A Master’s in Secondary Education Online is designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees, regardless of their academic background. Tailored for those aspiring to obtain secondary school teaching certification, this program equips graduate students with the necessary skills for diverse roles in education and administration. With a focus on advanced education techniques, it prepares educators for various teaching environments. Moreover, the flexibility of online learning enables students to pursue doctoral programs or specialized training in related educational fields while honing their teaching skills. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in the dynamic landscape of secondary education, contributing positively to students’ academic growth and development.
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Every student deserves a well-balanced program that boosts their career and provides them with the correct learning. When choosing from online master’s in secondary education degree programs, graduates should check for essential factors such as the total credit hours, institution ranking, course-affordability, scholarships, quality of faculty, student services, institution infrastructure, coursework, professional licensure, and certification. OMC teams have researched hundreds of master’s degrees and narrowed in on the best master’s in secondary education online for prospective students. Here is the list:
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 New York University 70 Washington Sq South, New York, New York 10012 | $35,982 | 87% |
#2 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $60,446 | 92% |
#3 North Carolina State University 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 | $9,095 | 84% |
#4 Clemson University 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 | $10,600 | 85% |
#5 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058 | $12,060 | 63% |
#6 Ball State University 2000 University Ave, Muncie, Indiana 47306 | $9,482 | 68% |
#7 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,847 | 62% |
#8 California State University-Fullerton 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, California 92831 | $7,176 | 71% |
#9 Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144 | $5,238 | 49% |
#10 Georgia Southern University 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30460 | $4,986 | 54% |
#11 University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71209 | $6,490 | 54% |
#12 University of New Mexico-Main Campus 1700 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 | $6,050 | 54% |
#13 Georgia College & State University 231 W Hancock Street, Milledgeville, Georgia 31061 | $5,292 | 62% |
#14 University of North Texas 1501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203 | $6,350 | 60% |
#15 The University of Alabama 739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 | $10,780 | 72% |
#16 San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, California 92182 | $7,176 | 76% |
#17 University of North Carolina at Charlotte 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223 | $4,337 | 66% |
#18 University of the Cumberlands 6191 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769 | $4,282 | 48% |
#19 University of Maryland Global Campus 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, Maryland 20783 | $9,072 | 21% |
#20 University of Maine 168 College Avenue, Orono, Maine 04469 | $9,738 | 57% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
The master’s in secondary education online degree helps students further their professional growth and leadership skills while attaining integrative knowledge simultaneously. The program is designed for bachelor’s students who want to qualify for state teaching certification while parallelly earning their master’s degree. Students can choose from different certification areas like English, General Science, Mathematics, etc.,. Upon completing the program, they will qualify to teach at public and private schools. This program is 30 to 40 credit hours, depending on the institution, program format, concentration, coursework, and add-on courses. The program can be accessed on campus, online, and in a hybrid mode that blends both. Fieldwork experience is a crucial part of the online secondary education degree. With most colleges providing around 75 plus hours of field experience, students can be employed as teachers and simultaneously complete their coursework and teaching requirements. Field placements, part of the curriculum, can be completed in school districts convenient for students.
The master’s in secondary education online requires 30 to 45 credits to complete. This program consists of a curriculum that meets the professional standards required for teaching across the country and prepares graduates for certification as secondary education teachers. The program is known for empirical research and on-ground field work for addressing the educational needs of a diverse set of students. Students can expect an interdisciplinary approach focusing on extensive field-based experiences and developing content and pedagogical practices. While some programs may require students to complete teaching requirements, others may require a capstone. Most programs have designed similar coursework for secondary education master programs. Some of the standard secondary education courses include but are not limited to:
Upon graduating with a master’s in secondary education online degree, graduates will be skilled to take up diverse educational roles based on the expertise and knowledge they acquired through the program. Some skills they will attain upon graduating from the program include the ability to:
Three types of degrees are available for students pursuing an online secondary education master’s. They are Master’s of Arts or MA in secondary education online, Master’s of Science or MS in secondary education online, and Master’s of Education or M.Ed. in secondary education online.
The Master of Arts in Secondary Education or MA secondary education is designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in non-education fields but want to be considered teachers at the secondary level. It provides an understanding of diverse needs in education, cultural dynamics, and social concerns that secondary schools might go through currently.
The Master of Science in Secondary Education or MS secondary education provides students with instructional techniques and field experience. This program is suitable for students with an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than education. Depending on the institutions, varied concentrations are available to them, like English, Computer Science, Mathematics, etc.
The Master of Education in Secondary Education or M.Ed. secondary education focuses on the needs and subject areas promising for current secondary school students. This program would prepare students to teach through grades seven to twelve in their chosen concentrations, such as Social Studies, Mathematics, etc.
