Indiana’s strong demand for qualified educators makes it a solid place to grow your teaching career. An online Master of Education (MEd) in Indiana gives you a flexible, affordable way to advance professionally — whether you want to specialize, move into leadership, or increase your earning potential. This guide highlights top schools, in-demand specializations, and program formats so you can choose with confidence.
- 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 IN
A list of the best schools currently offering the best online and hybrid master’s programs in the state...
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 Indiana
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MEd Spotlights: Popular Indiana Universities
Indiana University (IU) Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington offers a broad portfolio of 15 online graduate education programs through IU Online. Students can pursue MEd-equivalent degrees in areas such as adult education, instructional systems technology, and educational leadership, as well as subject-specific Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs.
All programs are:
- 100% online
- Taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs
- Available in full-time or part-time formats
These programs are designed to support working educators while building advanced instructional and leadership skills.
Featured Program: Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Leadership
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $539 per credit (residency dependent)
Admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.75 GPA)
- Teaching license with classroom experience
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendations
Ball State University
Ball State University is Indiana’s largest teacher-training institution and offers one of the widest selections of online graduate education programs in the country. Through Ball State Online, educators can choose from dozens of MEd or MAEd specializations, including:
- Curriculum & educational technology
- Educational administration and supervision
- Elementary and secondary education
- Special education
Ball State’s Teachers College holds CAEP accreditation, and online courses maintain the same rigor and faculty as on-campus offerings. Flexible scheduling and multiple start dates make these programs accessible to busy professionals.
Featured Program: MAEd in Curriculum and Educational Technology
- Duration: 18 months
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $464 per credit (residency dependent)
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.75 GPA)
- Official transcripts
- Resume
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private Christian university offering practice-focused online MEd programs for working teachers. Programs emphasize leadership, assessment, and classroom impact while allowing students to stay employed full time.
Courses are:
- Asynchronous
- Delivered in 7-day sessions
- Supported by tutoring, tech help, and advising
IWU also offers a tuition guarantee, locking in your rate from start to finish.
Featured Program: MEd in Teacher Leadership: Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction
- Duration: 18 to 24 months
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $499 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.75 GPA)
- One year of teaching experience
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
High-Value MEd Specializations in Indiana
Education is a broad field, and specialization can shape your career outcomes. Below are five MEd concentrations with strong demand, ROI, and job stability in Indiana.
Special Education
Special education is one of Indiana’s most critical shortage areas. Schools consistently report vacancies across grade levels and districts.
Why it stands out:
- Frequent job openings statewide
- Eligibility for loan forgiveness and incentive programs
- Slightly higher average pay than general education
While special education teachers in Indiana earn about $58,000 on average, the state’s moderate cost of living increases real earning power.
Educational Leadership
Educational leadership prepares educators for roles such as principal, assistant principal, or district administrator. Key benefits include:
- Average principal salaries of $85,000–$100,000 in Indiana
- Required pathway for administrative licensure
- Steady demand as administrators retire
Programs focus on budgeting, school law, instructional leadership, and community engagement.
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and instruction specialists support schools by improving teaching practices and aligning curricula with standards. Career outcomes include:
- Instructional coordinator
- Curriculum coach
- District content specialist
In Indiana, instructional coordinators earn around $75,000, offering solid ROI when combined with teacher salary increases tied to master’s degrees.
STEM Education
Math and science teachers remain in short supply across Indiana, particularly in rural and high-need districts. An MEd in STEM education can:
- Increase salary potential
- Improve job security
- Open doors to dual-credit or community college teaching
Some districts offer stipends or hiring bonuses for educators with advanced STEM credentials.
ESL / English Learner Education
Indiana’s growing multilingual student population has increased demand for ESL-trained educators.
This specialization supports roles such as:
- ESL teacher or coordinator
- Instructional support specialist
- District-level program coordinator
An ESL MEd can improve hiring prospects, job stability, and long-term advancement opportunities.
Accreditation for Online MEd Programs in Indiana
Accreditation is a key indicator of program quality and recognition.
When evaluating programs, look for:
- Regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Programmatic accreditation from CAEP, when available
- Indiana Department of Education approval if licensure is your goal
In-state programs are typically aligned with Indiana licensure standards, while out-of-state programs may require additional verification.
Types of Online Education Master’s Programs in Indiana
Indiana universities offer online MEd programs in several formats to fit different schedules and goals.
Full-Time Online MEd Programs
Best for: Students who want to finish quickly.
- Often includes summer enrollment
- Completion in 12–18 months
- Two or more courses per term
Examples:
- The University of Indianapolis — Master of Arts (MA) in Curriculum & Instruction (STEM)
- Ball State University — MAEd in Curriculum and Educational Technology
Part-Time Online MEd Programs
Best for: Full-time teachers.
- One course per term
- Completion in 2–3 years
- Mostly asynchronous coursework
Examples:
- Indiana State University — MEd in Teaching and Learning
- Indiana University — MSEd in Adult Education
No-GRE Online MEd Programs
Many Indiana programs no longer require the GRE, focusing instead on GPA and professional experience.
Benefits include:
- Fewer barriers for returning educators
- Lower application costs
- Faster admissions timelines
Examples:
- Ball State University — MAED in Curriculum and Educational Technology
- Indiana State University — MEd in Teaching and Learning
Accelerated Online MEd Programs
Accelerated programs use shorter terms or year-round schedules to reduce time to completion.
- Intensive pacing
- Requires strong time management
- Often completed in ~1 year full time
Examples:
- The University of Indianapolis — MA in Curriculum & Instruction
- Marian University — MA in Educational Leadership
Cost of Online MEd Programs in Indiana
Online MEd costs in Indiana vary based on:
- Credit requirements
- Residency status
- Institution type
Public universities may charge different in-state and out-of-state rates, though many online programs offer competitive pricing regardless of location.
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University | 36 | $402 | $10,902 |
| Ball State University | 30 | $464 | $13,920 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | 33 | $499 | $16,470 |
Note: Always check the latest tuition on the school’s website, as rates can change annually. And remember to factor in any fees, books, or incidental costs in addition to the per-credit tuition shown.
FAQs About Online MEd Programs in Indiana
Are online MEd degrees respected by Indiana school districts?
Yes, an online MEd from an accredited Indiana university is valued the same as an on-campus degree. Employers recognize that curriculum and faculty are often identical across formats.
As long as your program holds HLC and, when applicable, CAEP accreditation, Indiana districts accept the degree for salary advancement and promotion.
Will an online MEd lead to teacher or administrator licensure?
Licensure eligibility depends on the program and your prior credentials. Some MEd programs are designed for professional development only, while others specifically prepare students for new licenses.
Educational leadership programs typically include internships and exam preparation for principal licensure. Always verify program approval with the Indiana Department of Education.
How do practicums, student teaching, and internships work?
Field experiences are usually completed locally with university support. Students often complete practicum hours at their current school or a nearby partner site under a qualified mentor.
All academic coursework remains online, and programs assign coordinators to ensure placements meet Indiana requirements.
Can I work full-time while earning my online MEd?
Yes, most Indiana online MEd students are full-time educators. Asynchronous coursework allows you to study evenings or weekends.
Many programs also allow several years to finish, giving flexibility during busy school terms.
What financial aid options are available?
Several financial aid options can reduce the cost of an online MEd in Indiana. Graduate students may qualify for federal loans by completing the FAFSA.
Additional options include:
- TEACH Grants (up to $4,000 per year for service commitments)
- District tuition reimbursement
- Education-specific scholarships
- Loan forgiveness programs such as PSLF