Online Master’s in Education: Top 50 Values

Contents
education

Online master’s in education degree programs are some of the most popular graduate programs available today. Early education teachers, elementary and secondary educators, and even those working in higher education can now advance their careers and improve their salaries, thanks to these convenient and flexible M.Ed. offerings.

To help working teachers find the right program for their individual needs and goals, we’ve examined the 50 top value master’s in education online programs.

Every state has different licensing requirements for teachers. You can find the licensure requirements for your state here.

Featured Programs

Ranking Methodology
Awards and Recognition (Related to Education)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 600,000 — 6 points
• Above 500,000 – 5 points
• Above 400,000 – 4 points
• Above 300,000 – 3 points
• Above 200,000 — 2 points
Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Concentrations and Specializations)—1 point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid, Synchronous, etc.)—1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Education – 1 point
Internship Opportunities in Education – 1 point
Scholarship Opportunities in Education – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow Factor: awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us – 1 point

Best Value Colleges for an Online Master’s in Education

To determine the best value online master’s in education programs, our editors began with the 100 highest ranked programs, according to US News & World Report. We then consulted PayScale.com to gather information regarding the 20-year ROI for each school.

Having selected the 50 most lucrative programs, we then visited the 50 program websites in order to apply the above ranking methodology. In cases of a tie, graduate tuition and fees–as reported by College Navigator–were considered, and the more affordable school received the higher ranking.

#50 –Cedarville University

Online Master of Education

Cedarville, Ohio

Points: 5

Cedarville University offers a general online master’s in education degree program. This program uses a cohort model, so it is less flexible than many of the other programs on our list. However, it does offer both full-time and part-time options in order to accommodate different students’ needs.

The program also delivers courses in an asynchronous format, so students can access the course materials at their convenience. One unique aspect of this particular master’s of education online program is its integration of Christian values, which may be useful for students planning to work in a religious setting.

Tuition & Fees: $9,688

#49 – George Washington University

Online Master’s in Educational Technology Leadership

Washington, D.C.

Website
Points: 7

Distance students at George Washington University can choose from multiple online master’s in education degrees, including Educational Technology Leadership, and Secondary Special Education and Transition Services. Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, and all programs can be completed entirely online.

Students also enjoy the same quality of education that they would receive on-campus. Most courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus, and master’s in education online students are taught the same curricula as their in-person counterparts.

Tuition & Fees: $27,851

#48 –University of New England

Online Master of Education

Biddeford, Maine

Website
Points: 7

The University of New England offers two online master’s in education programs: Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach and General Education. The General program includes several focus areas, including Inclusion Education, Career and Technical Education, and Literacy. Both programs are completely online, and courses are asynchronous.

While these programs are fairly flexible in regard to academics, they are less flexible than many other programs in regard to time. MEd online students have only three years to graduate, which is half the amount of time many schools allow.

Tuition & Fees: $23,172

#47 –Creighton University

Online Master of Education

Omaha, Nebraska

Website
Points: 7

Creighton University offers an online master’s in education with specializations in School Administration and Teacher Leadership. This program requires students to have at least two years of previous teaching experience. It also requires a two-day visit to campus for orientation.

After this, the program is completely online. Jesuit tradition has a major influence on curriculum, so this program is especially useful to individuals who plan to work in religious schools. Most students complete this master’s in education program in three years.

Tuition & Fees: $16,664

#46 –Wright State University

Online Master of Education

Dayton, Ohio

Website
Points: 7

The only online master’s in education program offered by Wright State University is an MEd in Educational Leadership. This program includes separate Teacher Leader and Principal tracks, which allow students to take courses relevant to their career goals.

Both tracks are designed for individuals with prior teaching experience and are flexible enough that students can continue teaching while completing their degree. Most students complete this MEd online program in as few as 20 months, but students can take more time if needed.

Tuition & Fees: $12,788

#45 –Florida International University

Online Master of Education

Miami, Florida

Website
Points: 7

Florida International University offers online master’s in education programs in Special Education and Curriculum and Instruction. Both programs are completely online and are meant to be completed in one year. These MEd online programs place an emphasis on teaching students to meet the needs of diverse classrooms.

