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

Program Breakdown: Inside Three Popular Online MEd Programs in Tennessee

Below we highlight three accredited Tennessee universities offering reputable online or hybrid MEd programs. Each overview summarizes the program’s format and key features, with details on a specific MEd degree including duration, delivery mode, cost, and admissions criteria. These examples give a sense of what to expect from online MEd studies in Tennessee, helping you compare options as you plan your graduate education journey.

A Look at Tennessee’s Top Fields of Study for MEd Grads

What are the best specializations to pursue for your MEd in Tennessee? Here are five high-demand education fields in the state, chosen based on job growth projections, salary potential, and statewide education needs like teacher shortages and curriculum initiatives. Each field below offers strong career prospects for Tennessee educators, from administrative leadership roles to specialist positions that address critical needs in schools.

Educational Leadership & Administration

Educational leadership (principals, assistant principals, and instructional leaders) is one of the top fields for MEd grads in Tennessee due to advancement opportunities and high salary potential. Nearly every school district in the state seeks qualified administrators, especially as veteran principals retire. In Tennessee, school principals earn around $77,000 per year on average. MEd programs in Educational Leadership prepare educators for the Tennessee Instructional Leader licensure exam, required for principal positions. 

Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) is another top specialization, aligning with Tennessee’s focus on raising academic achievement. Educators who pursue an MEd in C&I (often becoming instructional coordinators, coaches, or curriculum specialists) help design better lesson plans and train teachers in effective strategies. Job growth for instructional coordinators in Tennessee is projected at 13.4% – faster than the U.S. average. The median salary is around $56,750 statewide. With an online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, you could lead professional development, oversee curriculum alignment with state standards, and serve as an instructional coach..

Special Education

Special education is consistently identified as a critical-need field in Tennessee. Earning an MEd with a focus on Special Education can position you to fill these gaps and make a profound impact on students with disabilities. Many Tennessee universities offer online MEd programs in Special Education (with tracks in areas like interventionist or behavior specialist) to help teachers earn advanced endorsements. Graduates become lead special ed teachers, behavior intervention specialists, or district coordinators for special services. Given the state’s push for more inclusive education, advanced training helps educators implement evidence-based strategies and comply with IDEA. Experienced special ed teachers with a master’s often earn additional stipends or a higher salary..

Reading and Literacy Education

Improving literacy is a top priority in Tennessee, so MEd graduates specialized in reading and literacy are in high demand. With the state’s Literacy Success Act and other initiatives aiming to boost early reading skills, schools are hiring reading specialists and literacy coaches to lead the charge. An MEd in Literacy equips you to become a reading specialist (PreK-12), helping struggling readers and training teachers in phonics-based instruction. Reading specialists in TN often move into literacy coaching roles or curriculum leadership, and they play a pivotal role in student success. 

English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL)

Tennessee’s classrooms are serving more English Learners (ELs) each year, making English as a Second Language education a top field for MEd students. Districts in urban and suburban areas urgently need ESL-endorsed teachers and coordinators. By earning an MEd in English Language Learning or TESOL, you gain specialized strategies to help multilingual students succeed. Many Tennessee MEd programs offer an ESL concentration or add-on endorsement as part of the degree. With this training, graduates can become ESL specialists, district EL coordinators, or ESL instructional coaches. The job outlook is strong: beyond K-12 teaching, MEd grads in ESL might work on state initiatives to support ELs or design professional development on culturally responsive teaching.

Accreditation Details for Tennessee Online MEd Programs

When choosing an online MEd program in Tennessee, accreditation is key. You’ll want to ensure your university has regional accreditation and that the education program holds proper professional accreditation. All major Tennessee universities (public and private) are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award graduate degrees. In addition, most colleges of education in Tennessee have accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

It’s also wise to verify state approval if your goal is teacher or administrator licensure. Tennessee’s Department of Education approves programs that lead to licensure. Always check accreditation info on the program’s website – legitimate programs will proudly display SACSCOC regional accreditation and CAEP or similar credentials for their education programs. 

Types of Online MEd Programs in Tennessee

Online MEd programs in Tennessee come in various formats to suit different needs. You’ll find full-time programs, part-time programs, programs with no GRE requirement, and even accelerated tracks.

In general, full-time programs allow you to finish faster but require a larger time commitment each term. Part-time programs stretch out the degree (often two to three years) but are easier to balance with a teaching job. Many Tennessee universities have dropped the GRE requirement for MEd admissions, focusing on your undergraduate GPA and experience instead. Some programs are accelerated, using shortened course terms or heavier course loads so you can graduate sooner (sometimes in as little as 12-18 months).

Full-Time Programs

Full-time online MEd programs are designed for students who want to complete their degree quickly, typically by taking a near-full course load each term. In a full-time program, you might take three or more courses per semester (or enroll year-round) and finish in about 12 to 18 months. You’ll earn your MEd faster, which means you can potentially start enjoying any salary increase or new job role sooner. The workload is significant – roughly 30-40 hours of coursework/study per week – which can be challenging if you’re also teaching or working. Many full-time online MEd students either take a leave from full-time teaching or have flexible jobs. 

