Best Online Master’s in K-12 Education Degree Programs of 2025

Teachers who like working with children but want leadership opportunities beyond the classroom should consider an online master’s in K-12 education. While this degree helps people teach effectively and build positive relationships with students and families, it also prepares graduates for work as school administrators.

This degree could quickly lead to a six-figure salary, as elementary, middle, and high school principals earn a median annual income of $103,460.

Online master’s in K-12 education programs usually take about two to three years to complete, but that depends on how many credits you take each year. The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513.

Choose your area of study

This degree may be available as a Master of Arts, Master of Education, or Master of Science. To focus on applied education skills, look for a Master of Education. If you’re more interested in a research-based approach, look for a Master of Science or Master of Arts program.

Some programs are designed for people already working in education, while others will prepare students to become certified teachers. Furthermore, many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as special education, curriculum development, or educational leadership. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.

Research schools and programs

When investigating schools, the first thing to confirm is their accreditation status. This affects whether the school is eligible to award federal financial aid to students. For educators, it can also impact their ability to get the necessary licenses and certifications. Students should seek out schools with regional accreditation as well as accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

As you research schools and programs, consider requirements beyond online learning. For instance, depending on the school and your concentration, you might need to complete a thesis project or an internship demonstrating practical experience. How does the school facilitate online students meeting these requirements? Some schools have an on-campus childhood development center or approved schools or organizations where you can gain such experience. If you’re currently teaching, ask whether your employment helps fulfill this requirement.

Remember to look for other support services the school offers for online students so that you have a well-rounded learning experience. Is there career coaching or mentoring? Are there networking opportunities, such as an alumni association?

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Each program varies in its application requirements and process. However, most online master’s degree programs in K-12 education require:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher
• Transcripts from previous colleges
• Letter(s) of recommendation from professional and academic references
• A resume or record of employment history
• A personal statement describing your achievements and plans

Applicants will also likely need to submit standardized test scores like those from the GRE. If you need to take the GRE, prepare and sit for the exam while researching schools.

Also, you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Some students apply to a single program based on their needs and interests, while others apply to multiple schools to boost their chances of acceptance. Whatever path you choose, application fees can add up. If you need financial assistance with these fees, contact the school to ask about a fee waiver.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Every school with an online master’s in K-12 education program should specify the financial support students can receive, including grants, scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and work-study.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal student loans and need-based institutional aid. There also are several financial programs for prospective teachers — for instance, the TEACH Grant Program assists those willing to teach in high-need fields.

Students already working in the education field should consider whether employer tuition assistance benefits can offset their costs. Talk with each school’s financial aid office for more detailed information about how to pay for a degree.