If you’re an educator looking to improve your teaching skills or advance into leadership roles, earning your online education master in Missouri can be the right step to take. With a shortage of teachers and specialists in the state — especially in the fields of elementary, special, and physical education — now is a good time to get your master’s degree.
But we know going back to school isn’t easy when you’re already a full-time teacher.
An online program can be the right fit in this situation, letting you continue to work on your career while picking up new skills. We’ve done the legwork for you and found that Missouri’s top master’s education programs offer flexibility and support to fit busy schedules.
If you’re ready to get started, we’ve provided a look at the best online education programs in Missouri, and we’ll also give you details about your future salary and the steps to becoming an educator with a master’s degree.
Diving Into MO’s Top Online Education Master’s Programs
There are many schools providing an online master of education in Missouri, so it can be overwhelming trying to narrow it down. We’ve done the research for you and have spotlighted three of the best schools with a variety of online education degrees from which to choose. Explore these spotlights to find the best fit for you.
Southeast Missouri State University
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University is an excellent regional public university. The school offers a wide catalog of fully online programs, including 10 online education master’s degrees. These include an MA in Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education, and an MAT in Middle or Secondary Teaching certification. Many of these programs also allow you to focus further on areas of interest. Wherever you’re looking to specialize, there’s likely a program here for you.
Tuition is affordable at SEMO, costing $427.74/credit hour with most master’s programs having 30 credits. This makes it the least expensive option of the three schools in this spotlight. The school’s commitment to student support and financial aid options make it even more accessible.
University of Missouri
The flagship school of the state, this is a public research university that many students aspire to attend. And, thanks to its large variety of master’s education degrees, all of which are fully 100% online, the University of Missouri is a very accessible school for working professionals.
Of all the schools here, MU has the most programs and the most variety of degree types (MS, MEd, MA, among others). As an educator looking to expand your knowledge, you’ll likely find a suitable program in their catalog. There are currently 28 programs you can choose, ranging from the MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis to the MA in Special Education. There is even an MS in Learning Technologies and Design.
Most of these master’s degrees require 33 credit hours, and tuition at MU is $535/credit for graduate students in this field. Though this makes it more expensive than other schools, financial aid is available.
Northwest Missouri State University
NW Missouri, a public university known for its variety of quality programs, offers several education graduate degrees. There are 14 master’s degrees that cover a range of topics including Early Childhood Education, Curriculum & Instruction, and Teaching Mathematics. All of these are 100% online.
Additionally, there are several post-graduate degrees, all of them also online, in case you want to continue your education even further down the line.
All online master of education degrees in Missouri at this school are 30 credit hours and can be completed in a year or less. The cost per credit is $502, but scholarships and other forms of financial aid are available to lessen the cost.
Popular Education Specializations in Missouri
The field of education offers many specializations that may be of interest to you. Whether you’re passionate about educational leadership, special education, early childhood education, or curriculum development, there are many types of degrees to suit you.
Before you settle on a career path, explore and research these popular specializations to help guide your decision.
Curriculum & Instruction
Specializing in curriculum and instruction means designing curriculum and developing effective teaching strategies for the next generation of students. It’s ideal if your goal is to improve learning outcomes and shape how subjects are taught. Graduates often work as curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, or district-level administrators.
Educational Leadership
If you’re ready to advance up the administrative ladder, a role in educational leadership is a good choice. You’ll work in a managerial role with schools and districts and make policies to improve education. This specialization is perfect for aspiring principals, superintendents, and education directors.
Science Education
Special education teachers specialize in working with students who have developmental and learning disabilities. A master’s program in special education equips you to teach students with special needs, create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and advocate for students’ rights.
Early Childhood Education
This specialization focuses on teaching young children from birth to age eight, some of the most important years for personal development. Master’s degree students in ECE learn about child development, early learning, and effective teaching methods for young learners. You’ll often work in preschools, early intervention programs, and childcare centers.
Educational Technology
Educational technology is designed for educators interested in integrating digital tools or other innovative technologies into the classroom. This specialization covers instructional design, e-learning, and tech-based teaching strategies – both in K-12 schools and in higher education.
Popular Education Careers in Missouri
Before you pick a specialization and commit to a master’s degree program in Missouri, you’ll want to have a good understanding of the job market and your income potential. We’ve done the research on career potential in the state to help you explore different education career options and make an informed decision about your future. The table below highlights three of the top education careers in the state.
| Career | MO 10th Percentile Pay | MO Median Pay | MO 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinators | $44,560 | $71,330 | $113,830 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $49,750 | $83,560 | $221,830 |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $58,700 | $102,760 | $224,250 |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023
Instructional Coordinators
Instructional coordinators develop curriculum and educational programs, ensuring schools meet academic standards. They also provide training to teachers and help implement new teaching techniques. Typically this job requires a master’s degree in education or curriculum development and is ideal for those with strong leadership and analytical skills.