Specializations at a graduate level will help students focus on specific areas of study and strengthen their knowledge and skills. Specializing in one major area could help them gain expertise, leading to higher industry recognition. Although a master’s in secondary education is a highly skilled field, having secondary education specializations and the degree could help graduates with better career prospects, higher salaries, and a broader scope of employment. Here are a few specializations available to students in institutions providing a master’s in secondary education online:
Area of Specialization | Description |
---|---|
History Education | This specialization equips students to teach different history-related subjects without requiring an additional degree. Topics include American politics, state history, world history, and other historical topics. |
Biology Education | The specialization in biology will prepare students to teach biology subjects to secondary school students. The focus here is on high-quality research and a strong foundation in biology. |
Social Science Education | The specialization in social science prepares graduates with the backgrounds necessary to teach students about the historical and social foundation of society as we know it today. Future teachers gain expertise in geography, civics, government, and economics. |
General Science Education | The general science specialization provides the essential tools and methods for those aiming to teach science to elementary and secondary students. The focus is on building a strong foundation in the subject and parallelly developing research expertise as well. |
Mathematics Education | The specialization in mathematics helps graduates understand how to teach math in a secondary school setting. The focus is on creating effective strategies to analyze and deliver mathematics lessons to students. |
Arts Education | The specialization in arts education aims at preparing teachers who could develop strategies in artmaking and creatively teach students. The focus is on students exploring works of art through cultural, socio-political, and historical viewpoints. |
Foreign Language Education | The specialization in World or foreign languages focuses on languages like Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish, and so on, depending on the institution. Here, the focus is on the deliverance of language subjects effectively to students in secondary school settings. |
Reading Education | The specialization in reading focuses on developing the skills required to be a reading specialist, especially in assessment, instruction, and literacy development. Students focus on enhancing instruction for school students struggling with reading. |
Most master’s of secondary education online degree programs require 30 to 45 credits and about 16 to 24 months to complete. However, the coursework, capstone, fieldwork, concertation, program structure, synchronous vs. asynchronous classes, and other factors would determine the exact duration of the program. Students can take up the coursework either full-time or part-time.
Accelerated master’s programs help students complete their master’s coursework in less time than stipulated. They benefit students interested in earning initial licensure to teach in their respective states soon after graduating. Such programs are economical and help students complete coursework with no residency requirement; they can transfer credits and fast-track the program as well. Here are a couple of colleges offering accelerated master’s in secondary education online:
An online secondary education master’s has a set of requirements that prospective students need to meet to get admitted to the program. Each institution has its own requirements and criteria depending on how the program structure has been designed. Here are the most common master’s in secondary education online admission requirements:
Students applying for graduate programs must sometimes submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. However, at some institutions, applicants with degrees from other accredited universities would be considered without a qualifying GRE score if they have a minimum of 2.75 GPA in their previous coursework and have considerable work experience. Here are examples of some schools offering master’s in secondary education online with no GRE programs:
Accreditation is the process of a holistic assessment of an institution to evaluate them meeting established academic standards. Accreditations reflect the quality of the institution and could affect education immensely. Students should remember that just because a program is accredited, it does not qualify the institution with accreditation and vice versa. Accreditation helps prospective students identify acceptable institutions and determine factors like the availability of federal financial aid and the transfer of credits. Therefore, they should evaluate this criterion thoroughly to make an informed decision. The six regional accrediting bodies in the United States are:
Accredited for master’s in secondary education colleges and programs should preferably be accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)6. CAEP is a professional accreditor that accredits teacher education programs in U.S. institutions.
For more information on accreditation, read the Accreditation Guide.
There are no credible, free online master’s in secondary education programs available for graduates. However, a few free courses in the field of secondary education are available online, which students could use to build on their skills, knowledge, and expertise. These free courses are not accredited and cannot be used in place of accredited courses to get lucrative jobs. Nonetheless, they are useful to students who want to gain additional knowledge and better understand their field of interest. Here are a few free master’s in secondary education online courses:
Course | Provided by | Description |
---|---|---|
Teaching Special Needs Education7 | Alison | The Teaching Special Needs Education course offers foundational knowledge in Special Educational Needs (SEN), covering disability, relations, and the classification of SEN into four main areas. It explores SEN support and assessment procedures, emphasizing the significance of quality teaching, addressing teaching methods, and the social, emotional, and psychological challenges SEN pupils face. |
Diploma in Outcome-based Education and Academic8 | Alison | This course focuses on implementing outcome-based education and ensures educational excellence. Participants gain expertise in innovative teaching methods, quality assurance practices, and leveraging eLearning for enhanced educational outcomes. The course prepares educators to deliver world-class teaching experiences while adapting to contemporary educational trends. |
Education Leadership and Collaboration9 | Alison | This course explores the important role of leadership in fostering teamwork among stakeholders for educational success. Participants gain essential skills to drive lasting impact, navigating the responsibilities of teachers, support staff, governors, parents, and governmental bodies. |
A master’s in secondary education degree online program cost depends on the institution, program, and specialization selected. The cost of the master’s degree could also vary depending on delivery format and enrollment status. Unverified sources peg the tuition fee for a secondary education master’s between $8,200 and $35,350 (or more), depending on the institution. To offset the high tuition fees, prospective students can consider the following sources of financial aid:
Students with good academic records can apply for scholarships in their relevant institutions. Several factors qualify a student to apply for a scholarship, like community, socioeconomic background, etc. Students are frequently given scholarships based on their academic performance by institutions, national organizations, or individual agencies.
