Best Online Master’s in Teaching
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Online teaching master’s programs provide students with the knowledge and skills to deliver online instruction in corporate and school settings.
Earning a master’s degree in teaching prepares graduates for in-demand careers as K-12 teachers and instructional coordinators. Additionally, many districts offer higher salary schedules for instructors with master’s degrees.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers earned a median pay of over $61,000 per year in 2018. BLS projections also indicate a 4% growth rate for the profession from 2018-2028. This degree can also lead to opportunities outside of the classroom, such as corporate trainer or education consultant.
Our list ranks the top online master’s programs for teachers to help students find the program that best aligns with their professional goals. This page also explores specialization options, career paths for a master of teaching degree, and how to choose the right online teaching program.
Featured Online Schools
Top Online Master’s in Teaching Programs
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,425
- In-State$4,977
- Out-of-state$19,890
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled26,054
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Harding University
- Searcy, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,010
- Out-of-state$20,010
- In-State$13,372
- Out-of-state$13,372
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled4,879
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,118
- Out-of-state$37,110
- In-State$10,600
- Out-of-state$22,050
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled25,822
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$13,500
- In-State$4,986
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled13,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Columbus State University
- Columbus, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,425
- In-State$6,300
- Out-of-state$11,394
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled7,877
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Biola University
- La Mirada, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,976
- Out-of-state$41,976
- In-State$11,394
- Out-of-state$11,394
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled6,103
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,212
- Out-of-state$14,371
- In-State$10,534
- Out-of-state$18,434
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled13,581
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
University of the Southwest
- Hobbs, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- In-State$22,500
- Out-of-state$22,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled875
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Stephen F. Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,096
- Out-of-state$16,224
- In-State$5,112
- Out-of-state$12,708
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled12,969
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,180
- Out-of-state$15,968
- In-State$5,738
- Out-of-state$16,526
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled10,900
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Nebraska
- Seward, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,890
- Out-of-state$32,890
- In-State$8,650
- Out-of-state$8,650
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled2,703
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Boise State University
- Boise, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,532
- Out-of-state$22,452
- In-State$7,110
- Out-of-state$24,030
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled26,217
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,018
- Out-of-state$16,613
- In-State$10,305
- Out-of-state$19,522
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,733
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Saint Paul
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$22,800
- Out-of-state$22,800
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$8,550
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled5,137
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Masters in Teaching
2022
Online Master’s in Teaching Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyWhat Is an Online Master’s in Teaching Degree?
An online master’s in teaching degree provides advanced training in pedagogy, classroom instruction, and student assessment. Many current teachers enroll in online master’s programs to strengthen their instructional skills and increase their earning potential.
An online learning format appeals to working educators who require a flexible learning environment. Many online master’s degrees for teachers use an asynchronous format, which allows graduate students to complete coursework around their teaching schedules. Programs often let teachers take a full-time load in the summer while taking fewer classes during the school year.
During an online master’s degree in teaching, graduate students improve their classroom management techniques and learn about effective instructional design and educational technology. After completing their master’s degrees, graduates can advance into leadership roles in teaching.
Choosing an Online Program
Prospective graduate students should consider several factors when evaluating online master’s programs for teachers. Aspects like program length, instructional method, and cost can help educators narrow down options and find the right fit for their goals and needs. Learn more about how to choose an online degree below.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Teaching Program?
Many master’s programs for teachers let teachers customize their degrees to align with their career goals and interests. For example, within teaching master’s programs, graduate students may focus their training by choosing a specialization or pursing particular electives. This section explores common classes and specializations available master of teaching programs.
Master’s in Teaching Curriculum
Master’s in Teaching Specializations
Teaching Careers
A master’s degree in teaching prepares graduates for many careers in the education field. For example, a master of teaching program with a secondary education specialization prepares graduates for careers as middle school or high school teachers. Current teachers who earn their master’s degrees can increase their salaries and advance into leadership roles.
A master’s in teaching degree can also lead to instructional coordinator, education consultant, corporate trainer, or educational technology specialist careers. Note that some careers may require a special license: For example, administrative positions in education often require school administrator licenses.
Teaching Professional Organizations
Professional organizations help teaching students transition from their programs into the workforce. Many organizations offer professional development resources, host conferences with networking opportunities, publish current educational research, and maintain job boards to help members find career opportunities.
American Federation of Teachers
This union, founded in 1916 and affiliated with the AFL-CIO, now represents 1.7 million members. Within AFT are several subdivisions, with the preK-12 division representing both public and private school teachers. AFT also offers programs and resources to support educators’ professional growth: Teachers can access classroom resources, professional learning materials, and special needs information.National Education Association
Founded in 1857, NEA now represents three million total educators at every level. The organization advocates for teachers on a local level, offering local branches in every state. NEA also offers practical tools and ideas for teachers, including lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom management tips.U.S. Department of Education
ED oversees the educational system at a federal level, setting policies on federal funding for education and collecting data on K-12 schools. Teachers can access valuable data and research through ED, including education statistics and report cards.Frequently Asked Questions
Earning a master’s in teaching degree generally takes 1-2 years, depending on the program. Many online master’s degrees for teachers also offer accelerated or asynchronous pathways.
A master’s degree in teaching prepares graduates for classroom positions or roles as instructional coordinators, education consultants, and corporate trainers.
The median pay for high school teachers exceeded $61,000 per year in 2018. Typically, teachers with master’s degrees earn more than those with bachelor’s degrees.
A master’s in teaching degree can prepare educators for leadership roles, and many schools pay master’s degree-holders higher salaries, making the degree worth it for many educators.
A master of teaching degree focuses on classroom instruction and student-centered roles in education, while a master’s in education prepares graduates for administrative and consultation roles.
