The 10 Best Online Master's in Education Degree Programs
There are a variety of reasons individuals working in the field of education acquire an online Master's in Education degree. Some individuals may choose to gain initial teacher licensure* through graduate work, whereas seasoned educators may seek administrative positions.
Some teachers pursue a Master of Education (MEd) or a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) in Education degree for career advancement and economic value. Some districts offset the cost of classes and offer teachers a higher pay scale for having a specific number of credit hours beyond the BA degree.
Master in Education degree programs typically emphasize advanced teaching methods, educational technology training, and education philosophy.
See also: What can I do with an Education degree?
How long does it take to complete an Online Master's in Education degree program?
Students can complete an online Master's degree in Education in about two years, although they can complete some programs in less than two years. Many colleges and universities accommodate working professionals through providing flexibility regarding the number of credits students need to take per semester.
In cohort Master's in Education online programs, students complete coursework together with a small group of peers. Typically, they can only begin the program at specific times during a year. Whereas students in individually paced programs have more freedom, those in cohort programs can typically take as many credits per term as they desire. Thus, they may have the opportunity to complete the program faster than average.
*Note: Not every program provides licensure upon completion. While many programs do provide a clear path to teacher certification, those paths vary depending on state, school, department, and concentration area. Students should contact their state Department of Education concerning licensure requirements.
The Best Online Master's in Education Degree Program
1 Arizona State University–ASU Online
Phoeniz, ArizonaArizona State University ranks #1 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
Arizona State University, a public research university founded in 1885, offers a host of programs across five campuses and four regional learning centers. With over 80,000 students enrolled, ASU is among the largest public universities in the nation.
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College emphasizes teacher education, academic research, and community service. In addition to preparing teachers, the academic programs prepare and support leaders such as policymakers, executive decision-makers and school principals. The college provides degree programs in a variety of education fields.
Through ASU Online, Arizona State University offers a number of online degree programs, including several graduate degrees in education.
Online Master's in Education degree options include:
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction: Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction – Autism Spectrum Disorders
Online Master's in Early Childhood Education
Online Master's in Gifted Education – Curriculum & Instruction
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Online Master's in Educational Technology
Online Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Students can also pursue an Online Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation Degree.
The same award-winning faculty teach the university's online and on-campus courses, using state-of-the-art tools and technology.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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2 Michigan State University, College of Education
East Lansing, MichiganMichigan State University ranks #2 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
Michigan State University (MSU), a public, land- and sea-grant university established in 1855, enrolls about 50,500 students. Michigan State University has a long history of teacher education beginning with its first education course in 1902.
For more than 100 years, MSU's College of Education has focused on improving education in our global society through scholarship, service, and leadership.The college features innovative teacher education programs, renowned faculty, and strong research opportunities.
Through rigorous and interactive courses, students receive in-depth knowledge of education, educational technology, curriculum, and more.
The online Master's in Education degree programs include:
Master of Arts in Education
Health Professions Education
Master of Arts in Educational Technology
Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education
Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum
Master of Arts in Special Education
Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
3 University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, College of Education
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign ranks #3 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC), a public research-intensive, land-, sea-, and space-grant university founded in 1867, offers more than 150 programs of study through more than a dozen colleges. The flagship campus of the University of Illinois System, UCIC enrolls about 44,000 students.
UCIC's College of Education prepares researchers, leaders, and advocates committed to transforming learners of all ages. Founded in 1905, the college is renowned for its preparation of educational leaders and its groundbreaking research. The college also features faculty who are both leaders in the classroom and creators of educational methods and tools used throughout the world.
Through the College of Education, students can complete Master's in Education online programs in:
Bilingual & English as a Second Language
Diversity and Equality in Education
Education Administration & Leadership: Principal Preparation
Foundations of eLearning in Higher Education
Global Studies in Education
International Education Administration & Leadership
Learning Design and Leadership
New Learning
Special Education: Learning & Behavior Specialist II
Teacher Leader Specialization
Technology Specialist
Online students can complete a Doctor of Education in School Executive Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
4 University of Florida, College of Education
Gainesville, FloridaUniversity of Florida ranks #4 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
University of Florida (UF), a public sea-, space-, and land-grant university founded in 1853, enrolls about 54,800 students. A member of the State University System of Florida, UF offers a range of degree programs through 16 colleges.
