Master's in Education Online: Finding Your Texas School

Inside Three Popular Online MEd Programs in Texas

Below are three Texas universities offering online MEd degrees. Each school is regionally accredited and has state or national approval for its education programs, ensuring your degree will be recognized. We summarize each program’s online learning format and unique features, then highlight one specific MEd degree with key details like duration, mode, cost, and admissions criteria.

A Look at Top Fields of Study for MEd Grads in Texas

Choosing a specialization can shape your career opportunities after graduation. In Texas, certain MEd fields stand out due to strong job demand, salary potential, and impact on the education system. Below are five top fields for MEd graduates in Texas, each with an explanation of why it’s a smart choice.

Educational Leadership

Educational Leadership is a top MEd field in Texas for those aiming to become principals, assistant principals, or district administrators. Texas has over 10,000 public schools, all requiring qualified leadership. An MEd in Educational Leadership (often with Principal Certification) prepares you for these roles with training in school law, finance, and instructional supervision. Job prospects in Texas are solid with employment of elementary and secondary school administrators projected to grow, keeping pace with student enrollment. Principals also enjoy relatively high salaries, and this field is ideal if you aspire to drive school-wide improvements and shape education policy at the campus level.

Curriculum and Instruction

An MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) focuses on enhancing teaching strategies, curriculum design, and teacher leadership, making it highly valuable in Texas’s education sector. This specialization equips master teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum specialists to improve classroom outcomes and align curriculum with state standards. In Texas, C&I experts are in demand to develop effective instructional materials and training for teachers. C&I graduates can also boost student achievement across subjects – a critical need as Texas schools strive to close achievement gaps. 

Special Education

Special education is consistently a high-need MEd field in Texas. The state serves a large and growing number of students with disabilities, and there’s a chronic shortage of qualified special ed teachers and intervention specialists, especially in rural and high-poverty districts. An online MEd in Special Education gives you advanced skills in differentiated instruction, behavior management, and assistive technology to support learners with diverse needs. Texas districts actively seek special ed coordinators, diagnosticians, and lead teachers (some roles may require additional certification) to comply with federal IDEA standards and improve inclusion. 

Bilingual/ESL Education

Bilingual and ESL (English as a Second Language) education is a top field for MEd grads. Texas has one of the largest emergent bilingual student populations in the nation but faces a shortage of certified bilingual/ESL educators. An MEd in Bilingual/ESL Education prepares you to develop English acquisition among non-native speakers while supporting content learning in students’ home language. Many Texas districts offer hiring incentives or stipends for bilingual teachers. Graduates can become ESL instructional specialists, bilingual curriculum coordinators, or continue teaching with greater expertise. 

School Counseling

School Counseling is another leading MEd specialization in Texas because of rising awareness of student mental health and college/career readiness. Certified school counselors (who typically need an MEd in Counseling/Guidance and Counseling plus passing the TExES exam) are in high demand statewide. With an MEd in School Counseling, you gain skills in academic advising, social-emotional counseling, and crisis intervention for K-12 students. Texas’s push for improved school mental health services and college readiness programs means more counselor positions are being added (often funded through special initiatives). As a school counselor in Texas, you could work in elementary, middle, or high schools guiding students’ academic plans and well-being.

Accreditation Details for Texas Online MEd Programs

Accreditation is key for any MEd program, and Texas online programs are no exception. Prospective students should ensure their chosen university holds regional accreditation and that the education program has appropriate educator preparation approval. In Texas, universities are typically accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Educator programs are approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification to meet state standards. 

Many colleges of education in Texas also pursue national accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to demonstrate excellence. Accreditation assures that the online MEd curriculum covers required competencies, that faculty are qualified, and that graduates will be eligible for relevant Texas certifications. It also means your degree will be respected by school districts and other employers. 

Types of Online MEd Programs in Texas

There are various online MEd degree formats to suit different needs. You’ll find programs that cater to full-time study for quicker completion, as well as part-time options for those balancing a job. Some MEd tracks waive the GRE requirement, simplifying admissions. Others offer accelerated schedules or cohort models. Below is a breakdown of common program types in Texas and what to expect from each.

Full-Time Programs

Full-time online MEd programs allow you to complete your degree relatively quickly, often in about 12 to 18 months. Students take a heavier course load (e.g. two courses every 8-week term or six or more credits per regular semester), which demands a significant time commitment similar to an on-campus grad student. The upside is an accelerated path to graduation and an immersive focus on studies. Juggling full-time coursework may be challenging if you’re also teaching or working, but thanks to flexible scheduling of online classes (often evenings or asynchronously) you can earn your degree and keep your job. 

Examples of Full-Time Online MEd Programs in TX:

• University of Houston – MEd in Higher Education
• Texas Tech University – MEd in Higher Education Administration

Part-Time Programs

Part-time online MEd programs are designed for working educators who need to spread out coursework. In a part-time format, you might take just one course at a time or a few courses per semester, making the workload more manageable alongside a full-time teaching job or other obligations. The main benefit is flexibility – you can maintain your income and classroom experience while studying. The trade-off is a longer timeline to graduate and delayed career moves. 

