Online Master's in Education: Reviewing Top Washington Schools

Identifying Washington’s Best Master of Education Programs

Top Concentrations for WA Education Programs

Certain education specialties stand out in Washington State for their strong job prospects, high demand, and ROI. Below are five top fields in which earning an MEd can be particularly rewarding in Washington, considering factors like the state’s teacher shortage areas, salary potential, and program availability.

Special Education

Special Education is a top-priority field in Washington due to acute teacher shortages and meaningful career rewards. It’s ranked the #1 statewide teacher shortage area in Washington as of 2024, indicating very high demand for qualified special ed instructors. School districts are eager to hire and retain educators with advanced training in working with students with disabilities.

The investment in an MEd in Special Education often pays off financially as well – Washington special education teachers earn competitive salaries averaging around $85,360 per year, one of the highest in the country.

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is another leading field for MEd graduates in Washington, driven by growing emphasis on early learning and significant job growth. The state has recognized Early Childhood Education as a shortage area, reflecting the need for more qualified pre-K and early elementary educators. Job prospects are bright – employment of preschool and kindergarten teachers in Washington is projected to grow 17–18% by 2026, roughly twice the national average.

An MEd in Early Childhood Education prepares educators to design effective curriculum for children ages 0–8 and often leads to roles beyond the classroom, such as preschool director, early learning specialist, or curriculum coordinator.

Educational Leadership (Administration)

Educational Leadership – which includes roles like school principals, vice-principals, and district administrators – is an excellent field for MEd graduates in Washington looking to move into management positions.

Effective leadership is in high demand as schools strive to improve outcomes, and many administrators are reaching retirement age. Washington requires school administrators to hold a master’s degree and administrative certification, so an MEd in Educational Leadership is a common route to becoming a principal.

The career and salary prospects are outstanding: Washington’s K-12 education administrators are among the highest paid in the U.S., with elementary and secondary principals earning $148,750 yearly on average.

Beyond principalships, this degree can lead to roles like instructional coordinator, dean, or district curriculum director. An Educational Leadership MEd program teaches skills in school law, finance, curriculum supervision, and community engagement – all crucial for running schools or programs. 

English Language Learners (ELL/ESOL)

Teaching English Language Learners (ELL) – also known as TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or bilingual education – is a rapidly growing field in Washington State.

Washington serves approximately 135,000 K-12 students identified as English learners, roughly 12% of the student population, and this number has been rising. Many districts (urban and rural alike) have a high demand for teachers with specialized skills to support multilingual students. In fact, Bilingual Education/ELL is listed among Washington’s teacher shortage areas, meaning the state encourages training in this field.

An MEd focusing on ELL equips educators with strategies in second-language acquisition, culturally responsive teaching, and effective ELL curriculum design. This is especially valuable in a diverse state like Washington, where dozens of languages are spoken by students. Graduates often can add an ELL or ESL endorsement to their teaching certificate, qualifying them for roles such as ELL specialist, bilingual classroom teacher, or ELL curriculum coach. Beyond K-12, an MEd in TESOL can open doors to adult ESL programs or community college instructor positions as well.

School Counseling

School Counseling is an important and rewarding field for MEd graduates in Washington, combining a strong job outlook with the opportunity to impact student wellbeing.

With growing awareness of student mental health, social-emotional learning, and college/career readiness, school counselors play a crucial role in Washington’s education system. They work one-on-one with students on academic planning, personal development, and post-secondary goals.

The career outlook is positive: as of 2025, Washington school counselors earn an average of $75,780 per year, and in districts like Seattle the average is even higher. Moreover, many Washington districts are trying to lower student-to-counselor ratios, which could increase hiring.

MEd graduates in School Counseling often obtain the ESA (Educational Staff Associate) certificate in counseling, qualifying them for roles in elementary, middle, or high schools. For teachers considering a career pivot or those passionate about student advocacy, school counseling is a top field in Washington – it fulfills a critical shortage, requires a specialized degree, and offers the chance to tangibly improve student lives while also advancing your own career.

Accreditation Details for Washington Online MEd Programs

Accreditation is a key quality marker for any MEd program, and Washington’s online offerings check this box to ensure your degree is respected.