These programs are primarily designed for more experienced teachers, and students must have access to either K-12 teachers or K-12 students for the program’s Action Research Project. Not all courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, but the curriculum is still identical to what is offered in person.

Tuition & Fees: $11,097

#44 – University of Georgia

Online Master of Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition and Development

Athens, Georgia

Website
Points: 7

Students at the University of Georgia can choose from several online master’s in education programs, including Reading Education, Middle Grades Education, and Workforce Education. All of these programs are designed to be flexible, but still just as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts.

Courses are asynchronous, so students with busy or unusual schedules don’t have to worry about attending livestreamed lectures at specific times. This MEd online program is great for working students who want a challenge but still need the flexibility of an online program.

Tuition & Fees: $10,750

#43 –Georgia State University

Online Master of Education

Atlanta, Georgia

Website
Points: 7

Distance students at Georgia State University can choose from multiple online master’s in education programs such as Mathematics Education, Instructional Design and Technology, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. All of these programs can be completed without any visits to campus, though some programs do require a practicum.

Most courses are asynchronous, so students can access course material at their convenience. Master’s in education online courses are also taught by the same high-quality faculty who teach on-campus.

Tuition & Fees: $9,004

#42 –University of South Carolina

Online Master of Education

Columbia, South Carolina

Website
Points: 8

The University of South Carolina offers four online master’s in education programs: Teaching, Educational Technology, Educational Administration, and Higher Education Business Administration. Most of these programs allow students to customize their education either through different tracks or electives.

All students are required to visit campus for orientation, but afterward most students can complete the degree completely online. Students should also note that all master’s of education online programs consist of a blend of synchronous and asynchronous formats.

This and the in-person requirement may make the program less ideal for some students, but other students may not mind sacrificing some flexibility for a higher amount of interactivity.

Tuition & Fees: $12,784

#41 – University of Albany—SUNY

Online Master of Education

Albany, New York

Website
Points: 8

Distance students at the University of Albany–SUNY can choose from four different online master’s in education programs: Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, Childhood Education, Reading, and Early Childhood Education. While this is a more limited selection than what many other schools offer, what the university lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality.

Only UAlbany’s most well-designed and well-established on-campus programs have been developed into online programs. All master’s in education online programs are asynchronous and taught by the same expert faculty who teach on campus.

Tuition & Fees: $12,477

#40 – Florida State University

Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Tallahassee, Florida

Points: 8

Florida State University’s College of Education offers four online master’s in education degrees: Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Learning and Cognition, and Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, and can be completed in two to four years.

All of the master’s of education online programs are primarily asynchronous. However, the Curriculum and Instruction program includes some synchronous activities, such as real-time discussions. A hybrid format is also available to on-campus students who want to take both online and in-person courses.

Tuition & Fees: $11,543

#39 –Arizona State University

Online Master of Education

Tempe, Arizona

Website
Points: 8

Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College offers online master’s in education degree programs in Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership. All of these programs can be completed with no visits to campus, but they do have a field experience requirement.

The Curriculum and Instruction program is the most academically flexible, with five different concentrations. However, the other two MEd online programs are broad enough that the material applies to the career goals of most students.

Tuition & Fees: $11,304

#38 –Regis University

Online Master of Education

Denver, Colorado

Website
Points: 8

Distance students at Regis University can choose from several online master’s in education programs, including Educational Leadership, Special Education, and Teaching the Linguistically Diverse. All programs can be completed entirely online and integrate Jesuit ideals.

Most programs are open to beginner teachers, but the Educational Leadership program requires students to have at least three years of experience in a school district. Most students complete their master’s in education online degree in roughly two years, but they may take up to six years if needed.

Tuition & Fees: $10,800

#37 –Indiana University—Bloomington

Online Master of Education

Bloomington, Indiana

Website
Points: 8

Indiana University–Bloomington’s School of Education offers five online master’s in education degree programs, including Special Education, Instructional Systems Technology, and Adult Education. All of these programs can be completed entirely online, and courses are asynchronous to accommodate busy students.

