2024’s Best Online Master’s Degrees in Education
With the increasing availability of online degree programs, it’s now more convenient than ever to enhance your knowledge and career as an educator. Pursuing an online master’s in education can also help you meet state teaching certification requirements, even if your undergraduate degree is in a different field. For current educators, obtaining a master’s degree can help refine your skills, specialize in a particular area, and make you a more competitive candidate in today’s job market. However, it can be challenging to determine which programs are the best fit. To aid in your search, we’ve identified this year’s top online master’s degrees in education based on significant criteria such as affordability, strength of student support, and program flexibility. Read more about each school below and discover the online master’s in education program that’s ideal for you in 2024.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University has several fully online master's degrees for students interested in the education field. These include master's programs in elementary education, secondary education, and adult and community education, plus more than a dozen others. In many programs, students choose a specialization that aligns with their unique interests and teaching goals. For example, Master's in Elementary Education students choose from focus areas such as gifted and talented education or English as a new language. All coursework for these programs is fully online, with no campus visits required. However, students who want to obtain a teaching license must complete an in-person student teaching requirement.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $451/credit (in-state); $676/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
Master of Arts in Secondary Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $451/credit (in-state); $676/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode:100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
Master of Arts in Adult and Community Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $451/credit (in-state); $676/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
2
Portales, New Mexico
Students seeking a master's-level degree in teaching have multiple online options to choose from at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU). In addition to the Master of Education with Emphasis in Elementary Education and the Master of Education: Secondary Education, ENMU offers specialized degrees. Teachers who desire a bilingual endorsement can earn the Bilingual Education Master's Degree. Those who want to instruct students in career and technical education settings can opt for the Master of Education with Emphasis in Career and Technical Education. For those who want to advance their special education qualifications, there are the Master of Special Education with Emphasis in General or Master of Early Childhood Special Education. All coursework for ENMU's master's programs is available entirely online, so students can balance studies alongside their current obligations.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education with Emphasis in Elementary Education (Licensure)
- Credits: 36-42
- Length: 2-6 years
- Cost: $320/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Education: Secondary Education
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2-6 years
- Cost: $320/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Education with Emphasis in Career and Technical Education
- Credits: 33
- Length: 2-6 years
- Cost: $320/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Sioux City, Iowa
Whether students are pivoting to the education field or are experienced educators, Morningside University offers a Master's in Teaching to help further their careers. Students choose from multiple master's degrees in teaching to select one that aligns with their personal and professional goals. For example, those interested in classroom instruction can consider degrees in elementary education, middle level education, or secondary education. Current educators who want to add to their skills can pursue degrees in literacy, STEM, or gifted and talented education. All Master's in Teaching students complete 17 hours of required core courses plus 15 credit hours in their chosen area of concentration. While all coursework is online, students in some degree programs will be required to complete in-person student teaching in their local area.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Teaching: Initial Licensure in Elementary Education, Grades K-6
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $333/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Arts in Teaching: Middle Level Education
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $333/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Arts in Teaching: Curriculum Studies
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $333/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
4
River Forest, Illinois
5
Radnor, Pennsylvania
6
Jonesboro, Arkansas
7
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
8
Danville, Virginia
9
Storm Lake, Iowa
10
Magnolia, Arkansas
11
New Concord, Ohio
12
Livingston, Alabama
13
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
14
Ashland, Ohio
15
Victoria, Texas
16
Virginia Beach, Virginia
17
Wilmore, Kentucky
18
Greenville, Illinois
19
Jackson, Mississippi
20
Juneau, Alaska
21
Columbus, Georgia
22
Lynchburg, Virginia
23
Ann Arbor, Michigan
24
Gainesville, Florida
25
Saint Paul, Minnesota
26
Jackson, Mississippi
27
Mayville, North Dakota
28
Odessa, Texas
29
Pensacola, Florida
30
Milledgeville, Georgia
31
Kearney, Nebraska
32
Carrollton, Georgia
33
Las Cruces, New Mexico
34
Emporia, Kansas
35
Longview, Texas
36
Searcy, Arkansas
37
Tampa, Florida
38
Valley City, North Dakota
39
Bronx, New York
40
Ottawa, Kansas
41
Springfield, Missouri
42
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
43
Bourbonnais, Illinois
44
Durant, Oklahoma
45
Macomb, Illinois
46
Natchitoches, Louisiana
47
Greenville, North Carolina
48
Brockport, New York
49
Waxahachie, Texas
50
Athens, Georgia
Inside Education’s Online Master’s Degree
Today’s graduate students in education programs benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online learning. Remote students can balance multiple life responsibilities, including family obligations and careers, while pursuing their graduate education. Several colleges and universities provide online master’s of education programs with specializations for concentration areas that are well-suited for distance learning. The majority of requirements for these degrees can be completed remotely, with any essential hands-on training or teaching components completed either in-person or partially online. In the following sections, we will examine the various types of online education master’s programs and what you can expect in each scenario.
Online Master’s in Education vs. Online Master’s in Teaching
The master’s in education and master’s in teaching are often referred to interchangeably. This is not necessarily accurate and is a disservice to each discipline. The major difference between the two is that master’s of education programs typically serve students interested in careers in education administration and curriculum design. Students in teaching graduate programs are usually looking to build upon an established teaching skill set to advance their careers inside the classroom. A master’s program in teaching helps you gain practical experience and official credentials, usually in a specialized area or age group.
In many cases, both the master’s in education and master’s in teaching are available entirely online, some of which require an occasional in-person component depending on the program. Each program also takes about two years to complete. When deciding which program is the best fit for you, the most important point to consider is what you intend to do upon graduation. If you wish to expand upon your teaching career and see yourself working directly with students, perhaps a master of arts in teaching is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you are interested in administrative positions, curriculum design, education policies, and other education-focused roles outside of the classroom, a master’s in education will serve you best.
Core Competencies of the Education Master’s
When you pursue a master’s in education, you develop a set of core competencies that help you carry out essential functions in a myriad of administrative and leadership roles in the field. Accredited online master’s of education programs typically build their curricula around standards determined by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Here are five competency areas in which you will develop mastery in a graduate education program.
Communication Skills
Working in an administrative or leadership role requires you to interact with a variety of individuals, including young students, colleagues, administrators, and parents. You will need to develop effective communication skills to carry out essential tasks on a daily basis. You will also be required to use the latest technology available to educators for those educational and administrative tasks.
Create a Strong Educational Environment
You must develop the skills that allow you to create safe environments that are conducive to learning. This includes staying up-to-date on the latest educational research and understanding local, state, and federal regulations for educational institutions. Your master’s program will help you explore the political, economic, legal, and social components of the education system.
Understanding Teaching Methods
Whether or not you work in the classroom or an administrative role, you will need to understand a wide variety of effective teaching methods and the technologies on which they rely. Today’s teaching methods are highly dependent on technology and you need a fairly in-depth understanding of instructional design, student cognition, online literacy, and educational product design.
Working with a Diverse Student Body
To be an effective leader or teacher in today’s educational system requires you to be a sensitive professional who is comfortable working with students from diverse backgrounds. It is important to recognize racism and ethnocentrism in educational institutions and battle these elements to create a safe and culturally sensitive environment for all students, employees, and administrators.
Problem Solving
A major part of working as a teacher or administrator in education is solving problems and getting creative with limited resources. In a graduate program, you will develop the necessary tools to handle budgetary, personnel, and logistical issues that professionals commonly face in educational institutions today.
Specializing Your Online Master’s in Education
A significant advantage of pursuing a master’s degree is the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. It’s crucial to select a focus that aligns with your career goals, whether you aim to work with a specific age group of students, pursue a particular subject, or concentrate on a specific skill. The following section delves into common specialized education degrees, ranging from special education and education administration to concentrations in English and mathematics.
Online Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
The master’s degree in early childhood education prepares you for careers as an education consultant, family support worker, preschool lead teacher, early childhood services director, adjunct professor, and more. In these programs, you develop specialized skills that focus on the instruction of children from infancy through early grade school. Depending on the program, distance learners complete this program in as few as 12 months.
Online Master’s Degree in Secondary Education
The master’s degree in secondary education helps you develop the necessary instructional and leadership skills to become a teacher or school administrator. Professionals outside of teaching with this master’s degree typically seek careers as principals, instructional coordinators, educational policy developers, educational consultants, and more. Full-time remote students usually finish this degree in two year or less.
Online Master’s in English Education
These degree programs allow you to dive deeply into language development, literacy acquisition, and teaching methods. Upon completion of these programs, you will be able to implement the latest English-focused pedagogies, teach a diverse body of students at all learning levels, and assist with curriculum development. Most remote learners spend two years completing this program.
Online Master’s in Mathematics Education
You can improve your depth of knowledge and improve your pedagogical skills in algebra, calculus, geometry, and more with a master’s in mathematics education. You will learn the best teaching practices for secondary and post-secondary mathematics courses. These master’s programs help you explore current issues and research in math education to ultimately improve the quality of education can offer your students.
Online Master’s in Physical Education
If you have an interest in teaching physical education in schools or wish to become well-informed, effective sports coach, a master’s in physical education maybe you could fit for you. Graduate students who pursue this degree learn the best techniques to maximize student health benefits while maintaining a safe and fun environment.
Online Master’s in Science Education
In a science education master’s program, you will delve into cutting-edge educational theories and research to enhance your pedagogical skills. Upon finishing this degree, you will be equipped to work as a STEM educator and teach courses in physics, environmental science, chemistry, biology, and other related subjects at the middle school, high school, and community college levels.