Grants are funds provided by a public body, charitable foundations, or institutions making grants. They are offered for research and education in specific groups. Grants differ from scholarships because they are not solely based on academic merit. An applicant’s financial need is usually considered while giving a grant.
Graduate Assistantships offer graduate students valuable opportunities to gain professional experience, financial support, and academic mentorship. Typically, students assist professors with research, teaching, or administrative tasks while pursuing their studies. These positions provide hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and, sometimes, partial or full tuition waivers.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is a form completed by prospective and current students in the United States. It is filled to understand the eligibility for student financial aid and the possibility of receiving financial assistance from the United States Federal Government.
Learn more about college funding, scholarship scams, and additional information in the Financial Aid Guide.
Scholarships are financial aid that could help students further their education. Depending on the donor, they could be awarded based on criteria such as academic merit, athletic skills, diversity, inclusion, etc. It is always advisable for Information about Graduate School Scholarships to be researched by students before applying. Here are some scholarships for master’s degrees in secondary education programs:
Scholarship | STEM Teacher Scholarships10 |
Description | The AFCEA educational foundation offers competitive scholarships for students pursuing graduate degrees or credentials or licensure for engineering, science, technology, teaching, or math (STEM) subjects at U.S. schools in grades K-12. |
Award/Amount | $2,500 |
Application Deadline | May, annually |
Scholarship | Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award11 |
Description | This scholarship is awarded to students who have completed at least 12 credit hours of a graduate degree in education. The student must have a graduate GPA of 3.75. They should have made unique contributions to their education discipline. |
Award/Amount | $1,000 |
Application Deadline | April, annually |
Scholarship | Isabel M. Herson Scholarship12 |
Description | This scholarship is awarded for full-time study for one academic year. The students should be enrolled in a degree program in either elementary or secondary education. |
Award/Amount | $500 to $1,000 |
Application Deadline | Varies |
Earning an online master’s in secondary education will give graduates a scope to work in secondary school settings. They can take up several other diverse roles in designing curricula, leadership, creating resources and instructional material, and so on for secondary school students. Graduates also have the option to work in public and private schools and educational institutions in administrative positions.
Apart from teaching, there are other roles in secondary education where graduates can use their secondary education online master’s. Here are examples of some job roles:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS), secondary school teachers instructing high school students in various subjects have an annual median salary of $62,360 with a job outlook of 1% between 2022 and 2032. This projection is as fast as the average for all occupations. Listed below are highlights of some statistical data by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on a few career options that graduates can consider after earning a secondary education online master’s:
Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
---|---|---|---|
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals13 | $101,320 | 1% (little or no change) | Elementary, Middle and High School Principals manage all aspects of school operations, ensuring a safe, productive learning environment. They coordinate curriculums, oversee staff, and handle daily activities to foster academic growth. Principals are crucial in shaping school culture and promoting student success across grade levels. |
Instructional Coordinators14 | $66,490 | 2% (as fast as average) | Instructional coordinators oversee school curricula and teaching standards. They are also responsible for developing instructional material, implementing resources, and assessing effectiveness. |
School and Career Counselors and Advisors15 | $60,140 | 5% (faster than average) | School counselors help students develop their academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors also help people in choosing a path to employment. |
Librarians and Library Media Specialists16 | $61,660 | 3% (as fast as average) | Librarians and library media specialists help people find information about conducting research for personal or professional use. They work for local governments, schools, and other diverse organizations. |
Certifications are designated credentials given to individuals to verify their competency and legitimacy to perform a job. Certification shows that the person, as a professional, is trained and educated to meet a specific set of criteria to perform the role of secondary education teacher. Professional certifications are earned through an educational institution or professional organization. However, licensure is required by law and obtained through a state agency.
Most schools require teachers to obtain secondary education teacher licensure to teach grades 6 to 12. The online master’s in secondary education program often prepares students to complete state certification/licensure exams in their respective states. Each state has its specific requirement or licensure requirements; here, the geographical location of the graduates and where they are placed for fieldwork is critical. Students should explore requirements and programs for teaching certification17 for better clarity.
Another board-based certification for online master’s in secondary education graduates to consider, recognized in many states, is National Board Certification18. It was designed to develop, recognize, and retain accomplished teachers and generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is one of the highest certifications a teacher can obtain.
A master’s in secondary education online, students could benefit from diverse resources when they join different organizations. These institutions could offer some common features like career aid and certification programs. Students could benefit from teachers’ involvement in education leadership organizations, while accessing other resources could provide expertise, teaching methodologies, curriculum ideas, and the development of different tactics for classroom administration. Here are a few resources to gain more insights:
A Master’s in Secondary Education is a graduate-level program that prepares educators for teaching roles in middle and high schools. It provides advanced training in pedagogy, curriculum development, classroom management, and subject-specific instruction. Graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in secondary education settings.
Clemson University College of Education
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Alison- Teaching Special Needs Education
Alison- Diploma in Outcome-based Education and Academic
Alison- Education Leadership and Collaboration
Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Instructional Coordinators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for School and Career Counselors and Advisors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Librarians and Library Media Specialists
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