Most students complete their degree in two and a half years, but students who need a slower pace have up to seven years to finish. Students also enjoy the same quality of education as on-campus students, as all master’s in education online courses are taught by the same faculty that teach on-campus.

Tuition & Fees: $9,743

#36 – University of Iowa

Online Master of Education

Iowa City, Iowa

Website
Points: 8

The University of Iowa offers online master’s in education programs in Educational Measurement and Statistics, Learning Sciences, and Educational Leadership. All programs are designed for individuals who have previous teaching experience. However, the Educational Leadership program is the only program that strictly requires previous experience.

These master’s of education online programs also allow some customization based on students’ goals, but the Learning Sciences program has the most flexibility. Courses are synchronous, so students enjoy an especially interactive online learning experience.

Tuition & Fees: $9,693

#35 –Ohio University

Online Master of Education

Athens, Ohio

Website
Points: 8

The College of Education at Ohio University offers four online master’s in education programs: Coaching Education, Curriculum and Education, Recreation and Sport Sciences: Soccer Coaching Track, and Reading Education. The Curriculum and Instruction program and Reading Education programs can be completed entirely online, but both coaching programs require short residencies.

Outside of these residencies, students enjoy a very flexible education with primarily asynchronous courses. All of these master’s in education online programs are designed with experienced teachers and coaches in mind, so beginners may want to find a different program.

Tuition & Fees: $9,510

#34 – University of Houston

Online Master’s in Education

Houston, Texas

Website
Points: 8

The University of Houston offers online master’s in education programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education, and Special Populations. Two of these programs—Curriculum and Instruction and Special Populations—include separate tracks for different specializations. This wide variety of programs and specialization options ensures that students can take courses that are specific to their career goals.

The master’s in education online programs are also flexible in terms of schedule. Courses are offered in an asynchronous format, so students can access recorded lectures and other materials at any time.

Tuition & Fees: $9,074

#33 –Colorado State University

Online Master of Education

Greenwood Village, Colorado
Points: 8

Colorado State University offers an online master’s in education in Teaching and Learning. This program is designed to be broad. However, it does include an Education Leadership Concentration, and well as Math Teaching and Science Teaching licensure options.

Students also have the option of customizing their education through specializations, which consist of four courses in the student’s chosen area. All MEd online courses are asynchronous, and the program is completely online, so students don’t have to compromise other responsibilities to complete their education.

Tuition & Fees: $9,000

#32 –Georgia Southern University

Online Master of Education

Statesboro, Georgia

Website
Points: 8

Students at Georgia Southern University can choose from more than ten online master’s in education programs. Available programs include Reading Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Instructional Technology.

These programs vary in the amount of previous experience needed, as well as the time required to complete them. However, these master’s of education online programs do have some things in common. For example, all programs can be completed entirely online, and all courses are delivered in an asynchronous format.

Tuition & Fees: $8,728

#31 –Lamar University

Online Master of Education

Beaumont, Texas

Website
Points: 8

Students at Lamar University can choose from four online master’s in education programs: Education Administration, Teacher Leadership, Education Technology Leadership, and Digital Learning and Leading. These programs are primarily designed for experienced teachers who want to enter leadership positions in the field of education.

Because students in these programs typically have busy schedules, the program is meant to be flexible in terms of scheduling. All master’s in education online programs can be completed entirely online, and courses are delivered in an asynchronous format.

Tuition & Fees: $7,898

#30 –University of San Diego

Online Master of Education

San Diego, California

Website
Points: 9

The University of San Diego offers five online master’s in education programs, including Literacy and Digital Learning, School Leadership, and Inclusive Learning. These programs are designed for practicing K-12 teachers who have a minimum of two years of experience.

Because MEd online students have busy schedules, the programs are designed to be flexible in terms of scheduling. Courses are asynchronous, and students have up to six years to graduate, though many take only two years to finish.

