Online Master's in Education: Finding the Right Pennsylvania Program

Inside Three Popular Online MEd Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to accredited universities offering online and hybrid MEd degrees. Below, we spotlight three top programs – each with a unique focus – to illustrate the online learning experience. For each school, we highlight one specific MEd degree, its format, duration, cost, and what it takes to get in.

Top Fields of Study for MEd Grads in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s education needs span many specialties, but a few fields consistently stand out for their job growth, salary potential, and in-state demand. Below, we explore five high-impact fields for MEd graduates in PA.

1. Special Education

Special Education is a perennial high-need field in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Department of Education lists special ed among the top shortage areas nationwide, and Pennsylvania has officially designated PK–12 special education as a critical shortage subject. This means strong job security and eligibility for perks like federal TEACH grants for teachers in training. Special ed teachers in PA earn salaries comparable to other teachers (about $60–65k on average), with higher earnings for those with a master’s. An MEd in Special Education can lead to roles like special education coordinator or intervention specialist.

2. STEM Education

STEM education – particularly math and science teaching – is another priority field for Pennsylvania. Rural and urban districts alike often struggle to find qualified math and science teachers, meaning MEd grads in these subjects are in demand. Many PA programs offer MEd specializations to deepen teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogy. Job growth in these areas is fueled by both attrition and the national push for STEM proficiency. While math and science teachers earn standard teaching salaries, those with an MEd may advance to become department heads, curriculum specialists, or earn stipends for leading Advanced Placement courses.

3. Educational Leadership & Administration

Educational Leadership is the path to roles like principal, assistant principal, or district administrator. For experienced teachers aiming to move up, an MEd in Educational Leadership is often required, and in Pennsylvania, you must earn a state-approved master’s and pass administrative exams to become a certified principal. The investment can be well worth it: school administrators typically earn substantially higher salaries than teachers. In PA, the average principal salary is around $100–120k, depending on district size and region. Many principals and superintendents in Pennsylvania are nearing retirement age, which means leadership positions will continue to open.

4. Reading & Literacy

Reading and Literacy is a crucial field, especially given recent concerns about reading achievement in Pennsylvania. Just one in three Pennsylvania fourth-graders reads proficiently according to recent data – a statistic fueling new statewide initiatives. An MEd in reading or literacy equips educators to become reading specialists, literacy coaches, or interventionists who can help turn those numbers around. Reading specialists are in demand in elementary schools and districts, often working with struggling readers or leading professional development on literacy instruction. Many PA districts provide a pay bump for obtaining a reading specialist certification (which typically accompanies an MEd in this field). Reading specialists are usually paid on the teacher scale (median salaries in the $60k range), but with an MEd they can advance to roles like instructional coordinator.

5. English as a Second Language (ESL) & Bilingual Education

With a growing population of English language learners, ESL and bilingual education is a field on the rise. An MEd in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or a related field can prepare you to support this diverse student group. ESL teachers are in short supply nationally, and many PA districts are actively recruiting ESL-certified educators. ESL teachers in PA are paid on the teacher scale, but having an MEd plus an ESL program specialist certification can open doors to roles like ESL program coordinator or district ELL coach (often with additional stipends).

Accreditation for Pennsylvania Online MEd Programs

When choosing an online MEd, accreditation is vital – it’s the quality stamp that affects credit transfer, certification eligibility, and employer trust. First, ensure the university is regionally accredited. Pennsylvania’s major universities (Penn State, Temple, Pitt, Drexel, etc.) are all accredited by MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which means their degrees are recognized nationwide. Second, look for education-specific accreditation: the top benchmark is CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). CAEP accreditation signifies the program meets rigorous national standards for teacher training. This matters because an accredited program ensures you’ll be eligible for teaching licensure (if applicable) and that your degree will be respected by school districts.

Types of Online MEd Programs in Pennsylvania

You’ll find a variety of formats for online MEd programs in PA, including full- or part-time, accelerated, and degrees with no GRE admissions requirement. Full-time programs let you complete your degree quickly (often in 12–18 months) by taking a heavy course load; part-time options spread out coursework (2–3+ years) so you can continue teaching or juggling other responsibilities. Accelerated tracks have shorter (6-8 week) courses or year-round study for those eager to finish sooner. Programs with no GRE requirement waive the GRE entirely, focusing on your undergrad GPA and experience instead.

Full-Time Programs

Full-time online MEd programs are ideal if you want to earn your degree as quickly as possible. Full-time typically means taking a heavier course load each term to finish in about one year to 18 months. Expect an intensive schedule – you’ll be devoting many hours a week to classes, readings, and assignments, much like a full-time job. Many students who go full-time take a break from teaching or reduce work hours to focus on studies. 

