Online Master’s in Education Programs

For those who earned a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, it might seem necessary to earn a second bachelor’s degree in order to switch careers into teaching. However, with a steady increase in the number of online master’s in education programs available, it is becoming easier to meet state certification requirements and become a teacher by earning your master’s even if you did not take courses in education while earning your undergraduate degree. Although many states recognize alternative certification programs that do not require completing a master’s degree, an on-campus or online graduate degree in education can offer competitive preparation for future teachers.

This page is designed to help you learn more about earning an online master’s in teaching, including career and certification options, while you assess whether an online graduate degree is the right fit for your goals. Our list of top-ranked online master’s in education programs will also help you get started researching degree options from well-known schools as well as smaller colleges that offer competitive teaching degrees.

Table of Contents

Earning a Master’s in Education Online vs. On-Campus

Advice for Choosing an Online Master’s Program

Top Schools with Online Master’s in Education Programs

Profiles of Top Education Schools with Online Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Earning a Master’s in Education Online vs. On-Campus: Important Factors to Consider

Online study carries many benefits. It also carries certain drawbacks that are important to consider before committing to a program. If you have not taken online classes in the past, the first step is evaluating whether distance learning is a fit with your learning style and academic skills. One way to assess your readiness for online learning is by auditing a college-level course on a distance education site like Coursera; such sites often host teaching courses from some of the best education schools in the US.

Although many online teaching degree programs offer real-time video conferencing, remote lectures, and similar opportunities for interaction with faculty and peers, not all do. Even among programs that feature these options, much of the coursework is completed asynchronously – meaning, not at a designated time or place. While this offers greater flexibility compared to on-campus programs, it also means that online students must be disciplined and self-directed in order to complete their coursework within the deadlines established by the faculty.

Another important factor to consider is completing fieldwork and student teaching internship requirements. Although the majority of your coursework in an online master’s in teaching program will be completed through distance learning, you will need to complete student teaching for at least one semester in order to qualify for teacher certification, depending on the requirements established by your state and program. You will likely be able to arrange to complete these in-person experiences in a local school district, but it is critical to ensure that this will be possible (and will meet your state’s licensing guidelines) prior to enrolling in a program.

Finally, while there are many online education programs that can lead to first-time teacher certification, not all specializations may be offered through distance learning or be recognized in all states. Consider carefully which grade level(s) and subject(s) you want to teach and research the certification requirements established by your state to avoid misunderstandings when it’s time to apply for your license. Those who are attending an out-of-state program commonly must be recommended for a license in the state where the program is located, and then apply for certification by reciprocity in their home state.

Benefits of Online Master’s Programs

There are many online master’s in education degree options for future teachers. Professional options in administrative roles such as curriculum and instruction specialists are also available. Although some specialties and concentrations are not available online, most major areas – including elementary education, middle grades education, and secondary education – are accessible through distance learning.

Additionally, many states have established a higher pay grade for teachers who have a master’s degree, including states that use a tiered licensing system that moves teachers from the entry to the professional level according to their education and experience. As a result, with a master’s degree in education, you may be able to negotiate a higher beginning salary compared to a teacher with only a bachelor’s degree.

Another benefit to online study is the potentially reduced cost. If you are considering a program located in another state, the program may offer a reduced online tuition rate to out-of-state students compared to the tuition rate for out-of-state students studying on campus. Many programs offer similar or lower online tuition costs for in-state students as well. Even keeping in mind that you should budget for exam proctoring fees, student teaching fees, and other expenses, earning your master’s in education online can still be a cost-competitive option.

Teaching and Education Programs

Teacher Licensing with a Hybrid or Online Master’s Program in Education

Two of the most important factors to consider when evaluating online master’s programs for teacher credentialing are accreditation and state approval. All states in the US require that teacher preparation programs meet at least one of the following benchmarks, which vary by state:

• Regional accreditation from one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education;
• Approval of the school’s teacher preparation program from the state board of education for the state where the program is located;
• Accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which also includes legacy accreditation from the former National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). See our guide to understanding CAEP, NCATE, and TEAC for more information on these accreditations.

