Online Master's in Education: Comparing Top Massachusetts Programs

Inside Three Online MEd Programs in Massachusetts

Choosing the right program is easier when you can compare a few standouts side by side. Below, we profile three accredited Massachusetts schools known for their online or hybrid MEd offerings.

Five In-Demand Fields of Study for MEd Grads in Massachusetts

Below are five high-demand fields where an MEd can lead to strong career prospects and return on investment (ROI) in the Bay State. We considered factors like local job growth, salaries, and availability of specialized programs when selecting these fields. 

Educational Leadership

Massachusetts consistently needs qualified school leaders, including principals, assistant principals, and instructional directors, to sustain its high-performing kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) schools. These roles typically require a master’s in educational leadership or administration and come with rewarding salaries. 

The median annual wage for K-12 principals in Massachusetts exceeds $100,000, reflecting the high level of responsibility. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a slight (-1%) national decline in principal positions, many Massachusetts districts face retirement turnover among administrators, keeping demand steady.

An MEd in Educational Leadership prepares teachers for licensure as a principal or assistant principal in Massachusetts. It equips them with skills in school law, budgeting, and staff supervision. Several Massachusetts universities, such as Boston University and Salem State, offer online or hybrid programs in this specialization.

Special Education

Special Education is identified as a critical teacher shortage area in Massachusetts, signaling strong demand for educators with this expertise. Earning an MEd in Special Education with licensure in moderate or severe disabilities can greatly expand job opportunities, from classroom special education teachers to district-level inclusion specialists. 

Massachusetts invests significantly in special education services, and specialists are needed at all grade levels. The average salary for special education teachers in Massachusetts is around $59,000 annually, and experienced special education teachers earn considerably more. 

An MEd provides advanced skills in differentiating instruction, assistive technology, and behavior management, which not only benefit students with disabilities but also make the educator more marketable. Massachusetts colleges like Stonehill College and Lesley University have specialized online MEd programs leading to initial or professional licensure in special education.

Curriculum and Instruction

As schools focus on improving curriculum and teaching quality, instructional coordinators and coaches are in demand. Massachusetts school districts, especially in urban areas, hire MEd-level professionals to design curriculum, train teachers, and analyze student data. 

Instructional coordinators earn a median salary of around $74,620 nationally, and Massachusetts likely exceeds this given its higher cost of living. Job growth for this role is projected to be steady, at 2% from 2023 to 2033. 

An MEd in Curriculum and Instruction is widely available online and often does not require a teaching license. This makes it accessible to educators in various settings. Graduates can become curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, or content directors at the school or district level. 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education

Massachusetts’ emphasis on STEM education, bolstered by its thriving tech and biotech industries, means math and science teachers are perpetually in demand. In fact, Mathematics is explicitly listed as a teacher shortage area in Massachusetts. Many high-need school districts struggle to fill secondary math and science positions. 

An MEd with a STEM focus, such as an MEd in Mathematics Education or an MEd in Science Education, can lead to initial licensure or enhanced credentials that make you highly marketable. Beyond K-12, an MEd in STEM education can open doors to roles like district STEM coordinator, curriculum developer for educational publishers, or instructional designer for science programs. Given the state’s focus on maintaining leadership in innovation, educators with advanced STEM teaching skills will continue to be highly valued.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and Bilingual Education

English language learners (ELLs) are the fastest-growing student population in Massachusetts. Over 90,000 Massachusetts K-12 students, or roughly 10%, are classified as English learners, which is nearly double the number from 20 years ago. Urban districts like Chelsea (45% ELLs) and Worcester (30% ELLs) have particularly acute needs for ESL and bilingual educators. 

An MEd in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) or bilingual education equips teachers with specialized strategies to support multilingual learners and often leads to an ESL license or bilingual endorsement in Massachusetts. Demand for ESL teachers is high and growing. In fact, even when overall enrollment declines, ELL enrollment rises, as schools must expand language support programs. Salaries for ESL teachers correspond to general teacher pay scales, averaging around $63,000 in Massachusetts, but the intangible rewards are significant. ESL educators help bridge language gaps and improve equity in schools.

