Online Master's in Education: Reviewing Top Georgia Programs

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Updated: 01/09/2026

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Updated: 01/09/2026

In Focus: Online MEd Programs in Georgia

A Look at Georgia’s Top Fields of Study for MEd Grads

After taking a look at online MEd programs, you may be wondering which specializations yield the best opportunities in Georgia. Below are five high-demand fields, chosen for their strong job markets, return on investment (ROI), and impact on Georgia’s education system.

Special Education

Georgia faces a severe shortage of special education teachers, with nearly 1,000 vacancies statewide.

An online MEd in Special Education builds advanced skills for supporting students with disabilities and often leads to certification upgrades and salary increases. Districts frequently offer incentives for special education expertise, making the ROI strong.

Educational Leadership

Educational leadership is a top field for educators aiming to become assistant principals, principals, or district administrators.

Georgia principals earn roughly $100,000 annually on average, and leadership roles are projected to grow statewide. An MEd with Tier I certification offers a clear pathway to higher pay and administrative roles.

STEM Education

Math and science educators remain in high demand across Georgia.

An MEd in STEM education strengthens content knowledge and instructional skills, opening doors to roles such as department head, curriculum specialist, or lead STEM teacher. With Georgia’s expanding tech and research sectors, STEM educators enjoy strong job security and leadership opportunities.

English & Literacy Education

Literacy is a priority area in Georgia, where shortages persist in English language arts and reading specialists.

An MEd in English Education or Reading and Literacy can lead to roles like literacy coach or curriculum coordinator. Expertise in TESOL or reading intervention is especially valuable in Georgia’s diverse school districts.

Elementary Education

Elementary educators form the foundation of Georgia’s education system.

An online MEd in Elementary Education deepens skills in curriculum design, child development, and differentiated instruction. Many districts reward master’s-level teachers with higher pay and Level 5 certification status.

Why Accreditation Matters for Georgia MEd Programs

Accreditation ensures your degree is respected by school districts, certifying agencies, and employers.

At a minimum, look for institutional accreditation from SACSCOC, which covers Georgia universities. Many top programs also hold CAEP accreditation, a mark of excellence in educator preparation.

If licensure or certification upgrades are your goal, confirm the program is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

Online MEd Program Formats in Georgia

Full-Time Programs

• Heavier course loads
• Typically 12–18 months to completion
• Faster career and salary benefits
• Requires strong time management

GA Examples:

• Georgia Southern University — MEd in Elementary Education
• Mercer University — MEd, The Advanced Teacher

Part-Time Programs

• Designed for working educators
• 1–2 courses per term
• Usually 2–3 years to complete
• More manageable weekly workload

GA Examples:

• Middle Georgia State University — MEd, Literacy Focus
• Valdosta State University — MEd in Health & Physical Education

No-GRE Programs

Many Georgia online MEd programs waive the GRE, especially for licensed teachers or applicants with strong GPAs. Admissions focus on:

• Academic history
• Teaching experience
• Letters of recommendation

GA Examples:

• Georgia Southwestern State University — MEd in Special Education
• Kennesaw State University — MEd in Elementary & Early Childhood Education

Accelerated Programs

• Condensed course formats
• Year-round or short-term sessions
• Finish in 12–18 months
• Fast-paced and demanding

GA Examples:

• Georgia Southwestern State University — MEd in Elementary Education
• Georgia Southern University — MEd in Secondary Education

What an Online MEd in Georgia Might Cost

Most Georgia MEd programs require 30–36 credits. Costs depend on tuition per credit and residency status.

Public universities offer lower in-state rates, while some online programs provide flat tuition regardless of residency. Online learning can also reduce commuting and relocation costs.

FAQs for Georgia’s Online MEd Students

Q: Are online MEd degrees respected by school districts in Georgia?

A: Yes, as long as your program is properly accredited and approved, an online MEd holds the same value as one earned on campus. In fact, Georgia school districts routinely hire and promote teachers with online graduate degrees. 

The key is to choose a program accredited by SACSCOC and aligned with the GaPSC standards, as the latter leads to certification upgrades. For example, Kennesaw State’s online MEd is 100% online but meets the professional standards for special education. 

Q: Can I become a certified teacher through an online MEd program in Georgia?

A: The answer depends on your situation. Most MEd programs in Georgia are designed for already-certified teachers to deepen their expertise and thus do not grant initial teaching certification. If you are not yet a certified teacher, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is usually the appropriate path for initial licensure. 

However, some MEd tracks incorporate certification in a new field for those who are already licensed in another area. For instance, KSU’s online special education MEd provides initial special education certification to experienced general education teachers. 

An educational leadership MEd similarly leads to Tier I leadership certification for those who already have a teaching certificate. So, while an online MEd won’t take you from no certificate to classroom-ready in most cases, it can add on certifications.

Q: How long does it take to finish an online MEd in Georgia?

A: The timeline can range from as fast as one year to about three years, depending on the program format and your course load. As seen in the earlier overview of different study formats, accelerated full-time programs can be completed in roughly 12 to 18 months. 

For example, Georgia Southern’s online MEd in Elementary Education is designed to be finished in one year of intensive study. On the other hand, a part-time student who takes one class at a time might spread their MEd over two and a half to three years. 

Many programs offer flexibility, so you can speed up or slow down as needed. Keep in mind that taking summers off will extend your timeline. When planning, also consider any capstone projects or internships, as they may add an extra semester if not integrated into the coursework.

Q: What financial aid or scholarships can help pay for my MEd?

A: You have several options to finance an online MEd in Georgia. First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students can qualify for federal loans and sometimes work-study. 

If you teach in a high-need field or low-income school, look into the Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant and loan forgiveness programs. Many districts offer tuition reimbursement for teachers pursuing advanced degrees, so definitely ask your human resources department. 

You should also consider your scholarship options. Scholarships for educators include those from professional associations like the Georgia Association of Educators. Universities often have their own scholarships or discounts for online students or for alumni. For example, some schools give a tuition reduction to in-state certified teachers. 

Q: Will earning an MEd online increase my salary as a Georgia teacher?

A: In most cases, it will. Georgia public schools use a salary schedule where teachers with a master’s degree (known as a Level 5 certificate) earn more than those with only a bachelor’s (Level 4). Every district’s pay scale is different, but a master’s can yield roughly a 10% to 20% salary bump. 

Beyond the pay scale bump, an MEd can qualify you for roles with supplemental pay, such as lead teacher, department chair, or instructional coach. It’s important that your MEd is in a field related to your teaching assignment for the certificate upgrade, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same subject. Georgia teachers have earned upgrades via curriculum and instruction or technology degrees, for instance, if approved by the GaPSC. 

Top Master’s in Education Online Programs in Georgia