Master's in Education Online: Finding the Right Maryland Program

Exploring Maryland Schools for Online MEd Programs

Maryland is home to several excellent universities offering accredited online and hybrid MEd programs. Below, we profile three leading Maryland-based schools known for quality educator preparation and examples of online MEds they offer.

Top MEd-Related Fields to Study in Maryland

Below, we highlight five high-demand education fields in Maryland. Each area represents how an MEd can significantly boost your expertise and career prospects to meet Maryland’s educational needs.

Special Education

Special Education is consistently a top field in Maryland due to ongoing teacher shortages and the critical need for specialists. In fact, the Maryland State Department of Education identifies special education as a critical shortage area statewide. Schools urgently seek teachers with advanced skills to support students with disabilities. 

Earning an MEd or graduate certificate in special education can help you land roles like lead special educator or intervention specialist. Maryland programs report 100% job placement for special education MEd grads, so job prospects are strong. With many districts struggling to fill special ed positions, graduates in this field are in high demand, often enjoying faster hiring and potential salary incentives for their expertise.

Mathematics Education

Mathematics education, particularly at the middle and high school levels, is another high-need field in Maryland. Many school systems have struggled to recruit enough qualified math teachers. For example, Baltimore-area districts consistently list math among their hardest-to-fill teaching areas, and some counties report having as many vacancies as there are candidates, which indicates a tight supply.

An MEd focusing on mathematics (or math education leadership) can open doors to roles like math department chair, curriculum specialist, or master teacher. Data shows math teachers are in short supply statewide, so MEd graduates with strong math pedagogy skills are often actively recruited by Maryland schools and can help improve student science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outcomes.

Science Education

Science education, a field that covers disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and general science, is similarly a top field with robust demand in Maryland. The state has emphasized STEM education, yet many districts report shortages of certified science teachers. Hard-to-fill content areas often include secondary science subjects, leading to higher vacancies, especially in physics and chemistry. 

An MEd with a science education specialty can prepare you to deliver inquiry-based science instruction or take on roles such as science curriculum specialist. Given Maryland’s focus on STEM (including the growth of biotech and healthcare industries around Baltimore and DC), educators with advanced science teaching credentials are valued. 

Schools frequently offer incentives for science teachers. Furthermore, an MEd could also position you for leadership in STEM initiatives or instructional coaching in science.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

With its diverse population, Maryland has a significant need for teachers skilled in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). ESOL is listed among the content areas with persistent teacher shortages by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Urban districts like Baltimore City also cite ESOL and world languages as historically difficult positions to staff. 

An MEd in ESOL equips educators to better support multilingual learners and often leads to ESOL specialist or coordinator roles. Maryland’s immigrant and refugee communities in counties such as Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Baltimore drive demand for qualified ESOL educators. 

Having a master’s in this field not only enhances your teaching effectiveness but also makes you a crucial asset to your district. This specialization can lead to opportunities for stipend or salary bumps for the additional certification.

Educational Leadership

Educational Leadership is a popular MEd track in Maryland for teachers aiming to become school administrators. This field can include positions like principal, assistant principal, or instructional supervisor. 

There is a steady need for new leadership in schools, especially as veteran principals retire. Maryland is investing in developing future principals through programs like the Promising Principals’ Academy, reflecting the demand for skilled leaders. An MEd in Educational Leadership can position you for these roles. National data shows a projected 8% job growth for school principals this decade, and Maryland’s ambitious K-12 improvement plans will require strong leadership. With a master’s, educators can move into administration, where they influence broader school success and typically earn significantly higher salaries.

Online MEd Programs and the Importance of Accreditation

When choosing an online MEd program in Maryland, remember to consider accreditation. Accreditation means a program or school meets established quality standards. It’s your guarantee that the degree will be respected by employers and certifying agencies. 

All reputable Maryland universities are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and their education programs often have specialized accreditation. For example, the University of Maryland Global Campus’s online MEd is fully accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and Towson University’s programs adhere to standards of the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

These endorsements signal that the curriculum, faculty, and outcomes have been rigorously evaluated. Attending an accredited program is also important for teacher certification and salary advancement. The Maryland State Department of Education will only recognize degrees from accredited institutions, so be sure to review accreditation for all potential programs.

The Different Types of Online MEd Programs in Maryland

Online MEd programs in Maryland come in many formats to fit different needs. This includes full-time and part-time options, programs that waive the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and even accelerated tracks. 

Some students want to finish as quickly as possible, while others need to balance coursework with a teaching job or family. Whatever your needs, you’ll be sure to find a program that matches them. The following overview shows these different program structures alongside examples of each:

Enrolling in Full-Time MEd Programs

Full-time online MEd programs allow you to complete your degree quickly, often by taking a heavier course load each term. In Maryland, full-time pacing can enable you to finish in as little as 12 to 18 months. As a full-time student, you’ll likely enroll in two or more courses per term or at least six credits worth. 

While the workload is intense, the benefit is that you earn your MEd sooner, enabling you to apply for promotions or pay raises faster. Maryland educators who choose full-time often do so during a lighter teaching load or by taking a year off to focus on graduate school. 

Examples of Full-Time Master’s Programs:

• Johns Hopkins University — MEd in Learning Design & Technology
• Goucher College — MEd in Reading Technology

Enrolling in Part-Time Online MEd Programs

Part-time programs are the most common format for online MEd students, especially working teachers. A part-time MEd lets you continue teaching full-time by taking only one course at a time or a lighter load. The timeline is more flexible, taking typically two to three years to finish, depending on credits. 

Many Maryland programs are designed with part-time pacing in mind. Part-time online MEd programs often offer asynchronous classes, so you can do coursework in evenings or weekends. The key benefit is work-life balance: You can apply what you learn directly in your classroom in real time, and you don’t have to step away from your job.

