Online Master’s in Education Programs

With a steady increase in the number of online master’s in education programs, it is becoming easier to meet state certification requirements and become a teacher even if you did not take courses in education during your bachelor’s 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 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

Best 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

Online study carries many benefits. Many sought-after specialties and concentrations are available online, including elementary education, middle grades education, and secondary education. Additionally, many states have established a higher pay grade for teachers who have a master’s degree. Another benefit to online study is the potentially reduced cost. Many programs offer lower online tuition costs for online students.

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.

Online study can also have drawbacks. 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. 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 succeed.

Another important factor to consider is fieldwork and student teaching requirements. You will likely 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 typically be able to complete these experiences in a local school district, but it is critical to verify this prior to enrolling.

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 your state’s certification requirements. 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.

Teacher Licensing with an 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.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the program you choose will meet your state’s guidelines. We strongly recommend that you consult the 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.

Best 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 makes our list unique.

All of the schools on our list offer online courses as part of the requirements for a master’s degree. However, some programs are hybrid 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.

Profiles of Top Education Schools with Online Programs

University of Virginia (#1)

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers a Master of Teaching-Special Education track that prepares graduates for licensure with an endorsement in Special Education-General Curriculum K-12. This 30-credit hour program includes such courses as Reading Development; Behavior Management; Math Methods for SPED and ELED; and IEP and Transition Planning. Students also take two internship courses as well as a formal clinical experience. Various scholarships, grants, and other financial aid packages are available, including a PreK-12 tuition discount for those who are currently working in education settings. The School of Education and Human Development at UVA, through which this program is offered, also hosts various on-campus programs for initial teacher licensure as well as doctoral programs and professional certificates in various areas of education.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 8,318⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 69.2%³
Average GRE: 157 verbal; 151 quantitative; 4.4 analytical writing⁴

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $720/$1,150⁷
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $720/$1,150⁷
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 33 full-time, 45 part-time⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: $25,194⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: 33%⁵

North Carolina State University (#3)

North Carolina State University (NCSU) features a hybrid 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 NCSU, which may be in addition to the credit hours required to earn the MAT.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 9,892⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 60.6%³
Average GRE: 154 verbal; 149 quantitative; 4 analytical writing⁴

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $505/$1,505⁸
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $488/$1,237⁸
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 28 full-time, 4 part-time⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: $25,317⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: 48%⁵

Kansas State University (#7)

Through its Global Campus, Kansas State University (KSU) offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that can lead to teacher certification in the elementary grades (K to 6). 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. Students can expect to complete 10 courses for a total of 31 credit hours in order to earn the MAT. A Transition to Teaching fellowship is available to qualified students who live within a 50-mile radius of Wichita, Topeka, or Kansas City. Students may also qualify for other financial aid programs, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program or the Stafford Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 4,597⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 94.3%³
Average GRE: 154 verbal; 150 quantitative; 4.8 analytical writing⁴

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $511/$511⁹
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $425/$960⁹
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 39 full-time, 11 part-time⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: $27,434⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: 54%⁵

Arizona State University (#8)

Arizona State University (ASU) 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-3. 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. ASU also offers online master’s programs in English as a Second Language (ESL) and English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). education. 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): 11,671⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 92.6%³
Average GRE: 149 verbal; 145 quantitative; 3.7 analytical writing⁴

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $543/$543¹⁰
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $488/$981¹⁰
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 29 full-time, 19 part-time⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: $24,488⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: 45%⁵

University of Tennessee at Martin (#10)

The University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) offers a hybrid Master’s in Teaching designed to lead to initial teacher licensure in Tennessee. Students may emphasize study in elementary education (K-6), special education (K-12), or secondary education (7-12, 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. UTM 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): 722⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): N.Av.³
Average GRE: N.Av.³

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $620/$620¹¹
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $600/$936¹¹
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N.Av.⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: N.Av.⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: N.Av.⁵

Mayville State University (#11)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Mayville State University (Mayville State) is designed to help students with non-teaching bachelor’s degrees become certified to teach at the secondary level. The MAT program is completely online with the exception of the required Teaching Mentorship Clinical Experience (student teaching) and requires a total of 32 credit hours to complete. 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): 23⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): N.Av.³
Average GRE: N.Av.³

