What Is an Online Master's in Education Degree?
An online master's degree in education allows educators to advance their teaching careers, work in leadership or administrative roles, and continue to expand their knowledge in the field of education. A Master of Education is known as a M.Ed.
This degree may also be offered as a Master of Arts in Education, which is a humanities degree that includes curriculum and instruction. Still other universities may offer this degree as a Master of Science in Education, which includes more research and may include more administrative courses. The coursework in this degree prepares graduates for the research they will complete if they choose to earn their PhD in education.
The Best Online Masters Degree Programs in Education
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State University-Bakersfield | $8853 | 81% | 43% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | James Madison University | $11976 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 3 | California State University-East Bay | $8434 | 76% | 50% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | California State University-Sacramento | $8802 | 82% | 55% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | George Mason University | $15648 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 6 | California State University-Monterey Bay | $8577 | 75% | 63% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | California State University-Fullerton | $8358 | 53% | 69% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | University of Wyoming | $6289 | 96% | 60% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | Kansas State University | $11277 | 95% | 65% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 10 | Southern Utah University | $8338 | 78% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | California State University-Long Beach | $8268 | 39% | 74% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 12 | University of Maryland-College Park | $14793 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | CUNY Queens College | $11612 | 49% | 56% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of North Dakota | $12058 | 81% | 61% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | Eastern Washington University | $12704 | 96% | 54% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | California State University-San Bernardino | $8386 | 69% | 55% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | Worcester State University | $5796 | 66% | 58% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Purdue Global-Main Campus | $9992 | 60% | 82% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | San Diego State University | $8944 | 34% | 73% | 60% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $19983 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $14382 | 61% | 71% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Washington State University | $13095 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 23 | University of Pennsylvania | $40182 | 8% | 96% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $24218 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | The University of Texas at Austin | $11998 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Montclair State University | $13140 | 76% | 67% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | Rowan University | $15787 | 74% | 73% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | University of Delaware | $34956 | 71% | 81% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | Texas Tech University | $8181 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | Indiana University-Bloomington | $10873 | 78% | 79% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Iowa State University | $10990 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 32 | La Salle University | $25630 | 78% | 66% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | University at Buffalo | $14130 | 61% | 75% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $7128 | 80% | 46% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | Michigan State University | $18858 | 71% | 81% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 36 | Johns Hopkins University | $57556 | 11% | 93% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 37 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | $8520 | 91% | 60% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | SUNY College at Plattsburgh | $13112 | 58% | 68% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | University of Northern Colorado | $12894 | 91% | 52% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $19221 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 41 | Georgia College & State University | $7314 | 80% | 64% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 42 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $12659 | 71% | 68% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | University of Northern Iowa | $10432 | 79% | 67% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 44 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $11673 | 45% | 82% | 68% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | Clemson University | $11796 | 51% | 84% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | The University of Alabama | $10780 | 83% | 71% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 47 | Pittsburg State University | $8322 | 96% | 52% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Why Should I Get an Online Education Master's Degree?
An online education master's degree is a good option for someone who is an licensed teacher and wants to further their teaching career. Current educators are able to continue teaching while earning their degree due to the flexibility an online degree provides.
When earning this degree, professionals can choose an accelerated option and finish their degree early or enroll part-time. By personalizing their degree, students can fit the program into their busy schedule and finish at their own pace. An online degree allows students to enroll in a program in a university they are unable to attend in person. Students can choose to attend in-state or out-of-state universities online programs and complete their coursework from wherever they are located.
States such as California offer many master's programs in education and online students have a wide range of options and programs to choose from. Many universities offer programs that can be completed entirely online or offer a hybrid option that allows students to take a combination of online and in-person courses.
Choosing an Online Educational Leadership Master's Program
Students should consider several factors when choosing an online master's degree in education including program requirements, coursework, and format. In addition, students should make sure the program they select is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation provides accreditation specifically for education programs.
