What to Consider Before Pursuing anAdvanced Degree in Education

Have you ever found yourself staring out the window of a classroom, whether as a student or a teacher, wondering what it would take to level up in the world of education? Perhaps you’re in Missouri, watching the seasons change, thinking about your next big move. The decision to pursue an advanced degree in education can feel like standing at a career crossroads with a coffee in one hand and a dozen open tabs in the other.

Here’s what you need to think through before hitting “submit” on that application.

Knowing Your Why: Beyond the Pay Bump

Before you start bookmarking grad programs, take a breath and ask yourself a blunt question: Why do you want this degree? If your first thought is “more money,” you’re not alone, but you might want to dig deeper. In today’s educational landscape, where teachers are often overworked, under-resourced, and somehow expected to solve society’s every ill, intrinsic motivation matters.

Do you want to transition into administration? Become a curriculum designer? Are you burned out and looking for a new role within the system? Your goals should shape not just whether you pursue a degree, but which one. The clearer your “why,” the more strategic your choices will be. The good news: there’s no single right answer. But there is a right answer for you.

Location, Flexibility, and Fit

In a state like Missouri, where rural school districts sit beside bustling urban centers, the need for flexible, accessible graduate education is more relevant than ever. Online programs are not just a convenience; they’re often a lifeline for working educators. Take, for instance, the master’s in education Missouri residents can access through Northwest Missouri State University. Their M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership, available fully online, is designed for licensed teachers who want to move into roles like principal, instructional coordinator, or even district administrator. The program supports working professionals, blending real-world applications with the flexibility to balance life, school, and lesson plans.

But even the best program won’t help if it doesn’t fit your schedule or learning style. Night owl? Look for asynchronous coursework. Crave discussion? Find live, interactive sessions. These small details can be the difference between thriving and barely surviving.

Time: The One Resource You Can’t Recycle

Even the most passionate educator can’t conjure extra hours in the day. Graduate study demands time, both to complete coursework and to think deeply. This isn’t just about squeezing in a few hours after dinner. It’s about sustained intellectual energy, often while juggling a full-time job, family, and possibly a school play or two.

Ask yourself: What am I willing to give up? Will I need childcare support? Can I pause any current commitments? Some seasons of life are better than others for this kind of endeavor. That doesn’t mean waiting for the perfect moment, spoiler: it doesn’t exist, but it does mean being realistic about your bandwidth.

Your Network Will Shape Your Journey

We talk a lot about “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”, and while that’s a little cynical, there’s truth to it. The relationships you build during your program may be just as important as the curriculum itself. Faculty mentors, peer cohorts, and alumni networks can help open doors, offer career advice, and provide support during the inevitable rough patches.

When evaluating programs, look at more than just the course list. Who’s teaching? Are they active in the field? Are there internship opportunities or chances to connect with school districts? A good program doesn’t just prepare you academically, it connects you professionally.

Mental Health: Yours Matters Too

Education is often described as a calling, which is noble, but can also become a trap. Many teachers push themselves beyond the brink, driven by guilt, passion, or both. Graduate school, for all its rewards, adds another layer of stress. If you’re already burned out, piling on a rigorous academic schedule might not be the salve you hope for.

Be honest about where you’re at emotionally. Talk to a therapist, mentor, or trusted friend. Grad school won’t magically solve your professional dissatisfaction. In fact, if done at the wrong time or for the wrong reasons, it can deepen it. The goal isn’t just to earn letters after your name, it’s to create a sustainable career that lets you keep showing up for others without losing yourself.

Final Grades Are In: It’s About Intentionality

An advanced degree in education isn’t a magic key, but it can be a meaningful lever, one that gives you the tools to create change, rise into leadership, or simply reignite your love for teaching. But only if it’s pursued with intention.

Don’t just ask “Should I get a master’s?” Ask, “What kind of educator do I want to become in five years?” Let that guide you. Degrees are pieces of paper. What you do with them, that’s where the real education begins.