The Role of Accreditation for Massachusetts Online MEd Programs

Accreditation is a crucial quality checkpoint for any MEd program, and it’s especially important when choosing an online degree. In Massachusetts, you’ll want to verify two levels of accreditation. 

First, verify institutional accreditation. Reputable schools in Massachusetts are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which ensures the university overall meets rigorous academic standards. For some examples, Fitchburg State and Worcester State are NECHE-accredited. Second, look for programmatic accreditation or approval for the education program. Many education schools pursue national accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Salem State University is one of only seven CAEP-recognized teacher prep institutions in Massachusetts. Additionally, Massachusetts requires that any program leading to educator licensure be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Learning the Types of Online MEd Programs in Massachusetts

Online MEd programs come in a variety of formats, each geared for different lifestyles and goals. As a prospective Massachusetts student, you’ll find full-time programs that let you earn a degree in about a year, as well as part-time programs that spread coursework over two to three years. Some online MEd programs waive entrance exam requirements, making it easier for busy professionals to apply. There are also accelerated tracks for those eager to finish quickly.

Below, we break down these types and give real examples of each.

Intensive Full-Time Programs

Full-time online MEd programs are intensive pathways that allow you to complete your degree in about one year or a little over a year. Students in full-time programs take a heavier course load each term, such as two courses every eight weeks, and treat their studies almost like a full-time job. 

The benefits of this are speed and the ability to fast-track your career advancement. Full-time study also lets you immerse yourself deeply in coursework without lengthy breaks, which some learners prefer for continuity. However, the schedule can be challenging if you’re working full-time; many students either reduce work hours or utilize summers and evenings to keep up. 

Real Examples:

• Fitchburg State University — MEd in Curriculum and Teaching
• Merrimack College — MEd in Middle School & High School Education
  

Adaptable Part-Time Programs

Part-time online MEd programs offer maximum flexibility for working professionals. In a part-time track, you might take just one course at a time or a lighter semester load, allowing you to continue teaching or managing other responsibilities. 

The main advantage of part-time study is balance,  you can immediately apply what you learn in your job and avoid graduate school burnout from juggling too much. Part-time MEd students in Massachusetts often finish in about two to three years, depending on the credit requirements and how many courses they take per term. 

Real Examples:

• Cambridge College — MEd in Early Childhood Education
• Lesley University — MEd in Elementary Education Generalist
  

Accessible Programs with No GRE Requirement

Many online MEd programs in Massachusetts have dropped the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) requirement, making the admissions process more accessible. These programs evaluate applicants on their academic record, experience, and letters of recommendation instead of a standardized test score. 

This is ideal for seasoned educators who may not have taken the GRE or who feel their teaching practice is a better indicator of their abilities. “No-GRE” policies also save you time and cost, letting you focus on your application materials rather than test prep and fees. Massachusetts online MEds that are “no-GRE” often look holistically at your undergraduate GPA, teaching license, statement of purpose, and professional résumé. 

Real Examples:

• UMass Lowell — MEd in Curriculum & Instruction
• Merrimack College — MEd in Middle School Education

Fast-Paced Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online MEd programs are structured to let motivated students earn the degree in the shortest time possible. These programs often utilize back-to-back, short terms and may run year-round (including summer), so you can graduate sooner. 

An accelerated track is ideal if you have a clear goal and the ability to devote significant time to studies for a concentrated period. You can complete the MEd in as few as ten months, entering the job market or earning that pay bump faster than peers in traditional programs. 

Many accelerated paths are still designed for working professionals by being online and asynchronous, but expect an intense workload; it’s essentially full-time study compressed into a shorter time. 

