1 Johns Hopkins University RANKING SCORE 80.51 COST % ENROLLED ONLINE 47% LOCATION Baltimore, MD

Although its School of Education wasnt formally established until 2007, this Baltimore university has a century-long history of community engagement through education. As early as 1947, Johns Hopkins has offered flexible, part-time programs to working individuals in surrounding urban communities. An early pioneer in womens education, the School of Education today grants over 500 degrees every year through traditional, online, and hybrid programs, including several online masters of education tracks.

Students earning a masters of education online can select from three programs offered in a fully-online format: education in health programs (MEHP), education studies, and technology for educators. Each concentration is a collaborative effort between the School of Education and another department or organization, such as the International Society for Technology and Education. However, all are built around one core curriculum. Program lengths range from 33 to 39 credit hours, and most students graduate in approximately two years. Some programs have highly specific prerequisite conditions for acceptance, such as the educational studies track, which offers two additional concentrations for members of Teach For America and TNTP. Current corps members and alumni of Teach For America may select the first concentration, which focuses on leadership in education. The 39-credit TNTP program takes approximately two years to complete, and is open to TNTP fellows from any state who are teaching in a school at the time of application. Focused on evidence-based teaching in the medical field, the MEHP concentration is available exclusively to individuals who hold an advanced degree in health-related professions.

Although tuition for most of Johns Hopkins online courses is significantly less than their traditional counterparts, fees for the MEHP tend to be higher. All distance learners, however, are eligible for (and encouraged to apply for) financial aid and scholarships.

Program OverviewDepartment: School of EducationProgram name: Master of Science in EducationAvailable concentrations: School administration and supervision, reading, technology for educators, gifted education, and educational studies Accrediting body: MSCHETuition: $840/credit

DeliveryFormat: OnlineInstruction style: Asynchronous

Program RequirementsCredit requirements: 33-39 creditsField education requirements: Practicums and seminars

Program LengthProgram length: 1-3 yearsProgram start dates: Fall, spring, summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: April 1; spring: October 1; summer: February 1GPA: 3.0 minimumWork experience: Current CV/resume must be included with application

ContactSchool phone: 1 (800) 468-6548Admissions email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter

The University of Southern California has educated teachers for decades. This Los Angeles-based institutions online masters of arts in teaching is appropriate for teachers in any setting, including those who work at both inner-city and rural schools. The program combines the latest in K-12 pedagogical theory with hands-on, practical application. Students meet every week on USCs virtual campus for live, face-to-face sessions.

The curriculum consists of 28 credits and can be completed in as little as one year. Participants can enroll on a part- or full-time basis and proceed at their own pace, working through asynchronous assignments and gathering for occasional video classes. Students interact regularly with classmates and professors in small classes, where the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. Individuals also work in actual classrooms, under the auspices of mentors, gaining teaching experience. USCs placement team finds fieldwork options in a students area and assigns each degree candidate a guiding teacher, who leads the candidate through video-based sessions, lesson planning, rehearsal, and in-classroom work with young learners.

The curriculum explores teaching from a variety of angles, including psychological, sociological, literary, and language-based, and students can select from single-subject or multi-subject tracks. Future elementary school teachers get a broad foundation in a variety of areas, while future high school instructors go deeper into single disciplines.

USC also offers students the opportunity to prepare for the California teaching credential, although degree seekers should check with their own states to see if this route applies to their career goals. Students access coursework through the mobile learning platform 2SC, and they create online portfolios to demonstrate their skills and experience to future employers.

Program Overview Program name: Online Master of Arts in Teaching Available concentrations: Single Subject Teaching (Secondary); Multiple Subject Teaching (Elementary) Tuition: $1,800/credit both in- and out-of-state Credit requirements: 28 credits Program length: 1-3 years

Delivery Format: Online and hybrid Instruction style: Asynchronous

Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Work experience: Applicants must submit a resume.

Contact Phone: (888) 628-1872 Email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

Set in the Research Triangle city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University has developed one of the nations busiest and most comprehensive virtual campuses. The states flagship university offers more than 350 online courses and 90 degrees, certificates, and teacher-licensure programs through its web portal, including an online masters in education that focuses on the sciences. This 36-credit program is suitable for traditional classroom teachers and for individuals who work in science education at places like zoos, museums, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants to this program should have two years of teaching experience.

