No matter where you live, teaching can be a fulfilling and rewarding career. The need for new teachers is particularly strong in Ohio, where teacher attrition rates are on the rise. By choosing a master’s in education (MEd) in Ohio, you’ll play a role in filling this need and ensuring that students have qualified teachers at the helm.
To encourage more students to consider a career in education, colleges are making it more convenient than ever to get your master’s and enter the ranks of educators in the state. Whether you’re considering a career as a new teacher, increasing your current teaching salary with a specialization, or making a move into administration, there’s a master’s program in OH for you.
We’ve put together this guide as a resource on what you can expect when earning your online MEd in Ohio, including top programs, tuition costs, career outcomes, and common FAQs. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of getting an online master’s in education in Ohio.
Diving Into the Best Online Master’s in Education in OH
With so many options, it can be hard to decide which online MEd program is right for you. Chances are,you’re concerned with finding a program flexible enough to help you achieve your career goals at a price you can afford. Below, we highlight three outstanding Ohio schools that provide quality MEd programs for educators without breaking the bank.
Ohio University
Ranked #1 in online education, Ohio University (OU) provides students with 13 master’s degree in education options for expanding their qualifications. Academically minded students can specialize with a master’s in chemistry, English, reading, or social science. Those interested in athletics can opt for the MEd in Athletic Administration or Recreation and Sport Sciences. Tech lovers can choose a Master’s in Computer Education and Technology, and those who want to impact learning environments will be interested in the Master’s in Higher Education or Curriculum and Instruction.
OU designed these programs to be convenient for working professionals to ensure they can seamlessly balance their current careers alongside academic pursuits. Programs are accredited by the CACREP. Admission is also more accessible than some programs, as no graduate record examinations (GRE) scores are required. Classes are online or hybrid, with tuition at $508/credit for Ohio residents and $527/credit for nonresidents.
Cleveland State University
At Cleveland State University, students can choose from seven online MEd programs. Each supports working educators in gaining additional qualifications in a specialized field. Options include educational research and assessment; adult, professional, and higher education; educational technology; gifted education; educational leadership; TESOL curriculum and instruction; and the DREAM program, which leads to licensure and prepares students to teach preschool to grade 5, special education, and second language learners.
Courses for each degree are available entirely online in an asynchronous format, giving students the choice of how, when, and where they want to study. Online students don’t have to compromise the quality of their education in favor of flexibility, either — classes are taught by the same prestigious faculty who teach on campus, many of whom have obtained the highest degree in their field.
These online master’s degrees in education are accredited by CAEP. Tuition is $603/credit, and the school offers students financial aid opportunities.
Youngstown State University
At Youngstown State University, educators choose from seven Master of Science (MS) in Education programs. Students with a passion for leadership may want to consider a master’s in educational administration, which has an option for principal licensure. Those considering a curriculum and instruction focus can choose from specializations in digital teaching and learning, literacy, or teacher leadership.
Meanwhile, students focused on special education can obtain a master’s with a focus on autism and related disabilities or as an intervention specialist. Each class is taught by faculty who have extensive education and experience in the field.
Youngstown State is dedicated to accommodating working professional students’ educational and financial needs. Each of these master’s degrees is entirely online. The school strives to keep tuition affordable; tuition is $415/credit, and students can take advantage of pay-by-the-course options for additional flexibility. Master of science in education programs are accredited by CAEP.
In-Demand Education Careers in Ohio
Whether you’re already successfully employed as an educator or working in another field, you might be wondering if getting an online master’s in education in Ohio will be worth it. Before committing to a degree, it’s wise to evaluate your potential future – especially when it comes to the job market and your salary. In this section, we’ve provided a cross-section of several possible career options for education master’s degree holders in Ohio so you can better understand what lies ahead.
Educational Administration
If you feel a calling toward leadership in education, then educational administration online master’s programs or educational leadership online master’s programs might be for you. These programs prepare educators for careers at the helm of schools or educational departments as principals, deans, and administrators. Ohio Dominican University and the University of Cincinnati both provide online master of education programs in educational leadership.
| Job Title | OH Median Salary (2022) | OH Employment (2020) | Projected Growth (2020-30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $115,476 | 9,370 | 7% |
| College Academic Dean | $109,282 | 3,610 | 2% |
| College Admissions Officer | $109,300 | 3,610 | 2% |
Sources: Salary.com; O*NET OnLine
Primary and Secondary Educators
Teaching jobs in Ohio are expected to increase by 6%, making K-12 teaching one of the hottest education careers in the state. Whether or not you got your bachelor’s degree in education, you can build your career with elementary education online master’s programs, secondary education online master’s programs, or teaching MAT online master’s programs. These can be subject-specific, such as the MA in Art Education at The Ohio State University, or general, such as the MA in Teaching at Otterbein University.
| Job Title | OH Median Salary (2022) | OH Employment (2020) | Projected Growth (2020-30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,459 | 51,050 | 6% |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,190 | 27,600 | 6% |
| Secondary School Teacher | $64,200 | 48,040 | 7% |
Sources: Salary.com; O*NET OnLine
Special Education Teacher
Graduates of special education online master’s programs provide vital services to children who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt lessons for students, teach them basic skills, develop individualized educational plans, assess performance, and track progress. Special education teachers can be found at any level of education, from Pre-K through high school; their duties may change depending on their school. Miami University offers an online Master of Education in Special Education.
| Job Title | OH Median Salary (2022) | OH Employment (2020) | Projected Growth (2020-30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Special Education Teacher | $35,504 | 6,340 | 7% |
| Middle School Special Education Teacher | $65,306 | 3,460 | 6% |
| Secondary School Special Education Teacher | $57,151 | 7,960 | 8% |
Sources: Salary.com; O*NET OnLine
How to Become an Ohio Educator
Step 1: Choose a Specialization
Before you commit to an online master’s in education, consider what you’d like to specialize in. In Ohio, opportunity abounds for educators, especially at the PreK-12 grade levels. Ask yourself how you’d like to work with students, what you’d like to teach, and which skills you already have that would translate to the classroom environment. The answers to those questions will inform which program you choose and which teaching credentials you’ll need in the state.
