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An online master's in secondary education helps you develop advanced pedagogical insights or teaching skills. Educators working with middle and high school students often benefit from these programs.
Master's degrees are becoming more popular with teachers, as shown by a 2023 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report. The NCES found that from the 2011-2012 to the 2020-2021 school years, the number of U.S. public school teachers with master's degrees rose from 48% to 51%.
As teachers earn advanced degrees at higher rates, an online master's in secondary education can help you keep pace. Explore tips on what to expect from programs and how to choose the right learning opportunity in this helpful guide.
Popular Online Secondary Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Master's Degrees in Secondary Education
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
Ball State University
Muncie, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $451
Out-of-State | $676
Credits to Graduate: 30
Ball State University's MA in secondary education helps students develop skills in curriculum development, educational technology, and research. The fully online degree includes foundational, research, and concentration courses.
Attendees can choose from four pathways: education core, secondary teaching licensure, dual credit teaching credential, and teaching of a content. Individuals looking to obtain initial teaching licensure can choose the secondary teaching concentration.
#2 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 36
University of Louisiana at Monroe's master of arts in teaching secondary education assists non-education bachelor's degree-holders to obtain teaching skills. Graduates qualify for Louisiana state teaching licensure for grades 6-12. The program belongs to the Teacher Certification Reciprocity Agreement, which allows each graduate to pursue a license in 41 states.
Attendees choose from eight concentrations, including biology, math, and physics. Individuals interested in helping special needs students can pursue dual certification in mild-to-moderate special education.
#3 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,500
Out-of-State | $5,000
Credits to Graduate: 36
McNeese State University masters of arts in teaching with various available concentrations, including chemistry, biology, French, and mathematics. Students can complete the program through online or hybrid delivery to receive initial teaching certification. Each prospective student must have a 2.5 minimum undergraduate GPA and pass a content-specific exam for the area they wish to teach.
The curriculum consists of mostly pre-set classes, many requiring field experience hours. Students must complete a residency program chosen by the attendee or the school.
#4 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $707
Out-of-State | $707
Credits to Graduate: 30
Western Kentucky University offers a master of education in advanced teacher education with concentrations in secondary education, chemistry, history, and more. The advanced teacher education program aims to create professionals with classroom management skills and focus area knowledge. Applicants must already hold teaching licensure for admission.
The secondary education curriculum includes 15 core and 15 concentration credits. Each enrollee must complete a capstone project in a school setting.
#5 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $421
Out-of-State | $421
Credits to Graduate: 33
The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers an M.Ed. program with multiple concentration options, including secondary education, reading education, and autism spectrum disorders. The secondary education concentration focuses on grades 6-12 across six disciplines.
Courses include project-based learning, curriculum in secondary education, and three discipline-specific classes. Attendees must complete action research projects, which require faculty approval and presentations.
#6 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $277
Out-of-State | $277
Credits to Graduate: 36
Georgia Southern University's graduate degree in secondary education uses a fully online environment to explore educational theories, develop research skills, and enhance student performance. Attendees can choose from concentrations in biology, economics, and history.
An applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, complete a statement of purpose, and submit a disclosure form. Individuals holding a Georgia level four certificate will qualify for a level five certificate upon completion of the program.
#7 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $288
Out-of-State | $288
Credits to Graduate: 36
Georgia College and State University master's degree in secondary education teaches the importance of classroom technology, literacy skills, and diversity. The program focuses on individuals with education degrees but without teaching certification.
Each student must hold a degree or have completed relevant coursework in one of the program's concentrations, including math, political science, or history. Most of the specializations focus on teaching grades 6-12, while the art, French, and Spanish concentrations prepare graduates to teach grades P-12. Enrollees must complete fieldwork and internships.
#8 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $695
Out-of-State | $695
Credits to Graduate: 39-42
Citadel Military College of South Carolina's MA in secondary education focuses on prospective teachers without current licenses. Graduates receive recommendations for licensure.
Attendees choose from five concentrations, including biology, English, and math. An enrollee can skip the required psychology course if they have completed an undergraduate psychology class. Students must find internships, which they can complete after finishing coursework and 75 hours of field experience in public schools.
#9 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $363
Out-of-State | $820
Credits to Graduate: 36
University of Nebraska at Omaha's secondary education graduate program assists certified teachers in gaining additional instructional skills and knowledge. The program provides fully online and hybrid options. This online degree uses synchronous and asynchronous courses, with synchronous classes occurring one weekend each month.
Online attendees can choose from six concentrations, including English as a second language, school library, and instructional technology leadership. All enrollees must complete capstone projects, which require a presentation.
#10 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $845
Out-of-State | $845
Credits to Graduate: 30
Saint Joseph's University provides an MS in secondary education that teaches psychology, instructional methods, and assessment techniques. Enrollees can complete the fully online program remotely, except for in-person student teaching and field experience requirements. Attendees can access online academic advising, field placement support, and career services.
