Find the Best Online Master's in Education Programs
Some school districts require their teachers to earn an education master's degree within five years of entering the profession. Completing an education degree online can lead to career growth for current and future educators.
Best Online Education Programs
U.S. News evaluated several factors to rank the best online education degree programs, including faculty credentials, graduation rates and reputation.
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Online Education Program Specialty Rankings
Explore the best online education master’s programs offering the specialties below and get a feel for the curriculum and topics each area covers.
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration
- Instructional Media
- Special Education
Online Education Program Concentration Rankings
See how online education master’s programs rank in concentrations offered, and discover more about where each focus area can take your career.
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Educational Psychology
- Education, General
- International and Comparative Education
- Bilingual, Multilingual and Multicultural Education
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Special Education and Teaching
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teaching Assistants/Aides
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Online Graduate Education Degree Overviews
The degree types below can help you tailor your online education degree. Learn how an online early childhood education master's degree is different from an online education specialist degree, for example, to discover which is right for you.
- Adult Education
- Child Development
- Curriculum and Instruction (doctorate)
- Doctor of Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Education Administration
- Education Administration (doctorate)
- Education Leadership and Administration
- Education Specialist
- Educational Leadership (Doctorate)
- Educational Technology (Doctorate)
- Elementary Education
- Gifted and Talented Education
- Higher Education (doctorate)
- Higher Education Administration
- Instructional Technology
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Education
- Math Education
- Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology
- Online Teaching
- Reading and Literacy
- School Counseling
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Studies Education
- Special Education (doctorate)
Online Undergraduate Education Degree Overviews
Explore more in depth what it takes to earn an online education degree using the following guides.
- Early Childhood Education (Associate)
- Education (Associate)
- English Language Learning
FAQs about Online Education Master’s Programs
Online education degrees are respected when earned from an accredited program with a good reputation. Institutions must be accredited by an organization that has been recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Many institutions award the same graduate education degrees to students enrolled in online and on-campus programs. However, some schools do have different in-person and online degree offerings, so students should check that the specialization they’re interested in is offered online.
Employers want to know that you earned your online education degree from an accredited program and that you’re certified to teach in the state in which the job is located. If you enroll in a graduate program that offers state certification as part of the degree requirements, where you obtain your education master’s degree matters. In any case, hiring managers may be more interested in why you earned your degree and how it fits with your career goals than whether you earned it online or in person.
Enrolling in an online graduate education program is not an inherently easier option than enrolling in a traditional in-person program. Any format of an accredited graduate-level education program is rigorous. While the flexibility of online school helps students who are balancing work and family stay on track, many online programs have the same study materials and time commitments as on-campus programs.
Not everyone who enters an online education master’s program will attain a degree, either. According to U.S. News survey data, 73% of online master's in education students who entered in the 2018-2019 academic year graduated by June 2022. Online courses may require students to have more self-discipline to complete assignments. And some online programs still require in-person activities, like student teaching, for credit.
The time and effort to attain your education master’s degree may be worth it to earn a higher salary. Prospective students should weigh the cost of graduate student loans against the likely long-term payoff from a graduate degree. Opportunities for advancement in leadership positions are more likely for those who earn an education master’s degree than for those who have a bachelor’s degree alone. Education professionals with master’s degrees can become school principals or administrators, roles that earn a higher salary than most teaching positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary for elementary, middle and high school principals was $98,420 in 2021. High school teachers , who need at least a bachelor’s degree, earned a median salary of $61,820 in 2021.
A graduate education degree helps you advance your career to administrative and leadership roles and keeps you competitive for new opportunities. You can use your degree in settings including pre-K-12 schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and policy organizations.
In addition to being prepared for higher paying principal positions, graduates of education-related master’s degrees can become postsecondary education administrators – a job which can take many forms, from helping students sign up for classes to coordinating the activities of a college while serving as dean. According to the BLS, these positions earned a median salary of $96,910 in 2021. In addition, training and development managers , who identify the training needs of an organization and create or select course content for training programs, earned a median salary of $120,130 in 2021. Some higher education institutions hire postsecondary teachers who have a master’s degree, while others require teachers to have earned a doctorate as well. In 2021, postsecondary teachers earned a median salary of $79,640.
