Online master’s in education programs

Key Takeaways

• A master's in education can help you develop research-backed pedagogy, curriculum design, and educational leadership skills.
• Roles in education and leadership pay around $64,000 per year, according to BLS data.
• With an online M.Ed. program on edX, you can strengthen your teaching practice and leadership skills.

Considering a master's degree in education? Read our guide to learn about the degree programs available to educators who want to give their careers a boost.

Jobs you can get with an online master’s in education

An online master's degree in can boost your pedagogical skills, benefit your students, and help you pursue both teaching and non-teaching roles. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over half of public school teachers reported having a master's degree, so earning yours online could help you stay competitive in this field.

Some states require public school teachers to earn a master's in education, while others only require a and teaching license.

Graduates of a master's program in education often qualify for other types of positions, such as instructional coordinators, postsecondary education administrators, and school principals. Explore the table below to learn more about salary expectations for education graduates with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Types of online master’s degrees in education you can pursue

• Master of education (M.Ed.): Master of education programs provide an academically rigorous yet practical option for educators seeking leadership and research-based education roles.
• Master of arts in education (M.A. Ed.): Master of arts in education degrees focus on the more theoretical aspects of pedagogy.
• Master of arts in teaching (MAT): A master of arts in teaching helps prepare elementary, middle, and high school teachers to build classroom skills and subject-specific expertise.
• Master of science in education (M.S. Ed.): A master of science in education can prepare students who are interested in designing cutting-edge learning experiences to pursue specialties like curriculum development and educational technologies.

What you will learn in an online master’s in education program

An online M.Ed. program can offer you the chance to hone your classroom skills and pursue leadership positions. An M.Ed. typically takes two years to complete. The exact credit load of this degree depends on the individual program, but typically students must complete at least 30 credits.

Over the course of an online M.Ed. program, students learn education theory as well as and curriculum design. An M.Ed. degree blends theoretical and practical instruction, which allows graduates to approach their classrooms with deeper understanding and expertise.

Admissions requirements for online master’s in education degree programs

Online M.Ed. program applicants need at least a bachelor's degree and a GPA of 2.5-3.0 or higher. Applicants typically submit:

• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A résumé or
• Proof of English language proficiency
• GRE scores

Many programs also require a personal statement, which allows prospective students to explain why they want to complete a graduate degree in education.

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.