by TED Staff
October 2021
The overall job outlook for a career in teaching is currently very solid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 111,000 additional teaching jobs will be added to our current 1.5 million before 2030.
Educators most in demand will be those who teach science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), but demand will also be high for those who teach special education, foreign languages, and English as a second language (ESL). Teachers at other levels will always be needed — pre-kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and post-secondary — will also always be needed. A relatively new field of teaching–classes for adult learners–is taking off, and training for those teachers is accessible in many locations.
The following review of online programs for education degrees includes a wide range of options, from bachelor’s to master’s, from programs in gifted education to special education, from childcare and family to adult and community education, from assistive technology to agri-business, and more. These degrees may lead to careers as teacher leaders, curriculum and instructional specialists, school counselors, library and media specialists, curriculum and assessment directors, and master teachers in a great number of fields.
Advanced degrees lead to higher salaries, of course, and PayScale.com shows the following median annual salaries for some careers that call for a master’s in education.
- Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator $49,567
- Digital Learning and Development Manager $62,173
- Director of Special Education $72,707
- STEM Project Manager $78,400
- Educational Leadership Administration $92,510
Bemidji State University
Online Master of Special Education
Bemidji, Minnesota
Bemidji State University offers an online master of special education degree that is a 36 credit hour program for those who already have a teaching license. A majority of the required credits are developed from standards of the Council of Exceptional Children and the Minnesota Special Education Licensure Board. The remaining hours are research-based and further the creation of an application project. Admission to Bemidji State University’s online MSpEd degree calls for a 3.0 GPA, a copy of teaching license, two letters of recommendation, a one-page formal letter of intent, and a $20 fee.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Jacksonville, Florida
The online bachelor of science in early childhood education degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville requires candidates to develop a professional portfolio and to pass three Florida Teacher Certificate Exams. The capstone is the student teaching internship. The 120-credit hour program calls for 36 hours in general education, including the following courses: child growth and development; early literacy for young children; observing and recording child behavior; overviews of early childhood curriculum; and special needs in ECE. To apply to Florida State College at Jacksonville for their online BS in early childhood education degree, submit transcripts.
Grand Valley State University
Online Master of Education in Educational Technology
Allendale, Michigan
Grand Valley State University offers quite a few online master’s degrees in education, including an M.Ed in Educational Technology. The 33-credit degree program guides educators in implementing technology at all levels of teaching. To apply to Grand Valley State University for their online MEd in educational technology, submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a $30 fee.
Bay Path University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies: Education Studies
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
The Bay Path University bachelor of arts in liberal studies: education studies is almost completely online, but Commonwealth law compels students to take at least some coursework on one of the two Bay Path campuses, Longmeadow or Sturbridge. The 140+ credit program includes studies in the vital areas of child development, critical reading, and early literacy. Bay Path University’s online BA in liberal studies: education studies is open only to female students. The graduate programs offered by this school are coeducational, but not the undergraduate programs, even the online ones. To apply online, submit transcripts, writing sample, essay, letters of recommendation, FAFSA application, and no fee.
Adams State University
Online Master of Arts in Educator Preparation
Alamosa, Colorado
The Adams State University master of arts in education in teacher education online is an affordable 30-hour affair that includes three start dates per year and allows full or part-time study. Three endorsement or emphasis options are available: educational curriculum and instruction; educational curriculum and instruction with Endeavor STEM certificate; and educational leadership/principal licensure. Adams State University’s online MAE in teacher education does accept transfer credit that is five years or less in age and is looking for applicants with a letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, and a professional teaching license that is currently active.
Eastern New Mexico University
Online Master of Education Administration
Portales, New Mexico
Eastern New Mexico University offers a 100% online master’s in education administration that is a 36 credit hour program. Online students have access to advisors via email and phone, and the online writing center (OWL) is exclusively for online students. Coursework includes the following: educational research; theories of learning and motivation; assessment; school law or special education law; as well as 24 hours in administration courses. To apply to Eastern New Mexico University’s online master’s in education administration program, send official transcripts to the graduate school, and if you qualify, you’ll be notified of further requirements.
Jacksonville State University
Online Master of Education in Library Media
Jacksonville, Alabama
Jacksonville State University places a strong emphasis on technology in their online educational specialist in library media degree. Admissions requires transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a copy of current teaching license, resume, background clearance by the Alabama State Department of Education, FBI, and ABI, a $35 fee, and a successful interview process. The curriculum for Jacksonville State University’s online EdS in library media degree includes the following classes: diversity issues in education; measurement and evaluation in education; emerging technology and collaborative tools; online course design; educational multimedia and video; and advanced digital photography in education.
