Masters in Education Online
Teachers with a state-issued license can explore online master's in education programs to enhance their careers. Graduates may work as curriculum designers, behavior specialists, or special education teachers. Some programs offer specializations in bilingual education and digital literacies.
Most programs require a bachelor's degree and recommendation letters. Applicants may need to meet a GPA cutoff. Full-time enrollees can complete a master's in two years.
This page lists the best online master's in education programs. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and the benefits of earning a master's in education.
Questions About Master's in Education Programs
What can I do with a master's in education besides teaching?
Potential master's in education jobs include principal and district administrator. Graduates may also work as corporate trainers.
Do teachers with a master's degree get paid more?
Many public school districts give teachers with a master's degree an automatic raise. Teachers who advance their education further may earn even more money.
Can I complete a master's in education entirely online?
Yes. Many master's in education programs run fully online, allowing teachers to continue their careers.
Featured Online Education Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Get a Master's in Education?
Earning a master's in education can help experienced teachers further their careers. Graduates can use their education and expertise to guide schools or districts. The best online master's in education programs also help prepare students for doctoral programs or jobs outside the education field.
Online programs let teachers work while in school. Teachers can apply new knowledge and skills right away, helping improve student outcomes. Online programs also let learners choose from top programs nationwide. Degree-seekers can take classes without commuting or relocating.
How Much Does a Master's in Education Cost?
A master's degree costs an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. However, the cost varies by school and students' residency status. Learners pursuing an online master's in education from a public in-state school usually pay the most affordable tuition. Students attending private or out-of-state schools typically pay more.
Online learners save money by avoiding a commute. They also do not pay for campus housing or meal plans. Degree-seekers can explore tuition reimbursement to help make their degree more affordable. Some schools and districts pay for teachers' degrees if they agree to work in their position for a set time after graduation. Learners can also complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal grants and loans.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for expenses like a new laptop or upgraded internet connection. Many computer companies offer student discounts. Learners attending a hybrid program should also budget for commuting and parking costs.
Licensed teachers may qualify for endorsement after graduation. Earning an endorsement requires submitting transcripts and paying a fee. Fee schedules change and vary by state. Students can check a state's teacher licensure board for the latest information.
How Much Do Education Majors Make?
Master's in education jobs pay varying amounts. Instructional coordinators earn a median annual salary of $66,970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure exceeds the annual median salary for all occupations by about $25,000. Professionals working for government agencies or K-12 schools make more than their peers at colleges or universities.
Geographic location also affects salary. Instructional coordinators living in Washington, D.C., Connecticut, and Oregon make $86,390-$100,350. Workers can increase their salary potential by gaining on-the-job experience.
Courses in a Master's in Education Program
Some master's in education online programs offer specializations. Options may include educational leadership and curriculum and instruction. Another option is instructional design. Most programs include a final-semester capstone.
See below for three common classes in a master's program with a concentration in curriculum and instruction. Please note that graduation requirements differ for other degrees. Not all curriculum and instruction programs use the same class names or academic requirements. Students should check with their prospective schools for more information.
The Reflective Practitioner
Most learners take this class in their first semester. Students analyze their teaching experience and identify ways to become better educators. Degree-seekers create a growth plan they use throughout the program and after graduation. This plan features the latest proven practices. The class does not require prerequisites.Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated instruction ensures that education meets K-12 students' needs. Coursework covers modifying lessons and assessments, communicating learners' progress, and tracking growth. These requirements train degree-seekers to help their students advocate for and receive modifications. Learning outcomes include promoting differentiated instruction within a school or district.Educational Research
This class prepares students to complete research projects, pursue a doctorate, and contribute to the education field after graduation. Degree-seekers analyze the latest scholarly literature through research essays and peer discussions. Learners apply their knowledge in a final-semester capstone.
How to Become a Teacher
Aspiring teachers need at least a bachelor's degree in education. They can also graduate from a state-approved teacher-preparation program. Colleges and universities offer these programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Coursework includes pedagogy classes and student teaching. Degree-seekers can take classes in the content area they plan to teach.
Licensed educators perform many roles. They may sponsor student clubs, coach sports, or lead faculty teams. These tasks vary between elementary and secondary school teachers. Educators can stay current with the latest education best practices by taking professional development (PD) classes.
Licensure for Teachers
States regulate public education through teacher licensure. Rules and regulations vary by state. In California, prospective teachers apply for a preliminary license. Candidates need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school. They must also complete a teacher-preparation program and pass at least one exam. Approved programs must meet specific curriculum guidelines.
Candidates who meet these requirements can apply for a single-subject license. California offers more than two dozen options, including English and health science. California teaching licenses cost $100. Licensed teachers pay the same fee to add a new credential to their license.