When deciding to continue their education, students have several choices. Educators can choose to get their Master of Education, M.Ed to further establish their careers as teachers. For instance, a teacher who works with younger children may want to work as a high school teacher. High school teachers teach more complex coursework and prepare students for what to expect after graduation, therefore some states may require high school teachers to earn a master's degree.
A master's may help teachers get promotions and earn higher incomes or take their career in a new direction. This may include moving out of the classroom and working in leadership or administrative roles in education such as working as a principal or school administrator. In this case, students can choose a more specialized degree such as:
- a master's degree in educational leadership, which focuses on new ideas to ensure the success of their institutions as well as leading other institutions. This degree is a good option for an educator aspiring to working in higher education such as a department chair, postsecondary education administrator or program director.
- a master's degree in educational administration, which emphasizes on the day-to-day work involved in an educational institution.
Educators should consider what occupation they are looking to work in and see which education degree is best suited to get them there.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Education?
In order to earn a master's in education, it usually takes 2 years and the completion of 30 - 40 credits. However an online degree provides students with the opportunity to earn their degree in less time. Due to the additional flexibility and scheduling options, many online master's degrees in education can be completed in 1.5 years.
Curriculum for Online Master's Degree Programs in Education
The curriculum for an online master's in education teaches educators how to apply evidence-based research to their work and understand how they can better meet the needs of students. This includes the development of curriculum.
Those who pursue this degree also learn about how the world of education evolves with the use of new technologies. In addition, educators learn how to meet the needs of a wide range of students and how to ensure learning is inclusive.
Education Foundational Courses
The foundational courses in a master's degree in education require educators to complete research to gain an understanding on education both past in present. This includes exploring foundations of education and new ways to modernize teaching by incorporating technology into learning. They learn how to utilize these methods and strategies to improve education. The coursework may vary depending on if the program selected is a M.Ed., MS or MA in education.
Core courses for a master's in education typically include:
- Research in Education
- Foundations of Education
- Curriculum Design
- Teaching and Learning with Technology
- Capstone Seminar
Education Specialist and Elective Courses
Depending on a student's area of interest and degree focus, they may choose a concentration in curriculum and instruction and take courses such as curriculum design, theory and practice or foundations of schooling. Another path is to work in leadership positions and choose courses such as leadership in teaching and learning, school law, or assessment evaluation in education.
Students can also choose elective courses in special education, foundations of language in second language teaching, or educational psychology.
Licensure and Certification in Education
Most people who choose to get a degree in education are professionals who have experience in that field. Many have several years of experience working as a teacher at some level. To hold these positions, a license or certification is already a requirement.
While a master's degree in education provides educators with the opportunity for career advancement, they must maintain their licensure/certification and make sure it is up to date if they continue working as a teacher. This also applies if an educator plans to work in an administrative position. Many states require applicants who want to work in school administrator positions such as principals and superintendents to have teaching and work experience in the field and state licensure in addition to a master's degree.
Admissions Requirements for Online Education Master's Programs
The admission requirements for a master's degree in education include having earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants of master's degree programs usually need to have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA while earning their previous degree.
Specific requirements may vary depending on particular universities, but students often have to submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and an application fee. For this particular degree, some universities may require applicants may have their past experience working in education. This includes having worked as a teacher, an evaluation of their teaching, a professional educator license and undergoing a background check.
What Can I Do with an Education Master's Degree?
There is a wide range of career options for those with a master's degree in education, both in and out of the classroom. Educators can continue to establish their careers as teachers or work in a leadership position within a school setting as a principal.
Graduates can take their work out of the classroom as instructional coordinators and work to develop school curriculum and maintain teaching standards. Those who earn a master's degree can also choose to work as an academic program director and work in trade schools, colleges and universities. Their work involves administrative, financial and curricular aspects of creating programs.
Alternatively, educators who choose a concentration in educational psychology or get their master's in educational psychology work in academic counseling roles such as school psychologist or career counselor.
