Best Online Master's Degree Programs in Education
An education master’s degree opens doors to a range of teaching and leadership positions in a variety of settings. Discover how you can advance your career by earning your degree through the convenience and affordability of one of today’s best online master’s in education programs.
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With the increasing availability of online degree programs, it’s now more convenient than ever to enhance your knowledge and career as an educator. Pursuing an online master’s in education can also help you meet state teaching certification requirements, even if your undergraduate degree is in a different field. For current educators, obtaining a master’s degree can help refine your skills, specialize in a particular area, and make you a more competitive candidate in today’s job market. However, it can be challenging to determine which programs are the best fit. To aid in your search, we’ve identified this year’s top online master’s degrees in education based on significant criteria such as affordability, strength of student support, and program flexibility. Take a look at the ranking below.
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Public
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Merrimack College
North Andover, Massachusetts
Private
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Private
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, New York
Private
Asbury University
Wilmore, Kentucky
Private
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa
Private
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Private
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Private
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Fordham University
Bronx, New York
Private
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
Private
Greenville University
Greenville, Illinois
Private
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Public
SUNY College at Oswego
Oswego, New York
Public
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Public
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, New York
Public
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Public
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Private
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Public
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Public
Ashland University
Ashland, Ohio
Private
Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Public
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
Private
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, New Jersey
Public
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Public
Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, Arkansas
Public
Harding University
Searcy, Arkansas
Private
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Public
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
Public
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Endicott College
Beverly, Massachusetts
Private
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
St Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, New York
Private
Westminster College
New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
Private
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Private
University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Public
University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota
Private
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
Public
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
Nelson University
Waxahachie, Texas
Private
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Public
Inside Education’s Online Master’s Degree
Today’s graduate students in education programs benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online learning. Remote students can balance multiple life responsibilities, including family obligations and careers, while pursuing their graduate education. Several colleges and universities provide online master’s of education programs with specializations for concentration areas that are well-suited for distance learning. The majority of requirements for these degrees can be completed remotely, with any essential hands-on training or teaching components completed either in-person or partially online. In the following sections, we will examine the various types of online education master’s programs and what you can expect in each scenario.
Online Master’s in Education vs. Online Master’s in Teaching
The master’s in education and master’s in teaching are often referred to interchangeably. This is not necessarily accurate and is a disservice to each discipline. The major difference between the two is that master’s of education programs typically serve students interested in careers in education administration and curriculum design. Students in teaching graduate programs are usually looking to build upon an established teaching skill set to advance their careers inside the classroom. A master’s program in teaching helps you gain practical experience and official credentials, usually in a specialized area or age group.
In many cases, both the master’s in education and master’s in teaching are available entirely online, some of which require an occasional in-person component depending on the program. Each program also takes about two years to complete. When deciding which program is the best fit for you, the most important point to consider is what you intend to do upon graduation. If you wish to expand upon your teaching career and see yourself working directly with students, perhaps a master of arts in teaching is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you are interested in administrative positions, curriculum design, education policies, and other education-focused roles outside of the classroom, a master’s in education will serve you best.
Core Competencies of the Education Master’s
When you pursue a master’s in education, you develop a set of core competencies that help you carry out essential functions in a myriad of administrative and leadership roles in the field. Accredited online master’s of education programs typically build their curricula around standards determined by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Here are five competency areas in which you will develop mastery in a graduate education program.
Communication Skills
Working in an administrative or leadership role requires you to interact with a variety of individuals, including young students, colleagues, administrators, and parents. You will need to develop effective communication skills to carry out essential tasks on a daily basis. You will also be required to use the latest technology available to educators for those educational and administrative tasks.
Create a Strong Educational Environment
You must develop the skills that allow you to create safe environments that are conducive to learning. This includes staying up-to-date on the latest educational research and understanding local, state, and federal regulations for educational institutions. Your master’s program will help you explore the political, economic, legal, and social components of the education system.
Understanding Teaching Methods
Whether or not you work in the classroom or an administrative role, you will need to understand a wide variety of effective teaching methods and the technologies on which they rely. Today’s teaching methods are highly dependent on technology and you need a fairly in-depth understanding of instructional design, student cognition, online literacy, and educational product design.
Working with a Diverse Student Body
To be an effective leader or teacher in today’s educational system requires you to be a sensitive professional who is comfortable working with students from diverse backgrounds. It is important to recognize racism and ethnocentrism in educational institutions and battle these elements to create a safe and culturally sensitive environment for all students, employees, and administrators.
Problem Solving
A major part of working as a teacher or administrator in education is solving problems and getting creative with limited resources. In a graduate program, you will develop the necessary tools to handle budgetary, personnel, and logistical issues that professionals commonly face in educational institutions today.
Specializing Your Online Master’s in Education
A significant advantage of pursuing a master’s degree is the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. It’s crucial to select a focus that aligns with your career goals, whether you aim to work with a specific age group of students, pursue a particular subject, or concentrate on a specific skill. The following section delves into common specialized education degrees, ranging from special education and education administration to concentrations in English and mathematics.
Online Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
The master’s degree in early childhood education prepares you for careers as an education consultant, family support worker, preschool lead teacher, early childhood services director, adjunct professor, and more. In these programs, you develop specialized skills that focus on the instruction of children from infancy through early grade school. Depending on the program, distance learners complete this program in as few as 12 months.
Online Master’s Degree in Secondary Education
The master’s degree in secondary education helps you develop the necessary instructional and leadership skills to become a teacher or school administrator. Professionals outside of teaching with this master’s degree typically seek careers as principals, instructional coordinators, educational policy developers, educational consultants, and more. Full-time remote students usually finish this degree in two year or less.