Examples of Part-Time Online MEd Programs in TX:

• Sam Houston State University – MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
• UT Permian Basin – MA in Educational Leadership

Programs with No GRE Requirement

Many Texas online MEd programs now waive the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) requirement, which lowers barriers for applicants. No GRE programs evaluate students on undergraduate GPA, experience, and other factors instead of test scores. This is ideal if standardized tests aren’t your strength or if you want to avoid the cost and time of GRE prep. Typically, Texas universities will waive GRE if you meet a GPA threshold (often 2.5–3.0) or have teaching experience. Be sure to check each program’s criteria: occasionally, if your GPA is below the cutoff, a GRE might still help your case. 

Examples of Texas Online MEd Programs with No GRE Admission:

• Texas State University – MEd in Secondary Education (Educational Technology)
• Texas Woman’s University – MEd in Early Childhood Education

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated online MEd programs in Texas are perfect for go-getters who want to finish as fast as possible. These programs use shortened course terms (often six to eight weeks each) and continuous year-round scheduling to compress the timeline. In an accelerated format, you might tackle one intensive course at a time and still complete six or more courses per year by leveraging back-to-back terms. This means you could earn a master’s in as little as 10 to 12 months, graduate sooner and start enjoying any salary increase or new job opportunities that come with the MEd. If you’re motivated and able to devote the needed hours, an accelerated online MEd lets you attain your goal in under a year.

Examples of Accelerated Online MEd Programs in TX:

• UT Rio Grande Valley – MEd in Educational Leadership
• Lamar University – MEd in Applied Digital Learning

How Much Do Online MEd Programs in Texas Cost?

Tuition for online MEd programs in Texas varies by institution, but overall the state offers affordable graduate education compared to national averages. For in-state students at public universities, costs typically range from around $300 to $500 per credit hour. Private universities tend to be higher – Concordia University Texas charges around $640/credit. Online students often save on fees associated with campus, and some Texas schools offer flat online tuition rates or scholarships for teachers. Many programs charge the same per-credit rate for in-state and out-of-state online students, making Texas an attractive option even if you’re not a resident. 

Here is a snapshot of costs at a few Texas institutions:

Note: These figures are illustrative; actual tuition may vary by specialization, and does not include ancillary fees or textbooks. Always check the latest tuition on the university’s website.

FAQs from Prospective Texas MEd Students

Below we answer some common questions that Texas educators often have when considering an online Master of Education. If you’re still wondering about something not covered, feel free to reach out to admissions counselors for more information.

Will an online MEd degree qualify me for teacher or principal certification in Texas?

Yes, as long as the program is approved by the Texas education authorities. Texas requires that principals and certain other roles earn their degree through a TEA-approved Educator Preparation Program. Online MEd programs offered by Texas universities meet the same standards as on-campus ones for certification. If you get your MEd from out-of-state, you may need to go through a credential review, but many Texas students stick with in-state online programs to streamline certification.

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

One of the biggest advantages of online MEd programs is that you can continue to work as your study. Programs are designed for working educators with flexible coursework so you can log into classes and complete assignments on evenings or weekends. Many programs are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to be online at a specific time, and part-time enrollment options allow you to take just one course at a time if your schedule is packed.You can apply what you learn in your own classroom, too.

Do I need to take the GRE for admission into Texas online MEd programs?

In many cases, no GRE is required – many online MEd programs in Texas have dropped the GRE requirement, especially if you meet a minimum GPA. Admissions committees have found that your teaching experience and college grades are better indicators of success than a standardized test. There are a few programs (particularly on-campus or research-intensive ones) that might still ask for GRE scores or give you the option to submit them if your GPA is lower. Always check the specific admissions criteria on the university’s website.

What about internships or practicums – will I need to do those in an online MEd, and how do they work?

Depending on your specialization, you may have fieldwork requirements, but they’re typically completed in your local area and coordinated to fit your schedule.

For example, if you’re doing an MEd in Educational Leadership (Principal Certification), you’ll need to fulfill a practicum where you practice administrative tasks in a school setting. In an online program, you would arrange to do this at a campus near you (often your own school, under a mentor principal).

However, an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction generally does not require a formal internship – your job as a teacher often suffices as practical experience, and projects can be done using your own classroom as a setting.

How can I finance my online MEd? Are there scholarships or grants for Texas educators pursuing a master’s?

Financing your online MEd is a common concern, but there are several options to make it affordable. First, fill out the FAFSA – graduate students can qualify for federal financial aid, primarily unsubsidized student loans. While loans must be repaid, the interest rates are relatively low for federal loans, and you can defer payments until after graduation.

Beyond loans, look into grants and scholarships. If you’re teaching in a high-need field, the Federal TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 per year for grad students who commit to teaching in subjects like math, science, bilingual education, or special education in low-income schools. Some Texas school districts offer tuition reimbursement or stipend programs for teachers earning a master’s – check with your HR department or union.