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

• Penn State World Campus – Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education
• Drexel University – MS in Special Education
• Lebanon Valley College – Master of Education
• Elizabethtown – Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Part-Time Programs

Part-time online MEd programs are a popular choice for working educators and busy professionals. Part-time usually means taking one or two courses at a time, so you can continue teaching full-time and apply what you learn in real time. These programs emphasize flexibility – coursework can be done evenings and weekends, and timelines are adaptable. Most part-time MEd students finish in about two to three years, but many programs allow up to five or six years to complete the degree if needed. 

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

• Temple University’s – Special Education MEd
• Penn State World Campus – Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education

Programs with No GRE Requirement

Many online MEd programs in PA are No GRE, meaning instead of test scores, admissions committees focus on your academic record and professional experience. This trend is a win for busy educators – it removes a hurdle and speeds up the application process. Schools have found that undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements are better indicators of success than a generalized test. 

Examples of No-GRE Online/Hybrid MEd Programs in PA:

• Penn State World Campus – Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education
• Drexel University – MS in Special Education
• Temple – MEd

Accelerated Programs

If you’re eager to earn your master’s yesterday, look into accelerated online MEd programs. Accelerated can mean shorter course modules (5-8 weeks) so that you complete courses more quickly than the standard 15-week semester or year-round continuous enrollment (including summer) to compress the timeline. The result? You might finish in 12 to 15 months instead of two years. 

Examples of Accelerated Online/Hybrid MEd Programs in PA:

• West Chester University – Early Childhood MEd
• Elizabethtown College – Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania – MEd in Health & Physical Education

How Much Do Online MEd Programs in Pennsylvania Cost?

Tuition for online MEd programs in Pennsylvania can vary widely depending on the institution and your residency status. In general, public universities in state tend to have lower per-credit rates, while private universities charge more but may offer special online tuition discounts or scholarships. As of 2024, you’ll find Pennsylvania online MEd tuition ranging roughly from about $500 per credit (state universities in-state rate) up to $1,100+ per credit (private institutions or out-of-state rates at publics). Also factor in fees: many schools have online technology fees or general fees per semester. 

Below is a comparison of three example programs:

Note: Tuition figures are for the latest academic year. Cost per credit typically does not include university fees. Always check the latest rates and any available discounts.

FAQs from Prospective Pennsylvania MEd Students

Can I earn my teaching certification through an online MEd program in PA?

Yes, some online MEd programs in Pennsylvania are designed to include initial teacher certification, while others are for already-certified teachers. If you’re not yet certified, look for programs labeled “Certification Track” or “PreK-4 certification.” Similarly, some universities have “accelerated teacher residency” MEd programs that grant certification. Keep in mind you’ll need to complete field experiences and student teaching in person (often arranged at a school near you) to meet PA Department of Education requirements. Always verify that the program is approved by PDE for certification.

Will an online MEd degree from a Pennsylvania university be respected by employers?

School districts care about the reputation and accreditation of your university, not the delivery format of your degree. The vast majority of PA universities make no distinction on the diploma or transcript that your degree was earned online. Pennsylvania’s online MEd programs are usually taught by the same faculty who teach in-person, and they’re accredited by bodies like CAEP and MSCHE just like traditional programs. As long as your degree is from a properly accredited school, you can confidently state your MEd when applying for jobs or salary increases.

How long does it take to finish an online MEd if I’m working full-time?

The timeline can be pretty flexible. Most working educators in online MEd programs take a part-time course load. Typically, that means finishing in about two to three years. If you take summers off, it could be a bit longer; if you take courses year-round, perhaps a bit shorter. If you’re working full-time, a common approach is six credits per semester.

If you’re concerned about juggling responsibilities, talk to the program advisors – they can often help you map out a plan.

What financial aid or scholarships are available for MEd students in Pennsylvania?

You’ll be glad to hear there are several financial aid avenues. First, as a graduate student you can qualify for federal financial aid – mainly student loans (Stafford or Grad PLUS loans). Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for any need-based aid. Second, if you teach in a high-need subject or school, look into the TEACH Grant: this federal program provides up to $4,000 per year for grad students who commit to teaching in shortage areas like special ed, math, science, bilingual ed, etc., in a low-income school. And don’t forget employer benefits – a number of PA school districts provide partial tuition reimbursement for teachers pursuing a master’s.

Do I need a bachelor’s in education to apply for an MEd program?

Not necessarily. Many MEd programs welcome students from various academic backgrounds, especially if the program is aimed at initial teacher certification or bringing new perspectives into education. In Pennsylvania, requirements vary by program: some advanced tracks (like an MEd in Educational Leadership) assume you’re already a certified teacher, but others are open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree. If you lack an education background, be prepared to take some prerequisite courses or content exams, depending on the program’s design. Always check the admissions criteria: terms like “instructional I certification required” signal that you must already hold a teaching certificate.