If the teacher preparation program that you attend does not meet your state’s standards for teacher licensing, it is likely that you will not qualify for certification. Similarly, some states do not recognize alternative route teaching programs, which may include certain master’s programs, that are offered in other states. Carefully research your state’s requirements and be sure to understand which approval(s) and accreditation(s) a program must hold in order to qualify you for licensure.

You should also be aware that while a program offered in another state may meet the majority of requirements in your state, many states require specific coursework that is not offered by out-of-state programs, such as courses covering state-specific laws or other localized topics. However, it is typically possible to take such courses locally after graduating from a master’s program, and in some cases, you may be eligible for a provisional license to teach while you take such a course.

It’s also important to note that in order to qualify for a teaching license, you should anticipate undertaking at least one semester of student teaching. Keep in mind that student teaching is typically a full-time engagement during the regular school year. When done as part of a master’s program for course credit, this may or may not be a paid position.

In general, an online master’s in education that holds the proper accreditation and state approval is likely to meet teacher preparation program requirements for a license, but it is always your responsibility to ensure that the program you choose will meet your state’s guidelines. We strongly recommend that you consult the state board of education website for the state(s) where you wish to become certified and review all requirements for prospective teachers before committing to a program.

Advice for Choosing an Online Master’s Program

In addition to considering the critical factors of teacher preparation program accreditation and state approval discussed above, other aspects of an online program that are good to consider include the competitiveness of the tuition for online students and the overall program cost. Graduate school represents a significant investment in your career no matter which school you choose, but the costs between programs can vary widely. The value of a master’s degree may be found in part in the school’s reputation, but you should also consider the cost of student loans as well as incidental costs, such as distance learning fees and student teaching placements.

As you research master’s programs, other considerations to keep in mind include:

• Is the program is a fit for your academic background and career goals? Programs at research universities can be highly competitive, are often thesis-oriented, and may require higher-than-average undergraduate GPAs for admission.
• Does the program meet at least the majority of your state’s teacher certification requirements? It will likely be necessary for you to do your own research and, as mentioned above, consult your state’s board of education for current guidelines.
• Will full-time study fit with your schedule? Some programs offer part-time study options for coursework, while others do not. However, with any program, it is wise to consider how you will meet student teaching internship requirements, which typically require at least one semester of full-time commitment.

Top Schools with Online Master’s in Education Programs

Our proprietary ranking of the top schools with hybrid and online master’s in education programs is designed to help you research the best online teaching programs that can lead to initial certification. While not all programs will be accepted for teacher licensing in all states, or admit students from all other states, we have tried to include schools that do accept students from other states to the greatest extent possible. This narrowed focus on master’s programs developed to lead to certification makes our list unique, as many other well-known lists focus on master’s programs geared towards currently certificated teachers seeking professional development or on administrative areas, such as curriculum and instruction.

All of the schools on our list offer online courses as part of the requirements for the master’s degree. However, some programs are hybrid with a mix of online and on-campus courses, and others may require occasional campus visits for select courses, summer-term seminars, and related activities. You should also be aware that while the majority of courses offered as part of these programs are online, student teaching must be done in-person. In that respect, master’s programs designed to lead to teacher certification are hybrid programs that are not truly 100% online. You should visit each program’s website to gain an understanding of any applicable on-campus and student teaching requirements.

The schools included in our ranking are not-for-profit institutions that have regional accreditation, with teaching programs that lead to the same degree as that earned by students following the traditional on-campus curriculum. Other heavily weighted factors include the tuition cost per online credit hour, the number of graduate students enrolled in distance education courses, and accreditation from CAEP, TEAC, or NCATE. Clicking on the name of a highlighted school will bring you to a profile of that school’s graduate education programs, including in-depth information on faculty statistics and admissions requirements.