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Master of Education
The Master of Education (MEd) is a teacher education program designed for you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to earn an initial four-year Ohio license while completing graduate studies and research in your chosen field of study. All MEd programs at The Ohio State University are fully accredited through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are consistently ranked among the top premiere programs in the United States, including the best in Ohio.
Program Features
A one-year accelerated teacher licensure program. You will have diverse experiences and the opportunity to develop the essential skills needed to become an effective educator.
Each program is led by a faculty advisor, a program manager, experienced faculty, and advising staff who oversee the progress of each individual pre-service teacher as s/he progresses through an intense program of study.
Our graduates consistently accept a variety of positions in the field and are sought after locally, as well as across the nation and the globe.
Each program is comprised of core courses, foci of study courses and a Master’s final project.
The Department of Teaching & Learning hosted an informational session on February 15, 2024. Watch the recording here!
Video transcript for Jayme Parker's video, (on focus pressing Enter will reveal the transcript text).
Speaker 1: I'm Jayme Parker. I am from Toledo, Ohio. I am a Master's of Education student at Ohio State with a focus in English Language Arts for grades seven to 12.
So that is secondary education, adolescent young adult, I am student teaching at Groveport Madison high school, I am with ninth and 10th grade English language arts students.
I think initially, what drew me to Ohio State's program was the idea of an accelerated program where I graduate with my bachelor's and then you know, if all goes well, I'm able to start right away in the summer to complete my Masters a year later have your masters.
I think that with your training as a teacher, you have to be ready in all circumstances to teach different students.
That has definitely impacted me as a teacher because I feel like I would not be the the teacher that I am the teacher that I'm ready to be had I not had the preparation that Ohio State has given me, I fill out lesson plans.
I look forward to looking at the research that I want to incorporate into my instructional methods.
I feel like I have never been so prepared because lesson plans can be such a daunting thing.
You know, you you walk into a classroom and you have complete control.
You choose how you teach you choose what you teach, you choose the method in which you deliver that instruction. And at first, you know, you're entering this this big world and you don't know how to do it.
And everyone that was involved in the program at Ohio State broke it down for us. And because of the experience that I've had at Ohio State and you know, the nitty gritty lesson planning that we had to do.
I'm excited because Ohio State has prepared me so well for what's to come in my career.
Teacher License Areas
In Ohio, licensure areas are divided into the following categories: pre-kindergarten through the fifth grade, 4th-9th grade, 7th-12th grade, and pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Primary Education
Middle Childhood Education
English/Integrated Language Arts
Mathematics Education
Science Education
Integrated Social Studies
World Language Education
Visual Impairments
Ohio State students can complete the required MEd content courses using their chosen undergraduate major. For licensure in Integrated Social Studies, Integrated Language Arts, Mathematics Education, Science Education or World Language Education, consider speaking with an undergraduate advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences to discuss the best option for a major. For licensure in Early Childhood Education or Middle Childhood Education, consider speaking with an undergraduate advisor in Education and Human Ecology .
Career Paths
Licensure disclosure
Licensure requirements may be subject to change because of state-legislated mandates. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Department of Teaching and Learning each year to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.
Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification here .
Program stories
What Types of Master’s in Education Degrees Can You Get?
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Do you want to continue your studies in education, but you’re not sure what to study? There are many master’s in education degrees to choose from .
A master’s in education can help you advance your career and guide you into leadership roles in areas that interest you. With various degrees and concentrations available, you can tailor your studies to align with your academic and career objectives.
So what types of master’s in education degrees are available to you? Probably more than you think. Read on to learn about and compare different types of master’s in education degrees , including what career opportunities each option offers.
Popular Online Master’s in Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
8 Common Master’s in Education Degrees You Can Get
With a master’s in education, you can become a curriculum designer, an administrator, a school counselor, or a teacher. It’s all about finding the degree that’s best for your desired career path.
Master of Education
A master of education (M.Ed.) can help you improve your teaching skills, specialize in certain educational sectors, and prepare for educational leadership positions.