Enrollees choose from five concentrations, including English, math, and social studies. The eight-course curriculum does not include the option to choose electives but includes a secondary student teaching experience. Graduates qualify to pursue level one instructional licensure.
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Did You Know...
According to the National Education Association (NEA), teachers with master's degrees command 7.6% higher starting salaries than peers with only a bachelor's.
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Secondary Education
Master's in secondary education programs differ in their objectives. Some target educators working toward non-licensure careers, while others equip certified teachers with advanced credentials. As you research programs, make sure they match your long-term career goals.
Degrees geared toward educators on non-licensure career tracks aim to build deeper skills with broader professional perspectives. Licensure-track degrees include more rigorous coverage of pedagogy, assessment methods, classroom management, and adjacent topics. Programs focused on licensure may alternately concentrate on building subject-specific or specialist teaching expertise.
In both cases, master's degrees typically cover about 30-36 credits. Some programs go higher, extending into the 48-60 credit range. If you study full time, you can usually complete your degree in about 18-24 months.
According to the NCES Data Lab, graduate students in education programs at schools offering fully online instruction paid an average of $5,187 in tuition and fees in 2020. However, tuition rates may vary significantly among institutions.
Popular Courses
The courses you'll encounter in your curriculum depend on the program's objectives and underlying academic philosophy. Also, note that some master's programs function as alternative routes to teacher certification for students with non-education bachelor's degrees. These programs will feature student teaching components, which you'll need to complete in person.
Despite these caveats, many master's in education online programs cover similar subjects. Here's a sample of commonly required courses:
Child and Adolescent Development
This course, rooted in developmental psychology, focuses on education-related aspects of child and adolescent development. It explores cognitive, physical, and social developmental indicators through theory and applied research.
Classroom Management and Behavioral Support
In secondary settings, educators draw on targeted classroom management strategies. This course introduces multiple strategic approaches and builds student proficiency with best practices for using them. It also examines positive behavior intervention techniques to prevent academic failure.
Critical Secondary Education Issues
Learning and teaching processes are affected by external socioeconomic factors. This course builds awareness and sensitivity for these issues, examining their everyday effects on public school classrooms.
Educational Assessments for Secondary Students
Coursework delves into techniques for assessing learning and knowledge retention in secondary students. In addition to relevant theories and common practices, this class also considers institutional policy and how it affects assessment standards and learning outcomes.
Secondary School Teaching Strategies
In this course, learners explore teaching methods for secondary students. Covered instructional strategies may include elaboration, interweaving, retrieval practice, spaced practice, and other evidence-based techniques.
Degree and Specialization Options
Master's degrees in education typically lead to master of arts (MA) or master of education (M.Ed.) designations. Both cover similar material, but M.Ed. programs tend to place more emphasis on technical teaching skills.
When you pursue a master's in secondary education online, you can choose from generalist or specialized programs. Generalist tracks focus on versatile, broadly applicable skills. They may cover specialized topics but with a limited scope or through electives. Examples of these concentrations include:
English as a Second Language
ESL teachers specialize in helping English language-learners. They focus on teaching techniques for developing proficiency and building confidence with listening, speaking, reading, and writing the English language. In the United States, ESL teachers frequently work with immigrant populations.
Instructional Design
The instructional design specialization focuses on innovative and creative ways to engage students in classroom learning. In the 21st century, the field has become increasingly centered on integrating digital and networked technologies into public school classrooms. You can use insights from this course beyond the classroom as a curriculum developer.
Special Education
Special education concentrations train teachers to work with students with emotional, intellectual, physical, and/or learning disabilities. Some special education programs focus on particular degrees of disability, such as "mild to moderate" or "moderate to severe." Special education programs may also focus on the unique needs of intellectually gifted students.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for graduation, you'll need to satisfy the program's credit and academic performance requirements. Some online master's in secondary education degrees require learners to earn minimum passing grades, such as a C- or B-, in all required courses. Others may track your cumulative GPA in core coursework, which must remain at or above a specified level.
Programs may also include culminating experiences. Depending on your degree's focus, these components could extend to one or more of the following:
- Capstone, research, or thesis projects
- Clinical experiences
- Field-based observational and/or student teaching components
- Internships
In some states, you may also need to meet special training requirements covering sensitive topics like preventing school violence or standards for identifying and reporting suspected cases of child abuse.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Secondary Education?
Many people who do a master's in secondary education online go on to work as classroom teachers. However, you'll also have other career options after earning this degree. Their pay rates generally align with classroom teachers who have similar credentials.
As you'll see below, many but not all adjacent related jobs involve frontline work with students. The following section includes several available career paths:
Academic Coordinator
Also known as instructional coordinators, academic coordinators develop and implement school curricula. They help create learning materials, plan academic programs, and monitor students' academic outcomes.
