Online Master of Education programs in Virginia offer working teachers a convenient path to advance their careers without relocating or putting their lives on hold. An MEd can lead to higher earning potential, career advancement, and personal fulfillment. In fact, Virginia educators with a master’s degree see a 20% salary increase on average. Explore your options and take the next step toward your educational leadership goals with OMD.
- 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…
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Program Breakdown: Inside Three Popular Online MEd Programs in Virginia
University of Virginia (UVA)
The University of Virginia offers highly ranked graduate programs with flexible online options. Its online MEd programs, including curriculum and instruction, are 100% online and asynchronous, allowing working teachers across Virginia to earn a graduate degree. Students learn from UVA’s top-tier faculty and can tailor the curriculum through elective emphasis areas like ESL, instructional technology, and literacy so grads can pursue roles from master teacher to curriculum specialist. UVA’s reputation and CAEP-accredited programs ensure a rigorous experience focused on improving K-12 learning outcomes.
Featured Program: Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Duration: 30 credits, 1 year full-time or 2–3 years part-time
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $622 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (accredited)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Resume
- Official transcripts
George Mason University (GMU)
Known for innovative education programs, George Mason University offers several online MEd degrees, including a fully online MEd in Special Education tailored to working professionals. With part-time pacing and options to add graduate certificates (like Autism Spectrum Disorders) alongside the master’s the program blends asynchronous learning with occasional live sessions, fostering interaction with faculty and peers. Mason’s online students enjoy the same support services as on-campus students, and the program leads to advanced skills for addressing diverse learning needs.
Featured Program: Master of Education in Special Education
Duration: 30 credits; designed for part-time study over 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $805 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA for standard admission)
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
Old Dominion University (ODU)
A Virginia leader in online learning, Old Dominion University’s MSEd in Educational Leadership – Administration & Supervision is a hybrid-online program that prepares licensed teachers for PreK-12 leadership roles. All coursework is completed online in a synchronous format, with weekly evening classes that simulate a live classroom. The cohort-based program includes field internships embedded throughout, meeting Virginia’s requirements for principal licensure. Students benefit from a 25% tuition discount for Virginia public school employees, and graduates are eligible for administrative endorsement.
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
A Look at Virginia’s Top Fields of Study for MEd Grads
Educational Leadership and Administration
Educational leadership is a top MEd field in Virginia, as the state continually needs qualified principals and administrators. Becoming a K-12 administrator in Virginia requires a master’s degree and leads to significantly higher salaries – elementary and secondary school principals earn around $97,000 median annually. An MEd in Educational Leadership prepares teachers to manage school operations, implement policy, and improve curriculum and instruction school-wide. With many veteran principals retiring, districts across Virginia are hiring graduates who can step into assistant principal, principal, or instructional leadership roles.
Special Education
Special Education is arguably the most in-demand MEd specialization in Virginia. Earning an MEd in Special Education equips educators to better support students with disabilities and often qualifies them for endorsement in high-need areas like autism or behavior intervention. Virginia school divisions urgently seek advanced special educators and specialists, and many offer stipends or tuition assistance for teachers who gain this expertise. Graduates can become lead special education teachers, intervention coordinators, or consultants.
Curriculum and Instruction
An MEd in Curriculum and Instruction is ideal for educators focused on improving teaching practice and curriculum design. Virginia’s focus on raising academic standards and implementing new state learning standards fuels demand for instructional specialists. Instructional coordinators and curriculum developers in Virginia earn an average of about $77,474 annually, reflecting the expertise required to design effective curricula. MEd programs in this field teach how to develop research-based instructional strategies, assess student learning data, and coach fellow teachers. Graduates often move into roles as curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, or district-level content coordinators.
Educational Technology and Instructional Design
Educational Technology is a growing field in Virginia, bridging K-12 education, higher education, and corporate training. An MEd focusing on instructional design or educational technology prepares graduates to integrate e-learning tools, develop online curricula, and enhance digital literacy in schools. Beyond K-12, many MEd ed tech grads pursue roles as instructional designers for universities, military training programs, or private companies – a significant sector in Virginia. Job prospects are strong: training and development specialist positions (which often overlap with instructional design) are projected to grow 12% from 2023 to 2033, faster than average.
School Counseling
School counseling is another top field for MEd graduates in Virginia, driven by a statewide push to improve student support services. School counselors must hold a master’s degree, and Virginia has recently mandated more counselors in K-12 schools. An MEd in School Counseling prepares individuals to support students’ academic, college/career, and social-emotional development. Virginia’s emphasis on mental health and school safety has increased funding for counselor positions in many districts. MEd graduates can become licensed school counselors working at elementary through high school levels, and some advance to lead counselor or director of counseling roles.
