Online Masters in Education
Nikita Nath
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WebsiteNikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.
Degrees
Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization
nikitanath8@gmail.com
nikitanath8@gmail.comAreas of Expertise & Credentials
- 2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
- 1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
- Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
- 2+ years of experience teaching psychology online
- Best Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Program
- Find Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Types Of Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Programs
- What To Expect From The Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Program?
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Why Should I Pursue An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Why Should I Pursue An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?
- Types Of Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Programs
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
- Why Should I Pursue An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?
- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
Education is one of the critical components in civilizing society. It contributes to the growth and development of an individual. The importance of education and the demand for educators has been rapidly increasing in the United States over time. A logical step for people seeking a career in administration, educational leadership, teaching counseling is to pursue an online masters in education degree program. An Online Masters in Education enables an individual to develop instructional skills in a specific area of interest as well as establish authority in the field. The master in education examines curriculum development, classroom organization, the application of theory to instructional practice, public education, and successful teaching practices for bilingual, regular, and special education learners. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be an expansion in education occupations of 10% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as average for all occupations. This in-depth guide sheds light on various aspects of an online master’s in education. It investigates the best schools and colleges for online education master’s degrees, certifications, careers, courses, timelines, accreditation and addresses questions like “what kind of master’s degree should a teacher get”.
Best Online Masters in
Education Programs
While applying for a master’s degree, selecting the right and best online master’s in education program that aligns with the student’s aspirations is essential. Choosing a program that offers a range of specializations in education is necessary, as are some of the critical aspects of colleges such as the quality and experience of the faculty, the institution’s reputation, affordability, student services, the infrastructure, accreditation, and so on. Based on these and other considerations, several FBD teams of experienced professionals have explored some of the best masters in education programs in the United States.
Here are the best Masters in Education programs: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Online Masters in Education
Programs Near Me
Sometimes, the location of a college can be a crucial factor for students choosing a master’s degree program in education. In-state and out-of-state tuition fees differ from traditional programs and can be a point of contention. Although online master’s programs usually carry a standard fee regardless of the state the student lives in, the college’s location may still be of importance to many. Moreover, other specific factors may also be enough reason to opt for a college away from home or close to home. FBD teams have combed the country to pull together a list of the ‘master’s in education near me’:
What to expect from the Online
Masters in Education?
Types of Master’s Degrees
in Education
Masters of Science (MS) Vs Masters
of Education (M.Ed.)
The masters in science education online or MS Education and Master of Education, M.Ed. are two similar degrees with a few dissimilarities. Here is a quick look at the master of science vs master of education:
| Master of Science (MS in Education Online) | Master of Education (M.Ed.) |
|---|---|
| Focused on a specific area within education | Focuses on the entire field of education |
| Better suited for individuals who want to work in the field of education | Better suited for individuals who are already working in the field of education |
| Limited choice in coursework | Wide range of choice in coursework |
| Typically deals with research, history, and theory | Typically deals with theory, measurement, test, and curriculum development |
Masters of Education Vs Masters of
Arts (MA) in Education
The Master of Education, M.Ed., and the masters in arts or MA education online are based on the same theoretical foundation of education but take two slightly different approaches to educational studies. Here is a quick look at M Ed vs MA in education:
| Master of Science (MS in Education Online) | Master of Education (M.Ed.) |
|---|---|
| Practitioner focused degree | Academic focused degree |
| Better suited for current educators who want to move to leadership roles | Better suited for candidates who want to pursue a doctoral degree |
| Focuses on a content-specific area in education | Focuses on in-depth concentrations |
| M.Ed. jobs include curriculum designers or instructional coordinators (requirement of licensure varies by state) | MA in education jobs include those where the candidate moves into the education system itself and beyond the traditional K- 12 classroom |
Areas of Specialization for Online
Masters in Education
Why should I do Online Masters
in Education?
How to get into an Online Masters
in Education program?
Admission requirements for a masters in education program vary by program, school, and student. Usually, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission into a master’s program, preferably in education or an education-related discipline. Here is a list of typical admission requirements for an online masters in education degree program in the U.S.:
Students who enroll for programs that combine a master’s degree and certification or licensure may have to meet additional requirements that vary by state. Furthermore, depending on their educational background, incoming students may be required to take up prerequisite courses in English, Math, Science, History, Psychology, etc. Prospective students should check with the college they are applying to for specific or additional requirements.