Step 2: Earn Your Online Master's Degree
Choose an online master’s in education in Ohio that aligns with your goals and your budget. Generally speaking, MEd programs are intended for those who already have a bachelor’s in education and want to specialize. On the other hand, a master of arts in teaching is best for someone who has a bachelor’s degree in another field and wants to begin their teaching career. Whichever degree you choose, you’ll find plenty of affordable online graduate programs available.
Step 3: Gain Field Experience
Gaining hands-on experience is especially important for new educators who are earning their license at the same time as their master’s degree. You’ll need to gain experience in an approved school under the supervision of a veteran educator. Most online master’s students complete this fieldwork at a school convenient to where they live. Depending on your program, you might also be able to earn financial aid through a graduate teaching assistantship.
Step 4: Pass Your State Exams
After graduating with your online master’s in education in Ohio, you’ll need to pass state exams. The exact exams you need to take can vary based on your program and specialty, but here’s a general list of what to expect:
- A content exam if you intend to teach a specific subject.
- ACTFL/LI World Languages Exams if you intend to teach a foreign language.
- Foundations of Reading test if you’ll be working as an intervention specialist.
- The Ohio Assessments for Educators website has a full list of required assessments.
Step 5: Earn Your Teaching Credentials
After passing any required exams, you’re ready to apply to become a licensed teacher. There are several types of teacher licenses in Ohio; the one you apply for depends on your previous experience and degree. To apply, you’ll need to gather the following documentation:
- Official transcripts.
- Exam score reports.
- Information about your work history.
- Information about your criminal history.
- Information about your education history.
The Cost of a Master’s in Education in Ohio
Considering the cost of an online master’s in education in Ohio is an important part of the decision process. Getting your graduate degree can be expensive, but knowledge of what lies ahead financially and weighing all your options helps you put together a purposeful plan to navigate the financial aspects of grad school with less stress.
To understand the potential costs of getting your online master’s in education, we’ve put together the following table, which outlines online program costs at three Ohio schools to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Resident Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati | MEd in Educational Leadership | 30 | $22,353 |
| Otterbein University | MA in Teaching | 39 | $22,620 |
| Miami University | MEd in Special Education | 25-49 | $15,625-$30,625 |
Ohio Financial Aid Options for Education Majors
Because teachers are in high demand in Ohio, you’ll find generous financial aid opportunities throughout the state and its schools. In addition to funds from scholarships and grants, you might be eligible for fellowships, work-study engagements, or research assistantships. The federal TEACH grant is available to students who are willing to teach in underserved areas of the state.
The Ohio Education Association also provides various scholarship opportunities for master’s students. Award amounts start at $2,000; several awards are available for $4,000. You can also find scholarships aimed at certain teaching disciplines. Miami University offers the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program for STEM majors who become teachers.
FAQs from Ohio Education Master’s Students
Is an online education degree a worthwhile investment in Ohio?
If you’re interested in working as an educator or education administrator, an online master’s in education in Ohio is a worthwhile investment. Plus, if you choose to attend school online you can also save money on commuting, childcare, and the expense of living near campus. Best of all, you won’t have to give up your career and income to pursue a degree.
Are education master’s only for people who want to become teachers?
No, they’re not. Even if teaching in the classroom isn’t for you, an education master’s can be beneficial. For example, a master of arts in teaching helps people with degrees in other fields transition to the classroom, while many master of education programs support current educators as they learn a new skill. However, other master of education programs are intended for nonteaching professions, such as becoming a principal or school admissions counselor.
Does Ohio offer any regional programs for educators?
Yes. Ohio has taken the initiative to address the educator shortage in the state by making teacher licensing requirements more flexible through an apprenticeship model. Under this model, people who are already working in schools as nonteaching staff can pursue a teaching degree while continuing their job. Those who earn their degree via the apprenticeship are also eligible for Grow Your Own Teacher scholarships, which pay up to $7,500 per year for four years.
Can I legally work in Ohio if I am credentialed as an educator in another state?
Yes, you can, provided you have a bachelor’s degree and have completed an approved traditional teacher prep program through an accredited college or university. If you have fewer than two years of teaching experience, you’ll need to apply for a two-year resident educator license. However, if you’ve taught for more than two years, you can apply for a five-year professional license. Additionally, Ohio requires passing scores for educator licensure exams.
Can I earn a graduate certificate in education?
Yes, you can. Online graduate certificates in education provide a quicker path to adding credentials to your teaching tool kit without committing to a full master’s degree. For example, the Graduate Certificate for Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Miami supplies additional skills in designing and developing tech-based instructional methods. Often, credits earned in certificate programs can be applied to a master’s degree.