NC States masters of education in science education follows a 36-credit curriculum. Participants complete 12 credits in the core, 15 credits in general science, and three credits in the form of a research project. The program builds six more credits into an area of concentration or specialization, and students have the option of selecting one of six focus areas: middle school education, special populations, informal education, educational technology, mentoring, or a subject-specific option. Degree candidates can also create their own specialty by amassing credits in a field of their choice.

The university offers its online courses both asynchronously and in real time, ensuring that distance learners enjoy ample interaction with their professors and classmates. Courses may feature video lectures and other media, as well as discussion forums and web-based assignments. Students typically sit for proctored exams or complete tests online, completing the curriculum in two (full-time) or four (part-time) years. Four start dates throughout the year add to the flexibility of the program.

NC State also hosts an array of other graduate-level degree programs of interest to teachers, including masters degrees in elementary education, technology education, special ed, agricultural education, secondary English and math, and middle-grade language arts.

Program Overview Program name: Online Master of Education in Science Education Available concentrations: Middle School Education; Informal Education; Special Populations; Educational Technology; Mentoring Tuition: $431/credit in-state; $1,147/credit out-of-state Credit requirements: 36 credits Program length: 2-4 years, depending upon full- or part-time status

Delivery Format: Online Instruction style: Asynchronous, synchronous

Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 recommended Standardized tests: GRE, MAT Work experience: Two years teaching

Contact Phone: (919) 515-9030 Email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram

The University of South Florida, located in Tampa, has more than 40 years of experience teaching physical education, and its phys-ed curriculum can be delivered online through a combination of reading and practice. The universitys college of education and school of physical education and exercise science created its online masters in education with working teachers in mind. The program functions best when the theories participants learn can be put into practice immediately. Students do much of their studying in virtual classrooms, but USF also expects them to carry out projects in actual schools. The university offers the degree in two tracks: one for individuals with a current teaching certificate and one for those without.

USF structured the 30-credit curriculum of its masters in physical education around a core of eight required classes, including one action-based research project taken as the final class. Students select two electives to round out their program. Most of the required work relates to instructional design and learning assessment, but degree seekers also gain a foundation in research and mentoring. Electives touch on subjects like adaptive phys-ed, sports psychology, sports in society, and grant writing.

Because courses follow no designated sequence, participants can enroll any time and amass credits quickly, moving through the curriculum asynchronously. Students can earn their diplomas in two years by taking two classes at a time. USF designed much of the coursework to be project-based. Students spend time studying on their own, applying their ideas in action projects, and then reporting back on their observations.

USF has three start dates per year. Applicants should have a bachelors from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The university does not require students to submit their GRE or Miller scores. Students who live in the 16 member states of the Southern Regional Educational Board pay in-state tuition. USF also offers an array of other online masters in education, including a special education degree.

Program Overview Program name: Online Master of Arts in Physical Education Tuition: $7,840/year in-state; $15,864/year out-of-state Credit requirements: 30 credits Program length: 2 years

Delivery Format: Online Instruction style: Asynchronous, with field experience

Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0

Contact Phone: (813) 974-3400 Email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram

Founded in 1785, this Athens, Georgia institution is the oldest chartered state university in the country. Today, offering over a dozen undergraduate majors and nearly one hundred graduate programs, its also one of the largest. Known for its comprehensive distance learning programs, UGA offers eight masters in education online programs that focus on several subfields of adult and childhood education. Learning tracks include instructional design, human resources, middle grades education, workforce education, and educational psychology. Students on the educational psychology track can select an additional area of focus in applied cognition or gifted and creative education, depending on their personal career goals.

The universitys application requirements for an online masters of education are highly dependent on the program, as are criteria for graduation and coursework delivery modes. Coursework is typically completed through Athena, UGAs online course management platform. The majority of courses require applicants to hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, along with strong GRE scores. Length of degree programs ranges from 33 to 37 credit hours, with some requiring a practicum component. Many classes are delivered in a cohort format via eLearning Commons, the schools online education platform. While all programs are 100% online, the learning, design, and technology curriculum offers students an incentive to attend an annual department-wide conference on campus.

Online students at UGA pay the same tuition fees as their traditional counterparts, regardless of residency, and may apply for financial aid. UGA also accepts corporate payment plans, and extends financial assistance to military personnel and veterans.