You’ll practice improved teaching methods, deepen your understanding of childhood development, and learn how to construct curriculums. Having an M.Ed. opens the door for you to transition into management roles such as a school principal, education policy analyst, or higher education administrator.
The curriculum for an M.Ed. includes courses in educational research, learning stimulation, instructional techniques, and electives in your chosen specialization, which could be anything from early childhood education to teaching English as a second language.
Master’s in Teaching
A master’s in teaching (MAT) is designed to help you improve your teaching methods and classroom management techniques.
You’ll learn about the latest educational methodologies, differentiated instruction, and how to leverage technology in the classroom.
An MAT master’s degree can also help you fulfill continuing education requirements, increase your salary step, and prepare you for licensure in your state. It can also prepare you for non-education roles that require teaching skills, like corporate training or educational consulting.
Master’s in Special Education
A master’s in special education prepares you to educate students with disabilities effectively. With this degree, you can work as a special education teacher, educational diagnostician, behavioral intervention specialist, or instructional coordinator.
A master’s in special education lays the groundwork for you to take on leadership roles and specialized positions, teaching you how to craft individualized education programs and enhance learning outcomes for students with special needs.
Master’s in Early Childhood Education
A master’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) is designed to equip educators with an in-depth understanding of child development for children from infancy to eight years old.
An ECE master’s program can help you gain a deeper comprehension of young children’s learning patterns and growth, improve your teaching skills and classroom management abilities, and teach you strategies to encourage desired behaviors in a positive way.
A master’s in ECE also opens the door to many advanced professional roles beyond teaching, including preschool or elementary school leadership positions, early childhood program direction, and educational consulting.
Master’s in Elementary Education
A master’s in elementary education can help you improve your skills as an elementary and middle school teacher.
You’ll learn about advanced teaching strategies for grades K-8, practice creating effective lesson plans, receive training in efficient classroom management, and understand how to cater to the unique learning needs of each student.
A master’s degree in elementary education prepares you to work as an elementary school teacher, instructional coordinator, and elementary vice principal. However, you may need to take additional classes to receive licensure in your state.
Master’s in Secondary Education
A master’s in secondary education is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to instruct students in grades 7-12 in your preferred subject area, such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, or world languages.
This program can prepare you to get certified in your chosen content area and effectively teach that subject to teenagers. You can then work as a high school teacher, department head, instructional coordinator, curriculum development coordinator, or educational consultant.
Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction teaches you how to create, implement, and evaluate educational content and teaching methods.
You’ll learn how to use technology to create effective curriculums for a wide variety of subjects. You’ll take courses in educational research, evaluating student success, and contemporary issues in curriculum and instruction.
This degree also opens doors for you to progress in your teaching career, where you can take on roles such as curriculum head, media specialist, or educational consultant.
Master’s in Educational Leadership
If you want to work in a high-level administrative position, a master’s degree in educational leadership could be for you. This degree prepares you to work as a primary or secondary school principal, postsecondary administrator, or superintendent.
During a master’s in educational leadership, you’ll take courses in key leadership skills, ethics, contemporary educational issues, and educational research. These programs often include hands-on field experience, while also preparing you for licensure in your state.
You’ll learn how to establish academic objectives, oversee budgets, recruit staff, and nurture solid relationships among schools, educators, students, parents, and the community at large.
Which Type of Master’s in Education Degree Is Right for You?
When choosing what type of master’s in education to get, it’s important to reflect on your interests and your career goals. Think about what kind of roles you are looking for and what kind of salary you hope to earn. You might also consider whether any in-demand education careers appeal to you.
If your goal is to step away from the classroom and work in a high-level administrative role, then a master’s in educational leadership could be the right fit. Or, if you want to work with young children, consider a degree in early childhood education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Education Programs
What is the best master’s degree to get in education.
The best master’s degree in education for you depends on your career goals and areas of interest. If you want to work with students with special needs, then a master’s in special education would be best. However, if you want to work in curriculum development or education consulting, then a master’s in curriculum and instruction would be a better fit.
What is the easiest master’s degree for teachers?
The easiest master’s degree for teachers is often a master’s in education, as it builds on your existing teaching skills and knowledge. Many master’s in education programs have flexible schedules that fit around your teaching schedule, allowing you to continue working while earning your degree.
