Most Affordable Online Master's In Secondary Education Degrees

Overview

Founded in 1887, NC State is a land, sea, and space grant institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Home to mascots Mr. and Mrs. Wuf, as well as nearly 35,000 students, it is the largest four-year college in the state of North Carolina. Ranked among the Top 100 National Universities in America by U.S. News and World Report, NC State offers students more than 100 programs to major in. Now, students can pursue an affordable Master of Arts in Teaching – Secondary Education.

Program Features

North Carolina State University offers four hybrid Secondary Education master degrees. You can specialize in mathematics, English, or science. While most courses are online, 25 percent of them will be face-to-face. Course requirements may include:

• Classroom Action Research
• Inquiry and Professional Development
• Resource Teaching In Special Education
• Principles of Developing and Interpreting Assessment
• Organization and Behavioral Management of Inclusive Classrooms

For full-time students, the degree can be completed in as little as a year and a half. All students are also expected to complete a supervised teaching experience. You’ll be required to have at least ten consecutive full-time weeks in an appropriate school classroom.

Notables

U.S. News and World Report has ranked North Carolina State University at Raleigh among the Top 50 Best Value Schools in the nation. It’s also ranked #33 among the country’s Top Public Schools. The university offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options as well.

Overview

This public university is located in Muncie, Indiana; a city with a population of just over 69,000. Ball State is home to nearly 22,000 students and offers eight academic colleges and top-of-the-line research facilities for students. The university also offers more than 20 affordable online master’s degrees for those looking to get an advanced degree in a more flexible fashion. Check out Ball State Online’s Master of Arts in Secondary Education.

Program Features

This nationally-recognized program is offered completely online. Coursework will focus on six core areas, including:

• Pedagogy
• Curriculum
• Foundations of Education
• Educational Technology
• Multicultural Education
• Educational Research

The Master of Arts in Secondary Education at Ball State University is a 30-credit degree. While Ball State is authorized to accept online students from all U.S. states, certain states have regulations regarding licensing programs in education. If you’re interested in this program, be sure it’ll benefit you in whichever state you wish to work in.

Notables

Ball State has earned top rankings from U.S. News and World Report each of the six years the publication has ranked online programs. Not only that, but Ball State is an excellent option for those who value affordability. In fact, four out of every five students will receive merit-based and/or need-based financial aid. Indiana residents can expect to pay $402 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $603 per credit.

Overview

Located in the small city of Livingston, Alabama, this public university was originally founded in 1835 as a church-supported school for young women. Now, the university is home to nearly 5,000 students, along with beloved mascot Luie the Tiger. If you’re interested in an affordable teaching program, the University of West Alabama may be perfect for you. Check out the university’s Online Master’s in High School Education.

Program Features

This 34-credit hour program will prepare you to teach grades 6-12. Each course lasts eight weeks and most students graduate within a year of starting the program. Graduates will be eligible to receive Alabama Teaching Certification. Required courses may include:

• Technology and Education
• Research in Literary Studies
• Counseling Multicultural Populations
• Life-Span Development and Learning

All graduate students must also complete 15 credit hours in one of the following teaching fields: biology, history, English language arts, mathematics, science, or social science. You should note that this program is intended for those who currently hold a valid Bachelor’s Level Professional Educator Certificate in the same teaching field you wish to pursue at UWA.

Notables

The online tuition rate is $429 per credit hour. More than 80 percent of UWA students receive some type of financial aid assistance. The University of West Alabama is often cited as having one of the most reasonable tuition rates along with a high return on investment.

Overview

Founded in 1897, San Diego State University has an enrollment of just under 34,000 students. The reason so many academic leaders choose this school is because of its prestigious rankings. In fact, U.S News and World Report ranked the university as one of the Best Value Schools in the nation, as well as being one of the Best Colleges for Veterans. Now, interested students can pursue an affordable online Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education and Secondary Education.