UF began offering education classes in 1906. Its College of Education consists of three schools: the School of Human Development & Organizational Studies in Education; the School of Teaching & Learning; and the School of Special Education, School Psychology & Early Childhood Studies.
The college prepares exemplary scholars and practitioners who generate and disseminate knowledge about learning, teaching, and human development and work together to solve human and educational problems.
UF's College of Education offers a number of online Master's degrees in Education subjects, such as:
MAE in Program Evaluation in Educational Environments
MEd in Educational Leadership
MEd and EdS in Special Education (Teach Well Online Academy)
MEd and EdS in Educational Technology
MEd or EdS in Teacher Leadership for School Improvement
MEd in Reading Education
Students can complete online Educational Doctoral degree programs in Educational Leadership; Curriculum, Teaching and Teacher Education; and Higher Education Administration.
Online students can complete certificates in Dyslexia, Early Childhood Studies, and Educational Technology, among others.
University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the NCATE.
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5 University of Pittsburgh, School of Education
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pittsburgh ranks #5 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
The University of Pittsburgh, a public university founded in 1787, enrolls about 28,700 students. Part of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, the university offers a host of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through 17 schools and colleges.
Established in 1910, the School of Education enrolls about 1,200 students through departments such as Instruction and Learning, Learning Sciences and Policy, Psychology in Education, Administrative & Policy Studies, and Health & Physical Activity. Its graduate programs strive to break down barriers between practice and study, community and classroom, and public service and knowledge.
The college houses the Center for Urban Education, the Learning Policy Center, and the Learning Research & Development Center, among others.
The same faculty teach the school's online and on-campus courses, which feature peer discussion sessions, instructional technologies, and instructor interaction, and feedback.
The University of Pittsburgh offers several online Master of Education programs:
Elementary Education
English and Communications
Mathematics Education
Social Studies Education
Students also can earn an online Supervisor of Special Education Certificate.
The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education.
6 Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IndianaIndiana University Bloomington ranks #6 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
Indiana University Bloomington, a public, flagship institution founded in 1820, enrolls approximately 49,600 students. The largest university in the Indiana University System, IU offers hundreds of degree programs and majors through more than a dozen schools.
The comprehensive Indiana University School of Education prepares approximately one-third of Indiana's teachers. The School of Education researchers' work inspired innovation in effective teaching and learning models. The school includes five academic departments.
Through IU Online, students can pursue several online Master's in Education degrees, including:
Adult Education, MS
Educational Leadership, MSEd
Instructional Systems Technology, MSEd
Literacy, Culture, and Language Education, MSEd
Special Education, MSEd
Online students also can complete EdD programs in Instructional Systems Technology and Literacy, Culture, and Language Education.
IU Online also offers a number of graduate certificates, such as those in Adult Education, Education Law, Preparing Educators of Students with Autism, Higher Education and Student Affairs, and more.
Indiana University Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the North Central Commissions of Higher Education.
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7 University of Georgia, College of Education
Athens, GeorgiaUniversity of Georgia ranks #7 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
University of Georgia, a public land-, sun-, space-, and sea-grant university founded in 1785, offers an array of degree programs through 17 colleges and schools. The university enrolls about 36,000 students.
The College of Education, founded in 1908, enrolls more than 4,000 students.
The University of Georgia College of education has received recognition for its research. The college is involved in local, national, and international service projects. The College of Education provides over a dozen undergraduate majors and approximately 90 graduate programs.
The Master of Education programs combine theory and practice designed to prepare graduates for successful careers.
The Master of Education online degree program options include:
Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition and Development
Educational Psychology, Gifted and Creative Education
Learning, Design and Technology, Instructional Design and Development
Middle Grades Education
Reading Education
Music Education
The university also offers an online Specialist of Education in Educational Psychology, Gifted and Creative Education.
University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the NCATE.
8 Penn State World Campus, College of Education
University Park, PennsylvaniaPenn State World Campus ranks #8 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
Penn State World Campus is the online campus of The Pennsylvania State University. Launched in 1998, Penn State World Campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs in partnership with Penn State academic units.
The College of Education enrolls about 2,300 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs in subjects such as curriculum and instruction, and education policy studies. Its faculty members serve on government and private panels, governing boards for national and state organizations, and on editorial boards for major journals.