Ferris State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Technical Education
Big Rapids, Michigan
Ferris State University offers an online bachelor of science in technical education degree that leads to an interim occupational certificate from the Michigan Department of Education. This is a degree completion program, and you will need a minimum number of transferable credit hours to enter. An advisor can answer your questions by phone or by email. The online program boasts a writing center and access to FLITE library services (Ferris Library for Information, Technology, and Education). Founded in 1884, Ferris State University boasts a student to faculty ratio of 16:1. To apply to their online BS in technical education degree, submit transcripts.
Saint Leo University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Saint Leo, Florida
Saint Leo University offers its online bachelor of arts in elementary education degree only in the state of Florida. Through a series of internships, students in the program will earn more than 800 hours of classroom experience, almost twice as many as recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, plus they will also earn a teaching certificate and ESOL and Reading Endorsements. The curriculum includes reading foundations in the elementary classroom, classroom management, and courses in teaching all basic elementary subjects. To apply to Saint Leo University’s online BA in elementary education program, submit transcripts and a $45 fee.
Black Hills State University
Online Master of Education in Reading
Spearfish, South Dakota
The 100 % online master of education in reading degree offered by Black Hills State University equips graduates to serve school districts as literacy coaches and reading coordinators as well as addressing all International Reading Association standards for reading specialists and coaches. The program is 35 credit hours and has 12 required courses, which include the following: a practicum arranged in the student’s home district; assessment and correction of reading difficulties grades 6-12; action research in schools; 7-12 reading content and literacy; and leadership schools. To apply to Black Hills State University’s online MEd in reading, submit transcripts and a $35 fee.
Kentucky State University
Online Master of Arts in Special Education
Frankfort, Kentucky
Kentucky State University offers a 33-45 credit hour, online master of arts in special education degree that prepares students for teacher certification in Kentucky. The program has three tracks: Option 6–initial alternative certification; initial traditional certification; and advanced traditional certification. The online program requires 200 hours of field experience prior to the final clinical experience. Two of the required courses are legal and parental issues in special education and inclusion, collaboration, and advocacy. To apply to Kentucky State University’s online MA in special education degree program, submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE/MAT/GMAT scores, and a $35 fee.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education, Grades 6-12
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a 33 credit hour, online master of arts in teaching in secondary education, grades 6-12 degree that is an alternative certification program developed for those with a non-educational, undergraduate degree who want to earn initial Louisiana teacher certification in secondary school content. Specified content includes education certification in such subjects as biology, business, chemistry, English, family and consumer science, mathematics, physics, social studies, and speech. Admissions at Northwestern State University of Louisiana for their online MAT in secondary education, grades 6-12 calls for transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA, Praxis core scores, and $20 fee.
Angelo State University
Online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, Teacher Studies
San Angelo, Texas
With no GRE score required for admission, the Angelo State University master of arts in curriculum and instruction – teacher studies online operates on five eight-week terms each academic year. Thirty clock hours of classroom observation and six semester hours of internship or clinical teaching are required for graduation from this program. Angelo State University’s online MA in curriculum and instruction – teacher studies is open to those with a bachelor’s degree but no licensed professional teaching background or GRE scores are needed. Submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA and successful completion of the PACT content exam or teacher certification programs.
Indiana State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Adult and Career Education
Terre Haute, Indiana
The online bachelor of science in adult and career education from Indiana State University emphasizes skills that are in high demand by today’s employers: critical thinking; creative problem solving; team building; communication technology; and work-life integration. The curriculum includes an introduction to adult and career education, dimensions of leadership, digital communication tools, and adult learners in higher education and training, all in accelerated 8-week terms. Indiana State University designed its online BS in adult and career education degree for transfer students who have earned approximately 60 college credit hours. To apply, submit transcripts and a $25 fee.
Chadron State College
Online Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration
Chadron, Nebraska
The 36 credit hour, 100% online master of arts in education in educational administration offered by Chadron State College requires a teaching certificate and teaching experience for admission. Founded in 1911, Chadron State College boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1. Coursework for the online MAE in educational administration degree includes research design and data analysis, educational philosophy, curriculum development, school law, personnel administration, and practicum/internship in educational administration. Prior to graduation, students who are seeking to be certified for the Education Administration endorsement must successfully complete the PRAXIS II content test.
