2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Secondary Education

Pace University is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Education, Literacy Specialist - Middle Childhood/Adolescent (grades 5-12). This program also helps students meet the requirements for an advanced or professional certificate in Middle Childhood/Adolescent (grades 5–12) literacy. This 30-credit program generally takes full-time students 1.5 years to complete.

Pace delivers online curriculum via Brightspace. Students in this online education program enroll in courses such as Teaching Literacy Skills to Children with Special Needs, Literature and Digital Storytelling, Foundations of Bilingual Education, and Creating Responsive Early Childhood Environments. They must also complete a practicum and capstone project to graduate.

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education with a Single Subject Credential accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This remote program is available to California residents only. Graduating requires completing a minimum of 39 credits. However, an additional 12 may be necessary if an internship or teaching experience is required. Full-time students may complete this program in two years.

UMass uses Blackboard as its learning management system (LMS), which delivers online coursework and instruction. Classes to choose from include The Art and Craft of Teaching, Collaboration for Inclusive Schooling, and Effective Literacy Instruction for Single Subject Candidates. The program curriculum can help prepare online students to teach a single subject in California at the middle or high school level.

California State University - Fullerton (CSU Fullerton) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Transformative Teaching in Secondary Education. Students choose one of two advising pathways: (1) Cross-Disciplinary or (2) Teaching Foundational Mathematics. Those attending full time may complete this 31-credit program in 21 months by taking two classes each term and two during the summer.

CSU Fullerton delivers online course content and instruction via the Canvas LMS. The online curriculum for this secondary education degree includes the following courses: Curriculum Theory and Development, Advanced Proficiency in Educational Technologies, Conceptual Foundations of Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Teaching, and Graduate Studies in Secondary School Writing. Students must also complete a capstone project to graduate.

George Washington University (GWU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services. Coursework is aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children's Advanced Transition Specialist Standards for Preparation and Practice. This 30-credit program may take two years of full-time attendance to complete.

GWU's online students access coursework and instruction through the LMS Blackboard. Those enrolled in this online education and human development program enroll in classes such as Foundations of Transition Discoveries Youth Driven Practice, Leadership in Disability Public Policy, Person-Centered Assessment Practices, and Universal Design for Learning and Assessment. They must also complete an internship to graduate. Alumni often pursue careers as secondary educators, agency transition professionals, and other positions within academia.

New York University (NYU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education. Content area options include English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Special Education. While this is a primarily online program, students are required to complete a residency at partner schools across the United States. Graduating requires 30 credit hours, which may take full-time students at least two years.

NYU provides access to Brightspace, an LMS that allows students to access online content and instruction. Modules within the online master's in secondary education program include Preparation/Foundation, Active Practice, and Peak Teaching. Instruction within these modules supports a progressive learning experience. Once they graduate, students achieve recommendations for initial certification in New York State if desired.

Wilkes University (WU) is a private university offering an online Master of Science in Teaching with Initial Teaching Certificate, which requires 30 credit hours. Concentration options include Middle Level Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts. Students studying on a full-time schedule can complete this program in two years.

Students at WU use the Brightspace learning management system to access their core online courses and earn their initial teaching certificate, which is achieved entirely online. The curriculum for this program utilizes practical learning techniques and research-based strategies to develop lesson plans and deliver content in the classroom. There are required courses, such as Behavior Management; Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening; and Teaching and Development of Adolescent Learners. Students also gain field experience in their local area. Graduates may earn career opportunities as middle school teachers and curriculum writers.

Texas A&M University - Commerce (TAMUC) is a public institution with an online Master of Education/Science in Secondary Education requiring the completion of 36 credit hours. There are tracks available in Educator Certificated, New to Educating, and Dual Credit Educator. Typically, students graduate between one-and-a-half and two years while studying full time.

All online courses at TAMUC are delivered through the Brightspace learning management system. This allows students to study completely online and around the schedule of working professionals. This degree is meant for certified teachers looking to advance their understanding of curriculum design and instruction in order to prepare for leadership roles. Among the major requirements are Secondary School Curriculum, Learning Theories and Philosophy, and Models of Technology in Secondary School. Students may be hired as high school teachers, instructional coach, and community college instructor.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) is a public university that offers an online Master of Education in Teaching in Secondary and Special Education. This degree requires 46 credit hours, which are generally completed in two years while studying full time.

