Arizonans throughout the state are taking advantage of the convenience of launching or advancing their careers in the education field by earning their master’s degrees online — and you can, too. With the state’s continuing teacher shortage, there may be no better time to get the education you need to launch your teaching career.
If teaching isn’t your cup of tea, rest assured that there are many other careers you can pursue with your MEd in Arizona. The state has many challenging, high-paying jobs for master of education graduates in areas like school administration, academic and career counseling, curriculum development, educational consultation, and many others.
This guide will introduce you to the dozens of programs offering online Masters of Education in Arizona available from some of the state’s top colleges and universities — programs that rank among the best options in the United States. You’ll also find helpful information on specializations, program costs and financial aid resources, state certification requirements, popular careers for education master’s grads, and more. In short, we’ll show you how you can find and succeed in the right Arizona online education master’s program for you.
Spotlighting AZ’s Top Online Education Master’s Degrees
We’ll start you off with a look at three of the best schools currently offering online Masters of Education in Arizona. Our selections were made by considering a number of factors important to most graduate students, including accreditation, affordability, degree selection, quality academics, study flexibility, and access to helpful student support services. Finding the right master’s program for you can be a complicated process. These spotlights will help you better understand what you can expect from the one you choose.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a major force when it comes to online Masters of Education in Arizona, throughout the U.S., and beyond. That includes an extensive selection of online education master’s programs. Through its Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, ASU currently offers 23 education graduate degree options that can be completed either entirely or partially online. Whether you’re looking to focus your studies on a common or uncommon area within the broader education field, ASU may be a good place to start your program search.
The Spring 2025 tuition rate for online master’s students is $576 per credit regardless of state residence, making ASU’s online education master’s programs among the most affordable whether you live in Arizona or not. Qualifying master’s students also have access to a wide variety of financial aid resources. In fact, around 80% of all ASU students, including those studying online, receive some form of assistance in paying for their degree studies.
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University offers a plethora of online master’s degrees in the realm of education. Most of the school’s options offer fully online didactic coursework. Others are presented in a blended format that includes in-person class components on NAU’s main campus in Flagstaff or at one of the school’s satellite locations.
The current per-credit tuition rate (not including fees) for all online education master’s programs at NAU is $635. Like ASU, Northern Arizona University charges the same tuition rate to all online students regardless of Arizona or out-of-state resident status. And, as at ASU, qualifying online master’s students at NAU are eligible for a variety of financial aid resources that can help lower the price tag of their master’s degree program.
Prescott College
Prescott College, a private institution in Arizona, currently offers two online Master of Education degree options. Prescott’s MEd in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare learners for careers as school administrators, while its MEd in School Counseling prepares graduates to work as Certified School Counselors or in similar roles. Both programs combine online didactic coursework with limited residences. The current per-credit tuition rate (not including fees) for Prescott’s online MEd programs is $598 for all students regardless of residency.
Considering Education Specializations in AZ
Deciding on an education specialization option for your online Masters of Education in Arizona early on can be a big time saver in your program search. To aid you in that decision, here’s a look at five popular specializations currently offered by one or more online education programs in the state.
Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education (ECE) focuses on working with students from birth to about age eight. While ECE programs often focus on child development, students may also pursue courses in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or how to teach specific subjects to the youngest learners. Some ECE master’s candidates may focus on special education or a similar topic as well. Both certification programs (leading to teacher licensure) and non-certification programs are available.
Educational Leadership
Educational leadership master’s programs are designed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to become impactful leaders in various educational settings. These programs may further specialize your studies to focus on specific educational levels, such as elementary, middle, secondary, community college/adult education, or particular roles like school principal.
Educational Technology
Students seeking to become technology leaders within school districts or other educational settings will want to consider the educational technology specialization. Students develop skills and expertise in creating and integrating technologies for classroom and distance learning environments. Standard course topics include foundations of learning technologies and design, evaluation of learning systems, learning modalities, and emerging technologies in education.