N/A = Not Applicable.
N.Av. = Not Available.
NR = School did not place in rankings.
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.

Profiles of Top Education Schools with Online Programs

University of Saint Francis

The University of Saint Francis offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) designed to lead to initial certification in grades five to 12 as well as an online certification-track Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education. The special education MEd can qualify graduates to work in mild or intense intervention with children with disabilities. Prospective students should note that the MEd carries more competitive admissions requirements than the MAT. All students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 for continuous enrollment in the school’s graduate programs. The University of Saint Francis also offers a Transition to Teaching alternative route with online courses; courses earned in the Transition to Teaching program can later be transferred towards the MAT. The University of Saint Francis graduate education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and follow the standards of the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 619¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 67%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 2.50³
Average GMAT/GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $475/$475³
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $905/$905³

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: N/A
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 3; average 2 years of online teaching experience²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: $14,308²
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: 48%²
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): 82%²

Mayville State University

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Mayville State University is designed to help students with non-teaching bachelor’s degrees become certified to teach at the secondary level. The MAT program is offered completely online with the exception of the required Teaching Mentorship Clinical Experience (student teaching) and requires a total of 32 credit hours to complete. The program was developed to align with the teacher preparation standards of the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board, though students from out of state are welcome to apply. North Dakota residents who are currently teaching with a provisional license under Alternative Access may also be interested in this program. Though the online MAT is a relatively new teacher offering at Mayville State, the university has been focused on offering superior teacher education since 1889. The school also offers graduate-level continuing education for currently licensed teachers.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 19¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): N/A
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GMAT/GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $312/$312⁵
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: N/A

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: N/A
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N/A

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N/A
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N/A

Kansas State University

Through its Global Campus, Kansas State University offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that can lead to teacher certification in the elementary grades (K to six). The program is open to residents of Kansas and of other states and can be completed in 12 months. The curriculum is rigorous and all courses must typically be followed in the school’s designated sequence. Courses are offered online with the exception of field experiences, which can be arranged in students’ local areas. Including field experiences and a student teaching internship, students can expect to complete 10 courses for a total of 31 credit hours in order to earn the MAT. A generous Transition to Teaching fellowship is available to qualified students who live within a 50-mile radius of Wichita, Topeka, or Kansas City. Graduates may also qualify for other grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program or the Stafford Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 4,287¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 94.3%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GMAT/GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $563/$563⁶
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $403/$910⁶

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2015-2016²
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 34²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: $51,721²
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: 41%²
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): 67%²

Arizona State University

Arizona State University Online offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Education that is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any field. The program prepares students to become certified teachers in grades K through three. All courses in the program are online with the exception of clinical experiences. The certification track requires 45 credit hours (five to six semesters) to complete. Arizona State also offers online master’s of teaching programs in English as a Second Language (ESL) and English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College is regularly ranked as a top school of education and reports a 92.5% employability rate for undergraduate students. The school also offers on-campus master’s degrees in elementary, secondary, and special education as well as other content areas. Prospective students are encouraged to attend an online information session regarding the school’s programs to learn more prior to applying.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 10,156¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 85.4%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GRE: 148 verbal; 146 quantitative; 4 writing²

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $587/$587⁷
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $772/$1,175⁷

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2006-2007²
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 20; average 7 years experience teaching online²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: $37,594²
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: 70%²
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): 77%²

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University features a hybrid-model Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that combines online and face-to-face learning and instruction for those who are seeking teacher certification. Certification tracks include elementary education and various content areas in middle and secondary education including English, math, science, and social studies. In addition to learning fundamental teaching skills, students are expected to engage in higher-level research in their content areas and learn how to use research-based methods in curriculum planning, instruction, and student assessment. Those seeking content-area endorsements must have at least 24 credit hours in the desired subject; content-area deficiencies may be remedied with specific coursework taken at North Carolina State, which may be in addition to the credit hours required to earn the MAT. North Carolina State is also home to non-degree online programs designed to lead towards certification in business education and agriculture education, as well as on-campus certification programs.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 9,904¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 43.4%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GRE: 154 verbal; 150 quantitative; 4.0 writing²

