With Virginia’s teacher shortage making headlines year after year, more adults are considering a teaching career. Whether you’re fresh out of college and hoping to gain more credentials or looking for a career change, a master’s in education (MEd) can be an important tool to enhance your career as an educator.
With an online Master of Education in Virginia, you can earn your degree from the comfort of home, potentially saving time and money. Review this guide — with its standout school spotlights and insights into roles you can fill with your graduate degree — to see if earning your online master’s in education might be a fit for you.
Highlighting Virginia’s Top Online Education Master’s
The wide variety of online education master’s Virginia has to offer can be a little daunting, especially if you’re just starting out. While only you can decide which program is best for you, below you’ll find best-in-class programs that combine strong academics with flexibility to help get you started in your research.
University of Virginia
When looking for an online education master’s degree, Virginia students may immediately think of the University of Virginia, or UVA. This is the flagship of Virginia’s state system and one of the oldest universities in the United States. The school offers five online Master of Education degrees in Virginia, including a fully online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, which can be completed in as little as one year.
Once enrolled in the program on a full-time or part-time basis, you will be able to select an area of emphasis. You can choose from Literacy, Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, and more. The program is designed for current educators, but applicants do not need a teaching license — only a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Virginia Commonwealth University
One of the largest schools in the state, public Virginia Commonwealth University, often called VCU, has an array of online education degree programs through its School of Education. Aspiring MEd students can choose from online MEd programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Reading, or Special Education. Whichever degree you choose, you will be benefiting from fully online learning for maximum flexibility.
There are multiple start dates each year, so you can apply at a time that suits you best. Applicants to any of the online MEd programs at VCU must complete the general VCU graduate school application. You should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, relevant transcripts, a personal statement of intent, and three letters of recommendation. Test scores, such as the GRE, are optional.
Virginia Wesleyan University
A private university with historical ties to the United Methodist church (though now nonsectarian), Virginia Wesleyan University is a small school with a campus in Virginia Beach — in addition to its online offerings. Among online programs, Virginia Wesleyan has a fully online Master of Education degree with a concentration in Teacher Leadership. This 30-credit degree, which can be completed in as little as one year, is designed to meet the National Competencies of Teacher Leadership and the Teacher Leader Model Standards and is designed for those who want to take on management or instructional design roles in the education sector.
Interested prospective students must have a bachelor’s in the education field and hold a valid teaching license and/or a teaching position. You must also have an undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher in order to be considered for admission.
Popular Education Specializations in VA
Online Master of Education degrees in Virginia come in a wide variety of specializations. These will help determine the course of your career as an educator, so choose carefully. You may already have an idea of what you want to specialize in, but here are some popular specializations for you to consider. Among the most popular in VA:
Adult Education
A master’s in adult education is designed for those who wish to work with students over the age of 18 or 21. This program will prepare you to work with adult students in a variety of educational settings, including community colleges and non-traditional schools.
Educational Leadership
Many professionals with some prior education experience choose to earn a master’s in educational leadership. This degree is geared towards those who want to take on a managerial or policy role within the education sector, whether as a school principal, an administrator, or another role entirely.
Educational Technology
Educational technology is a fast-evolving field with the potential to impact all levels of education — from kindergarten to university. If you pursue a master’s in educational technology, you can expect a wide range of coursework that’s a blend of learning psychology, computer science, and instructional design.
Higher Education
If you want to make a career in colleges, community colleges, and universities, especially as an administrator or in instructional design, consider a master’s in higher education. This program is geared toward teaching you the complex administrative and curricular needs at the college level and beyond.
Reading and Literacy
Reading and literacy education is one of the most foundational aspects of education, especially but not exclusively among younger students. A master’s in reading and literacy will teach you the theory and psychology behind reading education, as well as best practices for teaching literacy skills.
In-Demand Education Careers
It’s important to know your career options before you commit to the time-consuming and often expensive process of earning your master’s degree. Luckily, there are plenty of options for master’s degree holders looking to work in education. Below are just a few for you to consider.
| Career | VA 10th Percentile Pay | VA Median Pay | VA 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | $75,450 | $101,160 | $142,100 |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other | $48,350 | $70,030 | $103,850 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $42,350 | $61,930 | $95,140 |
Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Kindergarten or Secondary School Principal
If you want to work in a school setting but have a passion for the managerial side of education, you may be suited for a career as a school principal.* Many school principals have backgrounds as teachers, but you will likely need additional qualifications to be considered for a principal role. Many online Master of Education degrees in Virginia, especially MEd programs in Educational Leadership, are geared towards those with an interest in becoming school principals.
*Note: The BLS lists wage data for principals under “Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary.”
Special Education Teacher
Special Education teachers play a vital role in any school. You’ll work with students with a range of needs, including students with physical and/or learning disabilities. This is a highly specialized teaching role, and many states require particularly intensive training before you can become licensed as a special education teacher. Your master’s program with a concentration in special education should help you prepare for this, including through supervised fieldwork.
