Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education

Based out of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University’s Hilltopper football and basketball teams have earned national acclaim for punching above their weight. That quality extends beyond the basketball court and the football field, as WKU’s distance education programs compete with the best universities nationwide. WKU has been expanding since the 1990s, both physically and online.

WKU’s master’s of arts program in education (MAE) for teacher leaders (secondary education) is an example of the high quality of the university’s distance education programs. The 30–37 credit curriculum is divided into two categories: professional education (10–16 credits) and specialization (18 credits). The professional education core consists of broad studies in pedagogy and leadership, while specialization options include biology, ESL, literacy, mathematics, history, and exceptional education.

In order to earn admission to the MAE program, applicants must have earned an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better. Students who don’t meet this threshold must submit GRE scores. All transfer applicants must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or better in all previous graduate coursework. Applicants must also provide proof of either teacher certification or eligibility for teacher certification. WKU prides itself on serving the Bluegrass State, and as such, out–of–state students are not able to pay in–state tuition and practicing Kentucky teachers receive an extra discount.

Operating out of the city of Starkville, affectionately known as “Stark Vegas” by locals and fans of the university’s football team, Mississippi State University is one of the flagship universities of the Magnolia State. The university is well–known as a doctoral research land–grant university. However, Mississippi State also hosts a major distance education program, including two online degrees in secondary education: a master’s of arts program in teaching (secondary alternate route, known as MATS) and a master’s of science program in secondary education (SEED) .

While the SEED program requires each student to complete a total of 33 credits, the MATS program only requires 30. The SEED curriculum consists primarily of theory courses, including studies in improving instruction, issues of accountability, and advanced planning and managing. Each SEED student also selects a specialization in a content area. Options include biology, business, chemistry, reading, mathematics, and social studies.

The MATS curriculum is a bit different, focusing more on practical areas, such as teaching reading in secondary schools. The MATS program also includes a mandatory six–credit internship in a secondary school. Despite Mississippi State’s state school status, all students in the MATS and SEED programs can pay the same tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi. Applicants to both programs must submit GRE scores, while applicants to the SEED program must also provide proof of a teaching credential.

Created by the Alabama Legislature in the city of Mobile in 1963, the University of South Alabama – known as just “South” for short – is perhaps best known for its research programs and its medical school. However, South also operates online programs in several different fields, including a master’s of education program in secondary education, which leads to certification in P–12 English for speakers of other languages.

The program consists of two pathways: the standard M.Ed degree and the alternative M.Ed degree. The standard pathway is open to teachers who have already earned certification. Once they arrive at South, these teachers need only complete 30 credits – including studies in writing skills in English, advanced reading fluency in English, and models of ESL instruction – to earn their online secondary education degree. The alternative pathway – designed for teachers who are not yet certified – requires students to complete a total of 42 credits. Upon graduation, students in the alternative pathway program are prepared for certification. Students in the alternative pathway program typically graduate in five to six months.

In order to earn admission to either pathway, applicants must have earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75. Applicants must also submit evidence of a passing score on either an appropriate PRAXIS test or the MAT/GRE. South does not allow out–of–state online students to pay the same tuition as Alabama residents.

Originally founded as a regional university — the school operates campuses in the cities of Yuma and Flagstaff in addition to smaller satellite campuses throughout the state — Northern Arizona University now prides itself on its ability to serve students worldwide through its distance education programs. The school’s master’s of education in secondary education with a continuing professional emphasis allows students to earn their master’s in secondary education online without ever having to set foot in the Grand Canyon State.

NAU’s 30–credit M.Ed program combines theoretical and practical elements, including courses in research, the foundations of educational law, and the cultural foundations of education. Students must also complete either a capstone research project or a thesis at the conclusion of their studies. NAU delivers program coursework asynchronously through the Blackboard Learn platform.

In order to earn admission to the program, applicants must submit proof of an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. NAU does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. NAU also does not accept transfer credits towards the program requirements. As the university prides itself on the accessibility of its online programs and aims to enroll students across the nation, all online students pay the same per–credit tuition rate at NAU.

