The Best Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Programs

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia's master's degree program in gifted education emphasizes research and analysis, making it perfect for educators who are interested in improving their analytical skills. Graduates emerge with strong research skills and are able to think strategically when developing and implementing curricula and programs for gifted and talented students.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Gifted & Creative Education
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 37 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: March 1
GPA: 2.6

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri develops students into professionals through a career-focused curriculum in the master's in gifted education program. Through rigorous study and training from academic professionals, graduates emerge with the knowledge to succeed as gifted educators, helping gifted students to reach their fullest potential.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Special Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission, Teacher Education Accreditation Council

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall: August; Spring: January; Summer: June

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 1; Spring: October 1; Summer: March 1
GPA: 3.0

Liberty University

Educators require a solid fundamental knowledge of curriculum and instruction, and Liberty University delivers the necessary foundational courses in the master's degree program in gifted education. Through this program, educators emerge with greater teaching skills and knowledge to improve their own students' success in school.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education
Program Name: M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: NCATE through CAEP

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A regionally or nationally accredited Bachelor's degree.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 1.5 years
Program start dates: Jan 14, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: January 14, 2019; Summer: May 13, 2019
GPA: 3.0

University of Alabama

Educators who already hold an Alabama Class B teaching certificate or an equivalent certificate from another state should consider the University of Alabama's master's degree program in gifted education. This program caters to certified teachers and provides them with the skills to develop and implement educational programming to challenge students who are gifted and talented.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education Special Education
Program Name: MA in Gifted and Talented
Accrediting Body: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

DeliveryFormat: Blended

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Alabama Class B teacher certification or equivalent
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida offers a highly interactive master's degree program in gifted education for teachers who want to engage in collaborative projects with their peers. This program also provides an easy way for students to interact with their professors, receiving guidance and assistance as they advance through the coursework.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Arts in Gifted Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: An earned bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 15; Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15
GPA: 3.0

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas offers an adaptable master's degree program in gifted education for full-time educators who want to take accelerated courses in the summer. Teachers in this program also take two courses each fall and spring, helping them to graduate on time and to advance their careers as professional educators.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: MS in Educational Psychology - Concentration in Gifted and Talented

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 15 months
Program start dates: Fall, Summer, Spring

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Wichita State University

Wichita State University offers advanced studies for teachers who want to become leaders in the classroom. The master's in gifted education program provides teachers with advanced theoretical and practical skills to deliver a quality education and meaningful programs in their respective schools.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Education in Special Education
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30-33 credit

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 15; Spring: December 1; Summer: May 1
GPA: 3.0

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte develops the next generation of educators who help to prepare gifted and talented individuals for success in academics. The master's degree program in gifted education emphasizes leadership and provides the skills to propel the teachers' careers to the next level.

Program OverviewProgram Name: M.Ed. in Special Education: Academically or Intellectually Gifted
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer I, Summer II

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 15; Spring: January 1; Summer: May 15; Summer: June 15
GPA: 3.0

Regent University

Regent University offers an advanced curriculum in the master's in gifted and talented program. The curriculum covers everything from research design and classroom management to models and strategies for teaching the gifted, providing educators with the skills to bring out the best in extraordinary students.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education
Program Name: M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction major with a concentration in Gifted & Talented
Accrediting Body: CAEP

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A bachelor's degree program
Credit Requirements: 35 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: January 14, 2019

Admission Requirements

University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney excels as a leader in specialized education, providing a master's degree program in gifted education that offers a couple emphases for educators. Teachers can select to pursue specializations to become special education generalists, advanced practitioners or high-ability educators, enhancing their skills in a specific area of gifted and talented education.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Teacher Education
Program Name: Master of Arts in Education in Special Education: High Ability Education (Gifted)
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree - Teacher Certification
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring: January 7, 2019; Summer: May 6, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer 2019: March 15, 2019

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University prepares graduates for career success as gifted coordinators with its master's degree program in gifted and talented education program. Through this program, educators learn the knowledge and skills to develop the most effective instructional methods for gifted students in K-12 schools.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Teacher Education Department
Program Name: Master of Arts in Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: The Higher Learning Commission, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree. Coursework equivalents of EDU 54100 - Education of the Exceptional Child, EDU 34100 - Education of the Exceptional Child
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Winter,Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Winter and Spring: December 30, 2018; Summer: March 30, 2018; Fall: May 30, 2019
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 2 years of teaching experience

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University offers two graduate paths for students in the master's in gifted education and talent development program. Students can select either the Advanced Certification for Teacher Leaders path or the Advanced Research Focus path, providing them with options based on their professional interests and career goals.

Program OverviewProgram Name: M.A.E. in Gifted Education and Talent Development
Available Concentrations: General Concentration, Community and Technical College, Higher Education, Training and Development,

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30-37 credit

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, winter, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is a military-friendly school and offers a master's degree in special education for students who want to work with the gifted and talented. This program is ideal for veterans and service members who want to increase their teaching abilities and to earn their degrees without ever stepping foot on campus.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Masters of Education Degree in Special Education
Available Concentrations: Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Emotional/Behavior Disorders, and Severe/Low Incidence Disabilities
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 48 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 15; Spring: January 15; Summer: May 15
GPA: 2.75

