Master's in Education Online: Finding the Right North Carolina School

Program Breakdown: Inside Three Popular Online MEd Programs in North Carolina

Top Five Fields of Study for MEd Students in North Carolina

Choosing the right specialization for your MEd can significantly impact your career opportunities. Here are five in-demand MEd fields, based on job outlook, salary potential, and relevance in North Carolina’s education landscape:

1. Educational Leadership

Why it’s a top field: Educational leadership includes roles like principal, assistant principal, or district administrator and is a popular MEd focus due to leadership demand. North Carolina’s school districts seek qualified administrators who can improve school performance and manage staff. An MEd in Educational Leadership (often leading to a school administration license) prepares you to meet these needs with courses in school law, finance, and leadership. K-12 principals in the U.S. earned a median salary of about $103,460 in 2023 and in NC, new leaders will be needed as many principals near retirement. An MEd is typically required for those seeking administrative and leadership roles.

2. Curriculum and Instruction

Why it’s a top field: Curriculum and Instruction is a versatile MEd specialization focusing on improving teaching strategies and curriculum design. In North Carolina, instructional coaches and curriculum specialists are in demand to help schools meet state standards and innovate in teaching. An MEd in C&I equips you with advanced skills in curriculum development, instructional technology, and assessment leading to roles like instructional coordinator.The job outlook for instructional coordinators is steady, with about 20,100 openings per year nationwide due to retirements and turnover. NC school districts and the Department of Public Instruction employ specialists to develop curricula for subjects like reading, STEM, and social studies. 

3. Special Education

Why it’s a top field: Special education is consistently one of the highest-need teaching areas in North Carolina. Educators with an MEd in special education are equipped to support students with disabilities through advanced instructional techniques and a deep understanding of individualized education plans (IEPs). By pursuing this field, you not only increase your value in the job market but also make a meaningful impact on students who need skilled support. Many NC school districts offer pay incentives for special ed teachers, and having a master’s can qualify you for specialist roles or lead teacher positions. 

4. Instructional Technology

Why it’s a top field: Instructional technology (often called learning design and technology or instructional design) has risen to prominence, especially after the push to online and blended learning. North Carolina, with its growing tech sector and large education systems, values professionals who can integrate technology into effective learning. An MEd in instructional technology prepares you to be a tech-savvy curriculum specialist or an e-learning designer in K-12, higher education, or even corporate training. This field boasts strong prospects: jobs for instructional designers and training specialists are projected to grow faster than average this decade as organizations invest in digital learning.

5. STEM Education

Why it’s a top field: Focusing your MEd on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) can be a smart move in NC. There’s a well-documented shortage of qualified math and science teachers nationwide, and North Carolina is no exception. School districts, especially in rural or high-need areas, often struggle to recruit and retain math, science, and computer science educators. By earning an MEd with a specialization in mathematics education, science education, or a broader STEM focus, you position yourself as an expert teacher in a high-demand subject. These programs deepen your content knowledge and pedagogical skills for teaching complex concepts, and they often include leadership training to become a department chair or curriculum developer for STEM. The job outlook is strong – high school teacher positions are expected to grow about 5% from 2021 to 2031.

Accreditation for North Carolina Online MEd Programs

Accreditation is a crucial quality marker for any MEd program. In North Carolina, reputable online MEd programs hold regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which ensures the university meets rigorous academic standards. Most education programs also have specialized accreditation from entities like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which evaluates the quality of teacher training programs. 

What does this mean for you? An accredited online MEd from an NC school will be recognized by employers and state licensing boards, signifying the curriculum covers essential knowledge and that graduates are well-prepared for advanced educator roles. Always verify both institutional (regional) and programmatic (education-specific) accreditation when comparing programs.

Types of Online MEd Programs in North Carolina

Online MEd programs in NC come in various formats to fit different needs. You’ll find full-time tracks for those who want an immersive, fast finish, and part-time options that let working teachers take courses at a slower pace. Some programs offer GRE waivers or no GRE admissions, making it easier to apply. There are even accelerated MEd programs that can be completed in as little as 12–18 months. Whether you prefer a cohort-based intensive program or a flexible schedule, North Carolina’s universities provide a format that aligns with your timeline and career stage.

