Online Master of Education (MEd) programs in Virginia give working educators a flexible way to advance without relocating or stepping away from their careers. In fact, Virginia educators with a master’s degree earn about 20% more on average. Whether your goal is instructional leadership, specialization, or administration, this guide will help you explore Virginia-based online MEd options that fit your needs.
Author: Ellery Weil, MA
Expertise: Public HealthEducationSocial WorkEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields of Study in VA
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
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 - Top Schools
Top Master’s in Education Online Programs in Virginia
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Program Breakdown: Popular Online MEd Programs in Virginia
University of Virginia (UVA)
The University of Virginia offers highly ranked online MEd programs designed for working educators. Programs like Curriculum & Instruction are fully asynchronous and allow students to customize their studies through emphasis areas such as ESL, instructional technology, and literacy.
UVA’s education programs are CAEP-accredited and focus on improving K–12 outcomes through research-based practice.
Featured Program: Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
- Credits: 30
- Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2–3 years (part-time)
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $622 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Two letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Resume
- Official transcripts
George Mason University (GMU)
George Mason University is known for innovative education programs, including a fully online MEd in Special Education tailored to working professionals.
The program blends asynchronous coursework with limited live sessions and offers optional graduate certificates, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Students receive the same academic and student support services as on-campus learners.
Featured Program: Master of Education in Special Education
- Credits: 30
- Duration: 2 years (part-time)
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $805 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
Old Dominion University (ODU)
A leader in online education, Old Dominion University offers a hybrid-online MSEd in Educational Leadership – Administration & Supervision for licensed teachers.
Courses are delivered in a synchronous online format with weekly evening classes. The cohort-based structure includes embedded internships that meet Virginia principal licensure requirements. Virginia public school employees receive a 25% tuition discount.
Featured Program: MSEd in Educational Leadership (Administration & Supervision)
Duration: 30 credits, 21 months part-time
Mode: Online, synchronous
Cost: $620 per credit, in state
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (GPA 2.8 overall, 3.0 in major)
- Valid teaching license and current PK-12 teaching position
- Resume
- Official transcripts
Top Fields of Study for Virginia MEd Graduates
Educational Leadership and Administration
Educational leadership is one of the most common MEd pathways in Virginia.
- Roles: Assistant principal, principal, instructional leader
- Median salary: $97,000
- Why it’s in demand: Ongoing retirements and leadership turnover
An MEd prepares educators to manage school operations, implement policy, and improve instruction at the building or district level.
Special Education
Special education is one of Virginia’s highest-need fields.
- Roles: Lead special education teacher, intervention coordinator, consultant
- Endorsements: Autism, behavior intervention, inclusion support
Many districts offer stipends or tuition support for educators who earn advanced special education credentials.
Curriculum and Instruction
This specialization supports educators focused on instructional improvement and curriculum design.
- Average salary: $77,474 in Virginia
- Roles: Curriculum specialist, instructional coach, content coordinator
Programs emphasize data analysis, instructional strategy, and teacher coaching.
Educational Technology and Instructional Design
Educational technology bridges K–12 education, higher education, and workforce training.
- Roles: Instructional designer, ed tech specialist, training developer
- Job growth: 12% projected through 2033
Virginia’s strong military, government, and corporate sectors create additional opportunities beyond K–12 schools.
School Counseling
School counseling remains a growing field due to increased focus on student mental health.
- Requirement: Master’s degree
- Roles: Elementary, middle, or high school counselor
- Outlook: Increased funding and mandated counselor ratios
Graduates may also advance into lead counselor or district-level roles.
Accreditation for Virginia Online MEd Programs
Accreditation is essential when choosing an online MEd program in Virginia.
- Institutional accreditation: SACSCOC
- Programmatic accreditation: CAEP (or equivalent)
- Licensure approval: Virginia Department of Education
Always confirm that a program is both accredited and state-approved.
Types of Online MEd Programs in Virginia
Virginia offers a wide range of online MEd formats to match different schedules and career goals.
Full-Time Programs
Full-time online MEd programs in Virginia allow students to complete their degree quickly, often in about 12 to 18 months. These programs typically require enrolling in a heavier course load each term, but you could earn your MEd and advance your salary or move into a new role in as little as a year.
