Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
Educators with a master’s degree work as school principals, instructional coordinators, and lead teachers.
They can also pursue opportunities as superintendents and higher education administrators. In these roles, educators take on leadership roles in schools and improve student learning outcomes.
Earning a master’s degree in education increases a teacher’s earning potential and offers career advancement opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school principals earn a median salary of over $103,000 per year and college administrators make over $102,000 per year. Many practicing teachers choose an online master’s in education program to continue working while earning a graduate degree.
This page also covers how to choose the right master’s program, career paths for graduates with a master’s in education, and common salaries for educators with a master’s degree.
The Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
Online Master’s in Education Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following programs based on academic quality, course offerings, faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation. We also considered the overall quality of the school’s online programs.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Education?
A master’s degree in education prepares graduate students for leadership roles in the classroom and in educational settings. Master’s programs for teachers emphasize classroom management techniques, educational research, and educational technology. Master’s programs for administrators train future principals and school administrators in the management and leadership skills required for their roles.
Prospective master’s students can choose to earn an MA in education or an M.Ed. While both degrees prepare students for advanced roles in education, an MA track typically emphasizes research, while M.Ed. pathways focus more on practice. It generally takes full-time students two years to earn a master’s in education.
Online Master’s in Education Programs
An online master’s in education program may appeal to working educators seeking career advancement. The flexible, accessible learning environment means teachers can attend a top program without quitting their job or relocating.
In an online program, graduate students complete coursework requirements at their convenience. Some online programs offer courses with an asynchronous format, meaning there are no set course times. Other programs use a synchronous format, where students meet for class at scheduled times. Many synchronous programs set meeting times in the evenings or weekends to fit a teacher’s schedule.
By choosing to earn an online master’s degree in education, teachers can advance their careers while working full time. Nevertheless, an online learning environment requires a self-motivated approach. Many programs offer online advising and career support to help online learners.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education?
Earning a master’s degree in education helps teachers advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Many roles in education require a master’s degree, including administrative positions like school principal and higher education administrator. Teachers with a master’s degree often earn higher salaries and take on leadership roles in their schools.
While a bachelor’s degree meets the requirements for a teaching license, roles like instructional coordinator, lead teacher, principal, and superintendent often require a master’s degree. Teachers can also strengthen their classroom skills by pursuing a master’s degree.
An accredited online master’s degree in education meets the requirements for a school administrator license in every state. Prospective master’s students can explore different career paths with an education degree for more information on the roles that require a master’s degree in education. After completing a master’s in education, some individuals choose to further advance their careers by earning an online doctorate in education.
Choosing an Online Education Graduate Program
Prospective education graduate students should consider several factors when choosing an online program. In addition to weighing the total cost of a master’s in education, students should also consider the program’s curriculum, the length of the degree plan, and any on-campus requirements.
By researching the following factors, educators can find the best online master’s degree in education for their career goals and needs.
- Program Cost – The associated with earning a master’s in education varies. In general, public, in-state schools charge the lowest tuition rates, but some programs offer a flat rate for all online learners, regardless of residency.
- Transfer Policies – Educators with prior graduate-level credits should review a program’s transfer policies to see if they can lower the cost of their degree and shorten the length of time required to complete the program by transferring in credit.
- School Size and Type – In addition to considering the benefits of public versus private schools, some students prefer a program that offers smaller class sizes, while others prefer a larger cohort of education graduate students.
- Program Length – The length of a master’s in education degree track can vary depending on the total credits required, internship requirements, and the program’s enrollment options.
- On-campus Requirements – Online master’s in education programs may incorporate on-campus requirements, while others offer a fully online curriculum where students meet field experience requirements locally.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements – Programs with a stronger research focus may incorporate a thesis requirement, while master’s programs for teachers may require a certain amount of teaching experience for admission.
Accreditation for Online Education Degrees
Educators considering a master’s degree should always choose an accredited school. Colleges and universities that hold regional accreditation meet the highest standards for educating students. Accrediting agencies review schools to determine whether they meet accreditation standards. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation reviews accrediting agencies and maintains a database of accredited schools.
In addition to regional accreditation, programs can hold specialized, programmatic accreditation. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits master’s programs. CAEP evaluates education programs in terms of student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements. Programs must regularly undergo review to maintain their CAEP accreditation.