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $440/$440¹²
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $351/$351¹²
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N.Av.⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: N.Av.⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: N.Av.⁵

Old Dominion University (#13)

Old Dominion University (ODU) 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 6), 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 ODU 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): 4,664⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 70.5%³
Average GRE: 163 verbal; 157 quantitative; 3.5 analytical writing⁴

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $551/$1,387¹³
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $551/$1,387¹³
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 40 full-time, 58 part-time⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: $27,654⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: 73%⁵

Oregon State University (#18)

The Oregon State University (OSU) Ecampus maintains a hybrid 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 program’s “earn while you learn” options.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 5,668⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 64.7%³
Average GRE: N.Av.³

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $560/$560¹⁴
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $498/$1,011¹⁴
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N.Av.⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: $27,027⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: 54%⁵

University of Southern California (#20)

The University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education features an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) 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): 26,501⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 64.2%³
Average GRE: 154 verbal; 154 quantitative³

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $2,035/$2,035¹⁵
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $2,493/$2,493¹⁵
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N.Av.⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: $26,850⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: 33%⁵

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (#23)

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) is home to various Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs developed as alternate routes to certification in various grade levels and subjects, from early childhood education to secondary education. All courses in the MAT 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. NSULA also offers various professional development master’s programs for currently certified teachers, including the only Master of Education in Early Childhood Education in Louisiana.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 1,126⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): 100%⁴
Average GRE: 147 verbal; 143 quantitative; 3 analytical writing⁴

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $475/$475¹⁶
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $718/$1,317¹⁶
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): 24 full-time, 15 part-time⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: N.Av.⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: N.Av.⁵

University of Arkansas at Monticello (#33)

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAMONT) is home to an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a choice of certification tracks in the elementary, middle, or secondary grades. Each MAT track 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. UAMONT also offers online master’s programs in physical education, educational leadership, teacher leadership, and special education.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 293⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): N.Av.³
Average GRE: N.Av.³

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $761/$1,251¹⁷
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $276/$521¹⁷
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N.Av.⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: N.Av.⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: N.Av.⁵

University of Saint Francis (#28)

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 (M.Ed.) in Special Education. The special education M.Ed. can qualify graduates to work in mild or intense intervention with children with disabilities. Prospective students should note that the M.Ed 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 that can later be transferred towards the MAT.

Admissions & Enrollment

Number of graduate students (campuswide): 518¹
Acceptance rate (School of Education): N.Av.³
Average GMAT/GRE: N.Av.

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $475/$475¹⁸
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: N/A¹⁸
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N.Av.³

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2015-2016 graduates: N.Av.³
Proportion of 2015-2016 graduates with debt: N.Av.³
Three-year graduation rate (2015-2016): N.Av.³

University of the Cumberlands (#34)

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 through in-person field experiences that 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 school also offers an online Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) 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): 14,599⁶
Acceptance rate (School of Education master’s): N.Av.³
Average GRE: N.Av.³

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $315/$315¹⁹
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: N/A¹⁹
Full-time online instructional faculty (School of Education): N.Av.⁴

Graduate Statistics

Average debt of 2020 graduates: N.Av.⁵
Proportion of 2020 graduates with debt: N.Av.⁵

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 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.

References:
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 2022: 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
6. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
7. University of Virginia: https://www.virginia.edu/
8. North Carolina State University: https://www.ncsu.edu/
9. Kansas State University: https://www.k-state.edu/
10. Arizona State University: https://www.asu.edu/
11. University of Tennessee at Martin: https://www.utm.edu/
12. Mayville State University: https://www.mayvillestate.edu/
13. Old Dominion University: https://odu.edu/
14. Oregon State University: https://oregonstate.edu/
15. University of Southern California: https://www.usc.edu/
16. Northwestern State University of Louisiana: https://www.nsula.edu/
17. University of Arkansas at Monticello: https://www.uamont.edu/index.html/
18. Saint Francis University: https://www.sf.edu/
19. University of the Cumberlands: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/