Regional accreditation is fundamental – Washington’s universities are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which means the institution meets high academic standards (this is crucial for your degree to be recognized by other schools or employers). Beyond institutional accreditation, look for programmatic accreditation or approvals specific to education. Many education schools in WA hold or pursue accreditation from bodies like CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), which signals that the teacher or counselor preparation programs meet national standards of excellence. Equally important in Washington is state program approval: the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) approves teacher, administrator, and counselor preparation programs.

For example, Eastern Washington University’s School of Education programs are PESB-approved, meaning an online MEd from EWU can directly lead to state certification or endorsements. This matters because if you aim to use your MEd for a new license (like a principal or specialist endorsement), it must come from an approved program. Always verify regional accreditation and state approval status when choosing an online MEd program, but rest assured that the programs highlighted in our guide meet these important benchmarks.

Types of Online MEd Programs in Washington

Online MEd programs in Washington come in various formats and structures to fit different needs. Whether you want an immersive fast-track degree or a flexible schedule you can balance with work, you’ll find an option. Many programs can be pursued full-time or part-time, some offer accelerated completion times, and others waive standardized test requirements (no GRE) to simplify admissions. Below is an overview of the main types of online MEd program formats available, each with its own pros and cons, followed by real Washington-based examples of each type.

Full-Time Study

Full-time online MEd programs in Washington provide a fast and immersive learning experience. Students take a heavier course load each term (often the equivalent of a full graduate credit load) which allows completion in a shorter time frame – sometimes as quick as 12 to 18 months. The pros of a full-time program include finishing your degree and reaping its career benefits sooner, plus a more concentrated academic focus. You’ll be deeply engaged in coursework, which can be rewarding if you’re eager to learn and possibly transition roles quickly. Many full-time students continue teaching while studying (thanks to the flexibility of online classes), but the time commitment is significant: expect to devote many evenings and weekends to coursework.

The intensity can be challenging if you’re working full-time, so strong time-management is a must. The upside is you enter the job market with your new credentials faster. Generally, full-time online MEd programs work best for those who can handle an accelerated pace – for example, teachers on a lighter work schedule or individuals able to take a year off to study. Bottom line: full-time online MEd programs are a great choice if you want to complete your degree quickly and can allocate the time to stay on top of an intensive course schedule.

Example of a Full-Time Online MEd Program in WA:

• Eastern Washington University – M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (Online)

Flexible Part-Time Options

Part-time online MEd programs are built for flexibility, catering to working professionals who need to spread their coursework out over a longer period. In Washington, most online MEd students actually go part-time, taking maybe one or two courses each term. The obvious advantage is work-life balance: you can continue teaching or managing other responsibilities without the graduate program overwhelming your schedule. This format is perfect for those who want to advance their education while working full-time – for instance, many part-time students are K-12 teachers who take evening online classes and apply what they learn in real time to their classrooms.

Part-time programs typically take 2 to 3 years to finish (depending on how many credits you take per term), so the trade-off is a longer time until graduation. However, many find the manageable course load far less stressful, and it can lead to deeper learning as you have time to reflect between courses. Part-time MEd students still get the same curriculum and degree, just on a prolonged timeline. In Washington, universities like SPU and WSU structure their online MEd offerings to accommodate part-timers – often there’s no required minimum number of credits per quarter, so you can adjust as needed. For anyone juggling work, family, or other commitments, part-time online MEd programs provide a gradual, steady path to your advanced degree.

Examples of Part-Time Online MEd Programs in WA:

• Seattle Pacific University – M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
• City University of Seattle – M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy

Non-GRE Programs

Many online MEd programs in Washington now offer no-GRE admissions, meaning you don’t have to take the GRE exam to apply. These programs assess candidates on undergraduate GPA, experience, and other factors instead of test scores.

No-GRE is a huge plus for busy professionals – it removes a barrier (and the stress of exam prep). Typically, programs waive the GRE especially if you meet a GPA threshold (often 3.0) or already have teaching credentials. This option benefits those who may not test well or who simply want to streamline the application. Importantly, skipping the GRE doesn’t imply a lower-quality program; it often reflects that the university values practical experience and academic record more. Washington universities have embraced this trend, making admissions more accessible.