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $432/$1,148⁸
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $1,062/$2,996⁸

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2006-2007
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 13; average 3 years experience teaching online²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: $24,884²
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: 37%²
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): 65%²

University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that can lead to certification in elementary, middle, or secondary education, as well as select content areas across kindergarten to grade 12. The online curriculum blends theory with on-the-ground practice, which is emphasized as students progress through the program with in-person field experiences. The required field experiences may be completed in students’ local areas. The majority of courses are offered in eight-week terms, and students may take up to two courses per term. Past cohorts have completed the MAT program in an average of 18 months. The program is designed to lead to teacher certification in Kentucky; out-of-state candidates should review their state’s requirements for certification by reciprocity. The department of education at the University of the Cumberlands has been preparing teachers since 1888. The school also offers an online Master of Arts in Education designed for professional development for currently certified teachers, as well as programs that lead to higher-level teaching certificates under Kentucky’s credential rank system.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 3,376¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 89%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 2.75 (may vary by concentration area)
Average GRE: 151 verbal; 148 quantitative; 4 writing²

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $315/$315⁹
In-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: N/A

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2006-2007
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 65; average 10 years experience teaching online²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: $16,886²
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: 65%²
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N/A

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University maintains various online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) programs that can lead to initial teacher licensure in Virginia, including programs in elementary education (grades PreK to six), secondary education (grades 6 to 12), and special education (mild disabilities K-12; early childhood; or adapted/severe disabilities grades K-12). Admission is limited to students who are in Virginia or Washington State. Depending on the student’s concentration and certification track, the MSEd programs take between 34 and 45 credit hours to complete. Licensure track students will complete a practicum as well as a teacher candidate internship. Those who do not have an undergraduate major in their subject(s) will need to take additional courses to meet content area requirements for licensure. The Darden College of Education at Old Dominion University also offers a Master of Science in Education military career transition program for military personnel and their spouses, as well as online professional development programs for certified teachers in STEM education and career and technical education and numerous on-campus certification programs.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 4,571¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 62.3%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 2.75, may vary by certification track
Average GRE: 149 verbal; 145 quantitative; 3.6 writing²

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $496/$538¹⁰
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $930/$1,249¹⁰

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2003-2004²
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 53; average 10 years experience teaching online²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N/A
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): 75%²

Valley City State University

The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Valley City State University is designed to lead to initial teacher certification in the secondary grades in North Dakota. Prospective students should hold an undergraduate degree in the content area they wish to teach. Those who wish to teach a subject for which they do not meet the core content area requirements may need to complete a content major deficiency sequence at either the undergraduate or graduate level; credits earned towards content deficiencies typically do not count towards the 33 credit hours required to earn the MAT. A six-credit hour student teaching internship is included in the curriculum. Students must also complete a research report and present a comprehensive portfolio as part of a capstone learning experience. Valley City State University also offers an online Master of Education program for current teachers who wish to pursue advanced education.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 144¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 89%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $768/$768¹¹
In-state tuition (per on-campus credit hour): N/A

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2000-2001
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 26; average 6 years experience teaching online²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: $14,594²
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: 26%²
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): 62%²

University of Tennessee at Martin

The University of Tennessee at Martin offers a hybrid online Master’s in Teaching designed to lead to initial teacher licensure in Tennessee. Students may emphasize in either elementary education (grades K to six), special education (grades K to 12), or secondary education (grades seven to 12, with endorsements in various content areas available). The Master’s in Teaching requires 42 credit hours to complete and is based on courses in four areas: foundations, applications, the concentration area, and student teaching. As a transition to teaching program, students must have a teaching placement in order to qualify for full admission and to complete program requirements. Students typically coordinate with the department to arrange placements. The University of Tennessee at Martin is also home to several on-campus master’s in education programs, with specialist tracks in agriculture education, English as a second language, gifted and talented education, and various other subjects.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 392¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 47%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 2.7
Average GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $572/$623¹²
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $560/$880¹²