Mississippi College is the oldest college in the Magnolia State, one of the oldest Baptist–affiliated colleges in the nation, and the first college in the U.S. to award a degree to a woman. Based in Clinton (a city west of Jackson, the capital), MC is perhaps best known nationwide for its nursing and business programs. Nevertheless, the college offers strong programs in other areas, including the online master’s of education degree in teaching arts (secondary grades seven through 12).

MC’s teaching arts degree has a bit of a different focus than most secondary education programs online. In addition to studies in industry standard areas, such as curriculum development, technology in education, and psychology of exceptional children, MC’s M.Ed in teaching arts program focuses on imparting the “six dimensions of leadership”: resource, informational, instructional, political, organizational, and personal/interpersonal. In addition, each student must complete a six–credit internship in a school. All students with a GPA of less than 3.75 in graduate coursework must also complete a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of their studies.

In order to earn admission to MC’s M.Ed program, applicants must have completed the PRAXIS I and II with satisfactory scores. All applicants must also have earned an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better. As a private college, MC charges each online student the same tuition rate, regardless of their state residency status.

A Southern Baptist–affiliated university based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, William Carey University primarily focuses on the liberal arts. The university is named after a missionary and linguist who traveled to India in the 18th century. WM Carey offers online programs in nursing, education, natural and behavioral sciences, and music and ministry studies.

WM Carey’s master’s of education program in secondary education requires each student to earn a total of 30 credits in three categories: professional education, specialized concentrations, and electives. Professional courses include broad, industry standard areas, such as curriculum planning and the historical/philosophical foundations of education. The secondary education concentration does not include any practicum, internship, or capstone courses, but it does include studies in secondary methods and technology in education.

WM Carey delivers online coursework asynchronously through the Canvas platform. Applicants to the M.Ed program need only submit their undergraduate transcripts to earn consideration for admission. WM Carey does not require its graduate applicants to submit GRE or MAT scores and does not list minimum GPA requirements. As a private university, WM Carey charges each online student the same per–credit tuition even if they reside outside of the Magnolia State. Transfer applicants may apply up to six approved credits toward their online master’s in secondary education at WM Carey.

A Roman Catholic and Franciscan–affiliated liberal arts university based in northeastern Indiana, the University of St. Francis enrolls over 2,000 students, most of whom hail from the Midwest. The school also offers several degrees online, including an online master’s of arts in teaching program.

USF’s MAT program delivers its coursework asynchronously, and students can earn their online master’s in secondary education in 12 months. Students can pursue both an initial licensure track and a non–licensure track. Students who complete the initial licensure track are prepared to enter the classrooms of students in grades five through 12 upon graduating. Possible courses in the program include integrated classroom technology, collaborative classrooms and schools, and responsive classroom management. Students can also optionally complete internships and practicum experiences.

USF’s MAT program prefers applicants who have earned an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better if they are pursuing the licensure track (2.5 is the minimum for the non–licensure track). Applicants can also earn acceptance if they have a 2.75 GPA and five years of professional experience. The school admits applicants who do not meet these thresholds if they can submit a Pearson CORE score of at least 220. Once accepted, all students in the MAT program can pay the same tuition rate no matter their location.

Despite its potentially confusing name, California University is not located in the Golden State. Instead, Cal U calls the city of California, Pennsylvania home. Nevertheless, students well beyond California and Pennsylvania can benefit from Cal U’s myriad programs, as the university’s Global Online department offers over 75 entirely online programs. The school’s offerings include an online master’s in secondary education program: the master’s of education degree in advanced studies in secondary education and teacher leadership.

Students can complete the Cal U M.Ed program without ever having to visit campus in Pennsylvania. The program runs on a cohort model — with the same group of students progressing through the same set of courses — and uses an asynchronous course format. The curriculum includes studies in advanced classroom management, advanced instructional technology, and instructional design and assessment. All students in the program must complete a research project at the conclusion of their studies.

