Education Master’s Programs Online: Comparing Top Programs

Degree Overview: Your Guide to Earning an Online MEd

An online MEd program improves your instructional skills by building on your teaching experience with advanced coursework in pedagogy, curriculum design, and educational leadership. The curriculum typically includes core courses on learning theory, research methods, and education policy. You might also pursue a concentration in your area of interest.

These programs are often 100% online. Many offer asynchronous lessons and discussion boards with occasional live sessions or practicums for real-world application. Admissions usually require a bachelor’s degree, often in education or a related field,  and a minimum grade point average (GPA). Some online MEd tracks also expect a teaching license or classroom experience for admission.

As for your expected costs, tuition varies widely, but you’ll likely find many programs with affordable rates. Public universities may charge around $500 per credit, while private institutions operate on the more expensive end and can exceed $1,500 per credit. However, financial aid, scholarships, and teacher tuition discounts are commonly available. 

Overall, an online MEd offers a convenient, rigorous path for educators to deepen their expertise, expand leadership opportunities, and advance their careers without stepping away from the classroom.

Profiling Three Popular Online Education Master’s Programs

Common Questions from Prospective MEd Students

Q: How long does it take to complete an online MEd?

A: Most online MEd programs are designed to be finished in about one to two years. Some accelerated MEd degrees can be completed in as little as one year, while part-time options may span two to three years to accommodate working professionals. The timeline depends on the credit requirements, which is typically 30 to 36 credits for an MEd, and how many courses you take per term.

Many educators choose a part-time pace so they can continue teaching while studying. This pace usually leads to graduation in around two years. Luckily, online programs offer flexibility, often with year-round courses and multiple start dates, so you can progress at the speed that fits your schedule, whether that’s an accelerated one-year sprint or a steady two-year journey.

Q: How much does an online MEd program cost?

A: The tuition cost for an online MEd varies widely by institution and program. Factors that affect cost include whether the school charges a flat online rate or different in-state versus out-of-state tuition, the number of credits required, and any fees.

It’s important to note that many online students continue working, and financial aid is often available. This includes scholarships for education students, fellowships, and tuition reimbursement if you’re a teacher. Below is a comparison of three example online MEd programs to illustrate cost differences:

As you can see, state universities often offer lower per-credit rates, while private institutions tend to be pricier. Be sure to consider what’s included, as some programs bundle fees or offer digital resources.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing my MEd online?

A: Online MEd programs are specifically designed to accommodate working educators. Flexibility is indeed a hallmark of online learning. With asynchronous coursework options, you can log into classes and complete assignments on your own schedule, which means you don’t have to take a career break.

Many students in online MEd programs are full-time teachers or professionals. Even when there are live sessions or group projects, programs try to schedule them at convenient times or allow you to choose sections that fit your availability. For example, Clemson’s online MEd lets you take just two courses per semester to finish in 18 months, which can be manageable alongside teaching.

Q: What are the typical admission requirements for an online MEd?

A: The graduate admissions process for online Master of Education programs is similar to on-campus programs. You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; it doesn’t always have to be in education, but a related field or teaching certificate helps. Many programs prefer or require applicants to have a teaching license or some classroom experience, especially for concentrations like educational leadership or special education.

For a competitive application, a minimum undergraduate GPA of around 3.0 is common, though some schools accept a bit lower with conditions. You’ll also typically submit official transcripts, two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, a statement of purpose or essay explaining your goals, and a current resume. 

The good news for many prospective students is that standardized tests are often not required. A growing number of online MEd programs have dropped the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) requirement, focusing instead on your academic and professional record.

Q: What’s the difference between an MEd, an MSEd, and a Master of Arts in Teaching?

A: It’s easy to get confused by the alphabet soup of education master’s degrees. The Master of Education is usually a professional degree for current educators seeking advanced knowledge in a specialty, such as curriculum design or administration. It is often coursework-focused, sometimes with a capstone or project, but typically not a thesis. An MEd can open paths to roles like instructional coordinator, specialist, or administrator.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), on the other hand, is often designed for those who want to become teachers. It usually emphasizes initial teacher training and pedagogy in a specific subject. In short, an MAT is about learning to teach, whereas an MEd is about becoming a better (or specialized) educator.