Full-time study is ideal if you can dedicate significant time to coursework daily.
Examples:
- University of Virginia – MEd in Higher Education (Student Affairs)
- Virginia Commonwealth University – MEd in Educational Leadership
- Liberty University – MEd in Curriculum & Instruction
Part-Time Programs
Part-time online MEd programs are structured to accommodate working professionals. In Virginia, many online MEd students are full-time teachers who take one or two courses per semester. Part-time pacing with asynchronous coursework typically extends the program to two to three years, but it offers much greater flexibility.
The lighter course load means you can manage classes on evenings or weekends without overwhelming your work and family commitments. The trade-off is a longer time to degree, but many find it worthwhile for maintaining income and quality of life during studies.
Examples:
- George Mason University – MEd in Special Education
- Old Dominion University – M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership
- Marymount University – MEd in Administration & Supervision
Programs with No GRE Requirement
Many Virginia MEd programs have dropped the GRE requirement, making the application process simpler — especially for experienced educators. No-GRE programs evaluate candidates on undergraduate GPA, teaching experience, and letters of recommendation instead of standardized test scores.
This is a win for busy professionals, as you don’t need to spend time or money preparing for the GRE. It also reflects the recognition that success in education graduate programs correlates more with practical experience and academic record.
Virginia’s top universities, including UVA and Liberty, do not require GRE scores for most education master’s programs.
Examples:
- University of Virginia – MEd in Curriculum & Instruction
- Liberty University – MEd in Administration & Supervision
- Regent University – MEd in Curriculum & Instruction
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated MEd programs enable students to earn a master’s degree in a condensed time frame, often by taking courses year-round or combining degrees. Accelerated options include intensive one-year master’s programs for those who already have a bachelor’s.
These programs move fast, so you might take courses in summer and winter break, or follow a block schedule. The pace is challenging but rewarding, as you enter the workforce with an advanced degree quickly.
Examples:
- George Mason University – B.A./MEd Accelerated Special Education
- University of Mary Washington – Accelerated MEd in Instructional Improvement
- University of Virginia – One-Year MEd in Student Affairs
How Much Do Online MEd Programs in Virginia Cost?
The cost of an online MEd in Virginia varies by institution and residency, but there are some common factors. Tuition per credit for Virginia public universities ranges roughly from about $600 (in-state) to $1,200 (out-of-state), though many online programs charge a standard e-rate for all students. Private institutions in Virginia set their own rates, which can be competitive.
Don’t forget fees: some schools add online technology fees and other charges. Virginia offers discounts for educators at certain schools, and financial aid, scholarships, or district reimbursement can further offset costs.
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia | 30 | $622 | $18,660 |
| George Mason University | 30 | $805 | $24,150 |
| Liberty University | 36 | $415 | $14,940 |
Note: Costs shown are illustrative for the latest academic year and typically exclude fees. In-state rates are shown for public universities.
FAQs from Prospective Virginia MEd Students
Can I get a teaching license through an online MEd program in Virginia?
Most online MEd programs do not provide initial teacher licensure.
Most MEd tracks are designed for already-licensed teachers. If you need licensure, look for programs clearly labeled as initial licensure MEd or consider a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or certification program with online components.
Do online MEd programs require any in-person components or internships?
Some programs require field experiences, but most coursework is fully online. Internships or practicums are common in areas like school counseling or administration and are typically completed locally.
Always review program details for any hands-on requirements.
How do Virginia school districts view an online MEd degree – is it respected?
Yes, accredited online MEd degrees are fully respected. Virginia school divisions value accreditation and licensure, not delivery format. Online programs use the same faculty and curriculum as on-campus programs.
What financial aid or scholarships can help with my online MEd tuition in Virginia?
Multiple funding options can help reduce tuition costs. These include federal student loans, TEACH Grants, the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP), university scholarships, and district tuition reimbursement.
How will earning an MEd affect my teacher salary in Virginia?
An MEd almost always leads to higher pay in Virginia. Teachers with a master’s earn 10–15% more on average, and some data suggest increases closer to 20% statewide. An MEd also qualifies educators for specialist stipends and leadership roles.