If you’re a middle or high school teacher looking to advance professionally without leaving the classroom, an online Master of Education (MEd) in Secondary Education can help you get there. These programs are built for working educators and often support salary advancement, subject-area specialization, and leadership opportunities.
Author: James Mielke
Expertise: BusinessOnline LearningGraduate 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 - 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 - Career Options
What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
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More resources that dive deeper into specific degree programs, student success, and more…
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A list of the best schools currently offering the best online and hybrid master’s programs in the state
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Comparing Online MEd in Secondary Education Programs
Below are three accredited online master’s programs in secondary education. Each highlights a different pathway — advanced licensure, initial certification, or instructional leadership — to show how programs can vary.
Auburn University at Montgomery
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) offers a fully online MEd in Secondary Education designed for licensed teachers pursuing Class A certification in Alabama. The 30-credit curriculum emphasizes instructional improvement and classroom leadership, with coursework in:
- Advanced instructional strategies
- Educational foundations and philosophy
- Instructional technology
Students can specialize by subject area — such as biology, English, or mathematics — allowing them to tailor the degree to their teaching field. Small class sizes and asynchronous courses make the program manageable alongside full-time teaching.
Program Overview:
- Duration: 18 months
- Mode: 100% online; asynchronous
- Cost: $465 per credit (in-state) | $511 per credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA preferred
- Valid Class B secondary teaching certificate
- Official transcripts
- Background and fingerprint clearance
- No GRE required
Clemson University
Clemson’s online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for career changers and professionals without teaching certification who want to become secondary educators.
This accelerated 14-month program leads to initial teacher certification in South Carolina for grades 9–12. Students complete coursework in instructional methods and education foundations, with field experiences embedded throughout the program.
Clemson offers content tracks in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students may also qualify for an internship certificate, allowing them to teach locally while finishing the degree.
Program Overview:
- Duration: 14 months
- Mode: Online coursework with local in-person field experiences
- Cost: $656 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area
- Minimum 2.75 GPA (3.0 preferred)
- Passing Praxis Subject exams or proof of content competency
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Virtual interview
University of Nebraska Kearney
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) offers an online MAEd in Curriculum & Instruction with a Secondary Education concentration for licensed grade 7–12 teachers. This 36-credit program focuses on:
- Advanced instructional strategies
- Classroom-based assessment
- Curriculum development for secondary learners
The degree is ideal for educators who want to improve instructional effectiveness or step into curriculum leadership roles without pursuing administrative licensure.
Program Overview:
- Duration: 2 years (flexible pacing available)
- Mode: 100% online, asynchronous
- Cost: $337 per credit (in-state) | $476 per credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Undergraduate GPA considered
- Valid secondary teaching certification
- Professional biography
Cost of Online Secondary Education Master’s Programs
Tuition for online MEd programs in Secondary Education varies based on:
- Institution type (public vs. private)
- Residency status
- Total credits required
Most programs charge per credit, meaning total tuition is calculated by multiplying the per-credit rate by required credits. Public universities often charge more for out-of-state students, while private schools typically offer flat online tuition rates.
Additional expenses may include:
- Technology or online learning fees
- Textbooks and course materials
- Reliable computer and internet access
Financial aid — including scholarships, grants, student loans, and employer tuition assistance — can help offset costs.
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn Univ. at Montgomery | 30 | $465 | $13,950 |
| Clemson University | 30 | $656 | $19,680 |
| U. of Nebraska Kearney | 36 | $337 | $12,132 |
Questions from Prospective Secondary Education Master’s Students
What’s the difference between an MEd and MAT in Secondary Education?
An MEd in Secondary Education is designed for already-licensed teachers, while an MAT is intended for individuals seeking initial certification. MEd programs focus on advanced teaching strategies, leadership, and curriculum development.
MAT programs, by contrast, include pedagogical training and student teaching requirements for those entering the profession. Both degree types are commonly offered online, but they serve different career stages.
Can I work full-time while earning my Secondary Education MEd online?
Yes, most online MEd programs are designed to accommodate full-time working teachers. Courses are often asynchronous, allowing you to complete coursework during evenings or weekends.
Many students spend 10–15 hours per week per course, and part-time enrollment options make it easier to balance professional and academic responsibilities.
Do online Secondary Education MEd programs include student teaching?
Student teaching requirements depend on whether the program leads to initial certification. MAT and licensure-track programs typically require supervised in-person fieldwork.
MEd programs for licensed teachers usually do not require student teaching, instead focusing on advanced coursework and capstone or research projects. Program descriptions will clearly outline any in-person commitments.
Why is accreditation important for an online Secondary Education degree?
Accreditation ensures your degree meets quality standards required for licensure, employment, and financial aid eligibility. Employers and state education agencies rely on accreditation to verify program legitimacy.
You should confirm:
- Institutional accreditation from a recognized regional accreditor
- Program-level accreditation from organizations such as CAEP, when applicable
Choosing an accredited program ensures your degree will be recognized and transferable.
Can financial aid help pay for an MEd in Secondary Education?
Yes, multiple forms of financial aid are available to secondary education master’s students. Common options include scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and VA benefits.
Additional education-specific resources may include:
- TEACH Grants (up to $4,000 per year for service in high-need schools)
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness, offering up to $17,500 after five years of qualifying service
- District-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs
Starting your financial aid search early can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Careers & Salaries for Secondary Education Master’s Graduates
A master’s degree in secondary education supports career advancement both inside and outside the classroom. Many educators continue teaching while earning higher pay, while others move into leadership or specialist roles.
Common career paths include:
- Department chair or instructional leader
- Curriculum specialist or instructional coordinator
- School administrator
- Education consultant or instructional designer
| Career | Projected Growth | Median Pay | Top Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Teacher (Grades 9–12) | -1% | $65,220 | $106,380 |
| Middle School Teacher (Grades 6–8) | -1% | $64,290 | $104,410 |
| Instructional Coordinator (Curriculum Specialist) | 2% | $74,620 | $109,500 |
| School Principal (Secondary School Administrator) | -1% | $103,460 | $163,010 |
| Career & Technical Education Teacher (High School) | 0% | $63,580 | $102,550 |
Resources for Secondary Education Master’s Students
Staying supported during graduate school — and throughout your teaching career — is easier with the right tools. Below are trusted resources commonly used by secondary educators.
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) — Research, webinars, and leadership resources
- Common Sense Education — Edtech reviews and digital citizenship curriculum
- Cult of Pedagogy — Teaching strategies and professional reflection
- Education Week — News and analysis on K–12 education
- Edutopia — Evidence-based teaching practices
- Google for Education Teacher Center — Free training and certifications
- Khan Academy — Supplemental instructional content
- PBS Learning Media — Standards-aligned classroom resources
- Teachers Pay Teachers — Lesson plans and teaching materials
- TeachThought — Innovation-focused education insights