Master's in Education Online: Comparing Top New Jersey Schools

Inside New Jersey Online MEd Degrees

Top 5 MEd Specializations in New Jersey

1. Educational Leadership (Administration)

Educational Leadership specializations prepare teachers to become principals, vice principals, and supervisors. The demand for qualified school administrators remains strong – New Jersey expects about 10.7% growth in education administrator jobs, faster than average, and these roles command higher-than-average salaries (median ~$96K in NJ). An MEd in Educational Leadership, often titled Educational Administration, is usually required for a principal license in NJ.

2. Special Education

With districts across the state reporting shortages of special education teachers, special education is one of the most in-demand fields in New Jersey schools. Special ed teachers support students with disabilities, and an MEd or MA in special education often leads to an endorsement or higher certification in NJ. Salaries are competitive – the average special education teacher in NJ earns about $60,000, with experienced special educators making over $100K. Degree programs cover advanced strategies for inclusive instruction, behavioral management, and collaboration with parents and support staff. 

3. ESL/Bilingual Education

With New Jersey’s diverse population, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Bilingual Education is a top specialization. NJ schools face persistent shortages of ESL teachers as the number of English Language Learners grows. An MEd focused on ESL/Bilingual Education equips teachers to better support multilingual students and often leads to an ESL or Bilingual endorsement from the NJ Department of Education. Salaries for ESL teachers in New Jersey average around $78,000 annually with roles including ESL specialists, bilingual curriculum coordinators, or district ESL program directors.

4. STEM Education (Math/Science)

STEM Education in NJ aligns with the state’s push for excellence in science and math. Teachers who specialize in STEM with an MEd can fill high-need roles including curriculum specialists, department chairs, or instructional coaches in their subject. Educators use innovative methods to teach mathematics, biology, chemistry, or technology effectively, and earn similar base salaries to other NJ teachers. Districts may offer hiring or retention bonuses for math and science educators who are inspiring the next generation of innovators.

5. Educational Technology (Instructional Technology)

Educational Technology has emerged as a top MEd specialization in the wake of remote learning and digital classrooms. Schools and universities in NJ invested heavily in technology integration, especially after 2020, driving demand for educators skilled in instructional design, e-learning, and tech-enabled teaching. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% job growth in instructional design and educational technology fields, a positive outlook as schools hire tech coaches and curriculum designers, and companies seek training specialists. An MEd in Educational Technology equips graduates to create engaging online content, implement learning management systems, and lead technology training.  Training and development managers have a median salary of $125K and career paths span K-12 to corporate sectors.

Accreditation in New Jersey’s Online MEd Programs

Accreditation is a key quality marker for any online MEd program. In New Jersey, reputable universities hold regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), meaning the institution meets rigorous academic standards. Most NJ education programs also pursue specialized accreditation. The gold standard is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP-accredited programs undergo thorough external review of their curricula, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. 

CAEP accreditation signals that a program meets national standards for preparing effective educators. If you earn an online MEd from a CAEP-accredited NJ school, employers and licensing boards will recognize it as equivalent to a high-quality on-campus degree. Always verify both the university’s regional accreditation and the education program’s specialized accreditation. 

Types of Online MEd Programs in NJ

Whether you need flexibility or speed, NJ schools likely have an online MEd format that fits, from self-paced part-time studies to structured cohort-based accelerated programs. You’ll find full-time tracks for those who want an immersive, faster completion, as well as part-time options that let you study while teaching. Some programs waive the GRE requirement, making admissions easier, and others offer accelerated schedules for one-year completion. 

Full-Time Online MEd Programs

Full-time online MEd programs are designed for students who can devote a significant portion of their time to graduate study (often taking two or more courses per term). These programs allow you to finish faster – sometimes in as little as 12-18 months – but they require intensive focus. Full-time online MEd students often complete around nine credits each semester. You’ll earn your degree quickly and can potentially advance your career sooner. Full-time study is ideal if you’re taking a break from full-time work or can manage a heavier course load alongside your job. Just be prepared: the accelerated pace means weekly readings, discussions, and assignments come fast and frequent. 

Examples of Full-Time Online MEd Programs in NJ:

• Rutgers University – Ed.M. in Language Education
• Seton Hall University – M.A.E. in K-12 Education Leadership
• Rowan University – M.A. in Special Education

Part-Time Online MEd Programs

Part-time online MEd programs are tailored for working educators and allow you to take fewer courses each semester so you can balance teaching and family life with graduate school. Part-time students might take longer to graduate, but the manageable pace can make all the difference in reducing stress and ensuring success in grad school. Most online MEd programs in NJ are inherently part-time friendly; offering evening or asynchronous classes and options for how many credits to take. The pro is flexibility: you keep earning income and applying what you learn in real time. New Jersey teachers who pursue their MEd part-time find that the steady, gradual progress fits well with the school year cycle (taking lighter loads during busy teaching semesters and maybe extra courses in summer). 