Educational Consultant
Educational consultants work for schools or school boards, or as independent professionals. They liaise with students, students' families, teachers, and school leadership to improve institutional effectiveness.
- Required Education/Licensure: Master's degree plus multiple years of teaching or administrative experience
- Average Annual Salary: $66,640 (March 2024)
Education Policy Analyst
Policy analyst duties focus on data analysis. These specialists gather and analyze information about educational programs and policies. They evaluate that data to measure the effects of existing policies and/or identify policy proposals with the potential to generate positive outcomes.
- Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's or master's degree in education policy or a related specialization
- Average Annual Salary: $64,060 (March 2024)
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers develop, revise, and update school curricula to reflect current best practices and education standards. They also create learning materials for educational use and make policy recommendations on educational technology integrations.
- Required Education/Licensure: Master's degree in education with a specialized focus on learning or instructional design
- Average Annual Salary: $68,850 (March 2024)
Tutor
Tutors work with students individually or in small groups outside of the classroom. They help students learn and master academic material. Some tutors specialize in preparing secondary students for college entry exams like the SAT/ACT. This career path may appeal to master's degree-holders seeking non-licensed student-facing roles.
- Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's degree
- Median Annual Salary: $36,680
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +3%
Choosing the Right Online Secondary Education Graduate Program
Key considerations for choosing a program include:
- Relevance for your planned career path
- Specialization or concentration options
- School location
- Program costs and financial aid availability
- Post-graduation placement rates
In addition, look closely at each program's curriculum and graduation requirements. If you plan to seek a teaching license, be sure your degree includes face-to-face student teaching components, as required for state licensure.
Accreditation is also critically important. You must attend an accredited institution to ensure employers and other colleges will recognize your credentials. The U.S. Department of Education offers resources to help you research the accreditation status of schools you're considering.
Some programs and departments hold specialized credentials for education degrees. These accreditations may signal elevated levels of academic rigor, quality, or excellence in a specific area.
Examples of these organizations include the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Paying for an Online Master's Degree in Secondary Education
Students often pursue online master's degrees in secondary education to boost their earning power. As this April 2023 NEA report indicates, public schools throughout the United States tend to offer teachers with master's degrees higher salaries.
That extra earning power can come at a price, however. Higher education is expensive, and students often need help meeting their schooling costs. Consider these financial aid options:
Scholarships and fellowships both offer non-repayable forms of financial aid. If you secure these forms of funding, you'll receive a lump-sum award that you can use to meet direct education costs, such as tuition fees. Educational institutions, charities, individual donors, and philanthropic groups provide need-based and merit-based scholarship funding. Fellowships are similar, except that they are primarily available to graduate students and often provide higher awards.
Work-study programs pair school enrollment with a part-time job, usually in a setting related to your degree. As an online master's in secondary education student, you may not have access to campus-based work-study placements unless you live locally. However, some programs support off-campus employment, which might offer you some options.
The federal government's TEACH Grants provide up to $4,000 in funding per academic year. To qualify, you must commit to working full time for at least four years in a lower-income educational setting. If you meet all requirements, your grants are non-repayable. Otherwise, your grants will automatically convert to standard federal student loans.
Each year, you can claim up to $2,000 in credits on your income tax return through the Internal Revenue Service's Lifetime Learning Credit program. Notably, there are no eligibility limits. You can claim the credit during any year in which you paid qualified educational expenses.
By attending an institution accredited by a recognized agency, you will qualify for federal student loans, making institutional accreditation a critical consideration. Private loans can help you fill any leftover funding gaps. However, federal and private loans both create long-term debt, so make sure to use them sparingly.
Questions About Getting a Master's in Secondary Education Online
Do I need to get certified or licensed to teach after earning a master's in secondary education?
Yes. If you plan to become a classroom teacher, you must pursue certification or licensure independently of your degree with the appropriate state-level agency. Master's programs do not automatically lead to teacher certifications or licenses.
What are the benefits of getting a master's in secondary education online?
Master's in secondary education programs with online delivery feature flexible schedules and often incorporate asynchronous learning. This makes it easier for people with busy lifestyles to accommodate their studies. A master's degree can also increase your earning power.
Do I need a bachelor's in education in order to get a master's in education?
Not necessarily — it depends on the school and program. Many universities offer post-bachelor's education programs for learners with non-education degrees. These study paths are one of the major alternative paths to teaching licensure.
Is an online master's in secondary education worth it?
From a financial standpoint, educators with master's degrees often generate strong returns on their investments through access to higher salaries. However, researchers are divided on the question of whether teachers with master's degrees do a better job in the classroom. Some trustworthy sources say they do. Others say a master's degree makes little identifiable difference in teacher effectiveness.
Which professional organizations should I join to help my teaching career?
High-profile national professional organizations for teachers include the NEA and the Association of American Educators. These groups offer extensive professional development resources and excellent networking opportunities.
Next Steps
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed March 25, 2024.