Accredited online masters degree programs in education

DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Master's in Education Degrees Designed to Help You Make a Difference

Master of Science in Education Programs

Accredited online masters degree programs in education
Teaching

Educational Leadership – M.S.

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a...

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.

  • Time: 61% of grads earned this degree within 21 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is for licensed teachers who are ready to take the next step in their education career.

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in a variety of places, including:

  • Elementary schools
  • Middle schools
  • Junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools
  • District-level positions

Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree. 

States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

Teaching

Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and...

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and are looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.

  • Time: 61% of grads earned this degree within 13 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of careers including:

  • Private Learning Center Instructor 
  • Instructional Coach 
  • Area Superintendent 
  • Curriculum Director 
  • Academic Advisor 
  • Learning and Development Coordinator
  • Private Tutor 
  • Corporate Trainer

Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.

Teaching

Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology– M.S.

The M.S. in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology from WGU...

The M.S. in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 73% of grads finish similar programs in 18 months
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term
  • Courses: 12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

  • The K-12 Learning Designer pathway
  • The Adult Learning Designer pathway

Careers you will be prepared for after earning this degree include:

  • Instructional coordinator  
  • Instructional designer 
  • Curriculum developer
  • Instructional technologist
  • Learning engineer
  • Learning architect
  • Instructional design coordinator
  • Academic technologist
  • Learning experience designer  
  • Distance education administrator 
  • Director of instructional design 
  • Online course designer
  • Online course developer
  • Corporate training

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

M.A. in Education Program | Add to Your Teaching License

Teaching

Mathematics Education (K–6) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.

  • Time: 82% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to add K-6 math education to their license.

Graduates of this program are qualified to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Teaching

English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal...

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal includes a focus on teaching in ELL or ESL settings.

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 17 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 11 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to add ELL or ESL to their license.

Graduates of program are prepared to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.

Teaching

Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching science to middle school students.

Available in all states that offer a middle-grades general science endorsement.

  • Time: 66% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
  • Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

This program is for currently licensed teacher who want to add middle-grades science to their license.

Graduates of this program are qualified to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.

Teaching

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle school students. Available in states that offer a middle-grades math teaching endorsement.

  • Time: 86% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for current teachers who are looking to add middle grade math to their license.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • College algebra
  • Finite mathematics
  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • Mathematics learning and teaching
  • College geometry
  • Probability and statistics 
  • Calculus 
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Teaching

Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 91% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
  • Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

Graduates of this program are qualified to teach in a variety of schools including: 

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.

Teaching

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle and high school students.

  • Time: 86% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 18 total courses in this program.

This program is designd for current teachers who are looking to add secondary math to their license.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • College geometry
  • Calculus
  • Probability and statistics
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Mathematics history and technology
  • Mathematical modeling and applications

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Teaching

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 91% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
  • Courses: 12 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary earth science to their license.

Be prepared to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.

Teaching

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.

  • Time:  88% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
  • Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary biology to their license.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to teach in a variety of schools, including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.

Teaching

Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 88% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
  • Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who wish to add secondary physics to their licensure.

This program prepares teachers to work in a variety of schools, including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.

M.A. in Teaching | Leading to Teacher Licensure

Teaching

Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 83% of graduates finish within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,590 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 26 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this master's of arts in education degree program often include:

  • Aspiring elementary teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

Teaching

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 66% of graduates finish this middle school math teaching degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,590 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 22 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this master's in math education degree often include:

  • Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This M.A. Teaching program in middle grades math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) program in that it does not require courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. The curriculum of this online math degree is designed to prepare middle school math teachers for success.

Teaching

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 71% of graduates finish this high school math teaching degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,590 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 23 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this high school math education program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. This program differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

Teaching

Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 88% of graduates finish this online English degree program within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,590 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 19 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this high school English teaching program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school English teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for English
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Teaching

Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 70% of graduates finish this secondary science teaching degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,590 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 20 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this high school teaching degree program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school science teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for science
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.

Teaching

Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.

  • Time: 73% of grads finish similar programs in 21 months.
  • Tuition: $3,590 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 26 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.

Graduates of this program are prepared to teach in a variety of schools including: 

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.

Online Endorsement Program

Teaching

English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement Prep

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school...

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings.

Become highly qualified in ELL or ESL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

  • Time: 79% of grads finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $3,665 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 8 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to earn an ELL/ESL endorsement.

Graduates of this program are prepared to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.

WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.

Learn about Master of Science in Education Degrees

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Education degree program can be a great option for current teachers hoping to move into leadership roles, or for those hoping to move into curriculum roles.

Learn about Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees

If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, a Master of Arts in Teaching can help you get the education licensure you need for classroom credentials. Learn more about these types of programs.