Examples of Full-Time Online MEd Programs in TN:

• UT Martin – MSEd in Higher Education Leadership
• Trevecca Nazarene University – MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (K-12)

Part-Time Programs

Part-time online MEd programs are a popular choice for Tennessee educators who plan to continue working while in school. In a part-time program, you might take one or two courses per semester, including summers, and finish in about two to three years. This format offers maximum flexibility – you can spread out the workload and better balance teaching, family, and grad school. Many part-time students take advantage of their district’s tuition reimbursement over multiple years. The lighter course load means you can apply what you learn in real time without being overwhelmed. Tennessee’s online MEd programs accommodate part-time students – classes are often asynchronous and project deadlines are designed with working teachers in mind. 

Examples of Part-Time Online MEd Programs in TN:

• Lipscomb University – MEd (Stackable Program)
• Middle Tennessee State University – MEd in Literacy

Programs with No GRE Requirement

Many Tennessee online MEd programs now waive the GRE, making admissions more accessible, admitting students based on undergraduate GPA, prior coursework, and professional experience instead of standardized test scores. The idea is that your teaching experience and academic record are better indicators of success in a graduate education program. Keep in mind, no-GRE doesn’t mean easier admissions – you’ll want to have a solid GPA (usually 2.75 or 3.0+) and strong recommendation letters to demonstrate your capability. Nearly all the programs highlighted in this guide forego the GRE. 

Examples of TN Online MEd Programs With No GRE:

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville – MS in Teacher Education
• University of Memphis – MS in School Administration

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online MEd programs allow you to earn your degree in a shorter-than-normal timeframe by utilizing intensive course schedules. These programs might have six to eight week course modules, year-round enrollment, or higher credit loads each term so you can finish in as little as 12 months. How it works: In an accelerated format, you might take two courses back-to-back in a semester (one in the first eight weeks, another in the second) instead of two simultaneously spread over 16 weeks. This can help you focus deeply on one subject at a time while still being full-time. The pace is fast, but this format is ideal if you’re motivated and perhaps have a lighter work year or can dedicate significant time for one year.

Examples of Accelerated Online MEd Programs in TN:

• Union University – MEd in Instructional Leadership
• South College – MEd Teacher as Instructional Leader

How Much Do Online MEd Programs in Tennessee Cost?

Tuition for online master’s programs in education varies by institution and your residency status. Generally, public universities offer lower tuition for in-state students, while private universities have one set rate for all. In-state online MEd tuition at public schools ranges from about $500 to $750 per credit; private universities like Lipscomb charge around $953 per credit with a 25% tuition discount for current educators, bringing the rate to $715 per credit.

Keep in mind these figures exclude fees. Online programs often have fees per credit or per term (technology fees, online course fees, etc.), but they usually still come under what out-of-state tuition would be on campus. Some Tennessee publics now even offer uniform tuition for online programs, charging the same per credit for in-state and out-of-state in certain cases.

One advantage of online study is saving on relocation or commuting costs – you can keep your day job and avoid moving, which is a huge financial plus. Also, financial aid and scholarships can defray costs. Many Tennessee teachers use federal loans or TEACH grants, and some districts offer tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees in shortage areas. 

Note: Figures are approximate for the latest academic year’s tuition. Always consult the latest tuition schedules or contact the school’s bursar for precise costs.

FAQs from Prospective Tennessee MEd Students

Do I need a teaching license to enroll in an online MEd program in Tennessee?

Not always. Many online MEd programs in Tennessee are designed for already-licensed teachers seeking advancement and will expect you to hold a teaching license and sometimes a year or more of experience. However, a few programs are for those entering teaching – for example, an Initial Licensure MEd or job-embedded practitioner program lets you earn a teaching license as part of the degree.

Can I work full-time as a teacher while pursuing my online MEd?

Yes, most online MEd students in Tennessee continue teaching or working while in graduate school. These programs are built with your busy schedule in mind. Courses are usually asynchronous so you can study during evenings and weekends. Many students take a lighter course load to balance work and study. Universities often encourage applying what you learn in your own classroom, turning your job into a learning lab.

Are online MEd degrees respected by Tennessee school districts and employers?

As long as your degree comes from an accredited institution you can be confident your online MEd will be respected. School districts care that you have a master’s degree and the appropriate endorsements or licenses – they do not typically distinguish between online and on-campus degrees. Keep in mind that online programs use the same curriculum and faculty as on-campus programs and many principals and administrators in Tennessee have earned their degrees online. Employers in education are actually often impressed when they see you managed teaching and grad school simultaneously – it shows dedication.

What kind of financial aid or scholarships can I get for an online MEd program?

You have several options to help fund your online MEd in Tennessee. First, you can complete the FAFSA and qualify for federal aid like student loans. If you teach in a high-need subject or low-income school, look into the TEACH Grant, which provides up to about $4,000/year for master’s students who commit to teach in shortage areas. Many Tennessee teachers also use district tuition reimbursement if available; check with your school system’s HR, especially if you’re in a shortage field. Beyond that, universities themselves often have scholarships or discounts. Some professional organizations (like the Tennessee Reading Association or TEA) offer small scholarships to teachers going to grad school.

Do online MEd programs in Tennessee require the GRE or other exams for admission?

A lot of Tennessee’s online MEd programs have dropped the GRE requirement. Admissions committees have found that your academic record and experience predict your success better than a standardized test. A few programs might still list the GRE as optional or recommended, but not mandatory. And some specialized tracks (like an Ed.S. or doctoral programs) might have different requirements. Always check the specific admission criteria on the university’s website.