Best Online Master' Degrees in Secondary Education

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Many teachers go on to earn a master's degree after their bachelor's to further advance their knowledge and skills in the field. Some states require teachers to earn a master's degree after securing a teaching position. Other students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a different field may earn their master's in secondary education to pursue licensure and begin their career as a teacher. Teachers with their master's degree may move into leadership positions within their school and take on more responsibilities. This could potentially come with a pay increase. According to PayScale.com, graduates with an MEd in Secondary Education had a median annual salary of $59,187 as of April 2021.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Secondary Education?

Typically, earning a master's degree in secondary education takes about 2 years to complete. However, some programs give students up to 6 years to finish their degree. There are several different factors that can affect how long it takes students to earn their degree, including the format of the program, transfer credit, and course load. Program formats could include full- and part-time options and the duration of courses. Some students could enter a master's degree with transfer credit, which can help them finish their degree faster. The number of online courses that students choose to take each semester can also affect how long it takes to finish their degree.

Online master's degree programs in secondary education typically require at least 30 credits of coursework. Several of these degree programs are designed to qualify students to teach grades 7 through 12. Usually, students take some core courses in pedagogy and other foundational education concepts, as well as some courses in their chosen certification/concentration area. Depending on the program, some conclude with a final hands-on learning experience and/or other culminating experience. Read on for examples of possible course topics for these master's programs.

Secondary Education Foundational Courses

Foundational courses in secondary education master's programs are designed to further develop students' knowledge of teaching theories and strategies in order to benefit the academic growth of their students. These courses help teach skills that can be utilized in any subject area, such as utilizing technology in the classroom and creating inclusive learning environments. Students may be able to pick and choose some core courses from different areas, such as choosing a multicultural education course and a research course. Some master's programs in secondary education conclude with a thesis or capstone option or a field experience for hands-on learning, such as student teaching. Possible core course topics for these programs include:

• Historical perspectives in education
• Diagnostic assessment and progress monitoring
• Inclusive classrooms
• Design for learning with digital media
• Literacy and content skill development
• Classroom management
• Curriculum evaluation
• Educational ethics

Secondary Education Specialist & Elective Courses

In addition to core courses, students also usually take courses that are specific to their chosen concentration or certification area. Some programs also include elective courses. Sometimes, concentration areas for a degree help lead to different outcomes. For example, some programs offer concentrations in a secondary teaching license, a teaching of a content area, or a dual credit teaching credential. Students could have the option to pursue additional endorsements, such as a Reading Specialist endorsement, or pursue certification areas such as:

• Citizenship
• Science
• Math
• English
• Social studies
• Physics
• Biology
• Earth and space
• Chemistry

Licensure & Certification in Secondary Education

High school teachers at public institutions have to have a state-issued teaching license or certification. States vary in their requirements, but commonly, aspiring teachers need to have a bachelor's degree, student teaching, a background check, and an exam before earning licensure. Teaching licenses and certifications typically have to be maintained through continuing education credit. At the high school level, most teachers need to have a specialization or endorsement in a given subject area, such as math, English, science, and more. Students who wish to work with specific populations, such as special education students, may need an additional certificate or certification in the field.

Applicants to online master's programs in secondary education are required to have at least a bachelor's degree and commonly need to meet a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. There could be additional admissions requirements for specific concentration areas. For example, a concentration in secondary teaching license may require passing a state exam for a given content area or hold a bachelor's or master's degree in the content area. Some programs do not require the GRE, and if students have a teaching license, they typically need to submit a copy of it with their application. Depending on the program, students could also need to have a fingerprint clearance card. Other application materials include letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal essay or statement of purpose.

Students should first consider their career goals and what kind of secondary education teacher they wish to be, as many of these teachers need to specialize in a given subject area. Depending on their educational background and career goals, students need to determine what type of master's degree is the best fit for them. For example, some online master's programs can help lead to initial licensure, while others are designed to further build on students' teaching skills and experience. Many of these programs provide additional concentration areas, endorsement, and certificate options as well, so students need to find a program that matches their interests. Students should also examine the hands-on requirements for programs and find one that works well with their personal schedule/situation. Other important aspects to consider for master's programs in secondary education include specific admission requirements, the cost of a program, availability of financial aid, and additional academic support services.