California teachers with an initial license earn a clear license after five years. They do so by completing 150 PD hours. Teachers select PD classes from approved providers. Many professionals complete this requirement during the summer. Upgrading a license involves submitting PD paperwork and paying a $50 fee.
10 Best Online Master's in Education Degrees
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 32
UIUC's online master's in education can help you become a leader in the field. Designed for working educators, the program takes as little as 18 months to complete and doesn't require any campus visits. Enrollees may qualify for need- and merit-based scholarships.
The curriculum includes accelerated eight-week courses that develop skills in leadership, critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy. Learners can work on research projects and present them in the institution's graduate student research conference.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,525
Out-of-State | $1,525
Credits to Graduate: 33-36
Johns Hopkins's online MS in education policy teaches students to identify and address educational inequities through evidence-based policies. The program is available entirely online except for a five-day residency that takes place in Washington, D.C., in the first semester.
Core courses include federal education policy, intermediate statistics, understanding education research, and education finance. The program also offers a three-credit experiential learning internship.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,244
Out-of-State | $2,244
Credits to Graduate: 28
USC's online master of arts in teaching program prepares learners to get their teaching credentials in California. Graduates can qualify for education specialist, Spanish bilingual authorization, English learner authorization, or gifted education credentials. The gifted education track requires an additional four credits of coursework.
The program takes 11-15 months and includes live online learning and in-person teaching experiences. Students can choose from concentrations in multiple-subject teaching or single-subject teaching.
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
#4 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
Michigan State University
- East Lansing, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $933
Out-of-State | $933
Credits to Graduate: 30
MSU's education master of arts degree offers six concentrations, including literacy education, special education, technology and learning, and science and mathematics education. Designed for education professionals, the program can prepare you for leadership roles in as few as 1.5 years.
In addition to concentration-specific classes, students take courses like concepts of educational inquiry, a capstone seminar, and one class outside their specialization. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and work experience.
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $420
Out-of-State | $420
Credits to Graduate: 45-46
Purdue Global's online master's degree in education requires 12 classes that students can complete in as few as 1.5 years. Learners pursue one of three concentrations: educational leadership, teaching literacy and language, or teaching students with special needs. Core courses for all enrollees include transforming teaching practice, assessment in education, curriculum design, and classroom management.
Students should anticipate spending 15 hours per week studying. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program offers multiple start dates every year.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $997
Out-of-State | $997
Credits to Graduate: 36
Students in BU's online master of education in curriculum and teaching must pursue a concentration to specialize their degree. In addition to subject-specific tracks like math, science, English, and social studies, learners can pursue concentrations in special education, elementary education, and English as a second language education.
Designed for working teachers, the fully online program features asynchronous classes with some live sessions. Enrollees can attend part time and graduate in 18-24 months. The program accepts applications year-round and offers three annual start dates.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $538
Credits to Graduate: 30
UNT's educational leadership online master of education is an accelerated program that requires 10 courses. Classes — except for the semester-long practicum course — run in eight-week sessions. Students can finish the degree in as few as 12 months.
The program explores topics like student achievement, school culture, and successful teaching practices and helps prepare graduates for leadership roles in education. By taking an additional course — or already holding a master's degree — enrollees can concurrently earn a principal as instructional leader certification.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
Martin Luther College
- New Ulm, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $325
Out-of-State | $325
Credits to Graduate: 36
MLC's online master of science in education offers emphasis areas in educational technology, instruction, leadership, and special education. Students can pursue these concentrations or mix classes from all four specializations to customize their plan of study.
Designed for educators working in Lutheran schools, this Christ-centered program doesn't require any in-person sessions. Classes are asynchronous, allowing learners to integrate coursework into their schedules. Enrollees can take classes like family issues in education, foundations of ministry, and designing classroom instruction.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 45
NU's online master of arts in education accepts applications year-round and features accelerated four-week courses. The program explores educational equity, educational research, and the historical and social foundations of education. Enrollees may qualify for NU's Key Grant scholarship and other financial aid opportunities.
Learners can pursue concentrations in areas like early childhood education, inspired teaching, advanced teaching practices, and technology. The program offers classes like developing fluency in reading, collaborative partnerships, leading and managing change, and instructional design.
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
#10 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $572
Out-of-State | $572
Credits to Graduate: 30
Carolina's online master of education in teaching offers four specializations: literacy and reading, English for speakers of other languages, multicultural contexts in education, and project-based learning. South Carolina-certified teachers get a tuition discount, paying $515 per credit.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, two recommendation letters, a resume, a letter of intent, and three years of teaching experience or a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last degree that you earned.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