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: N/A
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 19²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N/A
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N/A

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is home to various Master of Arts in Teaching programs developed as alternate routes to certification in various grade levels and subjects, from early childhood education to secondary education. All courses in the Master of Arts in Teaching are offered online, with the exception of required field and practicum experiences. The degree typically requires 33 to 39 credits to complete, depending on the student’s focus area. All students complete a one-year (two-semester) student teaching internship as part of the program. Graduates are eligible to apply for initial teacher licensing in Louisiana. Northwestern State University also offers various professional development master’s programs for currently certified teachers, including the only Master of Education in Early Childhood Education in Louisiana. Northwestern State University has over 130 years of experience in teacher preparation, and the teacher certification programs within the Department of Teaching, Leadership, and Counseling are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 1,120¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 73%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 2.5
Average GRE: 138 verbal; 141 quantitative; 4 writing²

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $475/$475¹³
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $718/$1,168¹³

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: N/A
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 18²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: 28%²
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N/A

University at Albany, SUNY

The University at Albany, part of the State University of New York, offers an initial certification Master of Science in Early Childhood Education that can be completed in a hybrid online format. As required courses are only selectively offered online during certain semesters, students should anticipate on-campus evening coursework in addition to completing daytime field experience and student teaching practicums. In total, the program typically requires 30 credit hours to complete. Admission is competitive and is based in part on the prospective student’s undergraduate major and undergraduate liberal arts coursework. The program is designed to meet the core qualifications for professional teacher certification in New York in early childhood (birth to grade 2) or childhood (grades 1 to 6) education. Additional workshops, such as child abuse identification and reporting training, are required in order to qualify for initial certification based on the New York State Department of Education’s requirements.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 4,271¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 78.4%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $453/$925¹⁴
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $453/$925¹⁴

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: N/A
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 16; average 7 years experience teaching online²

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N/A
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): 78%²

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education features an online Master of Arts in Teaching that prepares graduates to become certified teachers. Courses in the program blend theory with hands-on learning and practice, with a particular emphasis on preparing future teachers to work in urban and high-needs schools. Students may enter the program, which requires 28 credit hours to complete, on a full-time or part-time track. Both elementary and secondary concentrations are offered. The school utilizes its partnerships with K-12 school districts across the US to help students find appropriate local placements. With additional coursework, students may also earn a special education credential or gifted education certificate. Graduates of the MAT program are prepared to seek a California Level 1 Preliminary teaching credential. USC Rossier also offers online master’s programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Learning Design and Technology.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 24,591¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 68.7%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GRE: 151 verbal; 150 quantitative; 3.8 writing²

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $1,800/$1,800¹⁵
In-state tuition (per on-campus credit hour): $1,800/$1,800¹⁵

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: N/A
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N/A

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N/A
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N/A

University of Arkansas at Monticello

The University of Arkansas at Monticello is home to an online Master of Arts in Teaching with a choice of certification tracks in the elementary, middle, or secondary grades. On each track, the Master of Arts in Teaching requires 30 credit hours to complete. Once admitted, students typically take two to three courses per semester, including two consecutive semester-long student teaching internships during the final year. Students are assisted by the graduate coordinator’s office in securing a student teaching placement prior to beginning the student teaching practicum. As this placement and the associated provisional license is a condition of continuing admission, students must post acceptable scores on both the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the Praxis Subject Assessment for their desired content area. The University of Arkansas at Monticello also offers online master’s programs in physical education, educational leadership, teacher leadership, and special education.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 215¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): N/A
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 2.7
Average GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $255/$255¹⁶
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $500/$500¹⁶

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2008-2009
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N/A; average 18 years experience teaching online

