For California educators and career changes, an online Master of Education (MEd) offers a flexible way to advance your career without stepping away from work. Below, explore top California programs, in-demand specializations, costs, and common questions.
Author: Angela Myers, BA
Expertise: Graduate Ed.BusinessSocial WorkEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields of Study in California
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Master’s in Education Online Programs in California
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Inside California’s Popular Online MEd Programs
University of Southern California (USC)
USC’s Rossier School of Education offers multiple online MEd programs emphasizing equity, innovation, and leadership. Students participate in live online classes led by USC faculty, paired with interactive coursework.
Programs span specialties such as TESOL, higher education administration, and school counseling, making USC a strong option for educators and aspiring leaders nationwide.
Program Spotlight: MEd in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
Duration: 1 year
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $2,354 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Résumé or CV
University of San Diego (USD)
The University of San Diego offers a fully online, asynchronous MEd designed for working K–12 educators. Coursework can be completed on your schedule, making it ideal for full-time teachers.
The curriculum covers educational theory with concentrations in inclusive learning, instructional technology, leadership, and curriculum design, often with an emphasis on equity and social justice.
Program Spotlight: Master of Education (Online)
Duration: 20 months
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $735 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.75 GPA)
- Two years of teaching experience
- Résumé detailing K-12 experience
- Two letters of recommendation
- Classroom access for applied assignments
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
CSU Fullerton offers specialized fully online master’s programs in education for teachers seeking advancement. Popular areas include special education, instructional design, literacy, curriculum and instruction, and educational technology.
Programs emphasize practical application and technology integration, and some allow students to pursue bilingual authorization alongside the degree.
Program Spotlight: MS in Instructional Design and Technology
Duration: 2 years
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $483.34 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Personal statement
- Résumé or CV
Top Fields of Study for California MEd Graduates
Earning an MEd can prepare you for leadership roles in various high-demand education fields. Below are five top specializations for education master’s students in California, chosen for their strong job outlook, return on investment (ROI), and relevance to the state’s education needs.
Special Education
Special education remains a high-need field in California, with persistent statewide shortages.
An online MEd in Special Education builds expertise in inclusive instruction, assessment, and intervention. Salaries are strong — averaging $82,000 (elementary) and up to $99,000 (high school) — and districts often offer stipends or tuition support. Graduates may also advance into specialist or district-level leadership roles.
Educational Leadership
Educational leadership prepares educators for roles such as assistant principal, principal, or district administrator.
Programs emphasize school law, finance, and instructional leadership and often align with California’s Administrative Services Credential. With ongoing administrator retirements, demand remains high, and California principals earn a median salary of $115,291.
Curriculum & Instruction
Curriculum and instruction specialists help districts respond to evolving state standards and diverse student needs.
Graduates work as instructional coaches or curriculum coordinators and earn an average salary of $62,481 in California. An online MEd in Curriculum & Instruction also supports roles in professional development and district-wide instructional planning.
Reading & Literacy (Including Bilingual Education)
California’s focus on early literacy and multilingual learners creates strong demand for reading specialists and literacy coaches.
Graduates may work as interventionists, literacy coordinators, or bilingual specialists, often earning stipends or higher placement on salary schedules. These roles offer solid ROI and meaningful student impact.
Read our guide about the top online MEd programs in reading and literacy.
Educational Technology
Educational technology continues to expand rapidly across California.
An online MEd in Educational Technology prepares graduates to serve as instructional designers, technology coaches, or digital learning specialists. Skills are transferable beyond K–12 into higher education, corporate training, and nonprofit or government roles.
Accreditation for California Online MEd Programs
Accreditation confirms program quality and credential recognition.
- Regional accreditation is essential for financial aid eligibility, employer recognition, and credit transfer.
- Many California universities are accredited by WASC.
- Education programs may also hold CAEP accreditation.
- Programs leading to licensure must be approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Always verify both institutional and credential approval before enrolling.
Types of Online MEd Programs in California
Online MEd programs in California come in various formats to suit different needs. Whether you want to accelerate your studies or balance school with work and family, you can find a program structure that fits.
Below, we detail each type and what to expect, along with examples of online programs in the state.
Full-Time Programs
- Completion in 12-18 months
- 3-4 courses per term
- Faster graduation, heavier workload
Examples in CA:
- USC Rossier — MEd in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
- University of San Diego — MEd
Part-Time Programs
- 1-2 courses at a time
- Completion in 2-3 years
- Designed for working educators
Examples in CA:
- San Diego State University — Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- National University — MEd in Inspired Teaching and Learning
No GRE Programs
Many California online MEd programs waive the GRE, evaluating applicants based on:
- GPA
- Professional experience
- Recommendations and personal statements
Examples in CA:
- USC Rossier School of Education — MEd in Postsecondary Administration & Student Affairs Programs
- California State University, Fullerton — Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
Accelerated Programs
- Short 5-8 week terms or year-round study
- Completion in ~12 months
- Intensive pacing
Examples in CA:
- California Baptist University — MS in Education
- USC Rossier — MEd in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
Cost of Online MEd Programs in California
Costs vary widely by institution.
- Public universities: Often under $20,000 total (in state)
- Private universities: Significantly higher tuition
Online students usually pay the same tuition as on-campus students but save on relocation and commuting.
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| USC Rossier | 30 | $2,354 | $70,620 |
| University of San Diego | 30 | $735 | $22,050 |
| CSU Fullerton | 30 | $483 | $14,500 |
FAQs from California Online MEd Students
Q: Are online MEd degrees respected by employers and school districts in California?
Yes — online MEd degrees from accredited California institutions are valued the same as on-campus degrees. School districts prioritize accreditation, curriculum quality, and field experience, not delivery format.
Many top California universities offer education degrees online, and diplomas typically do not indicate how the degree was earned.
Q: Will an online MEd program lead to teaching or administrative credentials in California?
Not automatically. An MEd is an academic degree, while credentials are issued separately by the CTC.
Some programs include coursework aligned with credentials, such as the Administrative Services Credential, but candidates usually must pass exams and apply separately. If you need initial licensure, look for programs explicitly designed for that purpose.
Q: How long does it take to finish an online MEd program in California?
Most programs take 1–3 years, depending on format.
- Full-time or accelerated programs: ~12 months
- Part-time programs: ~2 years
- Flexible pacing may extend to 3 years
Your workload, employment status, and program structure all affect timeline.
Q: Will earning an MEd increase my salary or career options?
In most cases, yes. California teachers with a master’s degree earn more than those with only a bachelor’s, often moving up a salary column.
An MEd also qualifies graduates for roles such as instructional coach, department chair, assistant principal, or principal, many of which offer six-figure salaries in California.
Q: Do I need to have teaching experience to apply?
It depends on the program. Many MEd programs prefer or require teaching experience, especially those focused on K–12 practice.
Other specializations — such as higher education, educational administration, instructional design, or education policy — often welcome applicants from non-teaching backgrounds. Career changers should highlight transferable experience like training, leadership, or educational support work.