Accreditation for Virginia Online MEd Programs
Accreditation is a critical marker of quality for online MEd programs in Virginia. Prospective students should look for both institutional accreditation and specialized (programmatic) accreditation. Virginia universities are typically regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which ensures the institution meets high standards across all programs. In addition, reputable education programs hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or a similar body. CAEP accreditation means the School of Education has undergone rigorous external review and meets national standards for preparing teachers and administrators. Always verify that any program you consider – online or on-campus – is accredited and state-approved, so that your degree will be respected in Virginia and beyond.
Types of Online MEd Programs in Virginia
Online MEd programs in Virginia come in various formats to suit different needs. Students can choose full-time tracks to graduate quickly or part-time schedules to balance work and studies. Some programs offer accelerated options or combined bachelor’s/master’s pathways for a faster finish, while others cater to working educators over a longer period. Additionally, many Virginia universities have no GRE requirement for admission, focusing instead on GPA and experience. Whether you want an intensive one-year program or a flexible multi-year plan, there’s an online MEd in Virginia to match your lifestyle 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 of Full-Time Online MEd Programs in VA:
- 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 of Part-Time Online MEd Programs in VA:
- 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 of No-GRE Online MEd Programs in VA:
- 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 – 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. Accelerated paths are great for motivated students or career-changers who want to save time.
Examples of Accelerated MEd Programs in VA:
- 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.
Cost Comparison of Online MEd Programs:
School | No. of 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?
It depends on the program. Most online MEd tracks in Virginia are designed for already-licensed teachers and do not grant initial licensure by themselves. If you need a teaching license, you might look at alternative programs like a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or licensure certificate, some of which have hybrid/online components. A few MEd programs do incorporate licensure – often labeled clearly as such (like an “MEd with initial licensure” in areas like secondary education). Always confirm with the university whether a given online program leads to teacher certification.
Do online MEd programs require any in-person components or internships?
Many online MEd programs include practical components, but they rarely require lengthy on-campus time. You won’t typically need to go to campus for classes – coursework is online. However, field experiences can be part of the curriculum, depending on your specialization. School counseling MEd students must do supervised practicum and internship experiences, which they usually arrange in their local area. These hands-on requirements are completed in person, but not on the campus of the university. Some programs may have optional on-campus orientations or seminars, but those are typically brief. Always check the program details: if you see terms like “practicum,” “internship,” or “field experience,” plan to complete those in a real-world setting.
How do Virginia school districts view an online MEd degree – is it respected?
An online MEd from a Virginia university carries the same value as the on-campus degree, as long as the program is accredited. School divisions care that you earned your master’s from a reputable, state-approved institution; the delivery format is generally not a concern. In fact, most Virginia school administrators are well aware that major universities like Virginia Tech, George Mason, and UVA, offer online programs, and they regularly hire and promote educators with online graduate degrees. The key is accreditation: if your program is accredited (especially CAEP for educator prep and SACSCOC for the institution), employers will recognize it. Ensure you continue building network connections and practical experience even while studying online, so you have strong references and examples of your work.
What financial aid or scholarships can help with my online MEd tuition in Virginia?
Financing your MEd is a big concern, but there are several options to make it affordable. First, you should complete the FAFSA – graduate students can qualify for federal student loans. If you teach a high-need subject (like special education, math, science, foreign language, or ESL), look into the TEACH Grant, which provides up to $4,000 per year for master’s students who commit to teaching in a high-need field at a Title I (low-income) school. Virginia also offers the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP) for those pursuing endorsements in critical shortage areas – this program can provide as much as $10,000 per year (as a scholarship that is forgiven if you teach in Virginia). Additionally, many universities have scholarships specifically for education grad students. Don’t forget employer assistance: ask your school district if they reimburse courses or offer tuition assistance for teachers earning advanced degrees.
How will earning an MEd affect my teacher salary in Virginia?
Virginia follows the common practice of salary “lanes” or scales, where teachers with a master’s earn more than those with just a bachelor’s. The exact increase varies by district – it might be a flat annual stipend or an indexed percentage.
On average, teachers with an MEd in Virginia earn about 10-15% more than their bachelor’s-only counterparts, and some data suggest a master’s can mean roughly a 20% raise on average in the state. Beyond base salary, an MEd may also qualify you for stipends if you take on specialist roles (many divisions pay extra for reading specialists, department chairs, etc., roles often requiring a master’s). Plus, having a graduate degree positions you for higher-paying jobs such as an instructional coach or administrator. Essentially, an MEd not only opens doors to new positions – it pretty much guarantees a pay raise in K-12 settings.