If you’re looking to earn your Master’s in Education degree online it is important to choose a respected, accredited teaching college or university with real credibility. There are many online schools out there that will gladly take your tuition money in exchange for a worthless degree that won’t get you anywhere closer to your teaching and career goals. Our list of the Top 10 Online Master’s in Education Programs highlights some of the best teaching colleges with regionally and professionally accredited online education degrees. All of the schools on this list were selected and ranked based on their quality, affordability, accreditation, reputation, and prestige. You won’t find a better resource for beginning your journey to the best online Master’s in Education program for you!
#1. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is one of the premier private universities in the United States now offering a select number of outstanding online graduate degree programs.
Online Education Master’s Programs
USC offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT@USC) through its renowned Rossier School of Education. The MAT@USC program combines cutting edge online learning techniques and hands on teaching experiences for K-12 teachers looking to advance in their careers. Graduates will be able to use what they learn in the program to become agents of transformation in whatever teaching environment they find themselves in.
Accreditation
The University of Southern California is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
For more info: University of Southern California
#2. Colorado State University-Global Campus
Colorado State University-Global Campus is the official online campus of the Colorado State University system, and among the first public fully online universities in the world.
Online Education Master’s Programs
CSU-Global’s online Master of Science in Teaching and Learning is designed for experienced educators and emphasizes effective teaching and learning practices for the development of new programs and technologies. Program coursework emphasizes issues of instruction, program development, and program management in PreK-12 educational learning environments as well as non-traditional settings. All students are required to select a specialization area based on professional and personal interests.
Accreditation
Colorado State University-Global Campus is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC).
For more info: Colorado State University- Global
#3. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a unique competency-based online university founded by the governors of 19 western states to provide quality higher education opportunities for working adults, and the first exclusively online university to earn NCATE accreditation.
Online Education Master’s Programs
WGU offers several online Masters in Education and Masters in Teaching programs through the WGU Teachers College, including Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, Educational Leadership, and more. All of the programs are competency-based, meaning students progress based on their ability to demonstrate knowledge learned rather than credits completed. Programs are designed for already licensed teachers looking to take their careers and earning potential to the next level.
Accreditation
Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The WGU Teachers College is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
For more info: Western Governors University
#4. University of the Southwest
University of the Southwest is a highly regarded Christian university in New Mexico with a growing and respected online division known for its outstanding programs in education.
Online Education Master’s Programs
University of the Southwest offers and online Master of Science in Education with specializations in Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Educational Administration, School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling and Special Education. The program is designed to help student to enhance their teaching acumen and realize their potential on both personal and professional levels. University of the Southwest students are instructed and mentored by a faculty and staff who demonstrate Christ-centered values and maintain an environment where students can work cooperatively, valuing the multiple cultures from which they come.
Accreditation
University of the Southwest is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more info: University of the Southwest
#5. Post University
Post University is a respected New England private university with a long tradition of quality higher education going back to 1890.
Online Education Master’s Programs
Post University offers an accelerated online Master of Education with specializations in Instructional Design & Technology and Teaching & Learning. The program was designed to meets the growing need for creative, innovative educators who can rise to the challenges and opportunities of the education environments of today and the future. The curriculum for both concentrations include a unique futures thread that focuses on innovation and creativity to help prepare program graduates to shape the future of education. The program can be completed in 12-22 months.
Accreditation
Post University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
For more info: Post University
#6. Concordia University
Concordia University is a historic private university system that had its beginning as a teachers college and continues to have a strong reputation for teachers and educational administrators.
Online Education Master’s Programs
Concordia University in Portland, OR offers several Master of Education degrees online, with programs in Curriculum & Instruction (with multiple specializations), Educational Leadership, and Special Education. The programs offer the same traditional education as a campus-based program, and just as challenging and rigorous. Most of the programs can be completed within a year.
Accreditation
Concordia University-Portland is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
For more information: Concordia University
#7. Liberty University Online
Liberty University is the largest Evangelical Christian university in the world as well as the biggest non-profit online school, with most of its more than 80,000 students earning their degrees completely online.
Online Education Master’s Programs
Liberty University Online offers an online Master of Education degree program with multiple specializations available. The program prepares teachers for effective leadership in Christian, public, and private schools. Courses provide the specialized preparation necessary for individuals seeking credentials for a K–12 school position and for those with a desire to further their education through an Ed.S. or Ed.D. In addition to core courses, students choose a cognate track to gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen field.
Accreditation
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC). Liberty’s Master of Education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
For more information: Liberty University
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#9. Capella University
Capella University is a private university specializing in online graduate degree programs for working adults and enjoys an outstanding reputation in the United States and abroad.
Online Education Master’s Programs
Capella University offers a Master of Science in Education with eight specializations, including Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education Teaching. The program requires 45-48 quarter credits for completion, depending on the specialization, with up to 12 quarter credit hours transferable.
Accreditation
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information: Capella University
#10. Kaplan University
Kaplan University is one of the largest and well-known providers of distance degree programs, with over 170 different online degree programs to choose from.
Online Education Master’s Programs
Kaplan University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Education online. Program participants will learn the knowledge and skills they need to develop their overall competency as educators and improve student outcomes. The program concludes with a capstone course in which participants implement the methodologies learned in their online coursework, collect and analyze data, and write an action research report focused on improving student learning.
Accreditation
Kaplan University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information: Purdue University Global
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