The Best Online Master’s in K-12 Education Programs
Summary of work: More than 53 hours of research. Every online Master in K-12 Education program in the US analyzed. 18 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 24 of the best programs identified.
Our Picks
- 1Virginia Commonwealth University
- 2Liberty University
- 3University of South...
- 4Clemson University
- 5Oregon State University
- 6Colorado State University-Global...
- 7East Carolina University
- 8Old Dominion University
- 9Ball State University
- 10Missouri State University
- 11Harding University
- 12Hamline University
- 13University of the...
- 14Georgia Southern University
- 15Minnesota State University...
- 16Southeast Missouri State...
- 17University of Central...
- 18Kennesaw State University
- 19California University of...
- 20University of Maryland...
- 21Western Colorado University
- 22Northwestern State University...
- 23American Public University
- 24Capella University
Overview
As the name suggests, K-12 education involves teaching students from kindergarten through high-school. Teachers in K-12 education, are responsible for preparing students for further education or work as well as shaping the minds of future leaders and professionals. In other words, teachers in the field hold an immense amount of responsibility – the future generation’s understanding of math, literature, political science, and more is dependent on effective instruction. With such responsibility, many educators pursue master’s degrees to further refine their skills.
Graduate level courses in education cover advanced pedagogy and instruction. Students can expect to receive intensive training in educational theory and practice as well as the ability to specialize in fields such as mathematics or social studies. The goal of programs is to give educators space to develop their abilities under the guidance of experts and to share instructional strategies and techniques. As a result, many degree holders become more effective educators and lead the way to new educational strategies.
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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S IN K-12 EDUCATION?
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CAN YOU GET A MASTER'S IN K-12 EDUCATION ONLINE?
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HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE K-12 EDUCATION MASTER'S DEGREES?
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HOW CAN I GET A MASTER'S DEGREE IN K-12 EDUCATION?
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IS A MASTER'S IN K-12 EDUCATION WORTH IT?
It’s no secret that teachers serve an invaluable role in society. The rising support for teachers in many states indicates that the need for education and educators is more important than ever – growing anti-intellectualism means teachers are now on the forefront of protecting critical thinking. And a master’s degree in K-12 education allows educators to increasingly ensure the intellectual future of new generations.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
Our Methodology
Best Online Masters in K-12 Education Programs
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in K-12 Education program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and list of the 24 best online K-12 Education programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Virginia Commonwealth University
1015 W Main St Richmond, VA 23284Virginia Commonwealth offers an exceptional master's degree program in online teaching for professionals who are seeking career advancement. This program is ideal for teachers who want to increase their skills and knowledge in online instructional delivery in K-12 environments.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education
Program Name: M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Available Concentrations: Online teaching
Accrediting Body: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: May 1, 2019
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$674 per credit
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24515Liberty University is the ideal choice for teachers who want to hone their skills in a particular area of K-12 education. With specializations in general education, special education, history and more, graduates develop the necessary skills to succeed in their field of interest.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Available Concentrations: Education Technology and Online Instruction, English, General Education, Gifted Education, History, Leadership, Special Education, Student Services
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 1.5 years
Program start dates: March 18, 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Private
Tuition
$415 per credit
University of South Carolina
820 Main St Columbia, SC 29208The University of South Carolina offers a highly customizable master's degree program in teaching for online students who want to tailor the classes to fit their work schedules. Students can also match the classes to align with their goals for career advancement in the K-12 school system.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Teaching
Available Concentrations: Literacy and Reading, Project Based Learning, Multicultural Contexts in Education
Accrediting Body: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: May 13, 2019; August 22, 2019; October 21, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: March 15, 2019; July 1, 2019; September 1, 2019
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Three years of experience
School Type
Public
Tuition
$468 per credit
Clemson University
102 Tillman Hall Clemson, SC 29634Clemson University offers a career-focused curriculum in the master's in teaching and learning program. This 100 percent online program covers everything from curriculum theory to cultural diversity in education, preparing graduates for successful careers as professional teachers in their respective schools.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Teaching and Learning
Available Concentrations: STEAM, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, Instructional Coaching
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: Summer 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: May 15
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$447 per credit
Oregon State University
200 SW 15th St Corvallis, OR 97331Oregon State University offers a unique program known as Teachers Educating All Multilingual Students, or TEAMS. This program provides teachers with the opportunity to make positive impacts in the lives of English and bilingual students in their schools and communities.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Education