As a prospective student, you save time and cost by not dealing with the GRE. The only potential “con” is if you wanted to use a GRE to offset a low GPA – but many no-GRE programs will consider other evidence of your capability (letters, personal statements, etc.).

Overall, choosing a no-GRE MEd means you can focus on your application’s real substance – your passion and experience in education – rather than a generalized test. Just be mindful to check all requirements; even no-GRE programs will still need transcripts and likely some reference or essay to gauge your fit. This option is ideal if you’re confident in your academic and professional background and want a hassle-free admissions process to start your master’s.

Examples of WA Online MEd Programs with No GRE:

• Eastern Washington University – M.Ed. in Library Media (Online)
• Western Washington University – M.Ed. in Language and Literacy (Online)

Speed Completion Programs

Accelerated online MEd programs allow Washington students to earn their degree in an unusually short time by taking intensive course loads or year-round classes. These programs are structured for speed – often through condensed course formats (5-8 week classes) and continuous enrollment (summer included).

The big advantage is speed to completion. For motivated individuals, an accelerated schedule means you could finish a master’s in about 12 to 15 months, as opposed to the typical 2 years. This can be ideal if you’re aiming for a salary increase or new job as soon as possible. Washington educators who want to sync a degree with a specific career opportunity (like an opening for a department chair or specialist role) might choose this route. However, be prepared: “accelerated” does not mean easier – the content and credit requirements are the same, just packed into a shorter time frame.

Many of Eastern Washington University’s online MEd programs, for example, are accelerated with 6-week course blocks, which is why EWU students can finish in a year. Such programs often start multiple cohorts per year, so you can jump in at various times.

In summary, an accelerated online MEd is perfect if you want to graduate fast and are ready to treat your studies as a short-term, intensive project. You’ll emerge with the same degree, just earned in record time, positioning you quickly for that next step in your career.

Examples of Accelerated Online MEd Programs in WA:

• Eastern Washington University – M.Ed. in Adult Education
• Eastern Washington University – M.Ed. in Career & Technical Education

Cost Breakdown: Washington’s Online MEd Programs

Costs for online MEd programs in Washington vary widely based on the institution and format, but overall Washington offers options for a range of budgets.

In general, public universities tend to have lower tuition per credit than private schools – and notably, some public schools charge the same online tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. As a ballpark, Washington online master’s programs (across fields) span from around $15,000 up to $55,000 in total costs.

Most MEd programs require around 30–45 credits; multiplying by the per-credit rate gives you the total tuition. Keep in mind additional fees: some online programs have technology fees or course fees, but you’ll usually save on campus fees and commuting costs.

Many Washington educators continue working while studying, which can offset costs, and some districts even reimburse part of tuition for teachers in critical need areas or through union-negotiated professional development funds. Financial aid, scholarships, and conditional loan programs can further defray costs.

Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration and based on 2024-2025 data; always check the latest rates.

FAQs from Prospective Washington MEd Students

Do I need a teaching license to apply for an online MEd program in Washington?

Not always – it depends on the program.

Many Washington online MEd programs are designed for current teachers and may require a teaching certificate for admission, especially if the degree leads to an endorsement. For example, EWU’s online M.Ed. in Special Education requires applicants to hold a valid teaching certificate. This is because the program directly ties into a Special Ed endorsement.

However, other MEd programs (like curriculum & instruction or educational technology) might not require prior certification. Western Washington University’s online M.Ed. in Language and Literacy, for instance, welcomes working teachers but its admission requirements focus on academic credentials (bachelor’s degree and GPA) and explicitly state “no GRE required,” without mandating a teaching license.

Additionally, programs that are more administrative or interdisciplinary (education policy, EdTech, etc.) may admit students from non-teaching backgrounds. Always check the “admissions requirements” section of each program. If you don’t have a teaching license, look for phrases like “applicants must have a teaching certificate” or contact an advisor to see if exceptions are possible.

Some Washington universities also offer Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs for those seeking initial licensure – but those are distinct from the MEd and have different prerequisites.

How do online MEd programs handle student teaching or internship requirements?

