Master's in Education Online: Finding Your Missouri Program

A Spotlight on Three Popular Online Education Master’s Programs in Missouri

Exploring Missouri’s Top Five Fields of Study for MEd Grads

Missouri MEd graduates pursue a variety of impactful careers. Here are five of the top fields, chosen for their strong job outlook, salary potential, and demand in Missouri’s education landscape:

School Administration

School administrators are essential in Missouri’s education system, as they provide leadership and improve school performance. Many districts require a master’s degree for principal roles, but the investment pays off. The median annual salary for principals is about $98,000. Job growth for principals was previously projected at 8% this decade, reflecting steady turnover and retirement openings. 

With an MEd in Educational Administration or an MEd in Educational Leadership, you become eligible for principal certification in Missouri. This can allow you to move from the classroom to the front office. 

Principals often shape school culture, implement policies, and directly impact student success on a larger scale. For educators who aspire to lead, an MEd provides the management, budgeting, and instructional supervision skills needed to excel in these high-responsibility positions.

Curriculum & Instruction Specialist

As schools strive to boost student outcomes, specialists who can design effective curriculum and coach teachers are highly valued. Instructional coordinators (sometimes called curriculum directors or academic coaches) typically need a master’s and teaching experience to inhabit their positions. 

Instructional coordinators enjoy compelling career prospects, with a nationwide median pay of $74,620 per year. In Missouri, many districts have roles like curriculum specialist or instructional coach to help implement new state standards and improve test scores. 

While BLS projects a modest 2% growth nationally, there will be regular job openings as veteran coordinators retire or schools invest in improving instruction. An MEd in Curriculum and Instruction equips you with skills in data analysis, curriculum design, and teacher professional development. It’s a smart path if you love mentoring fellow educators and shaping what gets taught in the classroom.

Special Education Specialist

Special education is consistently identified as a teacher shortage area in Missouri. Specialists who can support students with disabilities and ensure compliance with individualized education programs (IEPs) are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 1% job growth for special education teachers from 2025 to 2035, and Missouri’s own high-need areas often include special education. 

An MEd in Special Education can lead to roles like district special education coordinator, intervention specialist, or lead special education teacher. Beyond demand, it’s a rewarding field. You’ll help students with diverse learning needs reach their potential. 

MEd graduates gain advanced training in behavioral strategies, assistive technology, and collaborative teaching, which can also translate into better pay. Special education teachers nationally earn around $64,000 per year, and additional certifications can boost salaries in many Missouri districts.

Educational Technology and E-Learning

The rapid expansion of online and blended learning has made education technology experts indispensable. Missouri schools, colleges, and even companies need professionals who can integrate technology into instruction and train others in digital tools. 

With an MEd in Educational Technology or an MEd in Learning Design, graduates can become instructional technologists, e-learning designers, or technology coordinators. The career outlook is strong, too. As online education grows, the demand for instructional designers and training specialists is expected to increase by about 2% in related roles through 2033. 

In this field, you could work for a school district implementing new tech initiatives, a university developing online courses, or a corporation’s training department. Missouri’s larger districts often have dedicated educational technology coaches, and many received grants to expand tech in the classroom. 

Reading and Literacy Specialist

Literacy is the foundation of all learning, but there are notable gaps to fill in Missouri. This makes reading specialists crucial. An MEd in Reading and Literacy can lead to roles such as reading interventionist, literacy coach, or Title I reading teacher. 

These specialists work one-on-one or with small groups to help struggling readers. They also coach teachers on effective literacy instruction. Missouri school districts, particularly those with low reading scores, are hiring literacy coaches to improve student outcomes. The job outlook is strong. In fact, reading specialists are in demand across Missouri and the U.S. One projection shows a 10% growth this decade in jobs for reading specialists. While salaries vary, the median is around $53,000 and often higher for those in coaching or administrative roles.

