Online Master’s Degrees in Secondary Education: Reviewing Top Schools

Comparing Online MEd in Secondary Education Programs

Below are profiles of three accredited online master’s in secondary education programs. Each comes with its own unique features (academic emphasis, format options, etc.), giving you an idea of how different programs work.

Online Secondary Education MEd Programs: Cost

Tuition rates for online M.Ed. in Secondary Education programs can vary widely depending mainly on the specific program and student’s state residency. Most programs charge on a per-credit basis, so your total tuition price will be roughly the per-credit rate multiplied by the total number of required credits. Public universities often charge a higher rate to out-of-state residents. Others charge the same rate to all students regardless of residency status. Private universities usually charge one rate for all online students. 

Costs beyond tuition commonly include program fees (technology, online learning, etc.). You’ll also need to budget for textbooks, a quality computer, and internet access. And remember that financial aid is available to qualifying students to help lower total degree price tags. (More on financial aid resources in the FAQs below.)

The following table compares the current tuition costs for the three secondary education master’s programs profiled above:

Questions from Prospective Secondary Education Master’s Students

What’s the difference between an MEd and MAT in Secondary Education?

The MEd in Secondary Education is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to deepen their expertise or move into roles like curriculum specialist. The primary focus is on educational theory, advanced teaching strategies, and leadership.

In contrast, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education is aimed at those seeking initial teacher certification. MAT programs include pedagogical training and student teaching for subject-specific experts who are new to the profession.

Both MEd and MAT programs in secondary education are available online.

Can I work full-time while earning my Secondary Education MEd online?

In most cases, yes. Online MEd programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Courses are often asynchronous, meaning you can log in and complete work during evenings or weekends at your convenience. And part-time formats that allow students to take one or two courses at a time are common.

Time management is key. Expect to spend around ten to 15 hours per week on study for each course. It can be a challenge, but with discipline and your program’s flexible format, you can continue working full-time while pursuing your graduate education.

Do online MEd programs include student teaching or in-person requirements?

It depends on the degree type and program format. If you are pursuing an MAT or other licensure-focused master’s, you will have in-person fieldwork components. These typically take the form of a supervised student teaching semester or periodic practicum hours in a school setting.

For MEd programs intended for already-licensed teachers, there are generally no student teaching requirements (you’ve already completed those in your undergraduate training). MEd programs instead focus on advanced coursework and may include a capstone project or research paper instead of fieldwork. Always check program descriptions, though, which will clearly describe on-site commitments (if any).

Why is accreditation important for an online teaching degree?

Proper accreditation is essential because it assures you (and your future employers) that a degree program meets essential quality standards. It also matters for teacher licensure and certification, as well as for financial aid eligibility.

First and foremost, you’ll want to confirm institutional accreditation (of the college or university overall) by one of several regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You’ll additionally want to check for accreditation of the specific degree program from an accreditor like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Bottom line: Always choose a fully-accredited secondary education master’s program so your hard work translates into a credential that counts.

Can financial aid help pay for my MEd in Secondary Education?

Financial aid resources of many types are available to online master’s students. Common ones for secondary education master’s students include scholarships and grants, student loans, and VA benefits (for active and veteran military). Employer tuition assistance programs (particularly from public school districts) are also quite common.

Other specific sources of funding include TEACH Grants (up to $4,000 per year for those who commit to teach in a high-need school/subject). There’s also the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness program, which provides up to $17,500 in federal loan forgiveness to borrowers who agree to teach for five years in a low-income school upon graduation.

The key is to start your financial aid search as early as possible. With proper planning, you can significantly offset the cost of your MEd.

Salaries and Careers for MEd in Secondary Education Grads

A master’s in secondary education can open up a variety of career pathways. Of course, many graduates continue as middle or high school teachers, now armed with enhanced skills and often higher pay. Within schools, MEd graduates also pursue positions like department chair or instructional leader. MEd grads also move into roles as instructional coordinators designing curricula and providing professional development to teachers.

Outside of school settings, secondary education master’s holders may pursue jobs as district administrators, education consultants, curriculum developers, or instructional designers, among many others.

The table below takes a look at five popular career options for secondary education master’s program graduates:

Resources for Secondary Education Master’s Students & Professionals

Staying supported during your MEd journey (and beyond) is easier with the right resources. Here are 10 such resources for secondary education graduate students and teaching professionals:

• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) — Professional organization for educators, the ASCD offers expert articles, webinars, and conferences on curriculum design, instructional leadership, and effective teaching. The website’s resources help MEd students stay on top of the latest pedagogical trends and grow as teacher-leaders.
• Common Sense Education — Part of Common Sense Media, this site provides edtech reviews, digital citizenship curriculum, and teaching strategies for using technology wisely. You can browse reviews of apps and websites relevant to secondary education and access ready-to-use lessons.
• Cult of Pedagogy — An acclaimed blog and podcast run by educator Jennifer Gonzalez. Cult of Pedagogy dives into the craft of teaching, offering insightful articles on everything from instructional design to handling sensitive classroom discussions.
• Education Week — A leading news publication in K–12 education. EdWeek’s Teacher section features articles on teaching practices, curriculum changes, and education research. Also covered are policy updates and trends (like career and technical education developments and AP course access) that impact secondary educators.
• Edutopia — The Edutopia site provides a wealth of articles, videos, and tips on what works in education. Topics range from classroom management and project-based learning to teacher well-being.
• Google for Education Teacher Center — Free training hub for educators offering self-paced courses and certification programs on the effective use of Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, and other Google tools in teaching.
• Khan Academy — Well-known free learning platform with video lessons and practice exercises in math, science, history, and more. Secondary teachers can use site resources to supplement their teaching, assign extra practice for students, and learn about content they’re less familiar with.
• PBS Learning Media — The PBS Learning Media website offers a free library of educational resources aligned with national and state standards for PreK-12 students and teachers. Its videos and interactives provide great media content for lesson plans.
• Teachers Pay Teachers — Popular online marketplace where educators share and sell lesson plans, project ideas, assessments, and classroom activities. Secondary teachers can find ready-made resources for their subject (many are free or low-cost) and even earn money by uploading their own lessons.
• TeachThought — Online platform dedicated to innovation in education. TeachThought publishes thought-provoking articles and lists (e.g. new teaching methods, ways to promote critical thinking, or edtech tools ranked) that are highly relevant for secondary educators.

Top Online Master’s Programs in Secondary Education

Graduate program rankings can be a helpful tool in finding the best secondary education master’s for you. We’ve compiled the following ranking of top online secondary education master’s degrees using a data-driven methodology. Our analysis draws on data from the U.S. Department of Education data information from over 7,700 colleges and universities. We considered those factors that matter most to students, including affordability, accreditation, academic content, flexible student options, and student support resources (like academic advising and career counseling). Here’s who made the cut.