A Master of Science in Education or a Master of Arts in Education is often similar to an MEd in substance. The naming usually just reflects the university’s tradition (arts versus science). In practice, employers care more about your focus area and credentials than the exact degree title. 

Explore Popular MEd Concentrations

Master of Education programs often allow you to choose a concentration or specialization that aligns with your career goals. Usually, all MEd students take core courses in education foundations, but your concentration will focus your electives and projects on a particular field or student population. 

Whether you’re passionate about a certain age group, subject matter, or leadership path, there’s likely a specialization that matches your interests. Below is an overview of common MEd concentrations and what they can teach you. 

Adult Education

This specialization focuses on teaching and training adult learners in settings like community colleges, corporate training, literacy programs, or continuing education. Coursework covers adult learning theory (andragogy), program development, and workforce education. Earning a master’s in adult education can be ideal for those who want to educate adults and non-traditional learners, or those who would like to move into roles in community education and professional development programs.

Art Education

Geared towards current or aspiring art teachers, this concentration explores methods for teaching visual arts across K-12 or community settings. Students of Master’s of Art Education programs learn to develop an art curriculum, integrate art history and creativity into lessons, and assess artistic development. This training helps educators deepen their instructional techniques in fine arts and often leads to roles as lead art teachers or curriculum coordinators in arts education.

Curriculum & Instruction

This specialization emphasizes the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and teaching strategies. Educators in master’s of curriculum and instruction programs learn advanced techniques to improve lesson planning, align instruction with standards, and use data to inform teaching. It’s a popular choice for teachers who want to become curriculum specialists or instructional coaches. They can then help fellow teachers refine their practice and improve student learning outcomes at the school or district level.

Early Childhood Education

An MEd in Early Childhood Education is a great choice if you would like to specialize in educating young children. Coursework covers child development, early learning pedagogy, and family engagement, preparing educators to create nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for infants, toddlers, and preschool/primary-grade children. It serves as a course to advance to a lead teacher or director in preschools, Head Start programs, or early elementary settings.

Educational Leadership

Similar to educational administration but often broader in scope, an MEd in Educational Leadership focuses on leadership theory, organizational change, and strategic decision-making in education. In addition to school management, programs may cover leading educational initiatives, community relations, and policy advocacy. This concentration is great for those who want to drive improvements at the school or district level without necessarily focusing only on the operational aspect.

After Graduation: Where an MEd Can Take You

If you’re still wondering whether you want to pursue a master’s degree as a teacher, there are many benefits to consider. A Master of Education can open the door to a variety of career advancements and new opportunities in the field of education.

With an MEd, you might step into a role as a department head or grade-level chair, leveraging your advanced training to influence school-wide practices. In fact, many school districts incentivize teachers to earn a master’s. You could see an average salary increase of about 10 to 15% with an MEd, as most districts have pay scales rewarding graduate degrees. 

Beyond the classroom, an MEd is often the stepping stone to administrative positions. Principals and assistant principals are usually required to hold a master’s in education administration or leadership. The job outlook in these areas is quite positive. For example, demand for instructional coordinators is projected to grow around 7% to 10% this decade, reflecting the ongoing need for expertise in improving teaching practices. 

Some MEd grads branch out of K-12 settings entirely, so you might continue to work in education policy, join an ed-tech company as a training specialist, or become an instructional designer creating learning materials for corporations or nonprofits. Others pursue roles in higher education, such as academic advising or student affairs, especially if their concentration was in higher education. Additionally, earning an MEd can lay the groundwork for further study, should you choose to pursue a Doctorate in Education (EdD or PhD). 

Perhaps most importantly, an MEd often brings personal fulfillment. Whether you aspire to lead a school, shape curriculum, or mentor the next generation of teachers, the Master of Education provides both the credentials and the practical skills to expand your education career and effect positive change in the communities you serve.

Best Online Options for Earning Your MEd

When evaluating the best online MEd programs, we considered the factors that matter most to you as a prospective student. Since affordability is key, we compared tuition rates and available financial aid options to ensure these programs offer solid value. We also looked at program variety and availability, accreditation, faculty qualifications, student services, and more. 

By combining these criteria, our ranking highlights online MEd programs that deliver a top-notch education with the flexibility working professionals need. Use the following ranking as a starting point for finding the program that will make earning your MEd a reality.