The best online education master’s programs hold CAEP accreditation. Programmatic accreditation benefits students in several ways. In many states, only accredited education degrees meet the requirements for an educator license. Employers may also prefer to hire educators with an accredited degree.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Education?
Earning a master’s degree in education generally takes two years, although some programs offer an accelerated, one-year master’s degree. Several factors can influence the length of a master’s in education degree track, including a student’s enrollment status and graduation requirements. For example, many programs incorporate field experiences, but the length of an internship can vary depending on the program.
Master’s programs for teachers generally require a more extensive practicum, while programs with a school administration or higher education focus often require less field experience. Many master’s in education online programs design the degree plan for working educators, prioritizing flexibility around a teacher’s schedule.
Courses in an Online Master’s in Education Program
While earning an online master’s degree in education, graduate students take courses designed to strengthen their teaching and/or administrative abilities, depending on the program.
Classroom Management
Classroom management courses explore best practices in classroom and behavior management. Participants learn strategies for managing student behaviors, organizing classroom space, and time management. Graduate students also examine regulations and laws governing teachers in the classroom.
Technology in Education
This course explores the relationship between pedagogy and technology, methods to promote information literacy, and theoretical frameworks for understanding how students learn with computer-based technology.
Issues in Education
Many programs include a course on current trends and issues in the field, including the role of technology in education, data-driven decision-making, school inclusiveness, and demographic shifts that impact education.
Educational Research
In this course, students explore methods and procedures for conducting research in education, including how to evaluate research reports. With a focus on qualitative and quantitative research, the course prepares graduates to apply current research in education.
Teaching Math in Elementary School
Graduate students in this course learn research-based strategies for K-5 mathematics instruction, including best practices in assessment and learning. The course introduces several different content standards, and students may complete field experiences to enhance their training.
Master’s in Education Jobs
Earning an online master’s in education prepares graduates for a variety of roles in education. Teachers with a master’s degree move into leadership roles and often earn higher salaries. A master’s in education also leads to opportunities as an instructional coordinator, a school principal, or a school administrator.
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators — also known as curriculum specialists — oversee the curriculum and teaching standards for schools or districts. They create educational material designed to meet curriculum standards, work with teachers and principals to implement the curriculum, and analyze data on its effectiveness. Instructional coordinators train teachers about new content and technologies and recommend different teaching techniques.
Some instructional coordinators specialize in certain grade levels or subjects, including special education or English as a second language. Instructional coordinators working in public schools may need a license.
School Principal
School principals oversee daily operations and long-term planning for their school. They manage teachers and staff, coordinate the school’s curriculum, and promote a productive learning environment. K-12 principals work with instructional coordinators and teachers to develop and implement curriculum standards. They observe teachers to evaluate performance. Principals also manage the school’s budget, analyze data on student achievement, and set academic goals for the school.
In most states, principals at public schools must hold a license, which generally requires a master’s degree in education. Additionally, principals often need prior experience as a teacher before advancing to the administrative level.
School Administrator
School administrators oversee student services at K-12 schools and at colleges and universities. They may manage the admission process by determining how many students to admit and recruiting prospective students. School administrators also work in student affairs, where they manage a school’s advising services and promote student activities. At the college level, school administrators oversee residential life, manage athletic programs, and lead multicultural centers.
Most school administrators hold a master’s degree, such as a master’s in education. Some employers prefer candidates with prior experience in education or administration — particularly for managerial positions.
College Professor
College professors teach undergraduate and graduate classes in their subject area, including in education. They create a syllabus to organize the course, design lectures and assignments, and assess student learning through papers and exams. In many institutions, college professors also conduct research in their specialty and publish their results in academic journals. They often sit on academic committees and advise students.
While professors do not need a teaching license, many tenure-track positions require a doctorate. However, a master’s in education may meet the requirements for positions at some community colleges.
High School Teachers
High school teachers educate students in a variety of disciplines, including language arts, social studies, mathematics, and the sciences. They design and adapt lesson plans to meet student needs and assess student abilities through assignments and exams. High school teachers draw on classroom management and leadership techniques to oversee their classes and act as a leader within their school.
In public schools, high school teachers must hold a teaching license or certificate for their grade level. A master’s degree in education meets the qualifications for a teaching license. In many districts, educators with a master’s degree earn a higher salary.
Education Membership Associations
Professional organizations help graduate students and educators build their professional skills and advance their careers. The following organizations connect educators with professional development resources, research opportunities, and networking activities.