35 BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN SECONDARY EDUCATION DEGREES

Updated November 29, 2022

If you have a passion for sharing knowledge and empowering today's youth, then teaching middle or high school students may be the perfect career for you. With a master's degree in Secondary Education, you'll be prepared to teach grades 6-12. While many of the below programs require applicants to already have a teaching license, several ...

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If you have a passion for sharing knowledge and empowering today's youth, then teaching middle or high school students may be the perfect career for you. With a master's degree in Secondary Education, you'll be prepared to teach grades 6-12. While many of the below programs require applicants to already have a teaching license, several are tailored for those who do not. In fact, some simply ask that you hold a bachelor's degree in the subject area you wish to teach. Whether you're just starting out or you're a veteran teacher, earning a master's degree will certainly up your earnings potential. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school teachers earn upwards of $59,000 a year.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one's higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring, and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:

  • Degree Investment Return (25%)
  • Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
  • Cost Value (25%)
  • Matriculation (10%)
  • Academic Success (15%)

No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!

  1. University of Maryland University College

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

The Master of Arts in Teaching at UMUC is an online program that provides Maryland teaching certification in secondary education. This 30-credit program includes courses that are all available online. However, each course requires one or more on-site components. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a full-time, 18-week teaching internship. Example classes include Foundations of Teaching for Learning, Subject Methods and Assessment, and Adolescent Development. This program accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Accepted students must complete all degree requirements within five consecutive years. Prospective students should note that UMUC does not accept applications from those who reside in Kentucky for this specific program.

Score: 100

  1. California State University, Fullerton

Master of Science in Education

Website

The Master of Science in Education at CSUF is a 31-credit online program that offers a concentration in secondary education. Some example classes include Assessing Student Learning, Curriculum Theory and Research, and Secondary School Writing. All graduate students must also complete one of the following culminating experiences: project seminar, advanced studies capstone, project, or thesis. Students may apply for admission during either the spring or fall semesters. Applicants must have proof of a current teaching credential. Graduates of this program will have a better understanding of curriculum design, instructional and assessment strategies, and integration of technology in the classroom.

Score: 99.72

  1. North Carolina State University

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

Graduate students can now pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching at North Carolina State University. Students may choose a secondary teaching concentration in either English, mathematics, science, or social studies. Prospective students should note that this is a hybrid program and does require some face-to-face class meetings. This 33-credit program includes courses like Classroom Action Research, Exploring Diversity in Classroom and Community, Inquiry and Professional Development, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a full-time, 10-week supervised teaching internship. Prospective students may apply for spring, summer, or fall admission.

Score: 99.45

  1. San Diego State University

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

The Master of Arts degree in Teaching at SDSU is offered through the university's College of Education. This completely online program is for those interested in Elementary Education and Secondary Education. Students may be required to take classes such as Curriculum Development, Innovations in Curriculum, Assessment and Evaluation, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a comprehensive capstone project. This 24-unit program can be completed in just one year- beginning in the summer semester and continuing over fall and spring. Applicants must already hold a valid teaching credential. If you're a California resident, the cost for this entire program is less than $10,000.

Score: 98.4

  1. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education

Website

The University of Louisiana at Monroe now offers a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Secondary Education. This 36-credit program can be completed entirely online. This program is ideal for non-education bachelor's degree holders who wish to pursue Louisiana Teacher Certification. Students may be required to take Classroom Management and Organization, Advanced Adolescent Psychology, Educational Techniques for Diverse Learners in Inclusive Classrooms, and more. Graduates have up to three years to finish this program but typically finish in just 14-20 months. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Score: 96.72

  1. University of North Texas

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Website

The Department of Teacher Education and Administration at UNT now offers a Master of Education with a major in teaching and a secondary education certification track. With online courses offered every semester, this program is ideal for full-time educators. This program is made up of 36 credits. The following are some example courses: Curriculum Development for Culturally Diverse Learners, Literacy for All, Successful Teaching in the Secondary School, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a supervised teaching practicum. This is a requirement for those who hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking teacher certification.

Score: 96.24

  1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Master of Arts in Teaching Middle and Secondary Education

Website

The MAT program at the UNC Charlotte is specifically for those who have completed the university's Graduate Certificate in Teaching Middle and Secondary Education Program. This 21-hour program is offered entirely online and leads to the Advanced "M" teaching license. Students may wish to take courses such as Adolescence and Learning, Issues in Middle Grades Education, Teacher Leadership, and more. Prospective students may apply for either spring, summer, or fall admission. UNC Charlotte has been ranked among the nation's Top Public Schools and Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Score: 96.20

  1. Ball State University

Master of Arts in Secondary Education

Website

The Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education at Ball State University can be completed entirely online. This 30-credit program is intended for middle and/or high school teachers looking to improve their overall instructional effectiveness. Principles and Procedures of Curriculum Development, Educational Ethics, and Social and Cultural Minorities in American Education, are some example courses. Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores to be considered for admission. Online students at Ball State have access to the university's library services, tutoring, tech support, and more. Ball State is authorized to accept online students from all 50 states.