Laulima is the main learning platform used by UHM students for their coursework, which can be completed in a hybrid online/in-person format with four campus meetings per semester. The online portion takes place synchronously. The program offers a travel stipend for students participating in the statewide option. Students engage in a combination of field work and core coursework while taking specialized courses in their preferred area of content. Among the required credits are classes, such as Principles of Behavior, Advanced Assessment and Curriculum Development, and Strategies Across Content Area. Upon completion of the program students will be recommended for a teacher's license to seek teaching positions at their local schools.

Wilson College is a private institution that features an online Master of Special Education - PK-12 Certification requiring 33 credit hours. The completion time for this degree is approximately two years for full-time students.

Wilson College students use Canvas as their learning management system, where courses are delivered entirely online and on a flexible timeline. The core curriculum for this program explores theory and research-based practices and is designed for educators with current certifications. Here are a few examples of required courses for the PK-12 concentration: Creating an Effective Classroom Culture, Advanced Studies in Disabilities, and Secondary Instructional Methods. Students must also complete a special education practicum and thesis project. Career opportunities include instructional coordinators, education administrators, and adult literacy teachers.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus (IUP) is a public university that offers an online Master of Education in Mathematics Education - Secondary. This online degree requires 36 credit hours, which are generally completed in two years while studying full time.

Brightspace is the primary learning platform used by IUP students for their coursework. The online education master's degree program can be completed 100% online and in an asynchronous format. This program uses research-based practices to advance students' understanding of mathematics and how to deliver effective instructions. Among the required credits are classes such as Differentiated Instruction in Mathematics Education, Teaching of Problem Solving in Mathematics Education, and Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Education. Additional credits can be used towards an internship or thesis project. Graduates may earn leadership roles as college instructors, middle school department chairs, and mathematics coaches.

Thomas University (TU) is a private institution with an online Master of Education - Secondary Math requiring the completion of 34 credit hours. Applicants must have a higher teaching certificate to be considered. Typically, students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time.

All online courses at TU are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This allows students to study completely online with courses delivered in a synchronous format. This degree examines ways to transform current mathematics research into practical classroom education. Students explore core classes such as Program Planning and Applying Technologies for Effective Instruction, while taking mathematics courses in Set Theory and Developing Algebraic Concepts. Students may be employed as middle school or high school mathematics teachers.

Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) is a private university offering an online Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education (6-12) requiring 39 credit hours. The Secondary Education (6-12) major requires students to choose from one of the following concentrations: Math, English, Science or Social Studies. Students studying on a full-time schedule can complete this program in as few as 18 months.

Students at CUH use the Canvas learning management system to access their core online courses, which are taught entirely online. Classroom dynamics, effective instructional strategies, and the ethics of teaching are studied during the course of this program, along with core classes in Learning Environments, Diverse Learners, and Secondary Methods. Graduates local to Hawaii will receive a recommendation for a license to teach professionally in the state. Students outside of Hawaii must check to see if this program meets their state's license requirements to pursue a teaching career.

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Secondary Education that requires 36 credit hours. Concentrations are available in Bilingual Education, English, English as a Second Language, Equity and Social Justice in Education, Instructional Technology Leadership, Mathematics, Middle Level, School Library, Science, STEM, Teacher Academy Project, and Teaching and Learning. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time.

At UNO, students use Canvas for their remote courses which can be completed entirely online. This core of this program focuses on culturally responsive teaching practices, instructional research, theoretical frameworks, and digital pedagogy. Required classes include Current Issues and Trends in Education, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Assessment for Classroom Teacher. A capstone project is also required. Graduates may explore roles as high school teachers, instructional coordinators, and curriculum development coordinators.

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is a public institution with an online Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary and Middle Grades Education requiring 36 credit hours. Students studying full time are likely to complete the degree in approximately 11 months for bachelor's degree holders.