Secondary Education
The secondary education specialization is for those who want to teach at the 6-12 grade levels. Some schools offer programs that emphasize particular subjects. Both certification and non-certification programs are available.
Special Education
Special education master’s graduates are prepared to teach and support students with additional needs in various settings. Students may be able to further focus their studies on specific age groups, types or severity of disabilities, behavior disorders, or other areas of need. Both teacher certification and non-certification options are available.
Highlighting Popular Education Careers
A fundamental question to ask yourself before enrolling in any Arizona online education master’s program is: What exactly can I do with my master of education degree? Along with answering that question comes concerns about earnings and career growth potential. There is a surprising number of careers available to education master’s degree holders, including the three described below.
| Career | AZ 10th Percentile Pay | AZ Median Pay | AZ 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinators | $33,350 | $62,400 | $99,330 |
Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $63,260 | $96,870 | $178,570 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $42,100 | $52,280 | $77,150 |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators oversee the development and implementation of teaching standards and curriculums for public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, government agencies, and private education support services providers. Typical tasks include conducting research to develop and update curriculum strategies, training teachers and staff in curriculum and educational materials use, and overseeing teacher development. Additionally, instructional coordinators often liaise between teachers, students, school administrators, school and district boards of education, and the general public.
Postsecondary Education Administrators
Post-secondary education administrators oversee the academics, faculty research activities, and student support services at colleges and universities. Like those in similar positions in healthcare administration and public administration, postsecondary education administrators require skills in problem-solving and decision-making, written and oral communication, and work organization and prioritization. Technical skills in the use of computer databases and analytical and scientific software are also common requirements. While some positions may be open to those with only a bachelor’s degree, larger institutions typically prefer applicants with a master’s. Work experience in a post-secondary administrative office environment is also preferred for senior positions (deans, registrars, etc.).
School and Career Counselors and Advisors
School counselors aid students in achieving academic goals, adjusting to new school environments, and dealing with social and personal issues. Career counselors assist individuals in identifying long-term career goals and developing academic, career, and job search strategies to reach those goals. Counselors in secondary and postsecondary school settings often provide all these services, although larger institutions may employ counselors in specialized roles.
Common skills needed for school and career counselors, like those in similar positions in social work and other fields, include analytical skills (working with data, personal records, etc.), interpersonal skills (ability to provide emotional support to clients dealing with any number of difficulties), and, most importantly, communication (listening and speaking) skills.
Becoming an Arizona Educator
Step 1: Choose a Specialization
We mentioned earlier that education master’s degrees are all about specialization. So, before you can choose the right online education master’s Arizona program, you must first decide on the right specialization. Here’s how:
- Consider your professional interests, talents, and strengths.
- If you’re interested in teaching, consider the grade levels or age groups you prefer to work with.
- Carefully review specialization and certification requirements.
- And, of course, you’ll want to factor in the job market (salaries and career opportunities) in your geographic area for each specialization under consideration.
Step 2: Earn Your Online Master's Degree
Easier said than done. But now it’s time to choose your online Masters of Education program in Arizona and get down to the business of academics. Degree completion times vary by type of degree (MAT vs. MEd), specialization, and whether or not your program leads to teacher certification. Most programs, however, are completed in one to two years of full-time study or two to three years (sometimes more) of part-time study.
Step 3: Gain Field Experience
Most Arizona online master’s in education programs include required field experience from a few days to a semester. Expect to complete one or more classroom placements as part of any teacher certification program. If your online master’s program doesn’t lead to certification, you may still need to perform some sort of in-person observation. If you’re a current teacher, you might be able to complete this in your workplace.
Step 4: Pass Your Certification Exam and Become Credentialed
The state of Arizona teaching certification is mandated for almost every type of education-related occupation in the state. Each education occupation has its own specific examination, most of which are administered through Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments. Once you’ve completed your exam and met all other certification requirements, you’ll be issued your educator certification and ready to start your first job in your chosen area of specialization.
Step 5: Apply for State Certification
Once you have completed your program and passed all your exams, you may apply for your Arizona educator certification.
