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An investment in education can pay off, especially when it comes to earning a master's in education. This graduate degree deepens your knowledge of educational theory and specific content areas of teaching and administration.
You can enroll in a master of education online from a non-teaching field, or after years as a teacher. The multitude of concentrations available focus on educational leadership roles, or train educators to be more well-rounded and knowledgeable in their specialty areas.
Keep reading to discover what online education master's programs cost and the variety of jobs available depending on the degree.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Education Master's Programs
#1 Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 32
Illinois' fully online master of education offers nine concentrations, including digital learning, teaching biology, and diversity and equity in education. The graduate program consists of weekly online video sessions that meet synchronously.
Courses may include culture in the classroom; curriculum development for the 21st century; and families, communities, and schools.
Each course lasts 6-8 weeks, and the entire program takes 18 months. Applicants need a GPA of 3.0 or better in their undergraduate work. Illinois does not require GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online Master’s in Education Programs
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $420
Out-of-State | $420
Credits to Graduate: 45-46
Purdue Global's online master of science in education program equips students with the skills necessary to begin their teaching careers and advance into higher positions.
The 12-course program takes approximately 1.5 years to complete and offers three concentrations in literacy and language, leadership, and teaching students with special needs. Upon program completion, graduates will still need to seek out independent certification and licensure.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Master’s in Education Programs
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,025
Out-of-State | $1,025
Credits to Graduate: 33-36
Johns Hopkins' master of science in education policy equips graduates to understand contemporary educational inequities and apply effective solutions. Otherwise offered entirely online, this degree requires one in-person, five-day residency in Washington, D.C. Students take 11-12 online courses and may opt for an internship or experiential learning opportunity.
Courses include intermediate statistics, federal education policy, and international education policy. The program concludes with a capstone. Applicants need a four-year degree with a GPA of 3.0 or better for admission.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Online Master’s in Education Programs
Michigan State University
- East Lansing, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $933
Out-of-State | $933
Credits to Graduate: 30
MSU's master of arts in educational technology develops educators who can create powerful educational solutions.
The program requires nine core credits and 21 elective credits. Courses may include approaches to educational research, creativity in teaching and learning, and creativity in K-12 computing education. Students can study online, in hybrid summer options, or in summer overseas options.
The program takes 1.5 years to complete. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,201
Out-of-State | $2,201
Credits to Graduate: 28
USC's fully online master of arts in teaching program provides future educators with meaningful solutions for teaching at high-needs schools.
Courses may include literacy development and instruction, blended learning experiences for students in urban schools, and identifying and teaching student differences.
The program takes between 11 and 15 months to complete. Graduates will have the requirements needed for recommendation for the California preliminary teaching credential. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. No minimum GPA is required.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $586
Out-of-State | $1,602
Credits to Graduate: 33-36
UNC-Chapel Hill's master of education for experienced teachers supports working professional educators by providing a concentration in early childhood intervention and family support. Courses include teacher as researcher, advanced emergent literacy, and biological bases of children’s development.
Students pursue their degrees either through a hybrid of an online and a brick-and-mortar setting in Chapel Hill or through fully remote sessions with synchronous meetings. This two-year program accepts licensed and non-licensed teachers, but all applicants should have two years of teaching experience.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 30
UNT's online master of science in early childhood education accelerated program prepares early childhood educators to advocate for children as teachers, administrators, or researchers. This 12-month degree includes coursework such as educational statistics, schooling in a multicultural society, and advanced studies in early childhood education. Each course lasts eight weeks.
Applicants should submit transcripts showing a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or better along with a resume and a personal essay. UNT accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Online Master’s in Education Programs
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Quarter Unit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 45
National University's master of arts in education program equips future educators with the foundations of education and gives its graduates the skills to analyze educational equity and diversity.
The 10-month, 10-course program can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. Class topics may include advanced teaching practices, early childhood education, technology, higher education administration, special education, or inspired teaching.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#9 Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
State-certified teachers | $515
Other applicants | $572
Credits to Graduate: 30
University of South Carolina's fully online master of education in teaching program is designed for working educators seeking endorsement, career advancement, and educational enrichment.
The program requires 15 core semester hours and 15 specialization hours. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and either three years of experience in an education setting or a 3.0 GPA or higher in their last earned degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Online Master’s in Education Programs
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $997
Out-of-State | $997
Credits to Graduate: 36
BU's online master of education in curriculum and teaching equips educators to help students access content in several concentration areas such as English, math, science, social studies, and special education. The program includes courses focused on both content and pedagogy. Each course is asynchronous with flexible, live sessions, and the program lasts 18-24 months.