Is a master’s in education worth it?
Whether or not a master’s in education is worth it depends on your professional goals and aspirations. However, pursuing a master’s in education can boost your earning potential and increase your career opportunities.
For instance, a master’s degree can prepare you to step into advanced positions, like principal or school administrator, which typically offer higher compensation. If you’d like to continue teaching, many districts offer a higher salary band for teachers with a master’s degree. Additionally, some colleges and universities allow professionals with a master’s degree to serve as adjunct faculty members or lecturers.
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2025 Best Education Master's Degree Schools
For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 520 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for education students pursuing a master's degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 156,935 master's degrees in education during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
- Best Master’s Degree Schools List
Choosing a Great Education School for Your Master's Degree
A Great Overall School
A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
Early-Career Earnings
One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of master's graduates during the early years of their career. That is, everyone wants their master's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.
Other Factors We Consider
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
- Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to education students as compared to other majors.
- Major Demand - How many other education students want to attend this school to pursue a master's degree.
- Educational Resources - The amount of money and other resources allocated to students while they are pursuing their degree. These resources include such things as number of students per instructor and education expenditures per student.
- Student Debt - How much debt education students go into to obtain their master's degree and how well they are able to pay back that debt.
- Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized education related body.
Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for education students working on their master's degree.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Education Master's Degree Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings , to help you make that decision.
Best Schools for Master’s Students to Study Education in the United States
Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for education students seeking a a master's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.
25 Top Schools for a Master's in Education
It's difficult to beat New York University if you wish to pursue a master's degree in education. Located in the large city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in education from New York University
Hunter College is one of the best schools in the country for getting a master's degree in education. Located in the city of New York, Hunter is a public college with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in education from Hunter College
It is hard to beat Purdue University - Main Campus if you want to pursue a master's degree in education. Purdue is a very large public university located in the small city of West Lafayette. More information about a master’s in education from Purdue University - Main Campus
University of Georgia is a good choice for individuals interested in a master's degree in education. Located in the midsize city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in education from University of Georgia
Located in the town of Storrs, UCONN is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in education from University of Connecticut
Ball State is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Muncie. More information about a master’s in education from Ball State University
Located in the city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in education from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
UMCP is a very large public university located in the suburb of College Park. More information about a master’s in education from University of Maryland - College Park
Located in the city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in education from University of Florida
Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in education from University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Boston U is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Boston. More information about a master’s in education from Boston University
Concordia University, Chicago is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of River Forest. More information about a master’s in education from Concordia University, Chicago
Located in the large city of New York, CCNY is a public college with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in education from The City College of New York
Brooklyn College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Brooklyn. More information about a master’s in education from Brooklyn College
Boston College is a large private not-for-profit college located in the small city of Chestnut Hill. More information about a master’s in education from Boston College
Located in the large city of Queens, QC is a public college with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in education from Queens College
Syracuse is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse. More information about a master’s in education from Syracuse University
Located in the small city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Located in the rural area of Alfred, Alfred is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. More information about a master’s in education from Alfred University
UC Irvine is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Irvine. More information about a master’s in education from University of California - Irvine
GMU is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Fairfax. More information about a master’s in education from George Mason University
Located in the large suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a master’s in education from Hofstra University
WGU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. More information about a master’s in education from Western Governors University
LIU Post is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Brookville. More information about a master’s in education from LIU Post
U-M is a very large public university located in the city of Ann Arbor. More information about a master’s in education from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Rest of the Top 50 Best Education Master's Degree Schools
Remaining Award Winners
This list shows the remainder of the schools awarded a Best Education Master's Degree Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 20% of the 520 different United States education schools we analyzed.
Additional Noteworthy Schools
These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Education Master's Degree Schools award.
Education by Region
View the Best Education Master's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.
Other Rankings
Best associate degrees in education, best doctorate degrees in education, best value in education, best for non-traditional students in education, best online in education, most popular online in education, best bachelor's degrees in education, best overall in education, highest paid grads in education, best for veterans in education, most popular in education, most focused in education.
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Education Majors to Study
Most popular majors related to education, notes and references.
- The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Horadrim . More about our data sources and methodologies .
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