Program OverviewDepartment: College of EducationProgram name: Master of EducationAvailable concentrations: Adult education; educational psychology; learning, design, and technology, instructional design and development; middle grades education; reading education; workforce educationAccrediting body: SACSCOCTuition: $629-$638/credit hour

DeliveryFormat: Online Instruction style: Asynchronous

Program RequirementsCredit requirements: 33-37 credit hours

Program LengthProgram options: Full-time or part-timeProgram length: 1-3 years Program start dates: Summer, fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; spring: November 15; summer: March 1GPA: 2.6 minimumStandardized tests: GRE or MATWork experience: 2-3 years

ContactDepartment phone: (706) 542-6446 Department email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook

The online masters in special education at Texas A&M University prepares students to work with young people with learning disabilities, autism, behavioral issues, and other special needs. This College Station-based university established its SPED program to teach instructors the best practices in pedagogy for students classified as low-performing and at risk, as well as those with more severe disabilities. Graduates leave TAMUs online masters degree in education ready to plan and deliver lessons at a high academic level to special-needs populations and with the skills necessary to intervene when behavioral issues arise. Graduates also learn how to identify, assess, and evaluate disabled students and integrate these young people into traditional school programs when possible.

TAMU emphasizes communication, problem solving, and collaboration throughout the program. Degree candidates can elect to pursue a masters of arts (with no thesis option) or a masters of science (includes a thesis). The curriculum also provides a platform for students to continue on to further study and gives participants the option of earning certification in applied behavior analysis.

Coursework includes both individual, asynchronous assignments and weekly, real-time sessions with professors and peers. Students can complete their degree entirely online. The curriculum features two classes on reading and two on behavior management and analysis, along with courses in autism, emotional disorders, transition, consultation, and assessment. SPED faculty administer three comprehensive exams during the course of the program, which test students on the covered subject matter. TAMU expects students to maintain a 3.0 GPA as they work through the two-year curriculum.

The most successful candidates have experience working with individuals with disabilities, preferably in a teaching capacity, and an aptitude for leadership. TAMU does not require applicants to the SPED program to submit their GRE scores.

Program Overview Program name: Online Masters in Special Education Tuition: $422/credit in-state; $847/credit out-of-state Credit requirements: 36 credits Program length: 2 years

Delivery Format: Online Instruction style: Asynchronous and synchronous

Admission Requirements GPA: No minimum, but recommended 3.0 on last 60 hours of undergraduate work Work experience: Not required but highly recommended

Contact Phone: (979) 845-1833 Email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook

Located in the Philadelphia suburb of Melrose Park, Gratz College is the nations oldest independent college for Jewish studies. The school also offers a masters of education online program that includes an array of specialties. These include Jewish ed, creativity and technology, safe schools, early childhood education, and dimensions in identity, which takes a holistic look at learners and how life beyond the classroom might be affecting their studies. Participants can also pick and choose from these focus areas to create a track that better fits their own professional needs. Additional certificates in creativity and tech, management, and distinguished learning and teaching are also available.

The 30-credit program is well-suited for working teachers and requires most degree candidates to have a teaching certificate. The program structures its curriculum around three core courses, which explore instructional design, legal and ethical issues in the contemporary classroom, and effective learning assessment. Students then add five courses in their concentration area and six electives, allowing them to further customize their program. Specialization areas provide degree seekers the opportunity to build portfolios in areas like leadership, technology in the classroom, and behavioral and social issues in modern schools. The early childhood education track adheres to standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Gratz delivers coursework in eight-week, accelerated sessions, and most classes follow an asynchronous format. Participants can pursue their degrees entirely online on a full- or part-time basis, taking home a diploma in two to four years depending on their course load.

Applicants must submit all undergraduate transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation (academic and professional), and a personal statement detailing how they plan to use their degree. They must also include a photocopy of a valid teaching certificate.

Program Overview Program name: Online Master of Arts in Education Available concentrations: Early Childhood Education; Creativity & Technology; Dimensions in Identity; Integrated Curriculum; Safe Schools; Jewish Instructional Education Tuition: $389/credit for both in-state and out-of-state students Credit requirements: 30 credits Program length: 2-4 years

Delivery Format: Online and hybrid Instruction style: Asynchronous

Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Work experience: A teaching certificate is required

Contact Phone: (215) 635-7300 x140 Email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook; Twitter

With over 64,000 students enrolled every year, this Orlando institution is one of the largest universities in the United States. Boasting ten regional campuses in addition to the Orlando campus complex, the student body includes individuals from 153 countries and all 50 states. For the past 20 years, UCF has also extended its online education program to students around the world. Offering more than 60 fully-online degree and certificate programs, including five online masters degrees in education, UCF has earned a reputation for providing some of the best accredited online programs in the nation.