Tuition & Fees: $25,192

#29 – St. John’s University

Online Master of Education

Queens, New York

Points: 9

The School of Education at St. John’s University offers online master’s in education programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: Pre K-12, School Building Leadership, and Teaching Children with Disabilities in Childhood Education. Courses are asynchronous, but students still have opportunities to interact with faculty and peers through forum discussion and document sharing.

The School Building Leadership program requires at least one year of prior teaching experience. However, the other two MEd online programs are accessible to beginner teachers.

Tuition & Fees: $24,264

#28 – Penn State University—World Campus

Online Master’s in Education: Curriculum & Instruction

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website
Points: 9

Penn State University–World Campus offers eight different online master’s in education programs. Many of these programs, including Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership also allow students to choose from multiple tracks. This wide variety of programs and customization options ensures that all students have course options that are relevant to their specialization.

Students also enjoy flexibility in terms of scheduling, as all courses are offered in an asynchronous format. This master’s of education online program is great for students who want a high level of specialization but don’t want to give up the flexibility of an online format.

Tuition & Fees: $19,832

#27 – Michigan State University

Online Master of Arts in Education

East Lansing, Michigan

Website
Points: 9

Michigan State University’s College of Education offers multiple online master’s in education programs, including Educational Technology, Teaching and Curriculum, and Special Education. The Special Education program and the more general Education program both include concentration areas, which allow students to tailor their education to their needs.

All programs are designed to be not only flexible but also challenging. They are also intended to accommodate both experienced teachers and beginner teachers. This master’s of education online program is great for individuals who want a rigorous education but don’t want to give up the flexibility needed to keep working full-time.

Tuition & Fees: $16,122

#26 – University of Florida

Online Master’s in Education

Gainesville, Florida

Website
Points: 9

The University of Florida offers several online master’s in education programs. These include Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and Special Education. All of these programs are cohort-based and asynchronous.

The asynchronous format allows students to access course material at their convenience, which gives working students the flexibility they need to get their education without neglecting their job responsibilities.

All courses for the MEd online are also taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus, so students don’t have to worry about receiving a lower-quality education than their on-campus counterparts.

Tuition & Fees: $12,737

#25 –Old Dominion University

Online Master of Education

Norfolk, Virginia

Website
Points: 9

Old Dominion University boasts a long history of educating distance students and an impressive selection of online master’s in education programs. Available programs include Special Education, School Librarianship, and Educational Leadership. Many of these programs have different tracks for different specializations or different types of licensure.

Master’s of education online courses are delivered in a variety of formats. Most courses are either primarily asynchronous or primarily synchronous and delivered online, but military-specific programs can be delivered through portable media such as DVDs.

Tuition & Fees: $11,136

#24 –University of Alaska—Anchorage

Online Master of Education

Anchorage, Alaska

Website
Points: 9

The University of Alaska–Anchorage offers multiple online master’s in education programs, including Early Childhood Special Education, Counselor Education, and Educational Leadership. One of the most unique aspects of UAA’s programs is its focus on education, which relates to the unique environment of Alaska.

However, the programs are still broad enough to apply to education in other states. Most master’s of education online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and most faculty have roughly four years of experience teaching online.

Tuition & Fees: $10,542

#23 –McKendree University

Online Master of Education

Lebanon, Illinois

Website
Points: 9

McKendree University offers a single online master’s in education degree program. However, students in this program can choose from two majors, Higher Education Administrative Services and Curriculum Design and Instruction, as well as a Middle School Endorsement.

These programs are primarily designed for students who already have some experience teaching, but want to advance their career or improve their teaching skills. The university keeps the needs of these busy students in mind by making its programs flexible enough to meet their needs.

Courses are asynchronous, all programs are entirely online, and students have up to seven years to complete their master’s in education online degree.

Tuition & Fees: $9,016

#22 –West Virginia University

Online Master of Education

Morgantown, West Virginia

Website
Points: 9

West Virginia University offers multiple online master’s in education programs, including Special Education, Instructional Design and Technology, and Secondary Science Education. These programs vary in terms of schedule flexibility. Some programs do not require residencies but require students to participate in synchronous courses.