In order to earn admission to Cal U’s M.Ed program, applicants must have earned an undergraduate of GPA of 2.8 or better. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or MAT scores, but they do need to submit proof of a teaching certification. Despite its roots as a state school, Cal U charges out–of–state online students the same discounted tuition rate as Pennsylvania residents.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is one of nine institutions that make up the University of Louisiana system. ULM is perhaps best known for its programs in business, English, family and marriage counseling, and pharmacy. ULM offers several teacher preparation programs as well, including two master’s of arts in teaching programs online: an MAT in secondary education and an MAT in secondary education and special education for students in grades six through 12 with mild to moderate disabilities.

While the secondary education program requires students to complete 36 credits to earn their master’s in secondary education online, the special education program requires 42 credits. ULM delivers coursework asynchronously for both programs. In order to earn admission, applicants must have earned an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better and a passing score on the PRAXIS. Applicants who do not meet these requirements can still earn admission if they scored a 22 or above on the ACT. Applicants must also demonstrate content area knowledge. As a state school, ULM does not permit out–of–state online students to pay in–state tuition.

A member of the public University System of Georgia, Columbus State University became a four–year institution approximately two decades ago. Particularly, renowned for its business and music programs, CSU also offers two online master’s of arts in teaching secondary education programs: an MAT in mathematics and an MAT in science. Each program is completely online, as enrolled students need never visit campus in Columbus.

Students enrolled in CSU’s MAT programs can pursue certification in biology, physics, chemistry, earth/space science, and mathematics at the secondary level (grades six through 12). The program’s curriculum consists of 39 credits, including studies in classroom management, transition to teaching, and methods in teaching for either secondary mathematics or secondary science. The curriculum’s practical requirements are extensive, as students must complete a practicum, an internship, and student teaching.

In order to earn admission, applicants must have earned an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better. In addition, if applicants do not meet a minimum threshold of SAT, ACT, or GRE scores, they must complete GACE program admission tests with a satisfactory score. Online students can pay the same tuition rate regardless of location.

A quick note for out–of–state students: state regulations limit the distance education programs that CSU can offer in certain states. Out–of–state applicants must contact to school to ensure that they can in fact enroll in the program.

Operating campuses throughout the Bayou State, Northwestern State University of Louisiana chose the city of Natchitoches for its central campus. A member of the University of Louisiana System, NSU has been famous for nursing and business programs since its inception in the 19th century. The school has since developed its other departments and expanded its presence in the distance education sphere. As a result, online learners can now complete three different online degrees in secondary education: a master’s of education degree with a concentration in middle grades (grade four through eight) and secondary (grades six through 12) mild/moderate special education, and two separate master’s of arts in teaching programs, one in secondary education and the other in both secondary education and special education.

Each program is available entirely online without any visits to Natchitoches required, and each program delivers coursework asynchronously. Each program takes 12–24 months to complete, as the secondary education MAT program consists of 33 credits and the secondary/special education MAT program requires 39. Students in these two programs must pass the PRAXIS II in their chosen content area before progressing to the internship stage of the curriculum. Despite NSU’s membership in the University of Louisiana system, all online students pay the same tuition regardless of their place of residence.

Located mere steps from the Mississippi River in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a regional university. The university extends its reach nationally through its 16 online programs, which include two online degrees in secondary education: a master’s of arts program in secondary school administration and a master’s of arts program in secondary education that includes options in either educational technology or educational studies.

SEMO’s secondary school administration program requires a total of 30 credits, which takes most students five semesters. Coursework includes studies in research methods and curriculum for educational leaders and two required internships. In order to gain admission, applicants must submit proof of a teaching license.

The 33–credit secondary education program does not require a teaching license. Students earn 15 credits in either educational technology, with courses covering the internet in education and instructional design and tech, or in educational studies, which is fulfilled by open electives. SEMO delivers both programs asynchronously. Neither program requires the GRE for admission. Applicants must submit transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better. Students in both programs pay the same tuition no matter where they call home.