At UCF, students can earn an online masters of education in applied learning and instruction, career and technical education, educational leadership, exceptional student education, or instructional design and technology. Degree programs vary in length from 30 to 45 credit hours, depending on concentration. Some programs offer thesis as well as non-thesis options for completion, while all students must pass a comprehensive examination before graduation. Admission requirements also differ between program concentrations. Some, such as the exceptional student education track, are designed for those who have already received teaching certifications, while others are interdisciplinary and offer room for curriculum customization.

Taught using a cohort model, UCFs online courses consist of web-based instruction and collaboration, streaming digital video, or a combination of both. The university offers distance learners assistance through a variety of online resources, including career services and access to UCFs digital library. The school waives campus resource fees for online students, who are also eligible to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Program OverviewDepartment: College of Education and Human Performance; School of Teaching, Learning, and LeadershipProgram name: Master of Arts in Educational LeadershipAccrediting body: SACSCOCTuition: In-state: $327/credit hour; out-of-state: $1,152/credit hour

DeliveryFormat: Online Instruction style: Asynchronous

Program RequirementsCredit requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram options: Full-time or part-time Program length: 2 yearsProgram start dates: Fall, spring, summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 15; spring: December 1; summer: April 15 GPA: Minimum 3.0 minimum over final 60 undergraduate credits

ContactSchool phone: 1 (855) 903-8576School email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter

CSUFs College of Education is the only university teacher preparation institution in Orange County accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Offering one hybrid and six fully-online masters of education programs, the school is known for its academic rigor and emphasis on community outreach. CSUF is also renowned for its commitment to diversity, and was one of the first institutions to be included in the AACTE Networks initiative to increase teaching certification among black and Hispanic men. 66.7% of students in the Ed.D. program come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

CSUF offers online masters of education programs in educational technology, reading education, special education, instructional design, elementary instruction, and secondary education. An MS in educational leadership is also available as a hybrid program. Students on an elementary curriculum and instruction track can further specialize in one of six concentrations, including diversity, math and science, and professional inquiry and practice. Those in the secondary education program may select an optional concentration, although these courses are typically offered in a hybrid format. Degree program lengths, credit requirements, and course formats vary according to concentration, with most of the masters in education online programs taking between one and two years to complete.

While most schools offer a non-licensure masters of education online, those enrolled in CSUFs literacy and reading track will complete coursework required to earn specialized credentials. Coursework in the special education concentration is also designed to prepare students for preliminary credential programs, and may confer added authorizations upon eligible students.

Program OverviewDepartment: College of EducationProgram name: Master of Science in EducationAvailable concentrations: Educational technology, educational leadership, elementary curriculum and instruction, secondary education (high school & middle school), instructional design and technology, reading education, special education Accrediting body: WASCTuition: $6,738/academic year

DeliveryFormat: Online (reading education concentration is hybrid)Instruction style: Asynchronous

Program RequirementsCredit requirements: 29-30

Program LengthProgram options: Full-time or part-timeProgram length: 1-3Program start dates: Fall, spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: RollingGPA: Minimum 3.0 over last 60 undergraduate creditsWork experience: 3 years of teaching experience

ContactDepartment phone: (657) 278-3411Department email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter

Notable for its Nobel prize-winning faculty members, this university in West Lafayette, Indiana counts astronaut Neil Armstrong among its alumni. With over 500 research labs and institutes, Purdue has built a solid reputation as one of the best schools for science, engineering, and math in the United States. In recent decades, the university has extended its academically rigorous degree programs into the world of digital learning. Current offerings include two MSEd programs for those who want to earn their masters of education online.