Jackson State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Childcare and Family Education
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson State University’s 122 credit hour, online bachelor of science in childcare and family education degree is a non-licensure program that prepares and qualifies students for careers as Head Start professionals, teacher’s aides, and childcare administrators. Admissions calls for transcripts showing a minimum 3.2 GPA, ACT/SAT scores and a $25 fee. The curriculum for the online BS in childcare and family education degree from Jackson State University includes the following: art for children; introduction to education; practical childcare experiences; pre-reading skills for preschoolers and early primary grades; parent, child, and teacher interactions; and concepts and structures of mathematics.
Dickinson State University
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Dickinson, North Dakota
The online master of arts in teaching degree offered by Dickinson State University is created to prepare graduates for teaching in secondary schools and can be completed in six semesters. It is not an advanced degree for practicing teachers. The curriculum includes student teaching internship, as well as the following courses: educational foundations; childhood and adolescent psychology; curriculum design, delivery, and assessments; content area teaching strategies; and theory and practice of classroom management. To apply to Dickinson State University for its online MAT, submit transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA, a personal statement, and a $35 fee.
Granite State College
Online Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts
Concord, New Hampshire
The online bachelor of arts in English language arts degree offered by Granite State College has three certification options: Early Childhood Education and ECE Special Education; Elementary Education and General Special Education; and General Special Education. The program is 120 credit hours, and a minimum of 30 hours must be taken at Granite State College, where about 80% of students transfer in, making the college extremely transfer-friendly. The curriculum for the online BA in English language arts degree includes human development, foundations of education, and the dynamic role of the special educator. To apply, submit transcripts. Admissions are on a rolling basis.
Emporia State University
Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Coach
Emporia, Kansas
Emporia State University has a 33 credit hour, online master of science in curriculum and instruction – instructional coach degree that can be completed in as few as 12 months. The program does not lead to a teaching certificate. Among the courses offered are curriculum leadership: models and strategies, developing authentic assessments, and cultural influences and educational practices. No GRE scores or teaching certificate is needed to apply to Emporia State University’s online MS in curriculum and instruction – instructional coach degree. Submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 30 hours of undergraduate work or an overall 3.0.
Albany State University
Online Master of Education in Special Education
Albany, Georgia
Albany State University’s online master of education in special education leads to graduates of the program being eligible for a T-5 certification in special education, general, or adapted curriculum. The degree program is open to those with current T-4 certification or those who have completed a four-year degree, not in a teaching field. The MEd in special education online at Albany State University is a 36 credit program that offers three optional endorsements, in gifted, reading and ESOL. A specific course track is recommended for transfer students. To apply, submit transcripts and SAT/ACT scores.
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University’s 120 credit hour online bachelor of arts in education in early childhood education consists of 40 classes taught in 7.5-week terms. This program does not include teacher certification but is suitable for those in childcare educational settings. The Arizona State University BAE in early childhood education online includes courses such as the following: diversity in education; infant/toddler development in the family; intentional teaching; and supporting dual language learners. In addition to submitting transcripts and a $50 fee, freshman applicants must have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours, and transfer applicants should have more than 24 transferable credit hours.
Dakota State University
Online Master of Science in Educational Technology
Madison, South Dakota
Dakota State University offers a 30 credit hour master of science in educational technology degree that is entirely online. To apply, you need transcripts showing a minimum 2.7 GPA and a personal statement of technological competency, but no teaching certificate. Dakota State University’s online MS in educational technology degree equips graduates to be current in teaching and learning processes and practices as well as research technologies and instructional programming skills. The curriculum includes the following courses: instructional technology for active learning; systematic designs of instruction; and multimedia production. The final student project will be the Exit Portfolio, completed the last semester.
Auburn University at Montgomery
Online Master’s and Education Specialist in School Counseling
Montgomery, Alabama
The 30 credit Auburn University at Montgomery educational specialist in school counseling is offered almost completely online. All of the core courses are available online and many of the electives are available in either an online or hybrid format. Coursework taken for the master’s degree may not be retaken or counted towards this degree. Auburn University at Montgomery’s online EdS in school counseling requires a cumulative GPA of 3.50 in this program for graduation to occur. Because of the special nature of the counseling program, the faculty reserves the right to make decisions about the suitability of applicants.