Examples of Part-Time Online MEd Programs in NJ:

• Montclair State University – M.A. in Educational Leadership
• New Jersey City University – M.A. in Educational Technology
• Rowan University – M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership

No GRE Required Programs

Many NJ online MEd programs waive the GRE. No GRE required means admission is based on your academic record, experience, and recommendations, not a test score. This lowers barriers, especially for busy teachers who don’t have time to prepare for the GRE. These programs tend to value practical experience: a solid undergrad GPA (usually 3.0+) and teaching background can carry more weight than any exam. Keep in mind, even without GRE scores, admissions can be competitive – so highlight your classroom achievements and passion for education in your application. 

Examples of NJ Online MEd Programs with No GRE:

• Thomas Edison State University – M.A. in Educational Leadership
• Monmouth University – M.Ed. (P-3 or ESL Concentration)
• Rutgers University – Ed.M. in Adult and Continuing Education

Accelerated Online MEd Programs

If you’re eager to move up the pay scale or into a new role ASAP, accelerated MEd programs let you earn your degree in about one year to 18 months. These programs achieve a quicker timeline by using short terms (six- to eight- week classes) and year-round scheduling. You’ll be condensing what’s usually a two-year curriculum into a much shorter span, so expect an intensive workload, overlapping assignments, and very little downtime between courses. New Jersey schools offer accelerated online MEd tracks in areas like educational leadership and curriculum instruction, often in a cohort format where you progress with the same group of peers. 

Examples of Accelerated Online MEd Programs in NJ:

• Seton Hall University – M.A.E. in Education Leadership
• Thomas Edison State University – M.A. in Educational Technology
• Caldwell University – M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (Hybrid)

Cost of Online MEd Programs in New Jersey

The cost of an online MEd in New Jersey varies by institution, but generally falls between about $24,000 and $36,000 total tuition. Public universities with in-state rates tend to be lower, while private universities charge more per credit. For example, New Jersey public schools like Thomas Edison State University and Montclair State University charge around $650–$850 per credit; private schools like Seton Hall cost about $1,000 per credit for online programs. Keep in mind the number of credits required can differ (some MEd programs are 30 credits, others 36+), and many NJ schools have flat-rate or discounted tuition for fully online students. You’ll also save on commuting or campus fees by studying online, but always compare total program costs, not just per-credit rates when considering schools.

Below is a comparison of three example programs:

Costs cited are for tuition only, based on 2024–2025 rates. New Jersey residents generally get in-state rates at public universities, while private universities charge the same for all online students. Always check the latest tuition on the program’s website, as rates can change year to year.

FAQs from Prospective New Jersey MEd Students

How long does it take to complete an online MEd program in New Jersey?

Most online MEd programs in NJ can be finished in about 18 months to two years, but the timeline varies by program and your course load. For instance, an accelerated full-time program lets you graduate in as little as a year, but if you’re a working teacher taking one class at a time, it may take closer to three years to earn your degree. The good news is online programs offer flexibility – you can often speed up or slow down as needed. You’ll find a mix of programs in NJ to help students move quickly or comfortably spread out courses to balance work and family.

What are the admissions requirements for NJ online MEd programs (and is the GRE required)?

Admissions requirements for New Jersey’s online MEd programs are similar to on-campus programs – typically you’ll need a bachelor’s degree (with a GPA around 3.0), official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a purpose statement or essay, and a resume. Many NJ schools have dropped the GRE requirement entirely for education master’s applicants, especially if you meet the GPA threshold. Always check each program’s requirements.

Will an online MEd degree from a New Jersey school advance my career (does it count for certification and salary)?

An online MEd from an accredited NJ institution can open the same doors as a traditional degree, and often translates into a salary bump. Many districts in NJ reward a master’s with an increase (commonly an extra $2,000–$10,000 annually, depending on the contract). If your MEd program is approved for certain endorsements, it will qualify you for those NJ Department of Education certifications just as an on-campus program would. Choose a program aligned with your career goals and make sure your school has proper accreditation.

Are online MEd degrees respected by New Jersey school districts and employers?

New Jersey school districts increasingly recognize that quality education can happen online, and an online MEd from a reputable NJ university carries respect. What is important is the institution’s reputation and accreditation. All the NJ programs featured here are fully accredited and well-regarded in the education community. As long as your MEd is from an accredited, NJDOE-approved program, it will meet requirements for certification and be valued in your district. During your interview, you can highlight any practical components of your online MEd (like an internship or capstone project) to show the hands-on value of your training to prospective employers.

Do I ever need to attend campus or complete in-person work in an online MEd?

Most online MEd programs in NJ are 100% online with no on-campus requirement, but there can be in-person elements in the form of field experiences. You typically do not have to go to the physical campus for classes – lectures, discussions, and assignments are all handled via a learning platform. However, certain education specializations require practical application like a principal internship or practicum which you’ll complete at a school under a mentor. Similarly, an MEd in Counseling or an MEd in Reading may require you to work with students in-person for a practicum arranged in your local area to engage in real-world practice. This blend of online learning and real-world experience is what makes the degree so valuable and immediately applicable to your job.