Program Features

This 24-unit online MAT program can be completed in as little as a year. Folks in this program should already have a valid teaching credential. Coursework will include areas in:

• Foundations
• Pedagogy
• Research and Capstone

The foundation of this teaching program rests in social justice and equity in education. The coursework is ideal for teachers who are looking to advance their careers and make a difference for those in grades K-12.

Notables

This MAT program offers the same high quality aspects of the university’s face-to-face instructional program. The cost of this program for California residents is less than $10,000 for the entire program. In fact, of the more than 700 universities ranked by Money Magazine, SDSU came in #65 among National Public Universities and #135 overall, including public and private universities.

Overview

This public university is located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Home to mascot Louie the Lumberjack and over 29,000 students, Northern Arizona University is abuzz with eager students looking to change the world. Interested in teaching? Check out Northern Arizona’s affordable 30-credit hour online Master of Education in Secondary Education.

Program Features

This online program is not intended for those seeking a teaching certification. Rather, it’s a degree for professionals who wish to further their studies and bring new techniques into their classrooms. Required courses may include:

• Action Research
• Philosophy of Education
• Problems in Secondary School Curriculum
• Teacher Leadership in Secondary Education
• Educational Psychology Applied to Learning

Graduate students must choose to conclude this program with either a capstone seminar or the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis. Again, this program does not lead to Arizona teaching certification.

Notables

U.S. News and World Report has ranked Northern Arizona University as having one of the Best Online Graduate Education Programs. This university also offers one of the most affordable programs on this list. In fact, NAU students receive more than $325 million annually in scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.

Overview

Founded in 1892 and located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, William Carey University is a private Christian liberal arts college. With an enrollment of just over 4,000 students, this small university offers big outcomes for graduates. In fact, if you’re interested in teaching, William Carey has one of the best online programs. Check out their affordable online Master of Education today!

Program Features

Graduate students in this program are required to complete 30 semester hours. The M.Ed. offers a variety of concentration areas, including Secondary Education. You may take the following courses:

• Curricula Planning
• Secondary Methods
• Teacher as Researcher
• Technology in Education
• Survey of the Exceptional Child
• Reading /Writing Across the Curriculum
• Historical/Philosophical Foundations of Education

All students must also complete a cooperative learning program or a performance assessment in order to receive their degree.

Notables

While this school may be small, William Carey certainly rises to the top when it comes to rankings. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked it third overall for Best Value Schools. William Carey also came in among the Top 50 Regional Universities in the South. Their online programs also receive great praise; WCU was voted as having one of the Best Online Graduate Education Programs.

Overview

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, this public research university has a total enrollment of nearly 25,000 students. Now, ODU Online is an affordable way to earn a quality degree from the flexibility of your own home, on your own time. Students can now pursue a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Secondary Education, completely online!

Program Features

Offered through the Darden College of Education, this 34-credit hour program includes professional education, a practicum, and a Teacher Candidate Internship. Graduate students can choose an area of content concentration from:

• TESOL
• Biology
• English
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Earth Science
• Mathematics
• History/Social Science

Students will be prepared to teach grades 6-12. This program is not available for folks in the state of Washington. In-state tuition is $496 per credit hour, while out-of-state is $538 per credit hour.

Notables

Old Dominion University has been ranked as having one of the Best Online Graduate Education Programs in the country. ODU has also been named a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs Magazine for the last 8 years. With students from 116 countries and throughout the US, this university brings the brightest minds together to create innovative solutions to our world.

Overview

Founded in 1878, Mississippi State University is a land-grant university that is now home to over 21,000 students. Comprised of eight colleges, MSU offers more than 150 degrees, including 14 master’s degrees, an educational specialist degree, and doctoral degrees. If you’re interested in teaching, check out the university’s affordable Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education degree.

