Earning an online master's degree in education can benefit many different professionals. For instance, an individual with years of teaching experience may want to specialize in a certain type of teaching, such as special education or English as a second language (ESL). Alternatively, a teacher may hope to transition into an administrative role.
A master's in education explores advanced topics that students might not have covered during their undergraduate degree. Courses focus on leadership, school finances, curriculum design, and technology implementation in schools.
The job market for graduates of an education master's degree is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects that the number of K-12 principals to increase by 8% in the next decade, while instructional coordinators can expect 11% growth from 2018-28.
This guide outlines what you can expect from online master's in education programs, specific courses in the curricula, and potential jobs and salaries for master's graduates.
The Most Affordable Online Master's in Education Degree Programs
Affordable Online Master's in Education Degree Program Ranking Guidelines:
We selected the online education programs based on the quality of the program, the types of online classes offered in education, faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation — including the school's reputation for effectively providing quality online degree programs.
The Most Affordable Online Master's in Education Degree Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
California State University-Fullerton |
Fullerton, CA Apply Now | ||
2 |
University of South Florida-Sarasota-Manatee |
Sarasota, FL Apply Now | ||
3 |
California State University-Fresno |
Fresno, CA Apply Now | ||
4 |
Western Governors University |
Salt Lake City, UT Apply Now | ||
5 |
Purdue University |
West Lafayette, IN Apply Now | ||
7 |
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
Brownsville, TX Apply Now | ||
8 |
Appalachian State University |
Boone, NC Apply Now | ||
8 |
CSU Global |
Greenwood Village, CO Apply Now | ||
10 |
University of Utah |
Salt Lake City, UT Apply Now | ||
11 |
University of South Florida |
Tampa, FL Apply Now | ||
12 |
University of South Florida-St. Petersburg |
St. Petersburg, FL Apply Now | ||
13 |
Indiana University-Bloomington |
Bloomington, IN Apply Now | ||
14 |
Texas Woman's University |
Denton, TX Apply Now | ||
15 |
California State University-East Bay |
Hayward, CA Apply Now | ||
16 |
University of Houston-Clear Lake |
Houston, TX Apply Now | ||
17 |
San Diego State University |
San Diego, CA Apply Now | ||
18 |
North Carolina State University |
Raleigh, NC Apply Now | ||
19 |
University of Texas at El Paso |
El Paso, TX Apply Now | ||
20 |
Minot State University |
Minot, ND Apply Now | ||
21 |
University of North Georgia |
Dahlonega, GA Apply Now | ||
22 |
University of Illinois at Springfield |
Springfield, IL Apply Now | ||
23 |
Northeastern State University |
Tahlequah, OK Apply Now | ||
24 |
East Central University |
Ada, OK Apply Now | ||
25 |
University of Alaska Fairbanks |
Fairbanks, AK Apply Now | ||
26 |
University of West Florida |
Pensacola, FL Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
The Advantages of an Education Education
Earning an online master's degree in education can make a big difference in a professional's career opportunities salary potential. States typically require individuals to earn a bachelor's degree if they wish to apply for teacher certification, so associate degree-holders may be limited with their job opportunities. While an associate degree can lead to a career as a preschool teacher, daycare worker, child service provider, or teaching assistant, it does not allow graduates to work as teachers in public schools.
A master's degree in education is usually a requirement for many higher level positions in the field. For instance, state certification standards for specialized education roles require a graduate degree, while school administrators, such as principals, instructional coordinators, and superintendents, usually need a master's degree in addition to significant work experience. Along with finding jobs in leadership roles, master's degree-holders also receive higher salaries. The chart below illustrates the difference between the average salary of an education professional with an associate degree compared to a professional with a master's degree.
Average Salary by Degree Level
Degree Level | Average Salary |
---|---|
Associate Degree in Education | $48,000 |
Bachelor's Degree in Education | $56,000 |
Source: PayScale
Education Degree Salary Information
Many learners pursue a master's in education online because they want to work in a specialized role within schools, such as an administrative position. Education graduates can pursue careers as instructional coordinators, principals, and other non-teaching positions in schools. On the other hand, some people earn their master's degree because they need certification to teach within a specific field like special education. The list and table below provide more information about common post-master's careers and salary expectations.
- K-12 Principal
- Elementary, middle, and high schools need principals to oversee school operations. These professionals supervise teachers and make sure classes run smoothly. They may also implement curriculum standards, manage school finances, and discipline students. Public schools require principals to hold state licensure, in addition to teaching experience and a master's degree.
- Instructional Coordinator
- Instructional coordinators set the curriculum for school districts. They plan the curriculum based on education standards set at the local, state, and federal levels. They must also assess student performance to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum plans. These professionals need a state license if they work in public schools, which they can usually obtain with a master's degree and teaching or education administration experience.