Score: 95.68

  1. University of New Mexico

Master of Arts in Secondary Education

Website

The online MA in Secondary Education at the University of New Mexico requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree and a teaching license. Required courses potentially include Principles of Curriculum Development, Effective Teaching and Student Learning, Data Informed Instructional Leadership, and more. This 32-credit program focuses on teacher leadership and is designed for students to complete in just two years. Graduate students progress through this online program as a cohort beginning each fall semester. All online students will have access to the university's Zimmerman Library, all online databases, free admission to all UNM athletic events, and more.

Score: 95

  1. Columbus State University

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

The College of Education and Health Professions at Columbus State University now offers a Master of Arts degree in Teaching. This program is ideal for those who already have a background in science, technology, or engineering and wish to enter the teaching profession. Potential courses include: Transition to Teaching, Classroom Management, Technology as a Teaching and Learning Tool, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a student teaching or a teaching internship component. While this 39-credit program has asynchronous online components, a minimum of 27 hours of the required hours must be earned in residence.

Score: 93.78

  1. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education

Website

Graduate students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana can now pursue a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Secondary Education. This program will provide non-education bachelor's degrees holders Louisiana teacher certification in secondary school areas. Courses in this 33-credit program are offered entirely online. Additionally, all students must complete a one-year teaching internship. The university accepts new students during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. The GRE is also required to apply.

Score: 93.65

  1. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Master of Science in Secondary Education

Website

The Master of Science in Secondary Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a 36-credit blended degree program. Students may also pursue a School Library Endorsement in conjunction with this program. School Curriculum Planning, Children's Literature and Education, and Culturally Responsive Teaching are some example courses. Every online student has an academic adviser to serve as a guide along the way. Additionally, you'll have access to the university's library and career services. Students may apply for admission during the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA as well as a valid teaching certificate.

Score: 93.37

  1. Georgia Southern University

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Website

Georgia Southern University's Master of Education in Secondary Education is a fully online degree program. It is ideal for those with a renewable Induction or Professional Level Four Certificate. This 36-credit program is not for folks seeking initial certification. Students may take classes such as Classroom Assessment and Data Literacy, Enhancing Student Performance, Trends in Middle and Secondary Science, and more. Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Georgia Southern University accepts new students during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. The university has been ranked among the Top 100 Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Score: 93.32

  1. Mississippi State University

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education

Website

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree, Mississippi State University now offers an MAT in Secondary Education. This 36-credit program offers licensure and/or degree tracks with options of face-to-face or online/hybrid classes. Potential courses include Special Education in the Regular Classroom, Middle and Secondary School Curriculum, Integrating Technology for Learning, and more. Subjects available for licensure include art education, biology, English, physics, social studies, and many more. Prospective students may apply for either fall, spring, or summer admission. Applicants should have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Score: 92.92

  1. William Carey University

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Website

The Master of Education in Secondary Education at William Carey University is a 30-credit program that can be completed entirely online. Example courses may include Technology in Education, Secondary Methods, Survey of the Exceptional Child, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete a Cooperative Learning component or a Performance Assessment. William Carey University has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News and World Report.

Score: 92.84

  1. Kennesaw State University

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Website

Kennesaw State University's Master of Education in Secondary Education is available as an online program. Students may choose one of the three concentrations: English, History, or Mathematics. The university offers a Science concentration as well but only as a hybrid program with certain classes on-campus. This 36-credit program includes 15 hours of core courses and at least 12 hours of teaching field courses. The following are some potential courses: Applied Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Transformative Teaching and Learning with Families and Communities, and more. Prospective students may apply for admission during either the summer or fall semesters.

Score: 92.52

  1. University of Central Missouri

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

The Master of Arts in Teaching at the University of Central Missouri is a 30-credit program that can be completed in just two to three years. All MAT courses are offered online, but students should note that some courses required for certification may not be. Graduate students in this program can choose the Secondary Education or Middle School Education Concentration. Within that concentration, you can choose from over 20 content areas, including art, biology, English, Social Studies, Health, and more. Example courses include Curriculum Development and Assessment, Classroom Discipline and Motivation, Content Area Literacy, and more.