Program Features

The MAT-S program at MSU offers licensure with flexible scheduling including face-to-face or online/hybrid classes. Required courses may include:

• Effective Instruction
• Integrating Technology for Learning
• Teaching Reading in Secondary Schools
• Middle and Secondary School Curriculum
• Special Education in the Regular Classroom

Subjects available for licensure include: art education, biology, business education, chemistry, English, foreign language, mathematics, music, physical education, physics, and social studies. All students in this program will also be required to complete an internship. Graduate students also have the opportunity to complete just the licensure which requires just two courses and an internship.

Notables

Money Magazine ranked Mississippi State University as the #1 school among the Top 50 Best Colleges for Your Money in the South. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Mississippi State University among the Top Public Schools in the nation. The university was also ranked among the Best Online Graduate Education Programs.

Overview

Founded in 1947, the University of Maryland University College is one of the most affordable colleges on this list. Depending on your residency, and if you have status as an active member of the military or are a veteran, your tuition can be as low as $12,000. Interested in teaching? Check out this university’s online Master of Arts in Teaching.

Program Features

This program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree who want to earn Maryland teaching certification in secondary education. Subject areas in which you can concentrate in include:

• History
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Earth/Space Science
• Physics/Chemistry/Biology
• English/Spanish/French/German/Mandarin Chinese

Students will complete a total of 30 credits to earn their degree. While this program is offered completely online, all students are also required to complete a full-time, 17-week teaching internship on-site at an approved secondary school.

Notables

UMUC offers more than 100 scholarships, financial aid, and interest-free monthly payment plans for those who qualify. In fact, UMUC awards more than $6 million in scholarships each year. The Completion Scholarship is one of the university’s featured scholarships that serves to help Maryland community college graduates reduce the in-state rate by $100 per credit.

Overview

The University of Maine is a public research university located in Orono, Maine and home to mascot Bananas the Bear. Interested in teaching? Check out the university’s affordable Master of Education program in Secondary Education today. With just over 11,000 students, this university boasts one of the country’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Program Features

Offered through the university’s College of Education and Human Development, this online program requires students to complete 33 credits. Best suited for current middle or high school teachers, this program focuses on curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Required courses may include:

• Educational Assessment
• Dynamics of the Curriculum
• Dynamics of Change in Schools
• Introduction to Students at Risk
• Classroom Practice to Improve Learning
• Methods of Teaching with Computer Technology

Rather than completing a thesis, all graduate students must complete an action research project during their final year of study. Students often take elective courses in areas of technology and special education.

Notables

Choosing to study via the University of Maine’s online learning portal is not only flexible, but affordable as well. In-state tuition is $429 per credit hour, while out-of-state is $536 per credit hour. This specific education program is not meant for those seeking state licensure.

Overview

Located in Statesboro, Georgia this public university was originally founded in 1906 as a land grant college. Now, Georgia Southern University is home to over 20,000 students. Popular areas of study among students include business, engineering, and psychology. Interested in teaching? Check out GSU’s affordable Master of Education in Secondary Education Online Program.

Program Features

This fully online program is for those who currently hold a Professional Level Four Certificate. Graduate students in this program must complete 36 credit hours. Courses may include:

• Early Adolescent Literature
• Literacy in the Content Areas
• Enhancing Student Performance
• Trends, Issues, and Research in Education
• Teaching Middle Grades and Secondary Mathematics
• Teaching Business Education in the Secondary Schools

All graduate students must also select a concentration in their area of certification. Areas include: biology, broad fields science, chemistry, economics, English, geography, history, mathematics, physics, or political science.

Notables

U.S. News and World Report has ranked Georgia Southern among the Best Online Graduate Education Programs as well as the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. This university is consistently ranked among the most affordable in the nation as well. For those interested, Georgia Southern also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Secondary Education Concentration.

Overview

Founded in February of 1869, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is home to mascots Lil’ Red and Herbie Husker. UNL is also home to students who thrive on discovering and researching new things. In fact, the university’s research expenditures totaled more than $295 million in 2017. Now, students interested in teaching can pursue an affordable online master of Secondary Education degree.