Online MEd programs in Washington typically allow you to complete practicums or internships in your local area, letting you complete specialized degree requirements without uprooting your life.

While coursework is online, many education programs (especially in administration, counseling, or library media) include field experiences required for certification. In these cases, universities work with you to arrange an appropriate site and supervisor near you.

Similarly, a school counseling MEd online will have you do practicum hours and a supervised counseling internship in a nearby school or clinic – often you can choose your site subject to program approval.

Student teaching (for initial licensure programs) is a bit different: fully online MIT/MAT programs in Washington are rare, but those that exist still arrange student teaching in-person, usually in the student’s home region. Expect to coordinate with placement coordinators to find a suitable local school site. Fortunately, because Washington universities have partnerships statewide, online MEd students usually find placements without trouble. You may need to travel a bit depending on your location (for example, to a neighboring district), but you won’t be required to come to your institution’s campus for these experiences.

Will earning an MEd increase my teacher salary in Washington?

In most cases, yes – a master’s degree will boost your pay as a teacher in Washington. Washington’s public school districts use salary schedules that reward advanced education.

a several-thousand-dollarThe state was noted as having one of the highest average teacher salaries in the nation, and a significant factor is that many teachers here hold master’s degrees (the state incentivizes it). On a district salary schedule, you might see categories like “BA+0 credits,” “BA+45 credits,” “MA+0,” “MA+45,” etc. Once you obtain your MEd, you move into the “MA” column, often resulting in several thousand dollars increase in base salary annually. Additionally, some roles (like being a department chair, curriculum specialist, or lead teacher) might become accessible with a master’s, sometimes with stipends.

Outside the K-12 system, an MEd could qualify you for higher-paying jobs in education nonprofits, community colleges, or administrative positions. It’s also worth noting that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master’s degree earn about 15-20% more in median weekly earnings than those with a bachelor’s, and education is a field where this holds true due to structured pay scales.

What financial aid or scholarships can help Washington educators earn an MEd?

Prospective MEd students in Washington have access to a variety of financial aid options to make grad school more affordable.

First, you should complete the FAFSA to tap into federal aid – including federal student loans and grants. Many Washington universities offer in-house scholarships specifically for graduate students in education. For example, University of Washington and Washington State University both offer grad student scholarships and fellowships, and you may find awards earmarked for future principals, special ed teachers, etc.

If you’re in a high-need field, look into the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) graduate program or similar initiatives – WSOS historically has funded STEM and healthcare, but there are state-level scholarships for educators too. A big resource in Washington is the conditional scholarship programs run by PESB for addressing teacher shortages. These include the Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship (for teachers adding endorsements in shortage areas like ELL or special ed) and the Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship (for those pursuing initial certification or certain masters). Essentially, they are loans that are forgiven (not requiring repayment) if you teach in a master’s shortage area in Washington for a certain time.

If you’re already a teacher, check with your district or union – some districts offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funds you can use for grad courses. National programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) can forgive remaining federal loan balances after 10 years of service as a teacher. And don’t forget smaller scholarships: organizations like Washington Education Association (WEA) or local community foundations sometimes have scholarships for educators pursuing advanced degrees. It takes some research, but many online MEd students in Washington reduce costs through a variety of financial aid sources. The effort is worth it – graduating with less debt will make your higher salary post-MEd even more rewarding.

Are online MEd degrees respected by school districts and employers in Washington?

Absolutely. An online MEd from a reputable, accredited university in Washington carries the same weight as the on-campus degree in the eyes of school districts and other employers.

Over the past decade, online education has become mainstream, especially with Washington’s major universities embracing online programs. When you earn an MEd online from, say, WSU or EWU, your diploma typically doesn’t even specify “online” – it’s the same Master of Education degree that on-campus students receive. Washington school districts are far more concerned with the university’s accreditation and the relevance of your degree than the mode of delivery.

That said, it’s important to choose an established program – either through a Washington university or a well-known out-of-state online university that is accredited. As long as you do that, you shouldn’t face skepticism. If anything, completing an online MEd while juggling teaching demonstrates determination and time management, which employers respect. One tip: ensure your program leads to any certification you might need. If your goal is to become a principal or counselor, for example, make sure the online program is state-approved for that license.