Available Concentrations: PK-12 English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: K-12 teaching license
Credit Requirements: 18 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring: April 1; Summer: June 24
School Type
Public
Tuition
$538 per credit
Colorado State University-Global Campus
7800 E Orchard Rd, Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111CSU-Global Campus is a leader in distance education, providing an in-depth master's degree program in teaching and learning to online students. This program is designed for K-12 teachers, school administrators, instructional designers and more, providing them with a high-quality education in an online learning format.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Teaching and Learning
Available Concentrations: Contemporary Practices in K-12 Online Learning
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36-39 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Winter, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Year-round
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$500 per credit
East Carolina University
154 Speight Building Greenville, NC 27858East Carolina University offers a flexible master's in literacy studies program for both full- and part-time students. This program is perfect for teachers who want to earn their master's degrees and the credentials to advance their careers but are unable to attend on-campus classes.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Arts in Education
Available Concentrations: Reading Education
Accrediting Body: SACSCOC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 39 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: October 15; Summer: March 15; Fall: June 1
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $249 per credit; Out-of-state: $894 per credit
Old Dominion University
4301 Hampton Blvd Norfolk, VA 23529Old Dominion University provides an online master's degree program in educational leadership, building upon the teachers' existing skill set and providing them with the knowledge to advance as teacher leaders in their schools. Students put theory into practice and also learn from leading faculty members who are leaders academically and professionally.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Program Name: M.S.Ed in Educational Leadership
Available Concentrations: Administration and Supervision K-12
Accrediting Body: NCATE / CAEP
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Field Education Requirements: 120 internship hours
Program Length
Admission RequirementsWork Experience: 3 years experience
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $523 per credit; Out-of-state: $568 per credit
Ball State University
Robert Bell Building (RB), Room 465 Muncie, IN 47306Ball State University offers an outstanding master's degree program in math teaching for early-year teaching professionals who want to earn more credentials without it interfering with their classroom schedule. This program gives teachers a better understanding of math teaching and prepares them for greater roles in elementary and secondary schools.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Sciences and Humanities
Program Name: Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (K-12)
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 30-36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $410 per credit; Out-of-state: $616 per credit
Missouri State University
901 S National Ave Springfield, MO 65897Missouri State University offers a comprehensive master's degree program in teaching, covering both the fundamentals and some advanced topics of the field. Throughout the program, graduate students discover courses in literacy and more, including practical applications and internship experiences.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Arts in Teaching
Available Certification: K-12 Education
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 39 credits
Program Length
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75
Work Experience: 2 years
School Type
Public
Tuition
$295 per credit
Harding University
Box 12254, 915 E Market Ave Searcy, AR 72149Students who want to develop greater skills and knowledge of special education teaching should consider Harding University. The master's degree program in K-12 special education provides teachers with the core skills to work with special-needs children; graduate students can also attain their Dyslexia Therapist Endorsement by completing two additional courses.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Cannon-Clary College of Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Special Education K-12
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 35 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.50
School Type
Private
Tuition
$470 per credit
Hamline University
1536 Hewitt Ave Saint Paul, MN 55104Hamline University provides a quality TESOL education master's program for graduate students who want to teach English locally or internationally. Graduates emerge with greater teaching abilities to enhance English-speaking skills in students while also sustaining their linguistic and cultural diversity.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education
Program Name: Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Available Concentrations: Teaching K-12
Accrediting Body: CAEP
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Private
Tuition
$512 per credit
University of the Cumberlands
6178 College Station Dr Williamsburg, KY 40769The University of the Cumberlands provides graduate students with the foundations to deliver greater instruction to students in their classrooms. The master's in teaching program builds upon their initial foundational knowledge and experience, helping teachers to enhance their skills for career success and advancement.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Teaching
Available Concentrations: All Grades (P-12), Special Education-Learning & Behavior Disorders (LBD) - (P-12)
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33-42 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 18-24 months
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75
School Type
Private
Tuition
$315 per credit
Georgia Southern University
1332 Southern Dr Statesboro, GA 30458Georgia Southern University provides advanced study opportunities to graduate students in the master's in instructional technology program. This program targets professionals who aspire to leadership roles in the instructional technology field and want to advance their careers in the K-12 school system.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Instructional Technology, M.Ed.