UAS uses Blackboard to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online and on a schedule that meets their needs. The core curriculum prepares students to earn their teaching license as well as provides an understanding of the philosophy, developmental effects of learning, culturally respectful instruction, and guide planning. Required classes include Educational Psychology, Perspectives in Multicultural Education, and Secondary Methods for Teaching STEM. Students are also required to complete an eight-week internship. Career paths include middle school and high school teachers.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university with an online Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum and Instruction: Secondary Education. This remote degree requires 36 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in approximately two years.

UNK students use Canvas as their primary learning management system, where they can complete courses 100% online. The curriculum for this program looks at advanced teaching and assessment methodologies with a focus on grades 7-12. Students should note that this program does not lead to certification. Among the required classes are Education Research, Philosophy of Education, and Technology Tools for Teachers. Students are also required to complete a curriculum and instruction graduate practicum. Career opportunities may be available as an instructional designer, literacy coach, and secondary teacher.

UNK also offers a Master of Arts in Education - School Principalship 7-12 that focuses on effective leadership skills and relationship building with teachers.

The College of Saint Scholastica (CSS) is a private university that hosts an online Master of Science in Teaching - Secondary Education (5-12). Graduation requirements state that students must complete 34 credit hours which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. Concentrations are available in Chemistry, Communication Arts and Literature, Life Science, Math, and Social Studies.

Online students at CSS use Brightspace as their learning management system. Courses are delivered online and take place once per week. This is a hands-on program where students take part in field work while learning teaching best practices and research. Graduates can meet the requirements for a teacher's license through this program in the school's home state of Minnesota. Required courses include Secondary Social Studies Methods, Math Methods: Middle Level, and Secondary Content Area Reading Strategies. Students are also required to complete a student teaching seminar, internship, and field experience. Graduates are likely to work as middle school and high school teachers.

Goucher College (GC) is a private institution that features an online Master of Arts in Teaching - Dual Secondary and Special Education (Grades 7-12) requiring 49 credit hours. The completion time for this degree is approximately two years for full-time students.

At GC, students use Canvas as their learning management system where courses are delivered entirely online. Three credits are devoted towards the core curriculum where students learn Curriculum Development in Education or Contemporary Issues in Education. The remaining courses are split between the areas of instructional and special education including Methods and Strategies in Secondary Education, Curriculum Design and Adaptations for Students with Special Needs, and Advanced Methods and Strategies in Secondary Reading Instruction. Students must also complete a year-long internship or supervised teaching experience. Career opportunities will be available as middle school teachers, high school teachers, and secondary school principals.

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public university that offers an online Master of Education in Secondary Education. This degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, which are generally completed in four to six semesters, or approximately two years, while studying full time.

KSU's main learning platform is Brightspace where students complete their coursework 100% online. This degree is designed to develop evidence-based instructional leaders that are able to develop strong relationships with their communities by utilizing and producing educational research, among other skills. Among the required credits are classes such as Reflective Inquiry for Transformative Teaching and Learning; Transformative Teaching and Learning with Families and Communities; andDifferentiation, Academic Language, and Assessment in Middle and Secondary Classrooms. Additional credits are required for a research-based capstone project. Graduates will be prepared to take roles as middle school or high school teachers.

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Teaching & Leadership - Middle/Secondary Education requiring the completion of 30 credit hours. The estimated completion time for this program is five semesters for full-time students.

All online courses at UND are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system. This allows students to study completely online and on a flexible schedule. Throughout this program students gain a better understanding of fundamental subjects in math, social studies, and science, while learning skills in grading, assessment, and peer coaching. Among the core requirements are classes such as Action Research, Leading K-12 Educator Learning, and Classroom-Based Coaching Practices. Additionally, students must complete a fieldwork placement, practicum, and internship. Students may be hired as assessment coordinators, assistant principals, behavioral support specialists.

Brenau University is a private university offering an online Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education requiring 48 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule can complete this program in approximately two years.

Students at Brenau University use the Canvas learning management system to access their core online courses, which are taught entirely online. The curriculum for this program is mostly focused on developing classroom skills. Students are required to take courses such as Computer Literacy in Education, Introduction to Special Education, and Contemporary Issues in Education, as well as taking on a full-time classroom experience for one semester. This program is best suited for students seeking a career as a middle school or high school teacher.