Other programs are completely asynchronous but include a short residency. This may make these master’s of education online programs less ideal for students who have unusual schedules or live far from campus, but it provides a great opportunity for students to interact with faculty and peers.

Tuition & Fees: $8,568

#21 –University of Texas—Arlington

Online Master of Education

Arlington, Texas

Website
Points: 9

The University of Texas–Arlington offers an online master’s in education program in Curriculum and Instruction and an MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. The Curriculum and Instruction program has multiple emphases, including Science Education and Literacy Studies. These programs are designed primarily for more experienced educators who want to improve their teaching or move into an administrative position.

Master’s of education online courses are taught by faculty with doctoral degrees and practical experience in the subject they teach. Students can earn their degree in as few as 18 months, but they can take up to seven years if necessary.

Tuition & Fees: $8,517

#20 –California State University—Fullerton

Online Master of Education

Fullerton, California

Website
Points: 9

The College of Education at California State University–Fullerton offers six completely online master’s in education programs and one hybrid master’s program. These programs include Instructional Design and Technology, Special Education, and Educational Technology.

One program, Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, includes several areas of emphasis that students can choose from. The other programs do not have these extra options but still provide enough specialization for students. Students may take up to five years to earn their master’s in education online degree, but most finish in half of that time.

Tuition & Fees: $7,703

#19 – Utah State University

Online Master of Education

Logan, Utah

Website
Points: 9

Utah State University offers an online master’s in education in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences with emphases in e-learning, educational technology, and school library media administration. Students are required to attend a three-day orientation in-person, but after this, students are not required to make any other visits to campus.

All emphases can be completed entirely online, but students are encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities. Most students finish the MEd online program in six semesters or less. However, students have up to six years to complete the degree requirements, which allows them to pursue their education at their own pace.

Tuition & Fees: $6,092

#18 – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Online Master’s in Education

Champaign, Illinois

Website
Points: 10

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers more than 15 online master’s in education programs. This includes unique programs such as Diversity and Equality in Education and Foundations of eLearning in Higher Education, for example.

Most programs are designed for individuals who already have teaching experience but want to increase the quality of their instruction or move into leadership positions. Courses may include both synchronous and asynchronous activities, depending on which MEd online program the student chooses.

Tuition & Fees: $18,041

#17 –New York Institute of Technology

Online Master of Education

Old Westbury, New York

Website
Points: 10

The New York Institute of Technology’s School of Education offers an online master’s in education in Childhood Education, a MS in Adolescence Education, and a MS in Instructional Technology. All degrees include different tracks to accommodate students’ career goals. Online students are encouraged to collaborate with their on-campus counterparts. However, this is not mandatory, and no visits to campus are required.

Most courses are asynchronous, but some include synchronous activities. One of the most unique aspects of these master’s in education online programs is their focus on technology in education. This makes them ideal for individuals interested in integrating technology into their teaching.

Tuition & Fees: $12,784

#16 – Northern Illinois University

Online Master’s in Education: Instructional Technology

DeKalb, Illinois

Website
Points: 10

The College of Education at Northern Illinois University offers online master’s in education programs in Instructional Technology, Educational Research and Evaluation, and School Business Management. It also offers a hybrid program in Educational Administration.

The Educational Research and Evaluation program is the only one of these that allows students to choose from multiple tracks.

Most of the students in these master’s in education online programs are employed, so the university has designed the programs with the needs of busy students in mind. Almost all courses are asynchronous, but students should note that a few courses include some synchronous activities.

Tuition & Fees: $12,362

#15 –James Madison University

Online Master of Education

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Website
Points: 10

James Madison University offers an online master’s in education program with different tracks for PK-12 teachers and adult/higher education. Both of these tracks are designed for students with experience in a relevant field and experience with technology.