Available Certifications: P-12 Certification
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 7 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 21; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 21
GPA: 2.5
School Type
Public
Tuition
$385 per credit
Minnesota State University - Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001Teachers who want to earn a Minnesota teaching license and a master's degree in teaching should consider Minnesota State University, Mankato. In only 24 months, graduate students can earn both credentials and advance their careers within the Minnesota school system.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: M.A. in Teaching
Available Concentrations: K-12 Licensure
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 34 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 24 months
Program start dates: Summer 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$465 per credit
Southeast Missouri State University
One University Plaza Cape Girardeau, MO 63701Southeast Missouri State University offers first-rate student support to distance learners in the master's in teaching program. Students in this program focus on the exceptional child concentration and receive excellent faculty support through mentorships, internship guidance and advising.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Masters of Arts in Teaching
Available Certificates: Mild/Moderate and Cross-Categorical
Accrediting Body: National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 53 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $277 per credit; Out-of-state: $516 per credit
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO 64093The University of Central Missouri offers a master's degree program in curriculum and instruction in convenient learning formats: online and hybrid. These formats suit the graduate educators' individual needs and provides them with ways to earn their master's degrees while continuing to work in their school classrooms.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Available Concentrations: K-12 Education
Accrediting Body: CAEP
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $299 per credit; Out-of-state: $597 per credit
Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Rd Kennesaw, GA 30144Teachers who are interested in acquiring the skills to develop effective curricula should consider Kennesaw State University master's degree program in teaching. With core courses in curriculum development and collaborative practices, graduates emerge with the knowledge to design and implement curricula that benefit their students.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Bagwell College of Education
Program Name: M.A.T. in TESOL
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 48 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Summer 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 1
School Type
Public
Tuition
$383 per credit
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Ave California, PA 15419Cal U of Pennsylvania is the ideal choice for teachers who want to bring current weather and climate content to their K-12 classrooms. Graduate students develop the knowledge to teach elementary, middle and high school students about the ranging impacts of weather and climate.
Program OverviewProgram Name: M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Available Concentrations: Weather and Climatology
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in teacher education
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.8
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $516 per credit; Out-of-state: $774 per credit
University of Maryland University College
1616 McCormick Dr Largo, MD 20774The University of Maryland University College offers one of the best instructional technology master's degree programs in the country. Students in this program learn advanced skills in instructional technology and curriculum development and how to integrate technologies into K-12 learning environments.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Education in Instructional Technology
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 15
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $458 per credit; Out-of-state: $659 per credit
Western Colorado University
Crawford Hall 101, 1 Western Way Gunnison, CO 81231Western Colorado University offers several program tracks to help graduate students focus their studies in an area that interests them and matches their career goals. With focuses in teacher leadership, reading leadership, educational administration, special education, and culturally and linguistically diverse education.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graduate Studies
Program Name: MA in Education
Available Concentrations: K-12 Online Teacher Leadership
Available Endorsements: Reading Literacy, Special Education, and Culturally Language Diverse Education
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30-43 credits depending on program
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 15, 2019
GPA: 3.0
Required documents: Recommendation letters and two short essays
School Type
Public
Tuition
$404 per credit
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
175 Sam Sibley Dr Natchitoches, LA 71497Northwestern State University of Louisiana designed its master's degree program in educational technology leadership to promote career growth and advancement for teachers in K-12 schools. This program is highly accredited and provides graduates with the right credentials to propel their careers to the next level.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership
Available Concentrations: K-12 Teaching and Learning
Accrediting Body: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 15; Spring: October 15
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$475 per credit
American Public University
111 W Congress St Charles Town , WV 25414American Public University combines academic theory and practical application to give students the right amount of hands-on experience. The master's in teaching program provides teachers with more effective pedagogies, research methodologies and more to help them succeed in their classrooms.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Teaching
Available Concentrations: STEAM
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5
School Type
Private
Tuition
$350 per credit
Capella University
225 S 6th St, 9th Fl Minneapolis, MN 55402Capella University is a great value in terms of overall tuition costs and customizable courses. Graduate students in the master's in K-12 studies program benefit from affordable per-credit costs, generous transfer credits and flexible scheduling to work around their current teaching roles.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education
Program Name: Master of Science in Education
Available Concentrations: K-12 Studies in Education
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 46 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: March 4, 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
For-profit
Tuition
$453 per credit