Many graduates with their master's in secondary education go on to pursue careers as secondary education teachers, but depending on the certification and how schools are set up, this can also sometimes mean teaching middle school. Graduates of these degree programs typically like working with students and take positions in the classroom. Generally, at the secondary level, teachers teach several different classes within their content area. Some of these courses may be in different areas of the subject, such as a science teacher teaching biology and chemistry, or could be at different levels, such as an introductory vs. advanced math course. Depending on their career goals, some teachers may work in the classroom and then advance their careers to different leadership or administrative positions. For instance, some students may pursue a career as a high school principal. Get more details about a couple of job options below.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Secondary Education

Typically, growth in the field of education is steady but is often dependent on state and local budgets and student enrollment. Graduates with their master's in secondary education have some flexibility in careers but are generally certified to teach specific subject areas. Overall, the job outlook for high school teachers is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the job outlook for high school teachers from 2019 to 2029 is 4%. This is as fast as the average and equates to 40,200 new jobs over the decade. Other kinds of teachers also have positive job outlooks. For example, the BLS reports that special education teachers (at all levels, preschool through secondary school) have a job outlook of 3% from 2029 to 2029. This is also as fast as the average and equates to 14,300 new jobs. The BLS breaks it down further to a job outlook of 3% for special education teachers at secondary schools and 4,600 new jobs over the decade.

How to Become a High School Teacher

The requirements for becoming a high school teacher varies a little from state to state. For instance, the requirements to become a high school teacher in Maryland could differ from the requirements in Indiana or California. Generally, these differences come in the requirements for licensure or certification. Most commonly, in order to earn a state teaching license or certificate, students need to have at least a bachelor's degree, complete student teaching, and pass a background check and teaching certification exam. Some states then require students to continue their studies and earn a master's degree. Requirements for high school teachers can also differ if they are teaching in a public vs. a private school.

High school teachers are responsible for teaching students important skills in a given content area and helping prepare them for the real world after graduation. They have to develop their class rules, assignments, and assessments, as well as instruct students and adapt lessons as needed to meet the needs of their students. High school teachers often need to communicate with parents and administrators about students' progress or other issues. As of 2020, the median annual wage for high school teachers was $62,870, according to the BLS.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Some high school teachers may enjoy working with students with various disabilities and decide to work as a special education teacher in secondary school. The requirements for these teachers are very similar to those of a high school teacher, with most public special education teachers needing at least a bachelor's degree and a state-issued teaching license or certificate. However, special education teachers usually need to have some special training in special education. This could be a bachelor's degree, certificate, etc.

Special education teachers help adjust lesson plans to meet the needs of students with physical, learning, emotional, or mental disabilities. This generally means working with individual or smaller groups of students to create specific activities that meet their needs. Special education teachers are also responsible for helping develop and following students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). IEPs must be updated as a student grows and needs change. Per the BLS, special education teachers at secondary schools made a median annual salary of $62,320 as of 2020.

Although it is not necessarily required, especially for master's programs that prepare teachers for initial certification, most applicants to master's degree programs in secondary education already have a background in education. They could hold a bachelor's degree in secondary education or a degree in a specific subject area with a concentration in teaching. Again, due to the need for most secondary teachers to have experience in a given subject area, there are also good minor options for secondary education majors.

At the doctoral level, students can generally choose from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Education (EdD). A PhD is usually more theory- and research-based, while an EdD is designed more for practitioners. Students can find both PhD and EdD programs in secondary education, as well as related degrees, such as an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in secondary education. Depending on the program, some may be available in online formats and take as little as 3 years to complete.

Despite possibly saving money on living expenses, online master's programs in secondary education can still be expensive as you add up tuition, fees, course materials, technology costs, and more. To help pay for some of these expenses, students should pursue an array of financial aid options, starting with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form notifies students of any qualifying loans or grants from the government. Beyond this, students should check with their school for any possible tuition discounts and scholarship opportunities, as well as awards given by a range of outside organizations that may be connected to a student's local area, major of choice, interests, etc. Some examples of possible scholarships for secondary education master's students include:

• Educator Scholarship Award- Offered by the American College of Education, this award is available to students in a few different programs, including the MA in Secondary Education. New applicants to these programs apply for the award before their first term of enrollment.
• Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program- This $1.45 million grant from the National Science Foundation is offered through the Philadelphia Regional Noyce Partnership to students at multiple universities in the area, including St.Joseph's University, Temple University, and La Salle University. These awards are given to aspiring high school teachers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines.