Best Online Secondary Education Degrees
Explore today’s best online secondary education degree programs, including top schools, accreditation, overall cost, and how to move from application to graduation.
2024’s Best Online Secondary Education Degree Programs
Are you interested in molding young minds and equipping them to become successful adults? Have you always dreamt of teaching in front of a classroom and sharing your knowledge? If so, a career in secondary education may be a suitable fit for you.
Teaching in secondary education is a fulfilling career path and a significant responsibility that necessitates specialized training from a quality degree program. To assist aspiring educators in narrowing down their choices, we have compiled a list of the best online secondary education degree programs in the nation. We evaluated schools based on essential criteria such as proper accreditation, affordability, availability of student support services, instruction quality, and more. Discover more about each college below and determine which one provides the best online degree in secondary education for you.
Programs that might interest you:
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).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
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
Mississippi State, Mississippi
No matter which type of secondary education teaching career a student has in mind, there's an online option for earning a degree at Mississippi State University. The Master of Science in Secondary Education provides both new and experienced teachers with expanded knowledge in the field. Students choose an area of concentration, including sciences, language arts, mathematics, and foreign languages. The Master of Arts in Teaching - Community College Education is ideal for those who want to teach in rural community college settings. For those who want to impact lives as a special education teacher, there's a Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education. Coursework for all three master's programs is available online, though students must complete any required fieldwork in person.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Secondary Education
- Credits: 33
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $537/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CHEA
Master of Arts in Teaching - Community College Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $537/credit
- Mode:100% online
- Accreditation: CHEA
Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education
- Credits: 33
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $537/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CHEA
2
Lake Charles, Louisiana
McNeese State University offers a unique online program for those who want to teach business courses to students in grades six to 12. This Master of Arts in Teaching program is only offered as a fully online program, making it ideal for students who require flexibility as they pursue higher education. Students are admitted once per year, during the fall semester. To be admitted to the program and make progress in the required coursework, students must pass a content-specific exam in business education and knowledge. While coursework can be completed entirely online, students must complete mandatory in-person field experiences each term of study.
Program Highlights:
Secondary Education Grades 6-12 [Business], Master of Arts in Teaching
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1.5-6 years
- Cost: $146/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
3
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers two distinct online master's programs in secondary education. The Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education Grades 6-12 helps future educators obtain the necessary training to become teachers in subjects such as biology, English, and social studies. The Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate Grades 6-12 is ideal for those who want to gain certification in mild/moderate special education as well as regular grade-level education. Both programs are geared toward individuals with diverse career paths who have bachelor's degrees in fields other than education. All coursework is available entirely online, making it convenient for students to manage their studies alongside their current lives and careers.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education Grades 6-12 Professional Studies Program
- Credits: 33
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $475/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: NCTE
Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate Grades 6-12 Professional Studies Program
- Credits: 39
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $475/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: NCTE
4
Niagara University, New York
5
Orono, Maine
6
Charleston, South Carolina
7
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
8
Norfolk, Virginia
9
Columbus, Georgia
10
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
11
Monroe, Louisiana
12
Statesboro, Georgia
13
Muncie, Indiana
14
Marion, Indiana
15
Wilmington, North Carolina
16
Portales, New Mexico
17
Carrollton, Georgia
18
Alcorn State, Mississippi
19
Honolulu, Hawaii
20
Lynchburg, Virginia
21
Huntsville, Alabama
22
Ottawa, Kansas
23
Omaha, Nebraska
24
Clemson, South Carolina
25
Johnson City, Tennessee
26
Cleveland, Mississippi
27
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
28
Dickinson, North Dakota
29
Flagstaff, Arizona
30
Hays, Kansas
31
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
32
Troy, Alabama
33
Beverly, Massachusetts
34
Evansville, Indiana
35
Milledgeville, Georgia
36
Auburn, Alabama
37
Pocatello, Idaho
38
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
39
Macon, Georgia
40
River Forest, Illinois
41
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
42
Storm Lake, Iowa
43
Kennesaw, Georgia
44
Spearfish, South Dakota
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).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
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
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Aspiring secondary education teachers can begin their educational journey online through Washtenaw Community College (WCC). The Associate in Arts degree provides undergraduate students with general education courses in preparation for transfer to a bachelor's degree program in secondary education. To make transferring more accessible for students, WCC designed this program to meet the educational requirements of secondary education programs at four-year colleges and universities in the state of Michigan. After earning this AA, students are ready to keep working toward their bachelor's degree in preparation for taking the state-mandated basic skills tests. All courses are available entirely online.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $112/credit (in-district); $125/credit (out-of-district); $135/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Can You Get a Secondary Education Degree Online?
Online secondary education degree programs can help prepare you to teach English, math, science, or social studies to students in grades six through twelve. These programs cover the pedagogical theories that educators need to know when working with this age group, as well as practical methods for applying these concepts in the classroom. Many schools offer distance education opportunities for secondary education degrees, including fully or partially online programs. Read on to learn more about the various types of secondary education degree programs available.
What You Learn in an Online Secondary Education Degree Program
With numerous online secondary education programs available, it can be challenging to determine which one aligns best with your career goals and needs. The content covered in an education program depends on the level of degree pursued, as well as the concentration area in which a student chooses to specialize. Nonetheless, there are general competencies that students can expect to acquire at each degree level, which are outlined in the descriptions below.
Online Associate in Secondary Education
On the associate level, students in secondary education degree programs get the foundation they need to begin an education career, and may study topics such as adolescent development, education trends, and education technology. Some of the competencies students learn include:
- Applying different teaching theories to classroom situations
- Understanding the technologies used by educators
- Understanding cognitive, emotional, and physical characteristics of adolescent students
- Developing critical thinking skills
- Understanding approaches to curriculum creation
Online Bachelor’s in Secondary Education
Bachelor’s in secondary education degrees, which are the minimum degree level required in order to obtain a teaching license, are designed to prepare students for the rigors of the modern classroom through coursework on assessments, literacy, and adolescent psychology. When students complete these degrees, they are able to:
- Utilize critical thinking skills to solve problems in the classroom
- Understand how emotional and psychological changes affect adolescents in a school environment
- Work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds
- Create classroom rules and discipline students as necessary
- Perform assessments on students and create a plan to address their needs
Online Master’s in Secondary Education
A master’s degree in secondary education is a good choice if you want the opportunity to learn advanced skills and gain expertise in teaching a specific subject area—which can go a long way toward commanding higher salaries. These programs help foster the following knowledge and skills:
- Curriculum design
- Trends in secondary education
- Classroom management and teaching techniques
- Legal issues in education
- Student motivation
Online Doctorate in Secondary Education
These degrees are for education professionals who want to conduct research to advance the knowledge base of the field, work as an administrator, or build an educational consulting business. Students who enroll in online doctorate in secondary education programs will gain the following skills:
- Applying research methods when creating and executing an education study
- Designing a secondary school curriculum in a specific subject area
- Understanding the history and politics of secondary education and how those concepts apply to education today
- Assessing students numeracy and literacy skills
- Understanding education policy
Online Secondary Education Concentrations
If you’re interested in expanding your expertise in a specific area of education, you may have the opportunity to enroll in a concentration program that provides you with the knowledge you need to excel in that subfield. Concentrations can help you prepare to teach a specific subject or acquire a particular skill set, making you more attractive to potential employers. This section delves into some of the concentrations available in online secondary education programs.
Subject-based Concentrations
Biology
Students who want to teach high school biology can enroll in this concentration to learn how to challenge students in lectures and labs. Topics covered may include biology areas such as ecology, genetics, and anatomy and physiology, as well as teaching skills like lesson planning and being creative in the classroom.
Chemistry
This concentration covers STEM teaching methods that lead to positive student outcomes, as well as subjects such as general chemistry topics, calculus, and laboratory formats and safety procedures.
English
Those who enroll in the English concentration will learn data-driven methods for successfully teaching topics like world literature, grammar, linguistics, and composition. In addition, people learn how to motivate students in their classroom and foster the critical thinking skills they will need throughout their education.
Environmental Science
In the environmental science concentration, teaching students are exposed to classroom methods that help adolescents develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Specific topics may include climate change, environmental biology, and calculus.