Students in the 33-credit MSEd in learning design and technology program learn to combine cutting-edge techniques in multimedia design with classic and emerging pedagogical theories as they develop a portfolio for later use in the workforce. This fully-online program is open to individuals from all educational and professional backgrounds, although applicants must complete a telephone interview with an admissions advisor. The MSEd in special education program offers a curriculum aligned with EdTPA, an assessment organization that ensures educators are teaching effectively and to standard. Emphasizing intervention and teaching techniques for severely disabled students, this program prepares future educators to assess and support students with special needs through appropriate instructional programs. Several tracks are available, including a masters only option and a masters with special education licensure.

Both online masters of education programs are taught asynchronously through a virtual classroom interface. Coursework is identical in rigor and subject matter to that of traditional classes, and instructors are the same faculty members who teach on campus.

Program OverviewDepartment: College of EducationProgram name: Master of Science in EducationAvailable concentrations: Learning design and technology, special education Accrediting body: NCASCTuition: In-state: $329/credit hour; out-of-state: $650/credit hour

DeliveryFormat: OnlineInstruction style: Asynchronous

Program RequirementsCredit requirements: 33 credit hours

Program LengthProgram options: Full-time or part-timeProgram length: 2 yearsProgram start dates: Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Varies (contact an admissions counselor)Standardized tests: GRE Work experience: Professional letters of reference are required

ContactDepartment phone: (765) 494-2341Department email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter

San Diego State University offers a technology-focused online masters in educational leadership through its College Of Extended Studies. SDSU designed this program for teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators who want to better integrate technology into their districts at the classroom, school, and district level. The program consists of 10 courses, which full-time learners can finish in 15 months. The program is taught through a cohort format and includes IT, leadership, and teaching components.

The educational leadership program focuses on pedagogy and teaching ideas related to technology and education from around the world. Classes delve into a variety of subjects, including school improvement through the lens technology, the architecture of technology, and modern school administration.

Professors in this leadership program are renowned for their work in instructional leadership, architectural technology, and program evaluation. All classes are offered asynchronously with weekly synchronous office hours. Participants often interact with their cohort members through chat rooms and by engaging in collaborative projects. Because the majority of students currently hold teaching positions, degree candidates often learn from each other as well as from their instructors.

California graduates may pursue their administrative credential by completing additional courses. SDSU also offers an online, graduate-level induction program for contracted, multi-subject teachers, as well as an add-on, reading-literacy authorization program. Applicants must submit all college transcripts, a professional resume, a video describing their educational beliefs, and GRE scores.

Program Overview Program name: Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Specialization in PreK-12 Tuition: $598/credit Credit requirements: 30 credits Program length: 15 months

Delivery Format: Online and hybrid Instruction style: Asynchronous

Admission Requirements Standardized tests: GRE Work experience: Working teachers preferred

Contact Phone: (619) 594-2566 Email: [emailprotected] Social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter

Founded in 1855 in East Lansing, Michigan State University was originally conceived as an agricultural college. Today, MSU offers more than 200 programs of study, including numerous online and hybrid degree programs designed with busy people and working professionals in mind. Ideal for classroom teachers, school administrators, coaches, and adult educators, MSUs College of Education offers a fully-online masters of education program for those who want to take their career in education to the next level.

This 30 credit hour program offers six concentrations in literacy education, P-16 school leadership, science and mathematics education, special education, technology and learning, and sport leadership. Instead of completing a thesis, students are required to participate in a capstone seminar, in which they develop and exhibit an online portfolio prior to graduation. Courses are taught in an accelerated cohort format, with lectures and coursework delivered through Desire2Learn, MSUs online learning portal. Most students are able to earn their degree in around two and a half years, taking one to two courses per semester.

While residents of Kentucky may not apply to MSUs online masters programs in education, the school offers a flat tuition for distance learners in and out of state. Additionally, students enrolled in at least five credit hours of courses are eligible to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Although the program does not confer graduates with teaching certification, individuals seeking licensure can apply for a recommendation or endorsement through the School of Education. Faculty advisors are available to assist students with the certification application process, as well as with many academic and financial aspects of the online masters program. Students are assigned an academic advisor upon acceptance to the program.

Program OverviewDepartment: College of EducationProgram name: Master of Arts in EducationAvailable concentrations: Literacy education, P-12 School and postsecondary leadership, science and mathematics education, special education, sport coaching and leadership, technology and learningAccrediting body: NCACSTuition: $699/credit hour

DeliveryFormat: OnlineInstruction style: Asynchronous

Program RequirementsCredit requirements: 30 credits

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The Best Online Master's in Education Programs for 2018