Courses are taught by the same highly-qualified faculty who teach on campus, so students can enjoy the flexibility of the online format without sacrificing quality. This master’s of education online program typically takes only three years to complete, but students are given twice that amount of time if needed.

Tuition & Fees: $10,416

#14 –Kansas State University

Online Master of Education

Manhattan, Kansas

Website
Points: 10

Kansas State University’s College of Education offers five online master’s in education degree programs: Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Adult and Continuing Education, Academic Advising, and Teaching K-6. Most programs are designed for individuals who already have experience in education, and most do not offer many content customization options.

The Curriculum and Instruction program and Academic Advising Program do include specialization options. Master’s in education online students are given up to six years to complete their degree, though most are able to finish in only two years.

Tuition & Fees: $9,972

#13 –San Diego State University

Online Master of Arts in Education

San Diego, California

Website
Points: 10

San Diego State University’s College of Education offers two online master’s in education programs: an MAT in Elementary Education and Secondary Education and an MA in Educational Leadership with a specialization in PreK-12. The Educational Leadership program is a cohort designed for experienced teachers and administrators who want to advance their careers.

Elementary and secondary education are more beginner-friendly but require students to have a teaching credential. Courses in both of these master’s in education online programs are delivered in an asynchronous format, and the programs are completely online, so busy students don’t have to worry about neglecting family or work responsibilities while completing their education.

Tuition & Fees: $8,242

#12 –University of Arkansas—Fayetteville

Online Master of Education

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Website
Points: 10

Distance students at the University of Arkansas–Fayetteville can choose from six different online master’s in education programs, including Physical Education, Educational Technology, and Educational Leadership.

Most courses in these programs are not taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. However, they are designed by the on-campus departments and taught by faculty with an average of eight years of experience teaching online. Most MEd online students earn their degree in as few as two years, though more time is afforded to students if needed.

Tuition & Fees: $8,096

#11 –University of Colorado—Denver

Online Master of Arts in Education

Denver, Colorado

Website
Points: 10

The University of Colorado–Denver offers multiple online master’s in education programs, either completely online or in a hybrid format. These programs include Curriculum and Instruction, Information and Learning, and Early Childhood Education.

Most of this program also includes multiple concentrations. All online courses are asynchronous, so students can access the coursework and lectures at any time. This master’s of education online program is great for full-time teachers who need the flexibility of an online or hybrid program to complete their education.

Tuition & Fees: $7,804

#10 –University of Dayton

Online Master of Education

Dayton, Ohio

Points: 11

The University of Dayton offers several online master’s in education degree programs, including Technology-Enhanced Learning, Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy, and Educational Leadership.

All of these programs boast individualized attention from faculty and highly interactive courses. All programs can be taken online in an asynchronous format, but some programs also allow students to take some courses in-person on campus.

Many students may prefer this university for its unique MEd online programs and concentrations, which may not be found at many other schools, such as Transdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and Catholic School Leadership.

Tuition & Fees: $15,764

#9 –University of Cincinnati

Online Master of Education

Cincinnati, Ohio

Points: 11

Online students at the University of Cincinnati can choose from multiple online master’s in education programs, including Curriculum and Instruction, Foundations of Behavioral Analysis, and Special Education.

These programs are flexible and allow students to customize their education based on their career goals. The programs are also flexible in regard to scheduling.

Courses are asynchronous, and there is no residency requirement, so students who can’t get away from work or have unusual schedules have the freedom to access all materials at their convenience. However, just because the online format is more flexible doesn’t mean that it is also easier.

All master’s in education online programs are just as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts.

Tuition & Fees: $14,468

#8 – University of Massachusetts–Lowell

Online Master’s in Education

Lowell, Massachusetts

Website
Points: 11

The University of Massachusetts–Lowell offers three online master’s in education programs: Reading and Language, Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Administration. All of these programs are designed for individuals who already have experience in K-12 education. They are also typically taken as non-licensure programs.

However, the Educational Administration and Reading and Language programs include concentrations specifically for Massachusetts teachers who want to pursue licensure. All of these master’s in education online programs use a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities, and interactivity is a priority.