How long is a Master’s Degree
in Education?
Accreditation for Online Masters
in Education
Accreditation of a college or university is contingent on the institution providing students with relevant instruction and information to make an educated decision. For a college or university to be accredited, a third-party agency must evaluate and determine the quality of its educational programs. Most academic institutions have adopted accreditation as a requirement for giving students financial aid, credits, and other benefits, even though it is not mandated by law. College and program accreditation is essential since it provides credibility to institutions and because employers typically accept degrees from accredited online schools for education. A college offering an online master’s degree in education can be accredited by any of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Listed below are the six regional accrediting bodies.
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students can visit the official U.S Department of Education website or CHEA website to check a school’s accreditation status or whether the college they are applying to offers accredited online teaching degree programs.
In addition to regional accreditation, many educational institutions seek certification from a specialized accreditation agency to ensure that their degree programs are respected and valued in the job market. A master’s in education degree program may be accredited by one or more of the following specialized accrediting agencies:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) fosters fairness and excellence in educator preparation by ensuring quality and encouraging continuous improvement to improve P-12 student learning through evidence-based accreditation. The CAEP examines and improves internal regulations, processes, and procedures regularly to ensure transparency, accountability, fiscal efficiency, and high-quality service and assistance and set an example of equity and diversity.
Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) is a membership association and quality assurance organization that provides accreditation and formative support to all sorts of educator preparation programs. AAQEP encourages and recognizes high-quality educator training that improves educators’ ability to equally serve all children, schools, and communities.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was established to help schools produce, retain, and recognize exceptional teachers while fostering continued progress. It offers accreditation to education programs and awards the most prestigious and well-respected teaching credentials available.
More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.
Online Masters in Education with
no GRE Programs
For admission into most online master’s degrees in various disciplines, it is customary for a college to ask students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit its results. In contrast, most master’s in education programs online do not require the GRE for enrollment. Having said that, if an applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is relatively low, they may be asked to submit a GRE score. Here are a few online masters in education no GRE programs:
Wilmington University
The Wilmington University offers the Master of Education in several concentrations, such as Education Studies, Elementary & Secondary School Counseling, Higher Education, Instruction: Teacher of Reading, Instruction: Teaching and Learning, and more, that do not require the GRE or GMAT scores for enrollment.
University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport offers the Education M.Ed. and Education MS programs requiring a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in an undergraduate program and no GRE or GMAT score.
Northcentral University
The Northcentral University College of Education offers the Master of Education degree program in 19 professionally relevant specializations, all of which do not require the GRE or GMAT score to be submitted for admission.
Accelerated Online Masters
in Education
While most master’s degree programs in education usually take two to three years to complete, accelerated education masters take less than two years. Depending on the program one chooses, this time frame may differ. For example, the 4+1 program combines a 4-year bachelor’s degree with a 2-year master’s degree curriculum but allows the student to accomplish both in five years instead of six. Some colleges also offer 1-year online masters in education programs. These fast-track programs usually require considerable prior teaching experience and certifications. Here are some examples of the fastest online masters degree in education:
University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago, College of Education, has several Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) programs that can be completed 1 to 2 years full-time. UIC does not require the GRE of its master’s programs as an added advantage.
The Northcentral University College of Education offers the Master of Education degree program in 19 professionally relevant specializations, most of which can be completed in about 16 months through 2 accelerated scheduling options.
Florida International University
The Florida International University has 8 online master’s programs connected with education and teaching that require between 12 and 24 months to complete, depending on the specialization.
East Texas Baptist University – Master of Education (M.Ed.)
University of San Diego – Master of Education
California Baptist University – Master of Science in Education
How to Pay for Online Masters
in Education Programs?