Program Features

This 36-credit online program offers an MS with a School Library Endorsement, making it one of the most unique on this list. If you’re interested in directing a secondary school library, this is the program for you. Courses you may take include:

• Special Libraries
• Current Issues and Trends
• School Curriculum Planning
• Cataloging and Classification
• Young Adult Literature and Education
• Teaching and Learning in Digital Environments

In order to be accepted into this program, you must already have a valid teaching certificate.

Notables

U.S. News and World Report has ranked the University of Nebraska Lincoln among the Top 100 Best Value Schools in the nation. In fact, UNL is one of just 20 public universities to receive a “Best Buy” designation by the Fiske Guide to Colleges. It was also ranked #12 among the Best Online Graduate Education Programs.

Overview

Located in the city of Clinton, Mississippi, this Christian university was founded in 1826 and is the oldest college in Mississippi. Home to just over 5,200 students, Mississippi College is consistently ranked among the top in the nation. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked Mississippi College #12 for the nation’s Best Value Schools. Check out the school’s affordable online Master of Education program.

Program Features

This program is meant for those who seek Mississippi Alternate Route Licensure with a concentration in Secondary Education (grades 7-12). Required courses may include:

• Current Methodology in Secondary Education
• Psychology of Exceptional Children
• Teaching Reading in Content Areas
• Curriculum Development
• Technology in Education

All graduate students in this program must complete an oral or written comprehensive examination in order to receive their degree.

Notables

All students who currently teach full-time in a K-12 setting are eligible for the Professional Development Scholarship. This scholarship offers a 30 percent reduction in tuition. Of course, there are other scholarship and financial aid opportunities for those looking for a more affordable option. U.S. News and World Report has also ranked Mississippi College as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans as well as one of the Best Regional Universities in the South.

Overview

This liberal arts university located in Fort Wayne, Indiana is home to just over 2,000 students. While it may be a small university, the University of Saint Francis offers programs that will have a large impact on your career. In fact, USF ranks 5th for Best Earnings Potential of all Indiana Schools. Interested in teaching? Check out the university’s affordable Transition to Teaching program.

Program Features

This fully online program is perfect for folks looking to transition into a new career – teaching! You’ll be able to earn your initial teaching license in secondary education in Indiana. If you reside or wish to teach in another state, be sure to look at licensure requirements. You will be required to complete 18-24 credit hours which may include:

• Literacy in the Content Areas
• Methods for Secondary Instruction
• Collaborative Classrooms & Schools
• Responsive Classroom Management

These eight-week courses can be completed on a part-time basis. And the credits you complete in the Transition to Teaching sequence can apply directly to a Master of Arts in Teaching. All graduates in the transition program will have to complete a practicum or clinical internship.

Notables

The University of St. Francis’s online programs are among more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the university was ranked #36 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs. The university is also one of the most affordable; in fact, more than 95 percent of USF students receive financial aid. There are also a variety of scholarships you can apply for.

Overview

This public research university is located in Mobile, Alabama. Join SouthPaw and Miss Pawla, the official University mascots, along with the nearly 12,000 students who call the University of South Alabama home. Interested in teaching middle or high school students? Check out the university’s affordable online Alternative Master of Education.

Program Features

This 42-hour program is perfect for those who don’t currently hold a teaching certification and who don’t have any prior teaching experience. However, you should have a bachelor’s degree in one of the following subject areas: English Language Arts, Social Studies, General Science, Spanish, French, German, or Mathematics. Students will complete 14 courses, including:

• High School Curriculum
• Microcomputing Systems
• Multicultural Experiences in Schools
• Educational Research and Evaluation
• Nature & Needs of Exceptional Child & Youth

Upon completion of this program, students will be eligible for the Class A, 6-12 Certificate for their specific area of concentration.

Notables

U.S. News and World Report has ranked the University of South Alabama among the Top National Universities in the country. With 34 master’s programs and 12 doctoral programs, this university is an excellent choice for earning an advanced degree. It’s also one of the most affordable options. In fact, USA awarded more than $17 million in scholarship dollars in 2017.