The Best Online Master’s in Online Teaching Degree Programs of 2025

Students who graduate with a master’s degree in online teaching can pursue careers as teachers, school administrators, instructional coordinators, and training and development specialists.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for high school teachers is $65,220, while instructional coordinators make $74,620. And according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $12,596 at public institutions and $28,017 at private institutions. Completing this degree typically takes between one to two years of full-time study.

Choose your area of study

This degree is typically offered as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Education (MEd). Some universities offer a standalone master’s in online education degree, while others only offer online education as a concentration within a master’s in education program. Many programs will allow you to specialize in a particular niche in this field, such as corporate training or curriculum design. 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

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

If you’re interested in a teaching career, look for programs that have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This organization has particularly high standards for education-related programs.

You should also consider the following factors as well:

• What is the cost of the program? Along with accreditation, this is usually one of the determining factors in choosing a program. Focus on programs that fall within the amount you can spend for the degree so that you only spend time researching programs within your budget.
• Where is the school located? Most universities offer various services, amenities, and events that are available only on campus. These may include orientations, career fairs, meet-and-greets, student clubs and organizations, sporting events, and more. Although the actual master’s degree program is online, students may wish to participate in some of these other activities. If so, the school’s location is something to consider when choosing a program.

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

Admissions requirements vary with each university, so check the school’s website for details. Some institutions set specific deadlines for submission of applications and related documents, while others offer rolling admissions. The program’s start date may have a bearing on this, as online programs may or may not start at the same time as on-campus classes. Also, some universities require GRE or Praxis scores for admission. Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are often required as well. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

After you’ve selected your area of study and researched various schools and programs, it’s time to narrow down your selection. Since no two programs are exactly the same, look at the pros and cons of each. Determine which features are most important to you personally. Compile a list, in order of preference, of the programs you would like to take, and then apply to them all.

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

Eligible students can get financial aid from the U.S. government through grants, loans, and work-study programs. To receive such assistance, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If students previously earned graduate-level credits, they may be able to transfer them to their current program, reducing the number of courses needed for the degree. Schools usually offer discounted tuition to past and present members of the military. Additionally, if your schedule allows, a part-time job can help pay for the degree. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well. Contact the school’s financial aid office to help you explore all options for paying for your degree.