Scholarships for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Education
A variety of scholarships are available for prospective students pursuing a master’s degree in education, some of which are offered by non-profit organizations, colleges, and individuals. Examples of such scholarships can be found in the list below:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship | The AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship is awarded to students currently enrolled in or working towards a degree in any discipline in an accredited post-secondary institution. | $500 | March 31, 2023 |
| Texas A&M International University – College of Education Scholarships | The Texas A&M International University, College of Education, offers a wide range of scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, including the Lilia L. and Ernest M. Bruni Scholarship for Education, The Benavides Zuniga Scholarship for Education, Emilia Rodriguez Garcia Endowment Scholarship for Education, Conoco Phillips Endowed Scholarship for Education, and others. Criteria for each scholarship varies. | Varies | Varies | Closed for 2021 | TBA for 2023 |
| Katherine B. Ross Education Scholarship | The Katherine B. Ross Education Scholarship is awarded to under-represented minority students (African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans) who are college and graduate students pursuing a degree in education and residents of New Castle County, Delaware. | $1,920 | December 31, 2023 |
Free Courses for Online
Masters in Education
A master’s degree in online education cannot be earned through free courses. It is recommended to steer clear of websites claiming free online masters in education degrees because they may be fraudulent. However, free courses can be an excellent way to learn new skills and widen one’s horizons in the field of education. Students seeking a free masters degree in education will not get a degree but may benefit from the free courses offered by the following websites:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Education and topics related to Education | Coursera offers several courses on education from both theoretical and applied perspectives. Topics include Uncommon Sense Teaching, Teaching Character and Creating Positive Classrooms, Evolution: A Course for Educators, Get Organized: How to be a Together Teacher, etc. | Coursera |
| Education and topics related to Education | Alison offers free courses on various topics in education that are self-paced and do not require any previous experience or knowledge. Topics include Introduction to E-Learning Theory and Practice, Managing Safety and Health in Schools, Child Psychology – Managing Development, Parental Separation – Implications for the School, and more. | Alison |
| Education and topics related to Education | Udemy has over 60 education courses ranging from topics like The Educators Toolbox, Digital Skills for Teachers, and Introduction to Play-Based Learning to Philosophical and Sociological Perspectives of Education, How to become an Academic Auditor, and Academic Excellence – A System-Based Approach, etc. | Udemy |
FAQs about Online Masters
in Education Programs
How to get a master’s in education?
What are the best master’s programs in education?
What can you do with a masters in education?
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
What kind of master’s degree should a teacher get?
Can you do a master’s in education online?
How hard is a masters in education?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after
Online Masters in Education
Can you teach college with a masters? In most states, a master’s degree is a required qualification to teach at the college level. Of course, additional certification and licensure will be required to be eligible. Careers for a master’s in education graduate are available in teaching, administrative and leadership position both within the classroom setting and outside of it.
So, what can you do with a masters in education? Master’s degree in education jobs include but are not limited to:
Masters in education jobs are in reasonable demand. Teachers and educators have a bright future ahead of them, thanks in part to a significant number of teachers who will retire from the profession in the next decade and a greater focus on student accomplishment on the part of state and federal governments. There will be considerable demand for certified teachers in high-need fields, including science, mathematics, and English as a Second Language. As a testimony to this potential, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the occupation as a Middle School Teacher is expected to grow 7% between 2020 and 2030, as fast as the average for occupations in the country.
Here are some job titles, salaries, and job outlook details in education, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Occupation | Job Description | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal | An Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal oversees all school operations, including daily school activities. They coordinate curriculums, manage staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students. They organize professional development programs and workshops for staff, observe teachers, and evaluate their performance. | $98,490 | 8% (as fast as average) |
| Instructional Coordinator | An Instructional Coordinator oversees school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop educational material, implement it with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness. An Instructional Coordinator also reviews student test data, discusses the curriculum with the school staff, and based on their research, they may recommend changes in curriculums to the school board. | $66,970 | 10% (as fast as average) |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisor | A School Counselor helps students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation. A Career Counselor and Advisors helps students and other clients develop skills, explore an occupation, or choose an educational program that will lead to a career. | $58,120 | 11% (faster than average) |
| Special Education Teacher | A Special Education Teacher teaches students with learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education classes and teach a number of disciplines to people with mild to moderate disabilities. Students with severe disabilities may be taught fundamental skills by a Special Education Teacher. | $61,500 | 8% (as fast as average) |
| High School Teacher | A High School Teacher assists students in preparing for life after graduation. They provide academic instruction as well as a variety of skills that students will need in order to attend college or enter the workforce. A high school teacher may also design courses and instruct pupils in the subject they are teaching, as well as prepare them for state-mandated standardized tests. | $62,870 | 8% (as fast as average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Masters in Education
Additional Resources for Masters
in Education Online
Author Bio:
Nikita Nath
Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.
Degrees
Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization
- nikitanath8@gmail.com
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
- 2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
- 1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
- Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
- 2+ years of experience teaching psychology online
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.