Admission is open for spring, fall, and summer start dates, and BU accepts applications year-round. Applicants should submit their undergraduate transcripts, but the school no longer requires GRE or MAT scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
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What Is a Master's in Education?
Online education master's programs are advanced programs in pedagogical approaches, organizational leadership, and educational history and research for practitioners and administrations. These programs often take around two years, but you can complete some in less time.
These degrees can lead to initial teaching licensure, administrative licensure, or other certifications or endorsements in the field. Licensure track programs are typically state-approved educator preparation programs that include relevant field experiences.
Non-licensure programs may not include fieldwork and are designed for currently licensed practitioners or those who plan to work outside the public school system.
You can earn a master of education (M.Ed.), master of science (MS), or master of arts (MA) in a subfield of education.
Common Courses
- Assessment for Learning
- Classroom Management and Organization
- Education Policy and Issues
- Education Research Methods
- Introduction to Exceptionality
- Instructional Leadership
- Social Justice and Education Equity
- Teaching Strategies
Concentrations Within Education and Teaching
Adult Education
If you want to teach nontraditional and continuing education learners, consider specializing in adult education. In your studies, you'll explore the theoretical concept of teaching adult learners and put it into practice in a classroom setting.
Curriculum and Instruction
Carefully-developed curriculum and instruction can create a more inclusive learning environment that promotes culturally relevant education and improves student learning outcomes. By specializing in this field, you can become a curriculum and instruction specialist employed in corporate settings or in schools.
Early Childhood Education
An early childhood education concentration combines educational theory and practice. Through lessons and fieldwork, you'll learn to utilize the latest technology for an active learning environment and develop a child-centered curriculum for infants and children up to age eight.
Educational Administration
By specializing in educational administration, learners gain the necessary skills for careers like school administrators and principals. The coursework focuses on educational policy, research, and leadership theory.
Educational Technology
Studying educational technology can teach educators new approaches to incorporate multimedia into their lessons, such as instructional games or simulations. This concentration emphasizes learning theories and instructional design in the digital era.
Elementary Education
Master's in elementary education programs offer advanced instructional training to teach in grades K-8 in a variety of different elementary-level subjects. Licensed teachers can expand their practice, or use this concentration to launch a career in administration.
English Language Learning
English language learners benefit from educators trained at a graduate-level in English language learning, a specialization that focuses on supporting and developing literacy and content instruction. Through this concentration you'll learn to apply technology, theory and research to improve students' language skills in all content areas.
Gifted and Talented Education
Enroll in a gifted and talented education master's program and you'll examine inequality in schools and learn how to meet the social and emotional needs of academically gifted students. This concentration also explores evaluation techniques for gifted students and trends in gifted education.
Higher Education
You can prepare for a career in college admissions, enrollment, student affairs, or other administration departments by earning a master's in higher education. Dive into coursework focused on higher education access, American higher education history, organizational behavior, and directed research in higher education.
Reading and Literacy
If you love reading, think about specializing in reading and literacy. With a master's in reading and literacy, you can help students achieve reading milestones by developing your reading instruction and studying linguistics and literacy concepts.
School Counseling
Start your journey to become a counselor by earning a master's in school counseling. Through the coursework, you'll learn how to support students in their academic, socio-emotional, and career goals.
Secondary Education
Improve your teaching techniques for high school students by specializing in secondary education. Individuals from diverse fields, as well as credentialed teachers, pursue this concentration to study pedagogical theory and research.
Special Education
Pursuing a master's in special education opens the doors to opportunities instructing students with diverse learning needs from K-12, or even in college. You can also focus on specific content areas like math or theater. During your studies, you will learn about institutional modifications, intervention strategies, and research analysis.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Education Cost?
On average, an online master's in education program costs $7,911 in tuition and fees per year, as reported by the According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) DataLab.
Variances in price are attributed to numerous factors, such as attending a private college versus a public institution. Across all fields of study, the average graduate tuition and fees in 2020-2021 were $12,394 at public institutions and $28,445 at private nonprofit institutions.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online students can save on commuting and parking costs, but there are still expenses involved in online learning.
Online master's in education students may need to buy a new laptop or upgrade their internet. If an online student doesn't have home internet, they'll need to budget for parking fees or beverage costs in order to use an establishment's internet. Additionally, some schools charge technology and graduation fees.
Degree-seekers should also budget for any in-person sessions their degree may mandate, like orientation. These experiences may lead to travel and lodging costs.