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N/A
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N/A

Oregon State University

The Oregon State University Ecampus maintains a hybrid online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program that can lead to initial certification in Oregon. The degree requires 52 credit hours and two years to complete. Of the total required to earn the MAT, 16 credit hours are offered fully online, while 18 credit hours are offered in a hybrid format and 18 credit hours are completed in-person as practicum and internship experiences. Colloquially known as “Teach for Beaverton,” this program places graduate student teachers within the Beaverton School District, which is close to Portland. Students must commute to Beaverton two times per week during the first year of study and every weekday during the second year of study. Qualified students may be reimbursed for field experiences and student teaching with the programs “earn while you learn” options. The Oregon State Ecampus is regularly ranked as a top value and among the best online colleges in the US by such publications as US News & World Report and College Choice.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 4,964¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): 60.8%²
Minimum GPA for acceptance: 3.0
Average GRE: N/A

Tuition

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $521/$521¹⁷
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $450/$807¹⁷

Academics & Faculty

First online program offered in: 2000-2001
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N/A; average 5 years experience teaching online

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N/A
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N/A
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can an online master’s in education really help me become licensed as a teacher?

Answer: Distance learning options for earning a master’s in education online are a flexible way to meet certification requirements and become a classroom teacher if your bachelor’s degree was not in education. Many such programs also offer accelerated completion options, allowing you to begin a new career in teaching in less time.

Question: If my bachelor’s degree was in a subject like psychology or communications, can I still become a teacher with a master’s degree?

Answer: While coursework requirements vary by state, you typically must have a major or its equivalent in order to teach a given subject at the high school level. You will need to meet state subject matter requirements in all core content areas in order to qualify to teach elementary grades. However, master’s degree coursework can sometimes count towards these requirements. We suggest checking with your state board of education for current subject hour requirements by grade level and content area in order to determine the best pathway for you.

Question: What is the difference between a master’s in education, a master’s in teaching, and related degree names?

Answer: The different names for master’s degrees in education are often used interchangeably, and sometimes may be interpreted differently from region to region. However, it is common for master’s in education programs to be focused on professional development, while master’s in teaching programs are more focused on classroom skills. For more information on the differences between master’s in education, master’s in teaching, and other graduate programs in the education field, see our guide to traditional master’s degrees in teaching and education.

Table Notes and References:
*Average online tuition is the average of in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for online students per credit hour.
1. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation: http://caepnet.org/provider-search
2. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/
3. US News & World Report Best Graduate Education Schools 2018: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings?int=a3a109
4. US News & World Report Best Online Graduate Education Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/rankings
5. US News & World Report National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report Best Online Graduate Education Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/rankings
3. Saint Francis University: https://online.sf.edu/degrees/mat-master-of-arts-in-teaching/
4. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/
5. Mayville State University: https://mayvillestate.edu/academics/graduate-studies/
6. Kansas State University: https://online.k-state.edu/campaign/master-of-arts-teaching.html
7. Arizona State University: https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/master-education-curriculum-and-instruction-early-childhood-education/
8. North Carolina State University: https://ced.ncsu.edu/graduate/programs/masters/master-of-arts-in-teaching/
9. University of the Cumberlands: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/programs/master-arts-teaching
10. Old Dominion University: https://www.odu.edu/eps/
11. Valley City State University: https://www.vcsu.edu/academics/online-programs/
12. University of Tennessee at Martin: https://www.utm.edu/departments/edgrad/initiallicensure.php
13. Northwestern State University of Louisiana: https://www.nsula.edu/ensu/online-programs/
14. University at Albany SUNY: https://www.albany.edu/education/programs/ms-early-childhood-education
15. University of Southern California: https://rossieronline.usc.edu/
16. University of Arkansas at Monticello: http://uamont.edu/academics/education/graduate-degrees.html
17. Oregon State University: https://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/online-degrees/graduate/education/master-teaching/