The College is home to the Center for the Study of Higher Education and the Institute for Research in Training & Development, among others.
Penn State World Campus offers a number of online Master of Education programs:
Curriculum and Instruction
Earth Sciences
Educational Leadership
Higher Education
Learning, Design and Technology
Lifelong Learning and Adult Education
Special Education
The university also offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Art Education.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
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9 George Washington University, Graduate School of Education & Human Development
Washington, DCGeorge Washington University ranks #9 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
George Washington University (GWU), a private research university founded in 1821, is among the largest institutions of higher education in the District of Columbia. GWU offers degree programs in more than 70 disciplines across 14 schools and colleges. GWU enrolls more than 26,000 students from around the world.
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development enrolls approximately 1,400 students across 58 programs. The school's expert faculty members conduct research in urban community-engaged teaching, college access and affordability, cognition, and more. The school's areas of study include Educational Leadership, Human and Organizational Learning, and Teaching, Curriculum and Pedagogy, among others.
The Graduate School's online degree offerings include:
MA in Educational Leadership and Administration
MA in Educational Technology Leadership
MA in Secondary Special Education & Transition Services
MA in Special Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
MA in Organizational Leadership and Learning
GWU also offers an online Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership & Administration, as well as a number of certificates.
George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the NCATE.
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10 University of Nebraska Lincoln, College of Education and Human Sciences
Lincoln, NebraskaUniversity of Nebraska Lincoln ranks #10 on The 30 Best Online Master in Education Degrees!
University of Nebraska Lincoln, a public, land-grant, research university founded in 1869, is the oldest university in the state. A member of the University of Nebraska System, the university enrolls about 25,200 students in hundreds of programs of study leading to a host of undergraduate, pre-professional, and graduate degrees.
Dedicated to enhancing the lives of people, families, and communities and strengthening relationships between them, the College of Education and Human Sciences offers a multidisciplinary approach to scholarship. Its programs combine teaching, learning, scholarship, research, outreach, and service.
The university's online graduate degrees in education include:
MA, MEd in Special Education: Specialization in Deaf Education
MA, MEd in Early Childhood Special Education
MS in Family & Consumer Sciences Education
MA in Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, Specialization in World Language Teaching: GOLDEN
MA in Higher Education Administration
MA, MEd in Special Education
MEd in P--12 Education Administration
The university also offers a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Special Education, as well as endorsements in deaf education, early childhood special education, special education, and P--12 education administration.
University of Nebraska Lincoln is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Higher Learning Commission.
Important Master's Degree in Education Career Information
What is a Master's Degree in Education?
A Master's Degree in Education provides students with graduate education and qualification in the field. While these come in a variety of forms, such as MEd, MS, or MA, they all provide students with education beyond a BA or BS in education degree, satisfying the continuing-education requirements many states impose on teachers, and sometimes allowing for unique specialization options.
Requirements for graduate education can depend on the state a teacher works in.
Some programs lead to teacher licensure and certification, but these may not apply in every case or in every state. However, in a general sense, a Master's degree in Education prepares students to advance careers as educators and education administrators through examining contemporary teaching theory and practice, as well as contemporary issues in the education field, such as increasingly diverse populations, serving underserved communities, rising learning disability rates, and more.
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What can you do with a Master's degree in Education?
The quick answer is: Educate people. However, this answer oversimplifies the potential of such a degree. Graduates may remain in the public school system as teachers, but they may also become administrators, or even enter the private sector, working for corporations, or starting their own private education or tutoring service. With additional certification, the possibilities grow even more. Of course, a Master's degree in Education does not necessarily limit individuals to work in the field, although it's basically the most ready-made application.
See also: What can I do with an Education degree?
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Master's in Education Degree Salary Information
As with any degree, salaries can vary for individuals holding a Master's degree in Education, due to specific career choices, location, funding, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, those who hold a Master's degree can expect to make more, and see more career growth potential, than individuals who only hold a Bachelor's degree or a Teaching Certificate.
Corporate Trainer - $105,830
Counselor - $54,560
Curriculum Developer / Instructional Specialist - $62,460
Education Administrator - $92,510
Postsecondary Teacher - $75,430
Special Education Teacher - $57,910
Teacher (K--12) - $58,030
Vocational Trainer - $54,020
(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016 data)