Online Master's in Education: Reviewing Top Georgia Programs

In Focus: Online MEd Programs in Georgia

A Look at Georgia’s Top Fields of Study for MEd Grads

After taking a look at online MEd programs, you may be wondering which specializations yield the best opportunities in Georgia. Below are five high-demand fields, chosen for their strong job markets, return on investment (ROI), and impact on Georgia’s education system.

Special Education

Special education teachers are in very high demand across Georgia. A recent report showed nearly 1,000 special education vacancies statewide, reflecting a chronic shortage and need for more dedicated educators willing to specialize. 

An MEd in Special Education equips teachers with advanced skills to support students with disabilities. Studying in this field also often leads to a certification upgrade, which brings a pay raise.

You’ll find that the ROI is strong, as districts often offer salary incentives for special ed expertise. If you would like to expand your teaching into work that directly improves education access for vulnerable student populations, this field may be right for you.

Educational Leadership

For those aiming to become assistant principals, principals, or district administrators, this is a top field of study in Georgia. Educational leadership roles command high salaries. Indeed, Georgia principals earn about $100,000 on average. It may also improve your career prospects, as school administrator jobs are projected to grow in the state in the coming years.

An MEd in Educational Leadership (with Tier I certification) has a clear ROI. It qualifies you for both leadership positions and a substantial pay bump. Georgia’s school systems value leaders who understand curriculum, law and policy, and teacher development, all of which are key focuses of these programs.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education

Math and science teachers remain a critical need across the nation, and Georgia is no exception. An MEd focusing on STEM education, such as a concentration in mathematics education or science instruction, can expand your content knowledge and pedagogical skills, making you highly marketable and capable of meeting the demand for these crucial positions. 

Graduates of educational STEM degrees often become department heads, curriculum specialists, or lead STEM teachers. Furthermore, with Georgia’s growing tech and research sectors, strong STEM educators have an outsized impact. They can expect solid job security and opportunities for stipends or leadership roles in their districts.

English & Literacy Education

Ensuring students’ literacy is a perennial priority, and Georgia is one of the southern states facing a shortage of English language arts teachers. Earning an MEd in English Education or an MEd in Reading and Literacy can position you to improve reading outcomes and fill roles like literacy coach or curriculum coordinator. 

This field offers good ROI: Advanced reading specialists help districts meet literacy goals and often qualify for additional stipends or leadership posts. Plus, with Georgia’s diverse student population, expertise in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or reading intervention is highly valued. These specializations can empower you to help all students achieve proficiency in reading and writing, while bolstering your career.

Elementary Education

Elementary teachers form the backbone of Georgia’s education system. If you would like to join them or strengthen your expertise in this area, an MEd in Elementary Education can significantly boost your effectiveness and earnings. By deepening skills in curriculum design, child development, and differentiated instruction, MEd in elementary education graduates often become lead teachers and grade-level chairs. 

Many Georgia districts reward master’s-level teachers with higher pay, and an MEd coupled with a valid teaching certificate upgrades you to a Level 5 certification position for salary purposes. For those passionate about early learning, this degree offers both personal fulfillment and tangible career benefits, as Georgia pushes to improve early literacy and numeracy statewide.

Why Accreditation Matters for Georgia MEd Programs

When choosing an online MEd in Georgia, accreditation is essential. It ensures your degree will be respected by employers, certifying agencies, and other institutions. At minimum, look for institutional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which covers Georgia universities. 

In addition to SACSCOC certification, top education colleges hold Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation, a mark of excellence in teacher training. For example, Georgia Southern University’s College of Education is CAEP-accredited.

State approval is crucial as well. If you’re seeking licensure, your program should be approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for certification upgrades. KSU’s MEd programs, for instance, meet GaPSC requirements for licensure. Always research degree program accreditations before enrolling to verify they meet your needs and goals.

The Diversity of Online MEd Programs in Georgia

Online MEd programs come in many formats to match the needs of different students and educators. You’ll find full-time programs that let you finish in as little as one year, as well as part-time options that allow working teachers to take courses more gradually. 

Some waive entrance exams like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if you meet GPA or experience criteria. Others offer accelerated tracks or year-round schedules to speed up completion. Whether you want an intensive fast-track or a flexible pace, Georgia’s universities likely have an online MEd format that fits your lifestyle.

Full-Time Programs in Georgia

Full-time online MEd programs allow you to carry a heavier course load each term so you can graduate sooner. They typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, with students studying year-round, sometimes in the summer in addition to the fall and spring semesters. 

The advantage of a full-time path is speed, as you’ll earn your degree and see the career benefits (like a pay raise or new job opportunities) more quickly. However, balancing full-time graduate study with work and life requires strong time management. Expect an immersive schedule of classes and assignments each week. 

Examples of Full-Time Online MEd Programs in GA:

• Georgia Southern University — MEd in Elementary Education
• Mercer University — MEd, The Advanced Teacher
  

Part-Time Programs in Georgia

Part-time online MEd programs are designed for working professionals who need to pace themselves. In a part-time format, you might take just one or two courses per semester. This lighter load makes it feasible to keep teaching full-time, as well as tending to family or personal responsibilities, while you study. 

The trade-off is time to completion, as part-time MEd students may take two to three years to finish their degree. However, you won’t be as overwhelmed by coursework, and you can often accelerate or slow down as needed. Many Georgia programs let part-time students take summers off or adjust their credit hours each term. 