Postsecondary Teachers
Beyond elementary and high school, post-secondary teachers instruct students in colleges and universities. While a PhD is required for many jobs, some community colleges hire teachers with a master’s degree. If you’re passionate about education and research, this job would be a good fit for you. It also has a very good job outlook at 8%.
Postsecondary Education Administrators
Post-secondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Common roles include admissions officers, academic deans, and registrars. Most positions require a master’s degree, plus organizational and leadership skills.
Steps to Becoming a Missouri Educator
Step 1: Choose a Specialization
Before you commit to a master’s degree, you should carefully consider which specialization aligns best with your interests, talents, and career goals. Are you interested in curriculum design, early childhood education, or working with children with special needs? What about elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education?
Figure out where your passion lies and where your skills as an educator will shine. Maybe you want to work directly in classrooms, or maybe you’re better suited for a role behind the scenes.
Step 2: Earn Your Online Master's Degree
Once you’ve settled on a specialization, the next step is to earn your master’s degree from an accredited Missouri institution – like the three examples we covered above.
There are plenty of online education degrees, and as long as they’re earned from an accredited school, they will be just as valid as an on-campus degree. You’ll also pick up the same skills and take the same courses as a traditional degree.
Step 3: Gain Field Experience
Depending on the job you’re pursuing, getting certified as a teacher in Missouri usually requires some amount of hands-on experience. The routes to certification page provided by the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education details current options.
Chances for on-the-job experience are usually a part of your degree program. For example, you can do teaching assistantships while you study. You may also receive a two-year provisional certificate that allows you to practice teaching before getting properly certified.
Step 4: Pass Your State Exams
Before you become certified as a teacher – and sometimes before you can do student teaching – you’ll need to pass the Missouri Praxis exams. These assess your knowledge and readiness for taking on a teaching or leadership role.
There’s also the Missouri General Education Assessment, but this is only for admission into undergraduate teaching programs, not master’s degree programs.
Step 5: Become Credentialed
Once you’ve completed your degree, done any necessary fieldwork, and passed your exams, it’s time to seek certification. You can apply for a certificate through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
Once you pass a background check and obtain your certificate, you can begin applying for jobs and working as a teacher in Missouri.
The Price of an Education Master’s in MO
Earning a master’s in education in Missouri (or anywhere) is a significant financial commitment, and it’s good to have an idea of how much you’ll have to pay before you enroll.
Affordable education programs are more attainable if you have a plan for financing your degree, whether through scholarships, grants, assistantships, or loans. Make sure to review each school’s financial aid resources and have scholarships or other funding options lined up before you apply.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri State University | MA in Educational Leadership | 30 | $12,832 |
| University of Missouri | MEd in Higher Education | 33 | $17,655 |
| Northwest Missouri State University | MSEd in Curriculum & Instruction | 30 | $15,060 |
Financial Aid Options for Education Majors
Pursuing an online master’s degree in education can be costly, but several financial aid options are available to help reduce the burden.
Education majors in Missouri can explore scholarships and grants that do not require repayment, such as the federal TEACH Grant for students committed to working in high-need specialties.
Fellowships and graduate research or teaching assistantships provide financial support in exchange for research or teaching assistance. Additionally, many schools offer work-study programs.
Missouri-specific aid includes the Bright Flight Scholarship and the Access Missouri Grant. You can find these and other grants or scholarships on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development site.
Online Education Master’s Students FAQs
Is an online education degree a worthwhile investment in Missouri?
Earning an education degree in Missouri can be a cost-effective investment. Online tuition is often lower than on-campus and hybrid programs, and you may also save on needing to purchase physical textbooks and other fees.
You can also more easily continue working while you study, saving on living expenses. Missouri has the seventh lowest cost of living in the US, which makes combining work and online study desirable.
Are education master’s only for people who want to become teachers?
Education master’s degrees open many career pathways, not just for teaching. An MEd can lead to administrative roles like curriculum development or school leadership, while the MAT focuses on classroom teaching. The MSEd focuses more on science and research.
Educational research, instructional and curriculum design, and leadership/administration roles are all potential careers you can pursue with a master’s degree.
Does Missouri offer any regional programs for educators?
Missouri has Regional Professional Development Centers for teachers and educators. This provides training and development for teachers, administrators, and support staff while improving job readiness.
Additionally, programs like MU’s Teaching Fellows program may place you in regional areas. This will depend on your university, so read up on their fellowship programs beforehand.
Can I legally work in Missouri if I am credentialed as an educator in another state?
Missouri offers teacher license reciprocity for educators who have already been certified out-of-state. All you have to do is apply for Missouri certification, usually with no further tests or coursework needed.
Can I earn a graduate certificate in education?
Many universities in Missouri offer graduate certificates in education. These often provide specialized training in certain areas, such as educational leadership, curriculum design, or instructional technology. These programs are typically shorter than earning full master’s degrees.