Online Master’s in English Education
These degree programs allow you to dive deeply into language development, literacy acquisition, and teaching methods. Upon completion of these programs, you will be able to implement the latest English-focused pedagogies, teach a diverse body of students at all learning levels, and assist with curriculum development. Most remote learners spend two years completing this program.
Online Master’s in Mathematics Education
You can improve your depth of knowledge and improve your pedagogical skills in algebra, calculus, geometry, and more with a master’s in mathematics education. You will learn the best teaching practices for secondary and post-secondary mathematics courses. These master’s programs help you explore current issues and research in math education to ultimately improve the quality of education can offer your students.
Online Master’s in Physical Education
If you have an interest in teaching physical education in schools or wish to become well-informed, effective sports coach, a master’s in physical education maybe you could fit for you. Graduate students who pursue this degree learn the best techniques to maximize student health benefits while maintaining a safe and fun environment.
Online Master’s in Science Education
In a science education master’s program, you will delve into cutting-edge educational theories and research to enhance your pedagogical skills. Upon finishing this degree, you will be equipped to work as a STEM educator and teach courses in physics, environmental science, chemistry, biology, and other related subjects at the middle school, high school, and community college levels.
Online Master’s in Social Studies Education
Distance learners and social studies education programs typically focus on improving their K-12 social studies curricula and teaching methods. Additionally, over the span of two years, graduate students can also learn how to pursue social studies careers beyond the classroom including positions as curriculum developers, consultants, museum educators, and more.
Online Master’s in Special Education
Graduate students in special education master’s programs learn to provide educational and supportive services for students with emotional, cognitive, physical, or behavioral disabilities. These professionals typically move on to careers in public elementary and secondary schools. You may also pursue careers outside of public schools in the private sector including special care facilities.
Online Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction
Earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction enables you to enhance a school system’s educational materials, introduce new learning technologies, organize teacher workshops, analyze crucial student learning data, and more. The goal is to develop the most challenging and effective curricula possible, enabling elementary and high school students to maximize their educational experience.
Online Master’s in Education Administration
School administrators ensure that schools follow established educational standards, stay within their budgets, and provide students with the best teachers and education possible. Professionals with a master’s in education administration often obtain employment as principals, superintendents, admissions officers, and college deans. Most schools, colleges, and universities need multiple professionals trained in these areas to assume leadership roles.
Online Master’s in School Counseling
A master’s in school counseling prepares you for work in public and private institutions. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to guide students through emotional, social, and personal issues in addition to helping them prepare for a future career or additional education. The master’s program ensures that you receive a full range of training to be able to handle diverse and complex counseling scenarios.
Practicum & Internships
Practicums and internships offer exceptional learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. Both opportunities provide hands-on learning, allowing students to gain an authentic experience of what it’s like to work in their field of study.
Practicums take place in a more structured scenario under the guidance of a trained professional, supervisor, or faculty member. Students typically spend a few hours on-site each week for practicums.
Internships are similar to entry-level jobs and usually come with a significant amount of independence and responsibilities. Internships typically require students to commit to a regular part- or full-time schedule and usually last the duration of a semester or longer.
FAQs for the Online Master’s Degree in Education
To make it easier for prospective education graduate students to navigate the wealth of information about online education master’s degrees, we’ve distilled some of the most crucial points to consider. The following section addresses some of the most commonly asked questions by individuals interested in pursuing a graduate degree in education, from licensure requirements to alternative career paths.
Will an online master’s in education lead to licensure?
As you conduct research on perspective graduate programs, you will find that some programs offer tracks for students who already possess a teacher’s license. Alternatively, there are programs designed to lead students toward licensure. The latter track includes special training that prepares you for licensure in all 50 states. Many education programs hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). With this credential, you can be sure that your school’s online master’s in education curriculum will provide you with the necessary training to pass required exams and skills tests.
How long does an online master’s in education take?
The duration of your online master’s program will vary between schools. Remote learners can spend as few as 12 months earning their master’s degree. On the other hand, some distance students need approximately three years to meet all of the requirements. Much of this variance comes from the availability of classes and each school’s graduation requirements. Some online programs feature self-paced courses, which some students can finish more quickly than cohort-learning or traditional classes. Graduation requirements may include a master’s thesis or final project. These endeavors are often research-based and the time it takes to complete the requirements can vary greatly between students.
How much does earning a master’s in education online cost?
The amount of money you spend on your master’s education varies between schools. Depending on the program, online students may receive a tuition discount and pay less than traditional on-campus students. Some programs may require more credits for graduation than others. If your program requires a master’s thesis based on original research, you may need to register for placeholder credits, sometimes referred to as “thesis credits,” while you conduct that research. Aside from the number of credits, some schools may require distance learners to buy more books or supplies then others.
The table below shows the number of required credits and cost for several online master’s in education programs. If cost is a critical factor for you, consider a program that made our list of the most affordable online master’s in education degrees.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | 45 | $375 | $16,875 |
| Old Dominion University | 30 | $620 | $18,600 |
| Oregon State University | 47-53 | $571 | $26,837 – $30,263 |
| University of Nebraska – Lincoln | 30 | $357 | $10,710 |
| Park University | 30 | $695 | $20,850 |
What else can I do with a master’s in education?
When most people think about a master’s in education, they consider it advanced training for teachers working in classroom settings. While this is certainly one aspect of graduate-level training in education, there are far more careers available in additional fields and industries outside of the classroom. Many professionals with these degrees work in leadership roles at educational and nonprofit organizations. Some degree holders work as educational directors at zoos, museums, and aquariums. Alternatively, you could find yourself working for a technology company developing educational software, a publishing company working on school textbooks, or as a development specialist in a human resources department. The skills you acquire in an education program will come in handy in a variety of careers, so use your imagination and explore all of your interests or hobbies for related professional careers.