Full-Time Programs

Full-time online MEd programs are ideal if you want to earn your degree faster and focus intensively on your studies. Expect a heavier course load (typically three or more classes per term), allowing you to finish in about 12 to 18 months of continuous study. The upside of a full-time schedule is the faster completion and immersive learning, and you can apply new ideas in real-time. Balancing full-time grad studies with work can be challenging, so many full-time online MEd students take a break from full-time teaching or reduce their work hours. Full-time programs often have a cohort model, meaning you progress with the same group of peers, which can provide a strong support network. You can also access financial aid packages designed for full-time enrollment.

Examples of Full-Time Online/Hybrid MEd Programs in NC:

• UNC Charlotte – MEd in Urban Education
• North Carolina A&T State University – MAEd in Reading Education
• Appalachian State University – MA in Higher Education
  

Part-Time Programs

Part-time online MEd programs are tailored for working professionals who need to juggle coursework with a full-time job or other obligations. In a part-time track, you might take one or two courses per semester, extending the program length to two or three years. The key benefit is flexibility: you can continue teaching (or in any role) and immediately apply what you learn in your classroom or workplace. Part-time pacing reduces stress by spreading out the workload; you’ll have more time to absorb course material and maintain work-life balance. North Carolina’s universities offer many part-time MEd options, typically identical in content to full-time programs..

Examples of Part-Time Online/Hybrid MEd Programs in NC:

• UNC Charlotte – M.Ed. in Special Education: Academically or Intellectually Gifted
• East Carolina University – MAEd in Elementary Education
• UNC Greensboro – M.Ed. in Teacher Education (K–12 Literacy)
  

Programs with No GRE Requirement

Online MEd programs with no GRE requirement remove a common barrier to graduate admission. In North Carolina, many universities waive the GRE for education master’s applicants, especially those with a solid undergraduate GPA or teaching experience. No-GRE doesn’t mean lower standards; schools simply may focus on your academic record and professional background instead of test scores. This is great for veteran teachers returning to school – your classroom experience and Praxis/license credentials often carry more weight. A GRE-free application saves you the cost and time of test prep and lets you concentrate on your personal statement and recommendations. Programs are still competitive; you’ll need to demonstrate your capability through GPA, essays, and references.

Examples of Online MEd Programs in NC with No GRE:

• NC State University – M.Ed. in Adult and Community College Education
• UNC Charlotte – M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Appalachian State University – M.A. in Educational Media

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online MEd programs allow you to graduate in a shorter time frame than traditional routes. These programs often have condensed courses or year-round scheduling (including summers) to help you finish in as little as 12 to 18 months. They are perfect if you’re motivated to quickly obtain your master’s – perhaps to qualify for a promotion or meet a licensure deadline. In an accelerated format, you’ll likely take courses back-to-back with minimal breaks, and sometimes slightly overlapping. The intensity is higher, but you reap the benefit of earlier completion.

Examples of Accelerated Online MEd Programs in NC:

• North Carolina State University – MAT Specializations (Accelerated Licensure)
• Meredith College – M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Accelerated)
• UNC Pembroke – M.A. in Teaching (Secondary Education)

How Much Do Online MEd Programs in North Carolina Cost?

North Carolina stands out for its affordable tuition options, especially for in-state residents. Online MEd programs in NC generally charge tuition per credit hour, with rates for NC residents ranging roughly from $250 to $300 per credit at public universities. This means a 30-credit master’s might cost around $7,500–$9,000 in tuition for a North Carolina resident – significantly lower than many out-of-state or private programs. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition, though some schools offer special distance-ed rates to non-residents. 

Beyond tuition, online learners save on relocation and sometimes on fees – many campus fees are reduced or waived for distance education. Also consider additional costs like technology fees, textbooks, and any required travel for internships or on-campus orientations (most purely online MEd programs in NC do not require campus visits). Financial aid is available: you can use federal loans, and teachers in NC might qualify for loan forgiveness programs if they teach in high-need areas post-degree. 

Below is a snapshot of tuition costs at three NC universities for online MEd programs:

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 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.