Is MA education a professional degree or academic degree?

A Master of Arts (MA) education is generally considered an academic degree. While it can certainly lead to professional opportunities in education, its primary focus is on scholarly study and research within the field of education. This contrasts with professional degrees like an EdD (Doctor of Education) or an M.Ed (Master of Education) which often have a stronger applied and practical focus. The distinction isn't always hard and fast, and some MA programs might have significant practical components, but the core emphasis tends to be on academic inquiry.