Examples of Part-Time Online MEd Programs in GA:

• Middle Georgia State University — MEd, Literacy Focus
• Valdosta State University — MEd in Health & Physical Education
  

No-GRE Programs in Georgia

Many online MEd programs in Georgia do not require GRE scores for admission, especially if you’re a licensed teacher or have a strong undergraduate GPA. Such “no-GRE” programs evaluate applicants on factors like past academic performance, teaching experience, and letters of recommendation instead of test results. 

These programs are a win for busy teachers who haven’t kept up with standardized tests. It also means one less hurdle and expense on your way to your graduate studies. Just be sure to check each program’s policy: Some explicitly waive the GRE for all students, while others will grant a waiver if you meet criteria.

Examples of No-GRE Online MEd Programs in GA:

• Georgia Southwestern State University — MEd in Special Education
• Kennesaw State University — MEd in Elementary & Early Childhood Education
  

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online MEd tracks allow you to finish your degree faster than the traditional timeline by taking courses in condensed formats or overlapping semesters. These programs often use year-round scheduling (including summer) or seven- to eight-week intensive course blocks. 

An accelerated MEd might be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. The appeal is that you enter and exit graduate school quickly, minimizing time away from advancing in your career. However, “accelerated” doesn’t mean easier, as coursework moves at a rapid clip, so you’ll need to dedicate substantial time each week to keep up. 

Examples of Accelerated Online MEd Programs in GA:

• Georgia Southwestern State University — MEd in Elementary Education
• Georgia Southern University — MEd in Secondary Education

What You Might Pay for Your Online MEd in Georgia

The cost of an online or hybrid MEd in Georgia can vary widely by institution, but it generally comes down to two factors: tuition per credit hour and number of credits required. Most MEd programs in the state require about 30 to 36 credit hours for graduation. 

Georgia’s public universities offer lower in-state tuition rates for residents, while out-of-state students pay more per credit (often two to three times higher). However, some Georgia programs participate in eTuition arrangements or offer flat rates for online students regardless of residency.

Fixed costs to budget for include any technology fees, graduation fees, or textbook expenses. The good news is that studying online can save you money on commuting or relocation, and you can often continue working while enrolled. Below is a snapshot of costs at a few Georgia schools you might consider:

FAQs for Georgia’s Online MEd Students

Q: Are online MEd degrees respected by school districts in Georgia?

A: Yes, as long as your program is properly accredited and approved, an online MEd holds the same value as one earned on campus. In fact, Georgia school districts routinely hire and promote teachers with online graduate degrees. 

The key is to choose a program accredited by SACSCOC and aligned with the GaPSC standards, as the latter leads to certification upgrades. For example, Kennesaw State’s online MEd is 100% online but meets the professional standards for special education. 

Q: Can I become a certified teacher through an online MEd program in Georgia?

A: The answer depends on your situation. Most MEd programs in Georgia are designed for already-certified teachers to deepen their expertise and thus do not grant initial teaching certification. If you are not yet a certified teacher, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is usually the appropriate path for initial licensure. 

However, some MEd tracks incorporate certification in a new field for those who are already licensed in another area. For instance, KSU’s online special education MEd provides initial special education certification to experienced general education teachers. 

An educational leadership MEd similarly leads to Tier I leadership certification for those who already have a teaching certificate. So, while an online MEd won’t take you from no certificate to classroom-ready in most cases, it can add on certifications.

Q: How long does it take to finish an online MEd in Georgia?

A: The timeline can range from as fast as one year to about three years, depending on the program format and your course load. As seen in the earlier overview of different study formats, accelerated full-time programs can be completed in roughly 12 to 18 months. 

For example, Georgia Southern’s online MEd in Elementary Education is designed to be finished in one year of intensive study. On the other hand, a part-time student who takes one class at a time might spread their MEd over two and a half to three years. 

Many programs offer flexibility, so you can speed up or slow down as needed. Keep in mind that taking summers off will extend your timeline. When planning, also consider any capstone projects or internships, as they may add an extra semester if not integrated into the coursework.

Q: What financial aid or scholarships can help pay for my MEd?

A: You have several options to finance an online MEd in Georgia. First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students can qualify for federal loans and sometimes work-study. 

If you teach in a high-need field or low-income school, look into the Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant and loan forgiveness programs. Many districts offer tuition reimbursement for teachers pursuing advanced degrees, so definitely ask your human resources department. 

You should also consider your scholarship options. Scholarships for educators include those from professional associations like the Georgia Association of Educators. Universities often have their own scholarships or discounts for online students or for alumni. For example, some schools give a tuition reduction to in-state certified teachers. 

Q: Will earning an MEd online increase my salary as a Georgia teacher?

A: In most cases, it will. Georgia public schools use a salary schedule where teachers with a master’s degree (known as a Level 5 certificate) earn more than those with only a bachelor’s (Level 4). Every district’s pay scale is different, but a master’s can yield roughly a 10% to 20% salary bump. 

Beyond the pay scale bump, an MEd can qualify you for roles with supplemental pay, such as lead teacher, department chair, or instructional coach. It’s important that your MEd is in a field related to your teaching assignment for the certificate upgrade, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same subject. Georgia teachers have earned upgrades via curriculum and instruction or technology degrees, for instance, if approved by the GaPSC.