Score: 92.39

  1. Western Kentucky University

Master of Education in Teacher Leadership: Secondary Education

Website

Western Kentucky University's Master of Education in Teacher Leadership offers a concentration in Secondary Education. This program requires 30-37 hours, depending on your specific course of study. Graduate students may choose from a variety of Secondary Education Specializations, including biology, exceptional education, literacy, mathematics, physical education, library media education, and many more. Applicants should have at least a 2.75 GPA from their undergraduate studies. Western Kentucky University has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools, Top Public Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.

Score: 92.05

  1. University of West Alabama

Master of Education in High School Education

Website

The Master of Education degree in High School Education at the University of West Alabama leads to an Alabama Teaching Certification. This 34-credit program includes 19 hours of professional courses and 15 hours of teaching field courses. Graduate students may choose from several teaching fields: English language arts, biology, science, history, social science, or mathematics. Each course is just eight weeks in length and most students earn their degree within one year. Some potential courses are Technology and Education, Educational Planning, and Technology Portfolio. UWA may accept up to nine hours in transfer credit for matching courses.

Score: 91.71

  1. University of Alabama

Master of Arts in Secondary Education

Website

The Master of Arts in Secondary Education at the University of Alabama is offered completely online. Graduate students may choose to pursue a certification in English language arts, reading specialization, or science. Required courses in this 30-credit program may include Modern Secondary School Programs, Improving Language Arts Instruction, Computer-Based Instructional Technologies, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must pass a comprehensive written exam to earn their degree. Applicants should already hold an Alabama Class B teacher certification or equivalent in the specific area of secondary education they wish to pursue.

Score: 91.43

  1. Northern Arizona University

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Website

Through its College of Education, Northern Arizona University now offers an online Master of Education in Secondary Education. Prospective students should note that this program does not provide grades 7-12 teacher certification. Required courses in this 30-credit program may include History of American Education, Contemporary Developments, Teacher Leadership in Secondary Education, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must finish this degree program with the writing, and defense of a thesis. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission into the program.

Score: 91.16

  1. Southeast Missouri State University

Master of Arts in Secondary Education

Website

The Master of Arts in Secondary Education at Southeast Missouri State University does not lead to an initial teaching certification. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores, nor do they need a valid teaching certificate. Students are able to choose from two specialization options: Educational Technology or Educational Studies. This program is made up of 33

credit hours, including 18 hours core coursework and 15 hours of electives. These are some example courses: Multimedia in Education, Teaching Multicultural Society, Curriculum Construction, and more. There is no internship or practicum required in this program.

Score: 90.57

  1. Southern Arkansas University

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

Graduate students at Southern Arkansas University can now pursue an online Master of Arts degree in Teaching. This two-year, 30-credit program includes 24 hours of online graduate coursework and six hours of an internship or student teaching. This program is ideal for those who hold a bachelor's degree and are looking to become a teacher. Licensure subject areas include agriculture, art, business, drama, English, and many more. Students may be required to take Methods in Education, Survey of Exceptional Individuals, Strategies for Content Area Reading, and more. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission.

Score: 90.30

  1. University of Maine

Master of Education program in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction

Website

The Master of Education program in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction at the University of Maine is offered entirely online. Admission into this 33-credit program is rolling and there are no test requirements. However, this degree is intended for those with a current teaching certificate. Some required courses may be Classroom Practice to Improve Learning, Dynamics of the Curriculum, Prevention and Intervention in School Settings, and more. Additionally, all graduate students are required to complete an action research project. Students have up to six years to finish this program and earn their degree.

Score: 89.57

  1. Old Dominion University

Master of Science in Education in Secondary Education

Website

Through its Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Old Dominion University offers a Master of Science in Education with a major in Secondary Education. Students with a non-teaching bachelor's degree are encouraged to enter this 34-credit program if they wish to teach in Virginia. Content concentrations include English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, history/social science, and TESOL. Additionally, students are required to complete a practicum and a Teacher Candidate Internship. Students may apply for either fall, spring, or summer admission. This program is not available for those in the state of Washington.

Score: 89.53

  1. University of Alabama in Huntsville

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Website

The Master of Education in Secondary Education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville can be completed entirely online. You may choose to specialize in biology, chemistry, English, ESOL, history, mathematics, or physics. Required courses in this 33-credit program may include Advanced Cognitive Psychology, Using Technology to Reach Special Populations, and more. Additionally, all graduate students must complete an action research project to present to the department. Courses are offered year-round and most students complete this online program in just 18 months. Applicants must hold a teaching certificate and pass the GRE/GMAT requirements.