Based in the city of Adelphi, the University of Maryland – University College seems like a typical regional university at first glance. However, UMUC also operates campuses globally in Europe and Asia. In addition, UMUC is one of the largest universities in the world in terms of distance education enrollment. In 2015 alone, the school processed nearly 250,000 online course enrollments worldwide.

The master’s of arts in teaching program is included in UMUC’s vast slate of degrees available online. The 30–credit curriculum consists of five six–credit courses, including studies in reading and multiple literacies and foundations of teaching for learning. In addition, each student must complete a practicum and an internship. Students must take the PRAXIS II in their chosen content area before graduating. The program delivers coursework asynchronously and enrolled students are never required to visit Adelphi to earn their secondary education degree online.

In order to earn admission to UMUC’s MAT program, applicants must have earned an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better in a field related to their proposed content area. Applicants must also have earned a “qualifying score” on the PRAXIS I, GRE, SAT, or ACT. UMUC does not permit out–of–state online students to pay in–state tuition.

A private research university operating four campuses throughout the Empire State – Yorktown Heights, the Bronx, Manhattan, and a hub campus in Dobbs Ferry – Mercy College offers an online secondary education degree (a master’s of science) with six possible content areas: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics. Each program requires students to complete a total of 36 credits to earn their degree.

Students in the biology, English, history, and mathematics content areas can pursue a BS/MS dual degree that allows them to complete 15 master’s credits during their undergraduate studies. Students in all content areas must complete the same five core secondary education graduate courses, including education foundations from different perspectives and educational psychology and adolescent development. MC delivers coursework in each content area asynchronously through the Blackboard platform, and students need never visit campus in New York to earn their degree.

Transfer students in each content area may apply six approved and previously earned credits to their MC degree. First time applicants must submit transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better; however, MC does not require GRE or MAT scores for admission. As a private university, all students enrolled in online programs at Mercy pay the same tuition.

University of the Cumberlands is an affiliate of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Located in the mountains in the city of Williamsburg, Kentucky, UC manages to reach students nationwide through a focused group of online programs. One such offering – the master’s of arts degree in teaching with an emphasis in secondary education (grades eight through 12) – is a great option for unlicensed students who hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become educators. Students typically take 18 months to complete the program.

The program’s 30–credit curriculum focuses primarily on broad topics in pedagogy and learning. Coursework includes studies in instructional design and curriculum, classroom management, and the modern secondary school. Each student must also choose an emphasis area. Options include biology, earth science, mathematics, chemistry, English, social studies, and physics. Students conclude the program with a three–credit internship or practicum. UC delivers its coursework asynchronously, giving students the flexibility to complete coursework when it is convenient for them.

Applicants to the program must submit either GRE or PRAXIS I scores and transcripts showing a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better or a GPA of 3.0 or better over the last 30 credits of undergraduate study. Transfer applicants can apply up to nine approved credits toward their online master’s in secondary education. UC charges all students in the program the same tuition rate, even non–Kentucky residents.

Based in sun–soaked Hawaii, Chaminade University of Honolulu is a Marianist–affiliated university specializing in nursing, criminal justice, business, and education. In recent years, the university has begun offering some of its programs online, including the master’s of arts degree in teaching, which leads to secondary education licensure. Unlike comparable secondary education programs online, Chaminade uses an accelerated schedule that delivers courses in 10–week terms, allowing its students to graduate with licensure within 21 months.

Each student enrolled in the secondary education program must select a content area concentration in either mathematics, social studies, science, or English. While Chaminade uses an asynchronous format in its online programs, the MAT faculty can give each student plenty of individual attention thanks to small class sizes. The curriculum consists of 36 credits and includes studies in learning environments, diverse learners, and the history and the profession of educators. Each student must also pass the PRAXIS II in his or her content area and complete student teaching before graduating.

Chaminade requires applicants to the MAT program to submit transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better to earn consideration for admission. The school charges each student in the MAT program the same tuition rate, even if they live on one of the islands of Hawaii.