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University integrates the latest technologies in the curriculum to deliver an exceptional learning experience for students in the master's in gifted education program. The coursework covers best practices, research, critical thinking and more to enhance the educators' skill set for greater instruction and curriculum development in their classrooms.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Advanced Education Programs
Program Name: Master of Science in Special Education - Gifted
Accrediting Body: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree transcript and master's degree transcript (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 18-24 months
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: October 1; Fall: June 1; Summer
GPA: 2.5

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers a comprehensive master's degree program in gifted education, covering most every aspect of the field. Graduates are equipped with the fundamentals to create engaging programs and to challenge their students, bringing out the best in them and helping them to make the most of their talents.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Special Education
Program Name: Special Education M.A. - Gifted Education Specialist Endorsement

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 15; Summer: August 1
GPA: 3.00

Converse College

Converse College mimics the on-campus experience by providing online students with a collaborative and engaging virtual learning environment in the master's in gifted education program. Students can work together and interact with their professors in real time, getting all the support needed to succeed in school.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: South Carolina State Department of Education, Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Graduation from an accredited institution.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Winter, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Domestic Fall: August 1; Winter: November 15; Spring: January 15; International Fall: August 1; Winter: November 15; Spring: January 15
GPA: 2.75

McNeese State University

Teachers in the P-12 school system should consider McNeese State University for earning their master's degrees in gifted education. This program blends theoretical content with practical application in everything from curriculum and instruction to technology and counseling, creating an in-depth learning experience to help teachers succeed in their careers.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Burton College of Education
Program Name: Master of Education, Academically Gifted Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. institution or its foreign equivalent
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University offers a dynamic and engaging master's degree program in gifted education for teachers who want to learn through real-world applications. Teachers learn to create responsive curricula and programs that develop their students' talent and extend their creativity as well as their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education and Human Services
Program Name: Master of Education: Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 28 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: November 15; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0

Wilmington University

Teachers who want to advance their careers as curriculum developers should consider Wilmington University. The master's in gifted education program addresses everything from research-based practices to curriculum development, helping teachers understand the best practices for creating effective curricula in special education programs.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Education in Instruction: Gifted and Talented
Accrediting Body: Psychology of Gifted and Talented Learners, Curriculum Design and Instructional Strategies for G/T Learners, Creativity and Critical Thinking, Practicum: Gifted and Talented Learners, The Gifted and Talented Child (pre-requisite for the MED Gifted and Talented courses)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Summer 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers a highly flexible master's degree program in gifted education to teachers who want to earn their degrees without interrupting their careers. This program is offered in eight-week terms, and students can study anytime and from anywhere at their own pace.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Arts in Education - Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Summer, Spring

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 or higher

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University puts its students on the fast track to a master's degree in gifted education. Students in this program benefit from a thorough curriculum and can complete all the coursework in just 18 months.

Program OverviewProgram Name: MSE in Gifted, Talented, and Creative
Accrediting Body: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a valid teaching certificate.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: Fall 2018; Spring 2019: January 14, 2019; March 11, 2019; Summer 2019: May 28, 2019; June 1, 2019; Fall 2019: August 19, 2019; October 14, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring 2019: December 3, 2019; February 18, 2019; Summer 2019: May 6, 2019; June 10, 2019; Fall 2019: July 29, 2019; September 23, 2019
GPA: 3.0

Mary Baldwin University

Mary Baldwin University prepares graduates for career success through hands-on training and real-world projects. Graduates emerge with the communicative, team-building and developmental skills to work with gifted students and to help them achieve academic success.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: MEd in Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 35 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 31, Spring: November 15, Summer: April 15

Millersville University

Millersville University offers a multidisciplinary master's degree program in gifted education. This 100 percent online program delves into different aspects of gifted education and provides the necessary skills for educators to enhance the academic instruction for gifted students.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning
Program Name: M.Ed. in Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Summer, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

University of Louisiana Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a unique master's in gifted education program for teachers who want to improve their teaching pedagogy and their students' learning abilities. This program enables teachers to design appropriate learning materials that enhance their students' creativity and critical-thinking skills, all in only 15 months of full-time study.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction - Concentration in Special Education in Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 15 months
Program start dates: Fall 2, Spring 1: January 14, 2019; Spring 2: March 14, 2019; Summer: June 3, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall 2; Spring 1: December 21, 2018; Spring 2: February 28, 2019; Summer: May 20, 2019
GPA: 2.75-3.0

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University offers one of the best master's in gifted education programs in terms of affordable tuition. Students in this program also benefit from 100 percent online courses, training from industry professionals and a customizable curriculum to prepare them for career success.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Educational Studies
Program Name: Master of Education with an emphasis in Gifted Education Pedagogy
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring

Louisiana State University Shreveport

LSU Shreveport offers a completely online learning environment for students in the master's degree program in gifted education. This convenient, dynamic learning environment meets the needs of practicing teachers and gives them a way to earn their master's degrees without the need to attend on-campus classes.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Education in Curriculum and instruction with concentration in Academically Gifted
Accrediting Body: Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: A Graduate Degree from a regionally-accredited university.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 24 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 3, 2018; February 25, 2019; April 22, 2019; June 17, 2019; August 12, 2019; October 7, 2019
GPA: 2.75
Work Experience: 1 year of professional work experience

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is an innovative leader in higher education and provides a quality master's degree program in gifted education for teachers. This program provides educators with the skills to implement innovative curricula and to provide greater instruction to gifted individuals in schools and other academic institutions.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Teaching, Leadership, and Counseling
Program Name: M.Ed with a concentration in Gifted Education
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall semester: March 15; Spring semester: October 15