- Special Education Teacher
- These educators work specifically with students dealing with learning and mental disabilities. They assess student abilities and develop lesson plans specific to each child's needs. Special education teachers must hold at least a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree and previous teaching experience can give job candidates an advantage in the job market.
- School Superintendent
- Superintendents oversee entire school districts. These administrators implement policies determined by the school board, hire principals, and manage the district's budget. Superintendents usually need a master's degree in education administration or leadership to gain state licensure.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
- These educators instruct children for whom English is not their primary language. They may also teach students about American culture and customs. ESL teachers need a bachelor's degree, although often school districts prefer job candidates with master's degrees. ESL teachers must also hold state certification.
Salary by Experience Level for Education Careers
Careers | Entry Level (0-12 Months) |
Early Career (1-4 Years) |
Midcareer (5-9 Years) |
Experienced (10-19 Years) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Principal | $68,000 | $82,000 | $87,000 | $95,000 |
Instructional Coordinator | $53,000 | $53,000 | $56,000 | $61,000 |
Special Education Teacher | $40,000 | $42,000 | $47,000 | $52,000 |
School Superintendent | $111,000 | $103,000 | $122,000 | $118,000 |
ESL Teacher | $41,000 | $41,000 | $42,000 | $50,000 |
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Education Degree Program
Prospective students have several options to complete their online education degree. As a result, they can afford to be selective in their search. Learners should first outline exactly what they want from a master's program. This can include courses, concentrations, and how quickly they want to earn their degree. The list below outlines several factors to consider before choosing an online master's degree in education.
- Program Cost: One of the most important factors in one's decision usually involves tuition costs. In-state and public universities typically charge less than out-of-state or private schools. That said, prospective students can find plenty of financial aid resources to assist them, such as federal loan programs, scholarships, and grants.
- Transfer Policies: Students can graduate more quickly if they bring previously earned credits with them. Look for schools with generous transfer credit policies, and you could shave a semester or even a year off your degree completion time. Some universities also partner with others to make the transfer process easier.
- School Size and Type: The type of school you attend can affect class sizes. Public universities tend to enroll more students which leads to bigger class sizes. Private colleges usually offer smaller class sizes. Even with online courses, class size can make a big difference. Professors teaching smaller classes may be more capable of giving personal attention to students through email or virtual conferencing.
- Program Length: Students can usually complete their master's in education programs in one year, 18 months, or two years. Several elements can affect how quickly students complete their degrees, such as whether they enroll part- or full-time. Students who want to graduate more quickly should look for schools with accelerated courses and transfer credit policies.
- On-Campus Requirements: Most distance learning programs can be completed fully online, without students ever needing to visit campus. However, some programs include an internship or supervised work experience requirement in the last semester. This means distance learners who work full-time may need to quit their jobs or switch to part-time work for a term.
Accreditation for Online Education Degrees
Students should ensure their prospective schools hold proper accreditation. Accrediting agencies evaluate universities and degree programs for quality and rigor, which certifies that they adequately prepare graduates for their future professions. Students who graduate from unaccredited programs may find difficulty in landing jobs. For example, in order to work as a teacher or administrator in a public school, education professionals need state licensure; however, states do not grant licensure to applicants with unaccredited degrees.
Schools usually hold either regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation comes from agencies within specific geographic areas, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), among others. Although not as prestigious, national accreditation agencies also offer value. Online programs sometimes receive accreditation from the national Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Many education degrees also earn approval from programmatic accreditation agencies, like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a certain accrediting body, review the websites of the Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations offer lists of all accredited institutions and grant accrediting bodies the authority to assess institutions.
Education Concentrations
An online master's degree in education may offer several concentrations to prepare graduates for state licensure and specific careers. Sometimes programs offer emphasis areas in specific grade levels, such as elementary school or middle school grades. Other programs offer specializations in different subjects like math or science. You can find other popular concentrations in the table below.
