Master's in Education Online: Reviewing Top Indiana Schools

School Spotlight: Indiana Universities with Online Education Master’s Programs

Top Five MEd Specializations and Job Outlook in Indiana

Education is a broad field, and choosing the right MEd specialization can impact career opportunities. Below are five of the best MEd fields in Indiana based on job growth, demand, return on investment (ROI), cost-of-living considerations, and program availability in the state.

Special Education

Special education is a consistently high-demand field in Indiana and nationwide. Schools across Indiana face acute shortages of licensed special education teachers, making this MEd specialization valuable. An MEd in Special Education deepens a teacher’s skills in adapting instruction for students with disabilities and often qualifies educators for a pay increase or specialist roles. 

Indiana districts frequently have unfilled special education positions. In late 2024, special education had more vacancies than any other teaching area in the state. The ROI for this field is bolstered by federal and state incentives, since graduates may qualify for loan forgiveness programs due to teaching in a shortage area. While salaries for special education teachers average about $58,000 in Indiana, which is slightly higher than general educators, the lower cost of living amplifies the value of that income. 

Educational Leadership

MEd programs in educational leadership prepare educators for roles as principals, assistant principals, or district administrators. In Indiana, this field offers strong ROI and career growth potential. School administrators earn significantly higher salaries than teachers, as Indiana principals average around $85,000 to $100,000 annually, which is well above the state’s teacher mean. These salaries go further, given Indiana’s moderate cost of living. 

Job openings for kindergarten to 12th grade (K-12) administrators are expected to grow steadily as veteran principals retire, and each school typically needs multiple administrators. An MEd in this field equips candidates with leadership and school management skills, such as budgeting, curriculum oversight, school law, and community relations. It is also usually required for principal licensure. 

Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum and instruction (C&I) is a versatile MEd field focused on improving teaching strategies, curriculum design, and student assessment. This specialization is in demand as schools strive to boost student achievement and comply with evolving standards. Indiana schools increasingly rely on instructional coordinators and curriculum specialists to align curricula with state standards and analyze student data

The job outlook for this field is positive. Instructional coordinator positions are projected to grow nationally this decade, and their median salary is around $75,000 in Indiana, providing a solid ROI when combined with teacher salary bumps for having a master’s. Graduates often step into roles as curriculum coaches, district content area specialists, or lead teachers, where they can influence teaching practices beyond their classrooms. 

STEM Education

Given ongoing teacher shortages in technical subjects, STEM Education is one of Indiana’s most strategic MEd fields. Indiana has identified math and science teachers as areas of especially acute shortage, particularly in rural and high-need districts. By pursuing a master’s focused on mathematics or science education, educators can deepen content knowledge and pedagogy in these high-demand subjects. 

The demand for qualified STEM educators also means many Indiana districts offer hiring bonuses or pay stipends for those with advanced degrees in math or science. Salary-wise, a science or math teacher with an MEd may earn more than their peers. Beyond K-12, they may also teach at community colleges or through dual-credit programs for extra income. 

English as a Second Language / English Learner Education

As Indiana’s classrooms become more diverse, the need for teachers trained in ESL or English learner education is rising. An MEd in ESL prepares educators to support students for whom English is not a first language. Job growth in this field is fueled by demographic shifts: Indiana has a growing population of English learner students, and many districts report difficulty finding qualified ESL teachers. 

Educators with this specialization can serve as ESL teachers or coordinators. General classroom teachers with ESL training are also better equipped to help multilingual learners succeed. 

The ROI for an ESL MEd can be significant, as these skills make a teacher more marketable. This often leads to hiring advantages and job stability and may come with stipend opportunities in some districts. Moreover, an ESL MEd can lead to roles at the district level, such as an ESL program coordinator, which sometimes offer higher pay.