Score: 89.51

  1. University of the Cumberlands

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

The Master of Arts in Teaching is offered entirely online through the University of the Cumberlands. Students may choose from a variety of concentration areas, including Secondary Education. Through this program, graduates may earn a teaching certification for the state of Kentucky. Required courses in this 33-credit program may include The Modern Secondary School, Educational Psychology, Reading and Writing Foundations, and more. Additionally, all students must pass a clinical course as well. Admitted students may transfer in up to nine hours of graduate credit. The University of the Cumberlands has been ranked among the Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Score: 89.45

  1. University of Hawaii at Manoa

Master of Education in Teaching

Website

Graduate students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa can now pursue a hybrid Master of Education in Teaching with a concentration in Secondary Education. Students in this two-year, 46-credit program obtain a master's degree and are recommended for teacher licensure in Hawaii. Students may specialize in one of the following secondary teaching areas: English, Hawaiian Language, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies. Example courses include Teaching in the Subject Field, Language across the Curriculum, and more. This is a full-time, cohort program with synchronous and asynchronous online and face-to-face meetings and required field experiences. Applications for the fall semester are due by March 1.

Score: 88.86

  1. Texas State University

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Website

Texas State University now offers a 36-hour Master of Education degree in Secondary Education. This program is ideal for teachers who are looking for an advanced degree. Some potential required courses are The Secondary Curriculum, Classroom Management, Discipline and Legal Issues, Introduction to Educational Technology, and more. Graduate students may also choose from one of the following concentrations: Educational Technology, Talent Development, or Dual Credit. While the GRE is not required, applicants should have at least a 2.75 GPA. The university also offers a Master of Arts program for those looking to ultimately pursue a doctoral degree.

Score: 88.83

  1. University of Southern California

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education

Website

Through its Rossier School of Education, the University of Southern California offers a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education completely online. This 28-unit program can be completed either full-time or part-time. Students can earn their degree in 1-3 years. Example courses include Identifying and Teaching to Student Differences, Integrated Language Development Across the Curriculum, and more. Additionally, all graduate students will participate in fieldwork experiences in a local school. This program starts three times throughout the year (January, May, and September) and applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Score: 88.15

  1. Mississippi College

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Website

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Mississippi College can be completed in as little as 10 months. This 30-credit program is offered entirely online and there are multiple start dates throughout the year. Students may be required to take courses such as Curriculum Development, Technology in Education, Tests and Measurement, and more. Graduates of this program may apply to the Mississippi Department of Education for an upgrade from a Class A license to a Class AA license. Applicants must hold a standard, renewable teaching license in a secondary subject area. Mississippi College is ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News and World Report.

Score: 88.01

  1. University of Saint Francis

Master of Arts in Teaching

Website

The University of Saint Francis now offers an online Master of Arts degree in Teaching. This two-year program is perfect for both those who are licensed and for those who are seeking licensure. This program has six start dates and courses are offered in eight-week sessions. Required courses in this 33-credit program may include Contemporary Learners in Today's Classroom, Responsive Classroom Management, Methods for Secondary Instruction, and more. Students who are seeking licensure must also complete a 16-week practicum and a 16-week clinical internship. This university has been ranked among the nation's Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.

Score: 87.25

  1. Liberty University

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education

Website

Liberty University now offers a 36-credit Master of Arts degree in Teaching Secondary Education. This program can be completed entirely online in less than two years and prepares students for an initial teaching licensure. Some potential courses are Current Issues in Content Areas, Teaching Social Studies in the Middle School, Principles of Behavior Management, and more. Admitted students may transfer in up to 50 percent of the total amount of credits needed to earn this degree. This degree must be completed within 5 years of matriculation. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Score: 87.05

  1. University of Nebraska Kearney

Master of Arts in Education

Website

Graduate students at the University of Nebraska Kearney can now earn a Master of Arts degree in Education entirely online. This 36-credit program is for those interested in Curriculum and Instruction with a Secondary Education Concentration. The program does not lead to certification. In fact, applicants must already hold a bachelor's degree with a teaching certificate. Students may take courses like Philosophy of Education, Integration of Curriculum, Technology and Media Resources, and Design and Development of Instruction. Additionally, all students must complete a Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Practicum to earn their degree.

Score: 86.79

  1. University of South Alabama

Secondary Education Alternative Master of Education

Website

University of South Alabama's Alternative Master of Education is for those who do not have a background in teaching or a teaching certificate. Students in this program may choose to concentrate in one of several subject areas: General Science, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Spanish, Social Studies, German, or French. Students may take Curriculum and Teaching in Secondary School, Assessment and Research in Education, and more. Prospective students may apply for admission during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the Class A, 6-12 Certificate for their chosen area of specialization.

Score: 85.39

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