Minnesota State University – Moorhead
Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Moorhead, Minnesota
Minnesota State University boasts of their 32 credit hour, online master of science in curriculum and instruction degree that has eight emphasis options: teacher leadership; literacy; mathematics; special education; biology; teaching English as a second language; Kodaly or content specification. Core courses are psychological foundations of education, methods of research, emerging technologies, theory and process of consultation and collaboration, and social, cultural, political, and community dimensions of education. To apply to Minnesota State University’s online MS in curriculum and instruction degree, submit transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA, essay, proof of one year’s teaching experience, essay, and $35 fee.
University of Maryland – University College
Online Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology
Adelphi, Maryland
The University of Maryland – University College has a 36 credit hour, online master of science in learning design and technology degree program, which requires candidates to lead an online internship in education or business by designing online-learning sets of activities in the real world. The curriculum includes the following courses: decisive thinking, communication, and leading; learning design and digital pedagogy; advanced practicum in learning design; and a learning design seminar. The University of Maryland – University College will accept exactly 6 transfer hours and asks for transcripts and a $50 fee when applying for their online MS in learning design and technology degree.
Ball State University
Online Master of Arts in Adult and Community Education
Muncie, Indiana
The online master of arts in adult and community education on offer by Ball State University can be completed totally online in just 30 credit hours. With one extra three hour course, students can achieve a dual degree in adult and community education and executive development for public service. Ball State University’s MA in adult and community education online can contain a concentration in either adult education or community education with the application of nine hours of focused electives. Students must take 18 hours in the major. Submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA, a $60 fee, but no GRE scores.
University of the Cumberlands
Online Master of Arts in Education
Williamsburg, Kentucky
The 30 credit hour, online master of arts in education degree from the University of the Cumberlands has three concentrations. The Literacy Specialist concentration courses include reading in content areas and diagnosis of reading problems. Curriculum for the School Counseling concentration includes counseling aspects of grief and loss. For the Teacher Leader concentration, team leadership and theories of teaching and learning are among the course options. To apply to the University of the Cumberlands for their online MAE, submit a graduate application before submitting additional admission requirements. Send transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA and a $30 fee.
Central Michigan University
Online Master of Arts in Education
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Central Michigan University has a 33 credit hour, online master of arts in education degree that does not lead to certification but presumes the applicant has already qualified as a professional in a chosen field. The core, nine-hour program consists of advanced technology in education, methods of instructional research, and seminar: issues in education. Required courses include current educational issues and strategies and techniques for teaching. The three emphases to choose from are instruction, reading, and math. Admission to Central Michigan University’s online MA in education program calls for a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
North Carolina A&T State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education
Greensboro, North Carolina
North Carolina A&T State University’s online bachelor of science in agricultural education degree is a degree completion program for those with associate degrees to transfer their credit hours in agricultural related disciplines to earn a bachelor’s degree. Two study tracks are available: secondary education, which equips students to teach; and professional service, which prepares students for government, agri-business, international agriculture, or cooperative extension careers. A majority of the material is delivered asynchronously through Blackboard in 16 week semesters. To apply to North Carolina A&T State University for their online BS in agricultural education, submit transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and a $60 fee.
Eastern Kentucky University
Online Master of Arts in Education in Gifted Education
Richmond, Kentucky
The online master of arts in education in gifted education degree at Eastern Kentucky University has four concentrations: interdisciplinary early childhood education; elementary education; middle grade; and secondary. No campus visits are required, and classes are held in 8-week terms. The university posts an online learning quiz for you to see if an online degree program is right for you. Admission to Eastern Kentucky University’s online MAE in gifted education program calls for a transcript showing a minimum 3.25 GPA (or a 3.25 GPA in your final 60 undergraduate hours or GRE/MAT scores) and a copy of your teaching certificate.
Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University’s online bachelor of education in elementary education degree is the only 100% online bachelor’s degree that leads to teacher licensure in the state of Virginia, offering complete core competencies, practicum requirements, and student teaching. The admission process calls for transcripts showing a 2.0 GPA, There is no upfront application fee, but a deferred $50 fee is assessed at financial check-in. Online students receive free electronic textbooks. The curriculum for Liberty University’s online B.Ed. in elementary education degree includes the following: instructional design for elementary and middle classrooms; teaching reading to diverse learners; and behavioral and individual differences.
James Madison University
Online Master of Education in Educational Technology
Harrisonburg, Virginia
The 33 credit hour, online master of education in educational technology degree from James Madison University delivers all courses and materials to students through the Canvas learning management system. Courses are found entirely online weekdays from 5:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., ET/EST/EDT. The curriculum includes principles of instructional design, project management for Ed Tech, critiquing and evaluating visual literacy, applied research design, and professional development in Ed Tech. Admission to James Madison University’s online MEd in educational technology calls for transcripts, two professional letters of recommendation, work experience, goal statement, and an online interview.