Real Examples:

• Fitchburg State University — MEd in Curriculum and Teaching
• Merrimack College — MEd in Community Engagement

The Price of an Online MEd Program in Massachusetts

Cost is a major consideration when planning for an MEd. Fortunately, online programs in Massachusetts often offer competitive tuition rates compared to on-campus options. Many public universities charge a per-credit rate for online MEd coursework that is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, eliminating the hefty non-resident premiums. 

Private colleges tend to be higher. An online MEd at a private institution like Merrimack or Boston University might run around $550 to $1,000 or more per credit. The good news is that online students often save on housing and commuting costs, and many schools have payment plans or discounts. Merrimack, for instance, offers tuition fellowships and partnership discounts. 

When comparing costs, be sure to account for any required fees and the number of credits required. The table below provides a breakdown of three Massachusetts schools and their online MEd costs:

FAQs from Prospective Massachusetts MEd Students

Q: How long does it take to complete an online MEd program in Massachusetts?

A: The timeline can range from as fast as one year to about three years, depending on the program structure and your course load. For example, Merrimack College notes its full-time students finish in 13 months, whereas part-time students may take two to three years to graduate. 

If you’re working full-time, opting for a part-time pace (one course at a time) is common. This typically results in a two-year timeline for a 30-credit program. Many online MEd programs in MA offer flexibility, so you can speed up by taking summer courses or slow down if life gets busy.

Q: Can I become a licensed teacher or administrator in Massachusetts with an online MEd?

A: You can as long as the program is approved for Massachusetts licensure. Many online MEd programs in Massachusetts are specifically designed to lead to an initial license or professional license in a given field, such as elementary education or special education. 

It’s crucial to choose a program that’s state-approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Approved programs include built-in practicum or student teaching experiences that meet state requirements, even if coursework is online. 

Typically, you’ll complete your student teaching or practicum in-person at a school near you, coordinated by your program. Merrimack’s online licensure MEd, for instance, arranges local pre-practicum and a full practicum of 15 weeks. Upon graduation, you’ll be endorsed by the college for the license.

Q: Will employers and school districts accept an online MEd degree?

A: If your online MEd comes from an accredited, reputable institution, Massachusetts employers will recognize it as equivalent to any other MEd. In fact, your diploma generally won’t state “online,” simply listing the degree and institution. 

School districts in MA are more concerned with your state licensure and skills than the delivery format of your degree. Online MEd programs in Massachusetts undergo the same accreditation processes as campus programs, ensuring they meet quality standards. 

Additionally, the fact that you earned your master’s while likely balancing work, which demonstrates time management and dedication, can be a plus to employers. Be prepared to discuss your capstone project or student teaching experience, as those illustrate the hands-on competencies you gained.

Q: What financial aid or scholarships can help me pay for an online MEd?

A: You have several financing options to make your MEd more affordable. Federal financial aid is available for online programs accredited by recognized agencies, so you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing your FAFSA correctly can qualify you for federal student loans and even grants. 

One specific aid program to research is the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which provides up to $4,000 per year to graduate students who commit to teaching in a high-need field and low-income school. Since Massachusetts has designated math and special education as teacher shortage areas, MEd students in those areas might be strong TEACH Grant candidates.

Don’t forget employer tuition assistance: If you’re currently teaching, check if your district offers tuition reimbursement or a union scholarship. Lastly, professional organizations like the Massachusetts Teachers Association or subject-area associations sometimes award scholarships for graduate study to members.

Q: What’s the difference between an MEd and an MAT, and which should I choose?

A: The Master of Education (MEd) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) are both graduate degrees for educators, but they serve different purposes. A MAT focuses on classroom teaching skills and content knowledge and is often pursued by those who want hands-on preparation to become a teacher. MAT programs usually include a lot of teaching methodology and lead to initial licensure for new teachers. 

In contrast, an MEd is broader and often geared toward educational leadership, curriculum development, or specialized non-teaching roles. Many MEd students are already licensed teachers who seek to move into roles like curriculum coordinator, reading specialist, administrator, or counselor, or to deepen expertise in an area like policy or technology.