Examples of Part-Time Master’s Programs:

• Towson University — MEd in Elementary Education
• University of Maryland — MEd in Special Education: Specialty Autism Spectrum Disorders

Enrolling in Programs with No GRE Requirement

If you’re worried about taking the GRE, you’ll be glad to hear that many online MEd programs in Maryland do not require GRE scores. These programs recognize that your academic record and teaching experience are better indicators of success than a generalized test. Instead, admissions focus on your undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. 

Choosing a “no-GRE” program can save you time, stress, and fees for exams and prep courses. It’s especially convenient for busy teachers who haven’t taken standardized tests in a while. Rest assured, these programs are just as rigorous and respected — they simply use other measures to evaluate applicants. 

Examples of Programs with No GRE Requirement:

• Towson University — MEd in Special Education: Teacher as Leader in Autism Concentration
• Johns Hopkins University — MEd in Learning Design and Technology

Enrolling in Accelerated Online MEd Programs

Accelerated MEd programs are structured to fast-track your degree, often by shortening course lengths or offering classes throughout the year, including summers. In Maryland, an accelerated online MEd might use seven- or eight-week course modules instead of traditional 15-week semesters. 

If you enroll in an accelerated program, don’t expect coursework to be easier because the program is shorter. You cover the same content, just in a condensed timeframe, which can be intensive. These programs are ideal if you have the energy and time to devote to a rigorous pace. The benefit is that you maintain momentum and can potentially sync your graduation with a new school year or an upcoming hiring cycle. 

Examples of Accelerated Master’s Programs:

• Goucher College — MEd in Literacy Strategies for Content Learning
• University of Maryland — MEd in Special Education

Understanding the Costs of Online MEd Programs in Maryland

Graduate school is an investment, and it’s important to understand the cost of an online MEd in Maryland. Tuition and fees can vary widely between public and private schools. Some programs charge a flat rate while others differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. Generally, Maryland public universities offer lower in-state tuition, whereas private institutions are pricier but the same for all students. 

Online programs sometimes have special tuition rates or tech fees. Most MEd programs require 30 to 36 credits, so total tuition can range from around $18,000 on the low end to over $34,000 on the high end, before any financial aid. 

Also, keep in mind additional costs. Online students may pay a technology fee or a one-time matriculation fee. The good news is you’ll save on commuting or relocation costs with an online program, and you can often continue working.

To give a ballpark idea of what to expect, the table below shows three online MEd programs in Maryland and their associated costs.

Student Support: Maryland Online MEd FAQs

Q: How long does it take to earn an online MEd in Maryland?

A: The timeline can vary. Most online MEd programs in Maryland take about two years to complete when pursued part-time. For example, Towson reports that most of its master’s students finish in two to three years while teaching. 

If you go full-time, you can accelerate that, as some programs can be done in roughly 12 to 18 months. Keep in mind, part-time pacing might be one course per term, whereas full-time might be two or more courses at once. 

Ultimately, you can customize the duration to fit your schedule. Just be aware that universities often require completion within a certain number of years, usually with a five- to seven-year maximum.

Q: Can I work full-time as a teacher while doing an online MEd?

A: The truth is that most people earning an online MEd in Maryland are working full-time as teachers or in education roles. These programs are built with this in mind. Online courses are often asynchronous, meaning you log in and do work on your own time, or have classes in the evenings. 

There are many benefits to working while studying online. Working during your studies means you’ll be able to apply what you learn in real time in your classroom, which can enhance both your studies and your teaching. It does require good time management, though. Expect to dedicate a few evenings or weekends each week to readings, discussions, and assignments.

Q: Should I take the GRE to get into an online MEd program?

A: Most Maryland online MEd programs do not require GRE scores these days. Universities have recognized that factors like your undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, and teaching experience are better admissions criteria for education programs. Always check the specific requirements of each program, but if you don’t see “GRE” listed on the admissions webpage, you can assume it’s not needed. 

In the rare case a program does ask for a test, it might be a more specialized degree. While most Maryland schools have mostly dropped the GRE requirement to remove barriers, other admission requirements may be more rigorous. 

Focus on putting together a strong application with your transcripts, essay, and references. If you decide that submitting GRE scores is your better option, put aside plenty of time to prepare for the GRE beforehand, so you know what to expect.

Q: Will an online MEd be recognized by Maryland schools for certification and salary increases?

A: Yes! An online MEd from a Maryland university holds the same value as one earned on campus, as long as the program is accredited. Maryland’s Department of Education and local school districts treat an accredited master’s degree as meeting requirements on their salary scales, regardless of online delivery. All the programs we’ve discussed are regionally accredited and approved by the state, so your degree will be fully recognized. 

Teachers in Maryland public schools typically get a pay bump to their salaries once they have a master’s. The exact amount varies by district, but it’s often a few to several thousand dollars increase in base salary. You’ll want to submit your official transcript to your district’s human resources department once you graduate to move to the new pay lane.

Q: How do I pay for my MEd? Are there financial aid options for teachers?

A: Financing your MEd is a common concern, but there are multiple avenues to explore. First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students can take out federal direct unsubsidized loans. While loans are a debt, the idea is that the salary increase with a master’s helps pay it off. 

For those going into high-need areas (like math, science, or special education), look at the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which provides up to $4,000 per year for master’s students who commit to teaching in a shortage field. 

Many Maryland school districts offer tuition reimbursement. This is typically a set amount per year for coursework in a relevant field. For example, a county might reimburse $300 per credit for up to six credits a year. It’s worth checking with your district’s human resources or union.