanor
• Are passionate about early learning and the formative years
• Want to influence children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development

Potential roles include:

• Preschool Teacher
• Early Childhood Program Director
• Family Services Coordinator
• Early Intervention Specialist

Public and private investment in early childhood education is increasing nationwide, and states like California are leading the way in expanding universal pre-K. That means more career opportunities — and more responsibility — for educators who are ready to help shape the earliest years of learning.

Start your journey with the Master of Arts in Education: Early Childhood program at Concordia University Irvine.

Ready to Expand Your Impact in Education?

The field of education is evolving — and so are the roles of those who serve within it. Today’s most effective educators are more than instructors: they are advocates, strategists, mentors, and innovators. Whether you're drawn to shaping curriculum, supporting student mental health, guiding the youngest learners, or leading systemic change, a graduate degree can deepen your expertise and broaden your reach.

The Master of Arts in Education at Concordia University Irvine offers a range of concentrations that reflect the dynamic challenges and opportunities in today’s schools and learning environments. Each program is designed for working professionals and is rooted in values that promote both academic excellence and human-centered leadership.

Across all MAEd pathways — from school counseling to instructional design — you'll find a shared commitment to:

• Advancing equity and effectiveness in education
• Responding to the diverse needs of students and communities
• Equipping educators with the practical tools and research-driven knowledge to lead with clarity and compassion

Whether you’re looking to lead a school, redesign curriculum, provide mental health support, or champion early childhood development, there’s a path designed to help you make that impact — and sustain it.

Explore the full range of MAEd degree program concentrations at Concordia University Irvine to discover where your passion and purpose can meet the growing needs of today’s learners.