Paying for Your Education Master’s in Arizona
Program affordability is a major concern for practically all education master’s students. That’s why it’s important to gain a clear understanding of how much your degree will cost and have a detailed plan for how you’ll pay for it before you enroll.
The table below offers current tuition costs for four online education master’s Arizona programs. These figures, along with those mentioned in the school spotlights, will give you a good idea of the range of price tags for master’s in education programs in the state. Bear in mind, however, that these are tuition costs only. Your total degree cost will also include program fees, the costs of books and supplies, and transportation costs for any on-campus or other in-person curriculum components.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Christian University | MA in Education: Teaching and Learning | 36 | $19,800 |
| Arizona State University | MEd in Elementary Education | 30 | $16,500 |
| University of Arizona | MA in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis | 21 | $13,713 |
| University of Phoenix | MA in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis | 35 | $18,900 |
Financial Aid Options for Education Majors in AZ
There are lots of valuable financial aid resources for qualifying online education master’s Arizona students. These include scholarships and grants, fellowships, student loans (like the Direct PLUS Loans available from the U.S. Department of Education), and more.
The most logical place to start your funding search is through the financial aid offices and websites of the schools offering the programs you’re considering. Another great resource is the State of Arizona itself, where you can find information on the most current state-sponsored funding opportunities, including the Arizona Teacher Student Loan Program.
FAQs from Arizona Education Master’s Students
Is an online education degree a worthwhile investment in Arizona?
The answer to this question is subjective. You’ll need to weigh the time and cost investment of completing your degree program against the many benefits of possessing an education master’s. These include gaining advanced teaching skills, focusing your talents on a particular subject (math, English, science, etc.) or sub-discipline (like special education or educational technology), and preparing for leadership roles (like principal or school district administrator). There’s also the major benefit of higher earnings. Again, you’ll have to weigh the salary figures for Arizona educator occupations against such factors as the cost of living in the state.
Are education master’s only for people who want to become teachers?
Absolutely not. While becoming a teacher or advancing a current teaching career is the major incentive for many (possibly most) master of education students, there are plenty of others who are looking to fill professional roles outside of the classroom. We discussed three such roles in the popular careers section above. Other examples include, among many others, instruction/curriculum designer, educational consultant, education policy researcher, and the ever-popular school principal.
Are there different paths you can take to becoming an education professional in Arizona?
There are several paths you can take prepare for certification and become an educator in the state. The most common include:
- Earning a bachelor’s degree and completing a 12-week teaching experience
- Earning a master’s degree along with either a 12-week capstone teaching experience or full-time employment as an Arizona teacher with an Alternative Teaching Certificate
- Possessing a bachelor’s degree and completing an approved educator preparation program meeting all certification requirements while being employed as a full-time teacher in Arizona with an Alternative Teaching Certificate
Of course, all paths lead to taking and passing the required certification exam.
Can I legally work in Arizona if I am credentialed as an educator in another state?
Yes, if you meet certain requirements. Under Certificate Reciprocity Rules, the Arizona Department of Education may issue an administrative, teaching, or non-teaching certificate to applicants who currently possess a comparable certificate issued by another state and are in good standing in that state. The same holds true for adding approved areas and endorsements to existing teaching certificates. However, temporary, expired, non-renewable, and out-of-country licenses and certificates generally do not qualify for reciprocity, nor do out-of-state alternative and emergency teaching certificates.
Can I earn a graduate certificate in education?
Yes, you can. There are lots of graduate certificate programs in education available from colleges and universities throughout the U.S., many featuring online formats. Some certificate programs require a previously earned master’s degree for admission. Others require only a bachelor’s degree and can act as a steppingstone toward pursuing a full master’s program in the future.
Examples of current online graduate education certificate programs in Arizona include the Online Teacher Certification Graduate Certificate from Arizona State University, the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Online (Moderate to Severe) from Grand Canyon University, and the Principal Pre K-12 Graduate Certificate from Northern Arizona University.