Accreditation Details for Missouri Online MEd Programs

When choosing an online MEd in Missouri, accreditation is one of the most important quality checks. Accreditation means a program or institution meets established standards. This matters for both credibility and your potential teacher certification. 

Missouri universities are typically regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which covers overall institutional quality. In addition, look for education-specific accreditation. Leading MEd programs often hold accreditation from bodies like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). As some examples, the University of Missouri’s College of Education is CAEP-accredited, and the MEd at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is accredited by AAQEP and approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The Diverse Types of Online Master’s Programs in Missouri

Online MEd programs in Missouri come in many formats to meet the unique needs of students and educators. You can find full-time programs that let you finish sooner, part-time programs that spread courses out so you can continue working, and programs with accessible admissions processes. There are even accelerated tracks that can be completed in under a year of intensive study. 

Whether you want the fastest route to graduation or need flexibility, you’ll find options. Below, we break down each type and give examples in Missouri.

Full-Time Online Master’s Programs

Full-time online MEd programs allow you to immerse yourself in graduate study and complete your degree relatively quickly, often in 12 to 18 months. You’ll also take a heavier course load each term. For example, you may take two courses at a time instead of one, which can be manageable thanks to the convenience of online learning. 

The benefit of a full-time schedule is a quick path to graduation. Many recent graduates or those taking a career break choose this route. Expect an intensive but rewarding experience, as you’ll be deeply engaged with your studies and colleagues.

Examples of Full-Time Online MEd Programs in Missouri:

• Northwest Missouri State University — Master of Science in Educational Leadership
• William Woods University — MEd in Educational Leadership

Part-Time Online Master’s Programs

Part-time MEd programs are designed for working professionals who need to balance courses with a full-time job or other obligations, such as family responsibilities. Going part-time typically means you’ll take one course at a time or a lighter load each semester. This extends the program length, often up to three years for a 30- to 36-credit master’s, but makes it much more flexible week-to-week.

Part-time study has many advantages. You can immediately apply what you learn in your classroom and not feel overwhelmed. Missouri universities often allow you to switch between part-time and full-time pacing as needed, but many students appreciate the steady, manageable rhythm of part-time.

Examples of Part-Time Online MEd Programs in Missouri:

• University of Missouri–St. Louis — MEd in Early Childhood Education
• Missouri State University — Master of Science in Educational Technology

Online Master’s Programs with No GRE Requirement

Standardized tests can be an obstacle for busy adults, so many online MEd programs in Missouri have no Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) requirement for admission. Instead, they focus on your undergraduate GPA, teaching experience, and other factors. 

“No GRE” programs are ideal for those who have been out of school for a while or who simply don’t test well. It streamlines the application process, since it means one less thing to study for and schedule. Not needing the GRE doesn’t mean programs are less rigorous; it means they recognize that academic records and professional experience are better indicators of success. 

Examples of No-GRE Online MEd Programs in Missouri:

• University of Missouri (Mizzou) — MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
• Park University — MEd in Educational Leadership

Accelerated Online Master’s Programs

Accelerated online MEd programs are a great option if you want to earn your degree as fast as possible. These programs condense the timeline through year-round courses, shorter terms, or allowing heavier course loads. 

In Missouri, some accelerated MEd or Master of Science in Education (MSEd) tracks can be completed in 12 to 18 months. They often utilize five- to eight-week course formats and successive terms, so you’re continuously taking classes. 

Keep in mind that “accelerated” doesn’t mean easy; it means intensive. You’ll be learning a lot in a short span and juggling multiple classes or continuous coursework without long breaks.

Examples of Accelerated Online MEd Programs in Missouri:

• Northwest Missouri State University — MSEd in Curriculum & Instruction
• Evangel University — MEd in Curriculum & Instruction Leadership

What Counts: The Cost of Online MEd Programs in Missouri

The cost of an online MEd in Missouri can vary widely by school and program, but overall, it tends to be an affordable investment compared to many other states. Public universities, like Mizzou or Missouri State, often charge a flat online tuition rate per credit that is the same for in-state and out-of-state online students. Private institutions may have higher per-credit rates, but some offer discounts for educators or have fewer fees.