Tuition & Fees: $13,799

#7 – Auburn University

Online Master’s in Education

Auburn, Alabama

Website
Points: 11

Auburn University offers six online master’s in education programs, including Elementary Education, Agriscience Education, and Adult Education. Many of these programs allow students to choose between an MEd that leads to certification and an MS without certification. Programs include a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses.

This gives students plenty of flexibility but also gives them the opportunity to enjoy the extra interactivity that a synchronous format provides.

Some of these master’s in education online programs also include a required internship, which allows students to gain hands-on experience not usually available through distance education.

Tuition & Fees: $10,418

#6 –Texas Tech University

Online Master of Education

Lubbock, Texas

Website
Points: 11

Texas Tech University offers multiple online master’s in education programs, including Special Education, Higher Education, and Instructional Technology. The amount of flexibility given to students varies greatly depending on the program.

For instance, most programs do not require students to enroll in a certain number of courses each semester, but the Higher Education program requires students to take six credit hours per semester.

Similarly, most of these master’s of education online programs are completely online, but some emphases in the Special Education program require visits to campus.

Tuition & Fees: $7,390

#5 –Drexel University

Online Master of Education

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website
Points: 12

Online students at Drexel University can choose from multiple online master’s in education programs, including Creativity and Innovation, Global and International Education, Learning Technologies, and Special Education. All programs are designed to be as identical as possible to their on-campus counterparts in terms of curriculum and interaction.

Another interesting aspect of Drexel’s online programs is the “Digital Dragon Community.” This online forum allows students to network and collaborate with fellow students even though they aren’t on campus.

This program is great for students who need the flexibility of an MEd online program, but the rigorous curriculum and strong community of an in-person program.

Tuition & Fees: $31,519

#4 –George Mason University

Online Master of Education

Fairfax, Virginia

Website
Points: 12

George Mason University offers three online master’s in education programs: Curriculum and Instruction, Education Leadership, and Special Education. The Curriculum and Education program and the Education Leadership program both include different concentrations.

However, many of these are only available in a hybrid format as opposed to completely online, so students who will not be able to visit campus should be sure their preferred concentration can be completed entirely online.

All courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and most master’s in education online students graduate in under two years.

Tuition & Fees: $13,304

#3 –University of South Florida

Online Master of Education

Tampa, Florida

Points: 12

Distance students at the University of South Florida can choose from nine different online master’s in education programs, including Reading K-12, Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, and Special Education.

The amount of customization available to students varies by program. For example, most of these programs are designed to be taken entirely online.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages allows students to choose between completely online and hybrid formats. Similarly, most of the master’s of education online programs do not have separate tracks for different concentrations, but the Special Education program includes four different specializations.

Tuition & Fees: $10,428

#2 –Texas A&M University—College Station

Online Master of Education

College Station, Texas

Website
Points: 13

Texas A&M University–College Station offers multiple online master’s in education programs for its distance students, including Educational Technology, School Counseling, Bilingual Education, and Generalist Education. All programs are designed to be challenging and are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus.

Course format varies by program. Some programs use a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses, but others only use an asynchronous format. Similarly, some of the master’s in education online programs allow students to customize their education through different tracks or electives, while others don’t give students as much flexibility.

Tuition & Fees: $8,656

#1 –Purdue University

Online Master of Science in Education

West Lafayette, Indiana

Website
Points: 14

Purdue University offers online master’s in education programs in Special Education and Learning Design and Technology. These programs have been highly ranked by multiple publications, including The Princeton Review and The Wall Street Journal. The Special Education program includes different tracks for students who want different types of licensure, such as advanced licensure and intense-intervention only licensure.

Distance students are welcome to visit campus, but both MEd online programs can be completed entirely online. Both programs also deliver course material in an asynchronous format in order to accommodate students with work or family obligations.

Tuition & Fees: $10,002

Sources: NCES College Navigator

By CVO Staff

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This concludes our ranking of the 50 top value online master’s in education programs.