By TED Staff
February 2021
If you feel you have a gift for the gifted, then you may be looking to pursue an online master’s degree in gifted and talented education.
Specializing in gifted and talented education — or G&T, as it’s known — can put you in the driver’s seat of your teaching career. It can be so rewarding to guide students through the more challenging aspects of their education. And the good news is that you can obtain just such a degree online, while continuing to work and live your life. That’s why Top Education Degrees created this ranking of the top 20 best online master’s in gifted and talented education.
To come up with our ranking, we began by compiling a list of any and every university offering a master’s degree in Gifted and Talented Education which could be completed entirely online. We then narrowed down our list to just the 20 best by focusing on the points-based ranking system below. In the event of a tie in points, we placed the program with the lower annual out-of-state tuition cost in the higher-ranking position.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and lower: 5 points
11:1 to 12:1: 4 points
13:1 to 15:1: 3 points
16:1 to 20:1: 2 points
21:1 and higher: 1 point
Estimated Program Cost (for out-of-state student):
Under $20,000: 5 points
Under $30,000: 4 points
Under $40,000: 3 points
Under $50,000: 2 points
Under $60,000: 1 point
Overall Graduation Rate:
90% and above: 5 points
75% and above: 4 points
50% and above: 3 points
25% and above: 2 points
24% and below: 1 point
20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9%: 4 points
6%-7%: 3 points
4%-5%: 2 points
3% and below: 1 point
#20. Nova Southeastern University
Online Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education
Davie, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $38,340
Total Points: 10
Thirty-six hours in length, the online Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education does not lead to certification. Coursework in the program includes Educational Research for Practitioners and Special Education Law. Those deciding entrance to the program expect students to have existing teacher certification and a minimum of 2.5 GPA on undergraduate work. $1,065 per credit is the online graduate tuition rate for Nova Southeastern University’s online master’s program.
#19. University of Northern Colorado
Online Master of Arts in Special Education: Gifted Education Specialist Endorsement
Greeley, Colorado
Estimated Program Cost: $36,696
Total Points: 10
The online Master of Arts in Special Education: Gifted Education at the University of Northern Colorado does not require GRE scores to be submitted with an application. The degree spans 33 credit hours, and tuition for the program is $1,112 per credit for residents of states other than Colorado. The University of Northern Colorado’s MA in Special Education offers the option for brief on-campus experiences through the Summer Enrichment Program. Admission to the program asks for a statement of philosophy and goals, a current resume, and a copy of your teacher’s license.
#18. Western Kentucky University
Master of Arts in Education in Gifted Education and Talent Development
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Estimated Program Cost: $22,459
Total Points: 10
Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best online graduate education programs, Western Kentucky University is looking for certified teachers to apply to the online Master of Arts in Education in Gifted Education and Talent Development. The 30- to 37-credit hour program varies in completion time, depending on which of the four specializations you choose. The out-of-state per-credit cost is $607, though various discounts are available.
#17. Liberty University
Online Master of Education in Gifted Education
Lynchburg, Virginia
Estimated Program Cost: $14,940
Total Points: 10
The online Master of Education in Gifted Education offered by Liberty University is ideal for the student who is looking for a flexible program, with flexible start and end dates. The 36-credit program has an online graduate tuition rate of $415 per credit, regardless of residency. Admission for the online M.Ed. in Gifted Education at Liberty requires an active teacher’s license.
#16. University of Southern Mississippi
Online Master of Education in Special Education w/ an emphasis in Gifted Education
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Estimated Program Cost: $26,676
Total Points: 11
The University of Southern Mississippi’s online Master of Education in Special Education has an on-campus component, but is largely online. This 54-credit program charges an online tuition rate of $494 per credit, with no out-of-state fees. The program is looking for applicants who can supply a GPA of 2.75 or better over the last 60 hours of coursework and three letters of recommendation as part of their applications packet. The program is designed to flow into licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education.
#15. McNeese State University
Online Master of Education in Academically Gifted Education
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Estimated Program Cost: $20,700
Total Points: 11
McNeese State University offers an online Master of Education in Academically Gifted Education that is open to currently licensed teachers. The 36-hour program gives newcomers six calendar years to complete the program. McNeese State University charges a per-semester tuition fee of $6,900 for students who are not residents of Louisiana. At least 25% of the 36 credits must be earned from McNeese State University in order to graduate.
#14. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Online Master of Education w/ a concentration in Gifted Education
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Estimated Program Cost: $6,975
Total Points: 11
Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s online Master of Education is a 36-unit degree that is open to currently certified teachers. Admissions to the program require all previous transcripts and a GRE score. The school charges an online tuition rate of $475 for each of the first nine credit hours, and $100 an hour after that. The online Master of Education with a concentration in Gifted Education at Northwestern State University of Louisiana involves coursework in the psychology of the gifted, and teaching creative thinking.
#13. University of South Florida
Online Master of Arts in Special Education, Gifted
Tampa, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $27,808
Total Points: 12
The University of South Florida’s online graduate education programs consistently rank among the best by U.S. News and World Report. The Master of Arts in Special Education, Gifted that they offer is a 36-unit degree program. The program requires a GRE score or an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on all upper level coursework or an existing master’s degree to show that one can perform at the graduate level. Out-of-state tuition for this program is $773 per unit of instruction.