Online Master’s in Social Studies Education
Distance learners and social studies education programs typically focus on improving their K-12 social studies curricula and teaching methods. Additionally, over the span of two years, graduate students can also learn how to pursue social studies careers beyond the classroom including positions as curriculum developers, consultants, museum educators, and more.
Online Master’s in Special Education
Graduate students in special education master’s programs learn to provide educational and supportive services for students with emotional, cognitive, physical, or behavioral disabilities. These professionals typically move on to careers in public elementary and secondary schools. You may also pursue careers outside of public schools in the private sector including special care facilities.
Online Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction
Earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction enables you to enhance a school system’s educational materials, introduce new learning technologies, organize teacher workshops, analyze crucial student learning data, and more. The goal is to develop the most challenging and effective curricula possible, enabling elementary and high school students to maximize their educational experience.
Online Master’s in Education Administration
School administrators ensure that schools follow established educational standards, stay within their budgets, and provide students with the best teachers and education possible. Professionals with a master’s in education administration often obtain employment as principals, superintendents, admissions officers, and college deans. Most schools, colleges, and universities need multiple professionals trained in these areas to assume leadership roles.
Online Master’s in School Counseling
A master’s in school counseling prepares you for work in public and private institutions. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to guide students through emotional, social, and personal issues in addition to helping them prepare for a future career or additional education. The master’s program ensures that you receive a full range of training to be able to handle diverse and complex counseling scenarios.
Practicum & Internships
Practicums and internships offer exceptional learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. Both opportunities provide hands-on learning, allowing students to gain an authentic experience of what it’s like to work in their field of study.
Practicums take place in a more structured scenario under the guidance of a trained professional, supervisor, or faculty member. Students typically spend a few hours on-site each week for practicums.
Internships are similar to entry-level jobs and usually come with a significant amount of independence and responsibilities. Internships typically require students to commit to a regular part- or full-time schedule and usually last the duration of a semester or longer.
FAQs for the Online Master’s Degree in Education
To make it easier for prospective education graduate students to navigate the wealth of information about online education master’s degrees, we’ve distilled some of the most crucial points to consider. The following section addresses some of the most commonly asked questions by individuals interested in pursuing a graduate degree in education, from licensure requirements to alternative career paths.
Will an online master’s in education lead to licensure?
As you conduct research on perspective graduate programs, you will find that some programs offer tracks for students who already possess a teacher’s license. Alternatively, there are programs designed to lead students toward licensure. The latter track includes special training that prepares you for licensure in all 50 states. Many education programs hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). With this credential, you can be sure that your school’s online master’s in education curriculum will provide you with the necessary training to pass required exams and skills tests.
How long does an online master’s in education take?
The duration of your online master’s program will vary between schools. Remote learners can spend as few as 12 months earning their master’s degree. On the other hand, some distance students need approximately three years to meet all of the requirements. Much of this variance comes from the availability of classes and each school’s graduation requirements. Some online programs feature self-paced courses, which some students can finish more quickly than cohort-learning or traditional classes. Graduation requirements may include a master’s thesis or final project. These endeavors are often research-based and the time it takes to complete the requirements can vary greatly between students.
How much does earning a master’s in education online cost?
The amount of money you spend on your master’s education varies between schools. Depending on the program, online students may receive a tuition discount and pay less than traditional on-campus students. Some programs may require more credits for graduation than others. If your program requires a master’s thesis based on original research, you may need to register for placeholder credits, sometimes referred to as “thesis credits,” while you conduct that research. Aside from the number of credits, some schools may require distance learners to buy more books or supplies then others.
The table below shows the number of required credits and cost for several online master’s in education programs. If cost is a critical factor for you, consider a program that made our list of the most affordable online master’s in education degrees.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | 30 | $595 | $17,850 |
| Old Dominion University | 30 | $547 | $16,410 |
| Oregon State University | 52 | $560 | $29,120 |
| University of Nebraska – Lincoln | 36 | $356 | $12,816 |
| Park University | 30 | $580 | $17,400 |
What else can I do with a master’s in education?
When most people think about a master’s in education, they consider it advanced training for teachers working in classroom settings. While this is certainly one aspect of graduate-level training in education, there are far more careers available in additional fields and industries outside of the classroom. Many professionals with these degrees work in leadership roles at educational and nonprofit organizations. Some degree holders work as educational directors at zoos, museums, and aquariums. Alternatively, you could find yourself working for a technology company developing educational software, a publishing company working on school textbooks, or as a development specialist in a human resources department. The skills you acquire in an education program will come in handy in a variety of careers, so use your imagination and explore all of your interests or hobbies for related professional careers.