Formerly an agricultural school, Southern Arkansas University has since expanded its focus to include a variety of fields, offering rare programs such as game and animation design. This innovation is doubly impressive given that SAU is one of the few institutions of higher learning in its region, as its campus — based in the city of Magnolia — sits in a rural area near the Louisiana border. The school’s progressive thinking extends to distance education, as SAU offers numerous programs online, including several education degrees.

Students can pursue online degrees in secondary education through two of those online programs: a master’s of arts degree in teaching and a master’s of education degree in curriculum and instruction. The two 30–credit degrees share many commonalities, as both programs take two years to complete, use an asynchronous format, and do not allow out–of–state online learners to pay in–state tuition.

The two programs also share two required courses: classroom management and classroom assessment. At that point, the MAT program diverges more toward content area–specific studies (students choose a concentration, such as agriculture, art, English, life science, or mathematics) while the M.Ed program takes a broader, more theoretical approach to the discipline, with students completing studies in advanced curriculum design and technology in education.

While the MAT program concludes with student teaching, the M.Ed program opts for a capstone project. The MAT program does not require GRE or MAT scores for admission, and the M.Ed program only requires GRE or MAT scores for students who have an undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0.

The liberal arts wing of the University of Arkansas system, the University of Arkansas at Monticello aims to serve students beyond the “land of opportunity.” To that end, UAM offers in–state tuition to students in six nearby states. UAM’s efforts to expand beyond Arkansas have also resulted in the creation of several online programs, including the university’s master’s of arts in teaching (grades seven through 12 secondary) program.

UAM’s 30–credit program targets both recent graduates and professionals who are seeking a career change, those with bachelor’s degrees but no teaching certification. The program aims to provide these students with an online master’s in secondary education in the most expedient manner possible, allowing them to quickly enter the classroom. Students can complete the degree in a year of full–time study (two summer terms, a fall term, and a spring term).

Coursework includes studies in classroom management, instructional technology, and teaching reading. Students must also complete two internship experiences before graduating. UAM does not list a minimum GPA requirement for graduate admission, but all applicants must submit GRE scores. UAM does not allow out–of–state online students to pay the same tuition rate as in–state students.

Based out of the city of Livingston, the University of West Alabama was originally a school for women. Eventually, the school became a state teachers college before reaching its current iteration as a public, regional university. Nevertheless, the school remembers its roots, priding itself on educator preparation programs. One such offering, the master’s of education program, which includes high school (grades six through 12) certification, allows students nationwide to earn their secondary education degree online without ever having to visit the Yellowhammer State.

Students enrolled in UWA’s M.Ed program must complete 34 credits to graduate. Those 34 credits usually take students a year to complete. With multiple start dates throughout the year and asynchronous coursework, UWA aims for flexibility above all in its online programs. The M.Ed curriculum consists of 19 credits of professional courses — including broad studies in technology education, foundations of education, and educational psychology — and 15 credits of teaching field courses, which consist of content area studies. Students in the program can specialize in social science, mathematics, science, English language arts, mathematics, history, or biology.

Transfer students may apply up to nine approved credits toward the program. Although UWA is a state university, the school allows all online students to pay the same per–credit tuition rate.

A public liberal arts university based out of Spearfish, South Dakota, Black Hills State University is home to students from all 66 South Dakota counties, 44 states, and 32 countries and offers several programs online. Online students who are interested in becoming educators can pursue BHSU’s master’s of science in secondary education program.

Known as Project SECOND, the program takes students one or two years to complete. The most common completion time is three consecutive semesters (summer, fall, spring) of full–time study. The program’s 35–credit curriculum combines theory and practice and includes coursework in characteristics and exceptionalities of adolescents, new and emerging technologies for schools, and South Dakota Indian studies. In addition, each student must complete a six–credit student teaching experience. BHSU uses the Desire2Learn online platform to deliver coursework asynchronously.

Applicants must have earned an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or better to earn consideration for admission. BHSU does not require applicants to submit GRE or MAT scores, and unlicensed teachers are welcome to apply. As BHSU does not allow out–of–state students enrolled in the online secondary education degree program to pay in–state tuition.