#12. University of Cincinnati
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Gifted Education Certificate
Cincinnati, Ohio
Estimated Program Cost: $22,830
Total Points: 12
The fully online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Cincinnati offers an additional 15-credit hour Gifted Education certification. This certificate is recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children, and is in line with CAEP standards. The school offers this program at a reduced tuition rate for K-12 educators. This degree does partake of the cohort model. Tuition is $761 per credit unit for students who are not residents of Ohio.
#11. Ball State University
Online Master of Arts in Special Education: Director of Exceptional Needs License
Muncie, Indiana
Estimated Program Cost: $19,836
Total Points: 12
Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top online graduate education programs, Ball State University has an online Master of Arts in Special Education: Director of Exceptional Needs License. The program can be completed in 36 semester hours. A GRE score is not required for admission to this program. Out-of-state online tuition for this program is $551 per unit of credit. Ball State University is accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children.
#10. University of North Texas
Online Master of Science in Education Psychology w/ a concentration in Gifted and Talented
Denton, Texas
Estimated Program Cost: $14,850
Total Points: 12
University of North Texas offers an online Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented. The 33-hour program consists of 11 courses, including Educational Statistics and Human Development Across the Lifespan. Tuition for the program is $450 hourly. The degree can be completed in as little as 15 months, and admission to the program requires GRE scores and a small application fee.
#9. Fort Hays State University
Online Master of Science in Special Education, Gifted
Hays, Kansas
Estimated Program Cost: $10,747.80
Total Points: 12
Accredited by both CAEP and KSDE, the online M.S. in Special Education – Gifted at Fort Hays State University does not require an entrance exam. The 36-credit hour program does involve a comprehensive portfolio to be submitted in lieu of a comprehensive exam. $298.55 is the graduate online tuition rate for this degree. This program is for already licensed teachers. Application for Fort Hays State University’s Master of Science in Special Education -Gifted online requires two outside letters of recommendation and a personal statement that expresses your reasons for entering the program.
#8. Eastern Kentucky University
Online Master of Arts in Education w/ a concentration in Gifted Education
Richmond, Kentucky
Estimated Program Cost: $18,360
Total Points: 13
Eastern Kentucky University’s online Master of Arts in Education in Gifted Education emphasizes best practices in this important field. Tuition for the 30- to 36-hour program is $510 per hour for civilians, but there are discounts available for military and active teachers. Up to nine credits may be transferred into the program from another institution of higher learning. Applicants without prior graduate coursework, or with an undergraduate GPA sub-3.0 must submit GRE or MAT scores with their application.
#7. University of Nebraska at Kearney
Online Master of Arts in Education in Special Education & Gifted Education
Kearney, Nebraska
Estimated Program Cost: $18,144
Total Points: 13
Open to those with a bachelor’s degree and an active teaching certificate, the online Master of Arts in Education at the University of Nebraska Kearney is a 36-hour online program. Students may choose between pursuing thesis and non-thesis options. The College of Education charges an online graduate tuition rate of $504 per credit for students who are not residents of Nebraska.
#6. Arizona State University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Gifted Education)
Tempe, Arizona
Estimated Program Cost: $16,290
Total Points: 13
Arizona State University has a reputation for innovation. The online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction they offer is a 30-credit degree. This program charges an out-of-state online graduate tuition rate of $543 per unit of instruction. Applicants to the online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 over the last 60 hours of coursework.
#5. University of Alabama
Online Master of Arts in Special Education w/ Gifted and Talented Certification
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Estimated Program Cost: $15,120
Total Points: 13
The University of Alabama’s online Master of Arts in Special Education (with Gifted and Talented Certification) charges an online graduate tuition rate of $420 per credit hour. This fee is regardless of residency status. The 30- to 36-unit program includes classes such as Assessment of the Gifted, and Creative Problem-Solving. Admission to the MA in Special Education degree program requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, a GRE or MAT score, and three letters of recommendation.
#4. Arkansas State University
Online Master of Science in Education in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Estimated Program Cost: $9,510
Total Points: 13
Based on recommendations from the Council for Exceptional Children and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the online Master of Science in Education in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education is designed to be completed in as little as 18 months. Tuition for the program is a very affordable $317 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Admissions to the program requires a small non-refundable fee, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a valid teaching license. This program will require a background check.
#3. University of North Dakota
Online Master of Education in Special Education
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Estimated Program Cost: $17,920
Total Points: 14
With the bargain tuition rate of $560 per credit hour, the University of North Dakota’s online Master of Education in Special Education offers a Gifted/Talented specialization. This 32+-credit program can be completed in less than two years. Those students who do not live in North Dakota pay the same tuition rate as those in-state. The program has year-round admission, and does not utilize the cohort model.
#2. University of Missouri
Online Master of Education in Gifted Education
Columbia, Missouri
Estimated Program Cost: $13,903.50
Total Points: 14
Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best online education programs, the University of Missouri features an online Master of Education in Gifted Education. The degree conveniently requires no campus visits, and the tuition rate for out-of-state graduate students is about $463. Coursework in the program covers a variety of topics, including curriculum methods and learning theory for gifted students. Admission requirements for the MEd in Gifted Education include a minimum 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, and an earned regionally accredited bachelor’s degree.
#1. University of Georgia
Online Specialist of Education in Educational Psychology: Gifted and Creative Education
Athens, Georgia
Estimated Program Cost: $19,499
Total Points: 15
Focused on research, instruction, and service, the online Ed.S. in Educational Psychology offered by University of Georgia is a 31-credit program that can be completed in six semesters. Tuition for the program is $629 per unit of instruction. The University of Georgia is looking for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.6 on a 4-point scale on undergraduate coursework and a recent GRE or MAT score.
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