Accreditation for Online MEd Programs in Indiana

Accreditation serves as an important quality marker for online MEd programs in Indiana. Prospective students should learn about accreditation levels and ensure that a program is accredited. Regionally, Indiana universities are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which assures overall academic standards. 

In addition, reputable MEd programs often have specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accreditation means the program meets rigorous national standards for preparing effective educators. For example, Ball State’s Teachers College and Indiana University’s School of Education each maintain CAEP accreditation, reflecting their commitment to excellence.

State approval is another aspect to consider. If the MEd is intended to lead to a new teaching or administrative license in Indiana, the program must be approved by the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) for that licensure area. Students can verify this through the university or the Indiana DOE’s website.

Learning the Types of Online Education Master’s Programs in Indiana

Because working professionals and educators have different needs during their studies, online MEd programs in Indiana come in various formats. Indiana universities offer full-time and part-time tracks, options with no Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) requirements, and even accelerated formats for speedy graduation. Below is an overview of these program types and examples of each:

Indiana’s Full-Time Online Master’s Programs

Full-time online MEd programs allow students to take a full course load and finish their degrees faster. These programs can often be completed in about 12 to 18 months of intensive study. Full-time online students typically enroll in two or more courses each term, oftentimes during summer terms as well. 

This path is ideal for those who want to quickly earn their degree or highly motivated teachers balancing both work and study. Indiana universities provide support for full-time online students through dedicated advisors and cohort structures to keep the full-time pace manageable. 

Examples of Full-time Programs:

• The University of Indianapolis — Master of Arts (MA) in Curriculum & Instruction (STEM)
• Ball State University — MAEd in Curriculum and Educational Technology

Indiana’s Part-Time Online Master’s Programs

Many Indiana educators prefer part-time online MEd programs because they offer the flexibility to continue working full-time as a teacher while taking courses at a slower pace. Part-time students might take just one course per term, finishing the degree in about two to three years or longer if needed. 

The lighter course load helps with school-work-life balance, making it feasible to manage lesson planning and family alongside graduate study. Indiana’s online MEd programs are often designed with part-time students in mind. Courses are typically asynchronous or held in the evenings, and universities may allow up to five to seven years to complete the degree if necessary

Examples of Part-Time Programs:

• Indiana State University — MEd in Teaching and Learning
• Indiana University — MSEd in Adult Education

Indiana’s “No GRE” Online Master’s Programs

Standardized tests serve as barriers for busy professionals, so many Indiana online MEd programs have dropped the GRE requirement. “No GRE” programs admit students based on undergraduate GPA, experience, and other factors instead of test scores. 

This is especially common in education, recognizing that an applicant’s teaching experience and academic record are better success predictors than a generalized exam. The absence of a GRE requirement saves time and cost for applicants and encourages more practicing teachers to enroll in grad school. Importantly, skipping the GRE does not imply a lack of rigor. You’ll find that these programs are still academically robust and accredited. 

Examples of “No GRE” Programs:

• Ball State University — MAED in Curriculum and Educational Technology
• Indiana State University — MEd in Teaching and Learning

Indiana’s Accelerated Online Master’s Programs

Accelerated online MEd programs are structured to shorten the time to degree completion without sacrificing content. They often use shorter course terms, around five- to ten-week formats, or allow overlapping coursework. 

In Indiana, some programs label themselves as “accelerated” because they simply offer the means to finish in around one year of full-time study. This format benefits those eager to move up the pay scale or transition into a new role quickly. Accelerated programs demand good time management, as students tackle intensive courses back-to-back.

Examples of Accelerated Programs:

• The University of Indianapolis — MA in Curriculum & Instruction
• Marian University — MA in Educational Leadership

What to Pay: The Cost of Online MEd Programs in Indiana

Cost is a key consideration for online MEd students. In Indiana, the cost of an online or hybrid MEd program can vary widely, but understanding fixed versus variable expenses will help in planning. 