Job Outlook for a Master's in Education
With a master's degree in education, graduates can work as middle or high school teacher. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an increase in student enrollment leads to a higher demand for middle and high school teachers. Since a master's degree provides advancement opportunities, educators can advance their teaching roles or work in administrative positions within their school.
Another career path for professionals pursuing a degree in education is to become a principal at an elementary, middle or high school level. Just like with teachers, growth in this occupation is a result of increasing student enrollment in educational institutions. The employment outlook varies depending on what position you are looking to hold.
While the job growth for teachers and principals may decrease if there is not an increase in student enrollment, the employment of adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers may increase. These professionals help adults learn English or earn their high school diploma or equivalent.
How to Become an Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal
Elementary, middle, and high school principals work to maintain administrative duties and activities within a school. To hold this position you need to be a teacher or have prior teaching experience. In order to become a principal, you typically need a master's degree in education or related degree such as a master's in educational administration or educational leadership.
Master's degree programs help educators understand the responsibilities and day-to-day work involved in an elementary, middle, or high school. This includes creating budgets, setting goals for the school and working with students, parents and their community. In most states it is a requirement for public school principals to be licensed as school administrators. An exam as well as background check could also be necessary.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of elementary, middle, and high school principalsis projected to increase 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. As of May 2019, the median annual wage was $96,400.
How to Become an Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teacher
Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers work with adults to teach them basic skills, such as reading and speaking English. Those in this occupation teach English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), classes that help students read, write, and speak to people who do not speak English as their first language.
These teachers also help students earn their high school diploma or equivalent and provide them with career preparation programs. Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers often work for community colleges, community-based organizations, or public schools. In order to work in this position, you must have at least a bachelor's degree. In some cases community colleges may require applicants to have a master's degree in a field such as education or to have completed some graduate coursework.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachersis projected to decrease 10 percent from 2019 to 2029. This decrease is projected to be due to declining enrollment in adult education and ESL programs and an increase in high school graduation rates. As of May 2019, the median annual wage for adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers was $54,350.
Common Undergraduate Degrees for Education
Undergraduate degrees include associate's and bachelor's degrees in education. These degrees are completed prior to earning a master's in education and help educators begin their teaching careers. These undergraduate programs may be offered in education or elementary education.
An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in education consists of 60 credits and can be completed in 2 years. Students can attend a community college for this degree in preparation to transfer to a four year university.
Bachelor's degrees in education can be obtained as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. It takes four years and the completion of 120 credits to earn this degree. In order to work as a teacher, having at least a bachelor's degree is a requirement.
Postgraduate Options After Completing a Master's in Education
Students can choose to continue their education after obtaining their master's and get a PhD in education. PhD programs include the completion of several courses, a dissertation, and qualifying exam. Students use qualitative and quantitative research for teaching and research roles. This is a research-based degree that prepares graduates to work as a research scholar or an education director. It typically takes 3-5 years to earn a PhD in education.
Students could also choose to earn a Doctor of Education, which differs from a PhD in education. A Doctorate in Education is a degree where research is applied to education by professionals working in the field. Careers include principal, superintendent, or dean. The focus of this degree is figure out solutions and ways to improve education through leadership roles, and it typically take 3 years to complete.
Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants for Online Master's in Education Programs
Just like for undergraduate programs, those interested in earning a graduate degree should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to see if they qualify for any federal aid. There are several types of financial aid that can help students pay for their education including grans, which is money that does not need to be repaid, and loans, which is borrowed money that needs to be paid back with interest.
Depending on the career and type of role an individual is looking to hold, there are scholarships available. The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) offers a wide range of awards and scholarships to educators working in the field of education and school administration. This includes the Educational Administration Scholarship, which is awarded to graduate students who plan on working as a school superintendent.
Those who plan on earning their master's may be able to qualify for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education. This is a federal student grant for those who meet the requirements and are working in a high-need field like bilingual education and English language acquisition, or special education.
