Earning a Master of Education (MEd) online in North Carolina can be a practical way for educators to advance their careers without stepping away from the classroom. This guide explores popular online MEd programs in NC, highlights high-demand fields of study, and breaks down program formats, costs, and admissions considerations to help you find the right fit.
Author: Shannon Daigle
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields of Study
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Master’s in Education Online Programs in North Carolina
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Details of Three Popular Programs
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)
UNC Charlotte offers multiple fully online, accredited MEd programs designed for working teachers. Available concentrations include curriculum and instruction, special education, and learning design. Most programs require 30–33 credits and emphasize practical, classroom-focused skills.
Courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. For licensed educators, UNC Charlotte’s online MEd can lead to the Advanced (“M”) teaching license in North Carolina.
Program Highlights:
- Fully online, asynchronous coursework
- Multiple specialization options
- Pathway to advanced licensure for eligible educators
Duration: 30 credits; about 2 years
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $288.82 per credit (in-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Valid NC “A” license for certain concentrations
North Carolina State University (NC State)
NC State’s College of Education offers online MEd programs in areas such as adult and community college education, training and development, and clinical mental health counseling. Programs emphasize leadership, applied learning, and real-world relevance.
Most programs require around 36 credits and can be completed in two to three years part time. Many applicants qualify for GRE waivers, helping reduce barriers to admission.
Program Highlights:
- Strong focus on leadership and applied skills
- Flexible pacing for working professionals
- Robust student support services
Duration: 36 credits; ~2 years full-time or 3 years part-time
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $553 per credit (in-state distance graduate rate)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree and transcripts
- Competitive GPA (3.0+ preferred)
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
East Carolina University (ECU)
East Carolina University offers affordable online MAEd programs with a wide range of specializations, including curriculum and instruction, elementary education, special education, and reading education. Programs typically require 30–36 credits and are designed for educators balancing coursework with teaching.
ECU’s low tuition and strong student support make it a popular option for North Carolina educators seeking advancement or specialist roles.
Duration: 30–36 credits; ~2 years full-time or 3+ years part-time
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $289.55 per credit (in-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Teaching license for advanced tracks
- Minimum GPA (varies by program)
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Top Five Fields of Study
Choosing the right MEd specialization can influence both job opportunities and long-term career growth. Below are five fields that stand out in North Carolina based on demand, salary potential, and statewide education needs.
1. Educational Leadership
Educational leadership MEd programs prepare educators for roles such as principal, assistant principal, or district administrator. In North Carolina, an MEd in this field is typically required for licensure and advancement into administrative positions. Demand remains steady as districts work to replace retiring leaders and strengthen school management.
2. Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and instruction is one of the most flexible MEd specializations, focusing on teaching strategies, assessment, and curriculum development. Many educators pursue this path to strengthen classroom practice while remaining eligible for roles such as instructional coach, mentor teacher, or curriculum specialist.
3. Special Education
Special education remains a high-need area across North Carolina. An MEd in Special Education prepares educators to support students with disabilities and often aligns with additional endorsements or advanced licensure. Graduates may continue classroom teaching or move into specialist or coordination roles.
4. Instructional Technology
Instructional technology programs focus on designing and supporting digital and blended learning environments. Graduates often work in roles that support technology integration, online instruction, or professional development within schools or districts.
5. STEM Education
STEM-focused MEd programs address shortages in math, science, and computer science education. These programs combine advanced subject knowledge with instructional strategies and are often aligned with district initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes in high-need subject areas.
Accreditation Details
Accreditation is essential when evaluating MEd programs. North Carolina universities typically hold regional accreditation through SACSCOC, and many education programs also carry CAEP accreditation, which signals adherence to national educator preparation standards.
Accredited programs are recognized by employers and licensing boards and ensure eligibility for financial aid.
Types of Online MEd Programs in NC
Online MEd programs in NC are available in several formats, allowing educators to choose an option that fits their schedule and goals.
Common formats include:
- Full-Time Programs: faster completion, heavier workload
- Part-Time Programs: most common for working teachers
- No-GRE Programs: admissions based on GPA and experience
- Accelerated Programs: 12–18 month completion timelines
How Much Do Online MEd Programs Cost?
North Carolina is known for affordable graduate tuition, particularly for in-state residents. Most public universities charge $250–$300 per credit, meaning a 30-credit MEd may cost $7,500–$9,000 in tuition.
Online students often save on relocation and commuting costs, though technology fees and textbooks may still apply.
| University | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Charlotte – M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction | 30 | $288.82 | $8,665 |
| East Carolina University – MAEd in Special Education | 36 | $289.55 | $10,424 |
| NC A&T State University – MAEd in Reading Education | 30 | $250 | $7,500 |
Tuition figures are for illustrative purposes and are subject to change. They reflect in-state rates; out-of-state rates will be higher unless a distance education discount applies.
FAQs from Prospective North Carolina MEd Students
Do I need a current teaching license to enroll in an online MEd program in NC?
It depends on the program. Many online MEd programs in North Carolina are designed for already-licensed teachers seeking advanced skills or “M” licensure and build on your classroom experience. However, some MEd specializations like instructional technology do not require prior teaching licensure.
If you don’t have a teaching license and want to become a teacher, an online MAT program with initial licensure would be more appropriate. But if you’re an educator aiming to deepen expertise or move into leadership, an MEd is ideal.
Always check admission criteria for requirements and exceptions by specialization.
How do online MEd classes work – are they live or self-paced?
Online MEd classes in NC are typically a mix of asynchronous and occasional synchronous sessions, with an emphasis on flexibility. The majority of programs accommodate working professionals, meaning you won’t have to log in at a set daily time. Online education classes are sometimes offered in the evenings or weekends if real-time discussion is needed.
Some programs include synchronous Zoom sessions for activities like group work, Q&A with professors, or presentations, but these are often optional or kept to a minimum.
Will an online MEd degree be respected by North Carolina school districts and employers?
Yes, an online MEd from a reputable North Carolina university carries the same weight as an on-campus degree. School districts care that you have a master’s from an accredited institution in your field; the mode of delivery (online vs. in-person) is generally not a concern.
The key is ensuring your program is accredited (both institutionally and by CAEP for educator prep), which all the programs we discuss here are. The degree will enhance your resume, qualify you for the master’s pay scale in districts that offer it, and fulfill requirements for advanced licensure, all as valid as if you studied on campus.
Will earning an online MEd qualify me for an advanced teaching license or salary increase in NC?
Completing an MEd can lead to an Advanced (“M”) Teaching License in North Carolina in your field of study, which is a higher level of teacher licensure beyond the initial “A” license. Obtaining this advanced license is important because it formally recognizes your graduate-level expertise and, historically, it was tied to a salary increase.
North Carolina’s state policy no longer automatically bumps pay for master’s degrees for most teachers, but if your master’s is in the subject you teach, you may get a salary supplement in certain districts or through local funding. Having an MEd often qualifies you for positions with higher pay scales, such as instructional coach, specialist, or administration, which come with salary bumps.
What’s the difference between an MEd and an MAT, and which should I choose?
A Master of Education (MEd) is typically geared toward already licensed educators who want to deepen their expertise or move into specialized/leadership roles. MEd programs often focus on areas like curriculum development, administration, counseling, or specific advanced teaching fields, and they usually do not grant initial teaching licensure.
On the other hand, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for those with bachelor’s degrees (often in a non-education field) who want to become a licensed teacher. Think of the MAT as a pathway into the profession, and the MEd as professional development for those already in it.