When calculating the cost, consider tuition per credit hour (multiplied by the number of credits in the program) and any additional fees (such as online course tech fees or textbooks). Many online programs in Missouri are around $10,000 to $20,000 total. Keep in mind that you may continue working while studying, which helps finance your education, and financial aid, such as scholarships for education students, is often available.

Below is a snapshot of costs for three online MEd programs in Missouri:

FAQs from Missouri’s Future Online MEd Students

Q1: Do I need to be a licensed teacher to enroll in an online MEd program in Missouri?

A: It depends on the program and specialization. Many MEd programs expect applicants to have a teaching license or classroom experience, especially if the degree leads to advanced teacher or administrator certification. For example, an MEd in Principal Leadership will require a valid teaching certificate and a few years of teaching experience.

However, other tracks, like an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction or an MEd in Educational Technology, might accept students from non-teaching backgrounds. Missouri has options for career changers, too. Some universities offer a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or an MEd with initial certification for those who don’t yet have a license. 

Always check admission criteria: Programs will list if a teaching certificate is required. If you’re not a licensed teacher, look for MEd programs that are open to broader educational professionals or consider finding an online MAT that focuses on getting you certified.

Q2: Should I take the GRE before applying to Missouri’s online MEd programs?

A: This depends on your chosen program and application. A growing number of Missouri universities have dropped the GRE requirement for education master’s programs, preferring to evaluate applicants on academic record and experience. Mizzou, for instance, explicitly states that GRE scores are not required for its online MEd programs.

Instead, you may need to meet a GPA threshold and provide materials like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. A few competitive or specialized programs might request GRE scores if your GPA is lower, or for certain funding considerations, but this is not the norm. 

Always verify on the program’s admission page to see whether a GRE score is expected. If not, focus your energy on crafting a strong application that highlights your teaching experience, passion, and readiness for graduate study. 

If a program does require the GRE, it will typically indicate a target score or offer conditional admission alternatives. Make sure to give yourself time to prepare for the GRE if you do need to take it.

Q3: How long does it take to complete an online MEd program in Missouri?

A: The timeline can range from as fast as one year to about three years, depending on the program structure and whether you study full-time or part-time. An accelerated full-time program, like some of Northwest Missouri State’s MSEd tracks, can be done in 12 months by taking courses year-round.

More commonly, full-time enrollment means around 18 to 24 months to finish a 30- to 36-credit MEd. Many students start during one fall and graduate by the next December. Keep in mind that online programs often offer flexibility with pacing. Also, check if the program is cohort-based (everyone moves together, which can dictate time) or self-paced.

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

A: The truth is, most online MEd students in Missouri do work full-time as teachers or in other jobs while studying. Online MEd programs are built for this balancing act. Online courses offer flexibility: You might watch lectures in the evenings, participate in discussion boards on your own schedule, and complete assignments over the weekend.

Part-time enrollment is a popular choice for full-time workers, as it keeps the workload manageable. For instance, Park University’s MEd courses are eight weeks long, so you can focus on one subject intensely and then move to the next, which many working teachers find feasible. Time management and setting a regular study schedule are key, but the consensus is that it’s doable.

Q5: Will an online MEd degree be respected by Missouri schools, and can it help me advance or get a raise?

A: Yes, an online MEd from an accredited Missouri institution holds the same value as an on-campus degree in the eyes of school districts and the state. Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education treats approved online programs the same for upgrading teacher certifications.

Principals and hiring committees are primarily concerned with the reputation of the university and the accreditation of the program. As long as those boxes are checked, your MEd is legitimate. 

In terms of career advancement, a master’s is often the key to moving up. An MEd typically qualifies you for a higher salary lane on district pay scales. For example, going from a bachelor’s to a master’s can yield several thousand dollars more per year.