History
Individuals who are passionate about history and want to share their knowledge with others can enroll in a concentration program in order to learn how to effectively teach history topics, including controversial events, to students from diverse populations. The curriculum for such programs may include courses in historian theory and practice, themes in U.S. history, and topics related to war.
Mathematics
Math can be a challenging subject for many students, so those who choose this concentration learn how to help adolescents navigate complex mathematical principles. In order to do this, coursework may cover mathematical modeling, classroom management, geometry, trigonometry, and working with exceptional students.
Physics
Aspiring physics teachers can get skills like science instruction methods and being inclusive in the classroom through this concentration. In addition, students may learn how to teach calculus, conceptual physics, magnetism, and electricity.
Social Science
Social science teachers are required to promote civic competence in the classroom by covering topics like sociology, religion, philosophy, political science, and history. This program helps students cultivate these skills through coursework in curriculum development, strategic development, and ethics in the classroom.
Visual Art
This concentration teaches future visual art teachers how to nurture the technical skills and artistic abilities of high school students. Coursework may include digital art, studio art, drawing, and sculpture, as well as assessment, classroom management, and secondary school teaching strategies.
Skill-based Concentrations
Curriculum and Instruction
The quality of the classroom instruction students receive is rooted in the quality of the curriculum that educators use. Students who enroll in this concentration learn how to use education theory to create a curriculum, as well as how a curriculum is applied to classroom instruction. Other topics studied may include literacy, educational psychology, and teaching policies.
Leadership in Education
Those who aspire to take a leadership role in a high school or board of education can enroll in this program to learn how to face the challenges that come with this important position. Coursework may cover instructional design, leadership techniques, and education law.
Literacy
In order to give students the skills they need to teach reading and writing, this program focuses on how to assess literacy skills, understand the needs of individual students, and select and use texts to help students improve their literacy. Specific topics may include writing theory, the politics of literacy, and developing a second language.
Social Studies/Justice
The social studies and social justice concentration is for those who are interested in addressing inequalities that exist in different societal systems, including education. Classes may cover health education, technology in the classroom, and teaching in urban communities.
Special Education
Special education teachers not only need to have classroom skills, they also need to know the pedagogical principles associated with teaching adolescents with special needs. In order to train people on the challenges of being a special education teacher, this concentration offers coursework in student engagement, transitional services for students with disabilities, and strategies for creating an inclusive classroom.
STEM
Those who are interested in focusing their careers on education in a STEM discipline can enroll in this concentration to learn strategies for handling these subject areas in the classroom. Coursework may address how to create a challenging learning environment and perform student assessments.
Supporting Language Learners/TESOL
Students who are navigating a new language and culture need teachers with specialized skills. In order to train ESL teachers, this concentration focuses on sociolinguistics, language development theories, and behavior management in the classroom.
In some cases,
schools allow students to combine concentrations, so you can further
customize coursework based on your specific career goals.
FAQs for Online Secondary Education Degree Students
Choosing the right degree program is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly, so when researching schools, it’s important to get all of the information you need. In order to help, we provide answers to some of the common questions prospective secondary education students may have below.
Does an online secondary education degree lead to certification?
No. Even if you successfully complete an online secondary education degree program, you will still be required to pass your state’s certification examination in order to earn your teaching credentials.
Will my degree program prepare me to get licensed?
Yes, the curriculum of a secondary education degree program is designed to prepare you to pass the licensing examination in your state. In order to ensure that you get this preparation, it’s important to enroll in a program that has been accredited.
How much does an online degree in secondary education cost?
Although the specific cost of a secondary education program depends on what school you enroll in, generally schools charge between $24,000 and $70,000 for these degrees. Factors that affect the cost associated with these degrees include the length and level of the program, as well as whether or not you qualify for in-state tuition costs.
What’s the salary of a secondary education teacher?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary of secondary education teachers is $60,320. The highest ten percent of earners in this job make $97,500, while the lowest ten percent make $39,740 annually.
Are secondary education teachers in high demand?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that secondary education teachers will have an eight percent increase in available positions between 2016 and 2026, which is as fast as the average for all professions. This means an estimated 1,095,500 new jobs created during this time period, however, the actual job growth depends on local and state government budgets.