The primary fixed cost is tuition, which is usually charged per credit hour. Each program requires a set number of credits, which means tuition scales with credit requirements. Some costs are variable depending on your situation. Public universities often have different rates for in-state vs. out-of-state students, though many online programs offer reduced or flat rates for non-residents to stay competitive.

Beyond tuition, other factors influence affordability. These can include textbook or course material costs and any required travel for hybrid components (although fully online programs eliminate travel). Thankfully, Indiana’s relatively low cost of living can make financing an MEd more manageable. 

Below is a cost comparison for three example online MEd programs in Indiana:

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.

Answering Online MEd FAQs for Indiana Students

Q1: Are online MEd degrees respected by Indiana school districts and employers?

A: In terms of your career advancement, an online MEd from an accredited Indiana university holds the same value as an on-campus degree. Employers recognize that the curriculum and faculty are often identical. For instance, Indiana University’s online education programs are taught by the same professors who teach on campus.

Accreditation is the most important factor. If your program is HLC and CAEP accredited (as most in-state programs are), school districts will view the degree as legitimate. Many Indiana educators, including teachers and principals, have advanced their careers with online MEd degrees, so the format is well-accepted.

Q2: Will an online MEd program lead to teacher or administrator licensure in Indiana?

A: It depends on the program and your prior credentials. Some online MEd programs are designed for professional development and advanced knowledge and do not automatically grant licensure. For example, Indiana State’s online MEd in Teaching and Learning does not lead to an initial teaching license.

However, other programs specifically prepare you for new licenses. If you seek a principal’s license, an online MEd in Educational Leadership from an Indiana university will include the required internship and state exam preparation for administrative licensure. 

Always verify with the university and the Indiana Department of Education about whether the program is approved for the license you want. If it’s an in-state program, it likely meets Indiana’s standards. Out-of-state online programs can still lead to Indiana licensure, but you may have to navigate additional steps.

Q3: How do student teaching or practicums work in an online MEd program?

A: Online MEd programs handle field experiences in a flexible manner. If your program requires a practicum or internship, the university will typically help you arrange a suitable placement in your local area.

You might complete a practicum at the school where you work or a nearby partner school, under the supervision of a qualified mentor. Your program will likely match you to a mentor, but it doesn’t hurt to find a suitable mentor during your studies. 

For example, an online principalship student will do internship hours at a school and shadow an administrator, but all academic coursework remains online. Programs usually have a coordinator who guides online students through the placement process, ensuring the experience meets Indiana licensing requirements.

Q4: Can I work full-time as a teacher while pursuing my online MEd?

A: Absolutely! In fact, most online MEd students in Indiana are full-time educators. This is why online programs tend to be designed around the schedules of working professionals. Many courses are asynchronous, meaning you can log in during evenings or weekends to complete discussions and assignments at your convenience.

Indiana universities often allow up to several years to finish the degree, so you can slow down during busy school periods and pick up pace in the summer terms. Time management and productivity are key, as you’ll be juggling lesson plans and homework, but thousands of Indiana teachers successfully earn their master’s while working.

Q5: What financial aid or scholarships can help me afford an online MEd in Indiana?

A: You have several options to make your online MEd more affordable. First, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because graduate students (even part-time) can qualify for federal financial aid. While loans must be repaid on a schedule, the interest rates are usually lower than private loans.

Indiana offers some incentives for educators. If you teach in a high-need subject or low-income school, you might be eligible for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which provides up to $4,000 per year toward a master’s in exchange for a service commitment. Additionally, many universities have scholarships specifically for education majors or online learners. 

Don’t forget employer assistance: Check if your school district or employer has a tuition reimbursement program. Some Indiana districts reimburse a portion of graduate tuition, especially if the degree will lead to a high-need endorsement (like ESL or special education).

There are also loan forgiveness programs after you graduate. Teaching for five years in certain schools can forgive part of federal loans, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) can wipe out remaining federal loan balances after 10 years of service and payments.