School Counselor
School counselors offer emotional support, college guidance, and career advice to students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Most school districts will require school counselors to hold a master’s degree, and they will often want the school counselor to have a background in psychology. Keep in mind that the role of a school counselor is far more focused on academic and career advising than that of a school psychologist, who will be a licensed psychology professional.
How to Become a Virginia Educator
Step 1: Choose a Specialization
Choosing your specialization is a major step on your education master’s journey. As you read above, there are many specializations you can choose from, and which is right for you will be dependent on what you want your career as an educator to look like. You should also consider if any of the programs or specializations you’re considering draw off your previous educational or professional experience, or if instead you’re looking to make a major career change.
Step 2: Earn Your Online Master's Degree
Once you’ve picked a specialization, it’s time to apply for one of the many online education master’s degrees Virginia schools offer. Your degree may take anywhere from one to three years of full-time study or longer if you choose to study part time. Time can also vary depending on which and how many elective courses you add to your schedule. Depending on your program, you may also need to come to campus for some hands-on learning, as is especially common in hybrid degree programs.
Step 3: Gain Field Experience
Many online master’s degree programs will include a fieldwork element, such as working as a supervised teacher or graduate/teaching assistant in a relevant classroom setting. This will typically be part of a Virginia Educator Prep Program, which is necessary to complete in order to become a Virginia educator. It’s important to check if your school is a recognized provider of Virginia Educator Prep before enrolling in your master’s program.
Step 4: Pass Your State Exams
The Commonwealth of Virginia requires you to pass two exams in order to gain your license. These are:
- The Virginia Commonwealth Literacy Assessment
- A subject test specific to the type of teaching you wish to become licensed in from the Praxis series of exams
Your school may have test prep resources, such as advisors and practice exams, in addition to your coursework. Be sure to take advantage of these to improve your outcomes.
Step 5: Become Credentialed
Once you’ve passed your exams, you’re almost there! You’ll need to take a course on recognizing signs of child abuse, as you’ll be a mandatory reporter when working as an educator. You’ll also pay a licensure fee. But once you have your license, you’ll be able to apply for teaching jobs throughout the Commonwealth. You will need to make sure your license stays current for as long as you teach in Virginia.
The Cost of an Education Master’s in Virginia
Before you enroll in a master’s program, it’s important to have some idea of how much it will cost you and how you’ll pay for it. While you’ll find a range of affordable online programs, you’ll also need to consider the cost of materials, such as your computer and internet connection. However, keep in mind that you’ll be realizing some savings in an online program, such as relocation costs and commuting or parking fees. Take a look below for the costs of some popular Virginia programs:
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia | MEd in Curriculum and Instruction | 30 | $18,660 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | MEd in Curriculum and Instruction | 33 | $16,519.50 |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | MEd in Teacher Leadership | 30 | $14,970 |
Financial Aid Options for Education Majors
It’s a good idea to get a thorough overview of your finances and options for financial aid before classes start. In addition to the financial aid provided by your school that can help offset your costs — such as need or merit-based scholarships, research fellowships, and teaching assistantships — be sure to research and apply for financial aid from private organizations. These can include grants from state-based organizations, like the Virginia Higher Education Fund, programs for historically underrepresented students, and more general graduate scholarship funds. You may want to make a table to keep your funding applications and relevant deadlines straight while you apply. Don’t overlook scholarships with niche requirements, as they’re likely to have fewer applicants and thus improve your odds of an award.
FAQs from Education Master’s Students
Is an online education degree a worthwhile investment in Virginia?
If you’re looking to advance your teaching career or become an educator as part of a career shift, studying online in Virginia can be one of the most cost-effective ways to earn the qualifications you need. By studying from home, you’ll be saving on the expenses of relocating to campus, which can be significant, and you’ll potentially have the option of arranging your schedule so that you can work a paid job alongside your studies.
Are education master’s only for people who want to become teachers?
While education-related master’s degrees, especially Master of Arts in Teaching degrees (MAT), are extremely popular for teachers, that is not the only career path. If you choose a program such as an MEd in Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, or Curriculum Design, you open yourself up to technical, administrative, and policy roles in the education sector. Similarly, an MEd in Educational Leadership can lead to a managerial role, such as that of a school principal.
Does Virginia offer any regional programs for educators?
Virginia offers a series of state-sponsored educator residency and apprenticeship programs of varying lengths for those who want to gain more hands-on experience as part of their teacher prep education. These programs are typically done in partnership with approved higher education providers, so check if your school is affiliated with this initiative and if that opportunity extends to online and hybrid students.
Can I legally work in Virginia if I am credentialed as an educator in another state?
The Commonwealth of Virginia offers universal licensure by reciprocity. This means if you hold a valid teaching license from another state and have at least three years of teaching experience, your license will be recognized in Virginia, and you will be able to work as an educator without having to earn a new Virginia teaching license. However, if you do not have three years of experience, you may have to redo the licensure program.
Can I earn a graduate certificate in education?
If you’re an educator looking for additional credentials but don’t want to make the time and financial commitment of a full degree, you may be a good candidate for a graduate certificate in education. Certificate programs can often be completed in less than a year, and many of the colleges and universities that offer online master’s degrees in education will also offer non-degree certificate options through their online education programs.