Like on-campus students, online learners must buy class materials and books. Buying used or digital books can help save money. Students should also plan to pay for teaching licensure exams.
Scholarships and Grants
Federal financial aid goes to all qualified master's in education students. After completing the FAFSA, you can receive federal grants or loans. Amounts vary based on your financial eligibility. Grants and scholarships offer free aid, which you do not need to repay.
You can also apply for TEACH Grants, which provide $4,000 a year to eligible students who commit to teaching at a participating school for four years. Additionally, teachers who work in low-income schools or other qualified educational agencies for five academic years may qualify for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program and receive up to $17,500.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's in Education?
Education encompasses a wide variety of occupations, inside and beyond the classroom. As of 2022, roughly 8.496 million people work in educational instruction and library occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Even within teaching, there are a variety of positions serving different student populations. Teachers work throughout P-12 and at the college level. They can educate varying student populations, including ESL students or students with moderate-to-severe disabilities. An online education master's program can also prepare you to work as a corporate trainer, educational consultant, or education policy analyst.
Demand for educational occupations depends on the job, field, and location. Earning a graduate degree puts teachers in a higher pay bracket. According to a study by Pepperdine, teachers with master's degrees can expect 10-15% more earnings than teachers with bachelor's degrees.
However, that earnings bump hinges on the school district, the state, and the school itself. Pepperdine's research points out that sometimes the pay increase you get with a master's degree is only a few thousand dollars.
According to the NCES, teachers in public schools made an average of $66,397 in 2021-2022. Compare that to 1959-1960 when public school teachers made $4,995 a year, or what equates to $47,943 in 2021-2022 dollars. That's very little movement over the course of 63 years.
Careers for M.Ed. Degree-Holders
| Job |
Median Salary |
Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| Curriculum Developer |
$72,330* |
Unavailable |
| Training and Development Specialist |
$125,040 |
6% |
| University Dean |
$102,610 |
4% |
| District Administrator |
$71,250 |
Unavailable |
| Educational Researcher |
$67,380* |
Unavailable |
| Elementary School Teacher |
$63,680 |
1% |
| High School Teacher |
$65,210 |
1% |
| Instructional Coordinator |
$74,620 |
2% |
| Middle School Teacher |
$64,290 |
1% |
| Special Education Teacher |
$65,910 |
0% |
| Postsecondary Teacher |
$82,270 |
8% |
| Principal |
$101,320 |
1% |
| School Counselor |
$61,710 |
5% |
Source: BLS, Payscale
*Average salary as of April 2024
How to Become a Teacher
Aspiring P-12 teachers typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Preschool teachers at public schools also need a bachelor's degree, though private preschools may only require an associate degree in a relevant field.
If you plan to teach in public schools, then you must receive a professional license or certification through your state's education board. These certifications usually focus on a particular grade level or subject, such as elementary education, special education, or mathematics. Private school teachers do not typically need a state-issued license.
Students can earn these credentials by meeting education and supervised student-teaching requirements. They must also pass a background check and certification exams. These exams may cost $150-$200. Licensure fees may cost an extra $200. Costs vary by state.
Each state determines its own education requirements for teaching licensure. However, most states require applicants to complete an approved teacher preparation program, which can be tied to a bachelor's or master's degree program.
To keep their licenses current, teachers must complete continuing education or professional development classes every few years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's Degrees in Education
What are the admission requirements for an online education master's program?
Online master's in education programs require at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a 2.5-3.0 GPA to qualify for admission. Other requirements differ for each master's program. For instance, a degree may require enrollees to hold a current teaching credential or have completed bachelor's courses in education.
Should I earn my master of education online?
If you have work or family obligations that make it difficult to meet on campus weekly, online education master's programs let you attend class from wherever you'd like. Asynchronous coursework provides added flexibility to submit assignments or join discussion boards on your own time rather than during scheduled classes. Note that some Asynchronous classes may still have timed elements, like deadlines or specific lectures.
Is a master's in education worth it?
An online master's in education is worthwhile in many ways. For teachers, earning a graduate degree will elevate your practice. Earning a graduate degree typically pays off. According to the BLS, master's degree holders in 2022 made median weekly earnings of $1,661, while bachelor's degree holders earned $1,432 a week on average.
How long does an online master's in education program take?
Full-time enrollees can complete a master's degree in two years. Part-time learners may need 3-4 years. Some accelerated online programs take just 12-18 months, depending on students' prior coursework and degree requirements.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.
Edited by