George Mason University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Assistive Technology
Fairfax, Virginia
George Mason University is proud of its 30 credit hour, online master of education in curriculum and instruction – assistive technology (AT) concentration, which is the second-oldest AT program in the nation. Courses are offered asynchronously, and needed software is provided free from the virtual lab, with all necessary hardware sent to you. Coursework includes accessibility and input modifications, augmentative communication, and a design-adapted environment. To apply to George Mason University’s MEd in curriculum and instruction – assistive technology concentration online, submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a goal statement, and a $70 fee.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Online Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Instructional Effectiveness
Kearney, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s online master of arts in education in curriculum and instruction – instructional effectiveness degree is one of eleven concentrations offered in C & I and is available only online. Core required courses are the following: educational research; philosophy of education; curriculum development in multicultural education; and overview of assistive technology or technology tools for teachers. This degree does not lead to a teaching license. Admission to the 36 credit hour, onlineMAE in curriculum and instruction – instructional effectiveness degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney calls for transcripts and a fee of $50.
University of Missouri – Columbia
Online Master of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism
Columbia, Missouri
The University of Missouri has a completely online, 30 credit hour master of education in special education with an emphasis in autism degree for which the prerequisite course is Introduction to Special Education. To apply, submit transcripts from your undergraduate college(s) showing a minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours, GRE scores no more than five years old, resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Curriculum for the University of Missouri’s online MEd in special education with an emphasis in autism degree includes developmental aspects of human learning, research with exceptional children, and 21 credit hours in autism courses.
University of Arkansas
Online Master of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers a 33 credit hour, online master of education in adult and lifelong learning degree that prepares students to provide lifelong learning, adult literacy, military education, and post-secondary education in a variety of settings. Admissions asks for transcripts, resume, and a $60 fee, but no GRE or MAT scores. The University of Arkansas’s online MEd in adult and lifelong learning degree program includes the following courses: principles and practices of adult learning, managing change in adult and lifelong learning, program planning, technology and innovation in adult learning, an internship, and a capstone (applied project).
Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Hays, Kansas
Fort Hays State University boasts an online bachelor of science in elementary education degree that leads to teacher licensure. The 127 credit hour program calls for 55 credit hours dedicated to general studies courses, 25 credit hours for professional studies and major courses, and 12 credit hours for student teaching. The curriculum includes the following: foundations of education; educating exceptional students; elementary art methods; classroom management; instructional technology for elementary teachers; and diverse learners. The admission process to Fort Hays State University’s online BS in elementary education program asks for transcripts showing a minimum 2.0 GPA and a $30 fee.
University of South Dakota
Online Master of Science in Technology for Education and Training
Vermilion, South Dakota
The University of South Dakota’s online master of science in technology for education (MS in TET) degree touts a comprehensive set of student support resources for the virtual classroom, such as new student checklists and library services for distance learners. Application to the University of South Dakota for their online MS in TET degree is made to Graduate Admissions and requires transcripts showing a minimum 2.7 GPA, a goal statement, three letters of recommendation, teaching license, one year’s work experience, and a $35 fee. Coursework includes instructional technologies for active learning, systematic design of instruction, technology integration for effective instruction, and an internship.
University of North Dakota
Online Master of Education in Special Education
Grand Forks, North Dakota
The online master of education in special education degree offered by the University of North Dakota is a unique program: an 84 credit hour, accelerated B.S./M.Ed in special education that combines a major with a master’s. Coursework emphasizes the practical aspects of teaching at elementary schools, such as development of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and working with families. More than 60% of the courses involve direct involvement with children. The University of North Dakota’s online MEd in special education admission process calls for a teaching license, an undergraduate GPA of 2.75, a personal statement, and a $35 fee.
Texas Tech University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech University boasts of their online master of education in curriculum and instruction degree because of the four concentrations available to students: curriculum studies/ teacher education (CSTE); language and literacy education; STEM; and blended learning/personalized learning. Application to the 36 credit hour program must be made through the Graduate School and eventually requires transcripts, resume, three letters of recommendation, and $65 fee. Texas Tech University has set out four required areas for course completion of their online MEd in curriculum and instruction degree: foundational courses (9 hours); research/practicum (6); specialization (15); thesis requirements (6) or comprehensive exam (6 hours of electives).
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