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Education Leadership:
Many master's programs in education include a specialization in leadership, supervision, or administration. This concentration prepares graduates to work at the top levels of schools, such as principals or superintendents. Courses focus on practical knowledge, such as finance, management, and school-community relations. Other courses cover important topics like closing the racial achievement gap.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Elementary, middle, or high school principal; superintendent; school administrator; university administrator
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Educational Technology:
This concentration trains teachers to use technology in the classroom. The curriculum includes courses on online learning that cover how to administer and teach through distance education. Students also learn to use special technological tools inside the classroom to enhance lessons through video or audio components. Plus, degree-seekers learn how they can integrate technology into student projects and assignments.- Careers this concentration prepares for: K-12 teacher; online instructor
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Bilingual Education:
Many students come to the U.S. as immigrants and enroll in schools with little to no English-speaking ability. This emphasis area explores strategies and materials to teach English. Students learn about linguistics and language acquisition and how that can help teachers develop effective methods for English language learning.- Careers this concentration prepares for: ESL teacher
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Special Education:
A concentration in special education equips teachers to work with students with mental disabilities, such as autism, dyslexia, or ADHD. Learners may explore how to implement psychoeducational interventions and literary instruction for kids who struggle with reading. Courses also cover how to manage classrooms with exceptional students.- Careers this concentration prepares for: K-12 teacher; special education teacher
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Curriculum and Instruction:
This specialization focuses on creating a standards-based curriculum that nourishes student learning and curiosity. Students also learn to implement curriculum design into instruction, and how to assess whether those methods really work. Courses examine the latest research in the field so graduates can carry out research-based instruction methods.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Instructional coordinator
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Education?
Students can complete an education master's degree online in two years, 18 months, or sooner, as several universities offer one-year degree programs. Master's programs typically require 36-48 credits of coursework for completion. Colleges and universities usually allow students to transfer in previous master's credit, which can help them graduate more quickly. Plus, many programs offer accelerated courses, shorter semesters, or terms that last year-round, which can also shorten the overall length of the degree.
Part-time learning is also a viable option for students with personal or professional responsibilities that preclude taking classes full-time, or for those who simply may need extra time to finish their degree. However, enrolling part-time can also increase the price of a master's program, as schools usually charge fees each semester, which can add up over time.
Courses in an Online Master's in Education Program
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Supervision and Instructional Leadership
This course examines how leadership from a school's administration can help teachers become more effective in their work. The course covers how to monitor curriculum implementation, make data-driven decisions, and develop a vision that guides teachers. Students also learn about best practices for leadership in schools. -
Psychology of the Exceptional Child
Students in this course discuss children with learning and mental disabilities. They study how children with disorders develop differently than their peers and how to handle certain behaviors appropriately. This course may also touch on instructional strategies for teaching disabled children. -
Classroom Instruction for Language Learners
Children for whom English is not their native language require a unique curriculum to help them with language acquisition. This course prepares future teachers with various pedagogical tools, materials, and instructional approaches to teach English as a foreign language.
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Standards-based Curriculum Development
Public schools need to meet certain curriculum standards set at the federal, state, and local levels. This course examines how to create curriculum plans to meet these standards. Students also explore curriculum models at different grade levels and academic disciplines, starting from needs assessment to lesson plan implementation. -
Classroom Management
This course covers theories, models, and ideas on how to manage classrooms. Students learn about what motivates children, how to handle behavioral problems, and effective discipline methods. In addition, course material reviews specific challenges, such as managing students with disabilities and considering student diversity.
Paying for Your Online Master's in Education Degree Program
An online master's degree in education requires a significant financial commitment. Often, students cannot pay out of pocket. Therefore, students should consider completing a FAFSA application to obtain federal funding. Potential awards include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Grants do not require repayment, and work-study options provide money that students can use for any of their expenses. Student loans, on the other hand, require repayment starting six months after students graduate. The section below discusses potential scholarships for education students, which also do not have to be repaid.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
The CSDIW Native American Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Continental Society of Daughters of Indian Wars offers scholarships to Native American students pursuing a degree in education or social service. Requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, a written statement expressing financial need, and official transcripts. Applicants should also hold a current membership with CSDIW.
Amount: $2,500-$5,000
Weimann Family Teaching Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports Pittsburgh Public School graduates striving to earn a master's degree in education. Applicants need to show proof of full-time enrollment at an accredited school. This scholarship also requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, proof of financial need, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Amount: $10,000
The School Superintendents Association Educational Administration Scholarships
Who Can Apply: AASA promotes academic excellence among education professionals and advocates for children. AASA honors former directors by providing seven scholarships to students earning an online master's degree in education. Applicants need a recommendation letter from their department chair.
Amount: Varies
Pi Lambda Theta Support Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Established in 1910 as a national honor society, Pi Lambda Theta supports education professionals. Students pursuing an online master's degree in education at an accredited school may qualify for this scholarship. Requirements include official transcripts, a 500-word essay, recommendation letters, and a description of extracurricular activities. Students must also hold a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Amount: $2,000
The Graduate Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: The New York City Graduate Scholarship Program strives to reduce shortages of professionals in bilingual education, especially bilingual special education. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and two letters of recommendation. Students should also submit copies of New York teaching certificates or bilingual certificates.
Amount: Varies