Learn about Adding to Your Teaching License

If you're a current teacher looking to add to your license, a master's degree can help you get additional specialties and move into other teaching areas. Learn more about how these programs could work for your career goals.

EDUCATION MASTER'S DEGREES

Online Master of Education Degrees for Current or Aspiring Teachers


An educator is also a lifelong learner. A master's degree, such as a master of science, or endorsement from an accredited university can help you build a career in K–12 education where you can make a huge difference in students' lives. It can also help you move into instructional or training careers outside the classroom.

For current teachers, academic advancement with a graduate degree, such as a master of science program, can help you specialize your career and may qualify you for a salary increase or lane change. At WGU, there are several academic options to choose from.

For professionals in a non-teaching career who have a bachelor's degree but want to move into a teaching career, an Master's of Arts in Teaching could be the path you're looking for.

We offer master's degrees for currently licensed teachers looking to add to their license and Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degrees for those looking to advance their corporate or academic career.

Future Teachers Can Earn a Teaching License Through an Online Master's in Education

A career change to become a teacher can be a professionally and personally fulfilling move to make. But it can also seem like a daunting change—especially if you already have a bachelor's degree in your field and don't want to start from scratch.

You don't have to start over. You can begin your path to educational leadership in the classroom now.

An M.A. in Teaching degree, different from the Master of Science in Education degree program, can be your path. Designed for aspiring teachers who have a bachelor's degree but no teaching license, these programs are a faster path to your teaching certificate.

No bachelor's degree yet? Check out our academic programs for undergrad teacher-preparation.

Online. Nonprofit. Affordable.

Accredited and Recognized

The WGU Teachers College is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.

The teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and that the program has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to continue to do so.

As a proud member of 100Kin10, WGU joins nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and foundations to combat challenges and prepare more teachers for STEM teaching positions nationwide.

Earn a Graduate Degree on a Teacher's Salary

As a nonprofit organization, WGU provides a convenient, cost-effective path to your master’s degree in education or endorsement. Tuition for all degree programs in the Teachers College is between $3,225 and $3,240 per six-month term—about half what you’d pay at other universities.*

Low tuition is just the start! Tuition is charged at a flat rate each 6-month term, regardless of how many courses you complete during that term. The standard term is based upon a full course load—at least 8 competency units (credit equivalents) for post-baccalaureate and master’s students. Individual progress may vary. Because you can accelerate through material you already know well or learn quickly—finishing more courses in a term without paying extra—you could end up saving even more.

* WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 57% the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.

COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION

Competency: Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.

At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.

AT YOUR OWN PACE

At WGU, you are in charge of setting the pace. Spend time on areas where you need more understanding and accelerate in subjects where you already have knowledge.

Master Your Future

A master’s degree in business can give your career a boost. Plus, 965% of employers said they would hire another WGU grad.* If you apply now, you can take advantage of the Master Your Future scholarship. This scholarship awards recipients $2,500 ($625 per six-month term for up to four terms). With tuition under $4,500, this makes your dream career even more affordable.

*2021 Harris Poll

For Current Teachers, a Master’s Degree Can Take You to the Next Level

Already a teacher? Imagine reaching the next level of your profession. Through one of WGU's online master’s teaching degree programs, you can put yourself in an excellent position to enhance your professional prestige, educational leadership, and earning potential. You’ll develop specialized skills and knowledge in a high-demand field and become a curricular and academic leader in your school.

You’ve worked to mold the futures of your students for years. Isn’t it time you thought about your own future?

Earning your master’s degree in education from the Teachers College at Western Governors University helps you secure a better future online, on your schedule, and on your budget. You’ll start seeing the benefits immediately.

A master’s degree often means an increased salary, job security, and retirement benefits. You’ll also notice an immediate improvement in your teaching skills. You’ll be able to reach your students in new ways and maximize the academic impact of every lesson. Your specialized knowledge and skills will not only benefit you, but also benefit your students and the school districts in which you teach.

What Teachers Are Saying About WGU


See why teachers are finding WGU to be a good choice to advance their education careers.

"Coming back to get my master's degree after obtaining my bachelor's degree from WGU was the absolute best thing I could have done. I never dreamed before obtaining my bachelor's that I would get a master's degree, but WGU was such an amazing experience I was excited to continue."

—Tammie Montgomery
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction

"What I got during my education at WGU was so current and I could actually transfer it right away into what I was teaching. It wasn’t like I had to wait until my education was over so I could start applying it.”

—Elizabeth Pendas
M.A. Mathematics Education

"I've always been self-motivated, so working at my own pace to earn my master's degree was a perfect fit."

—Wendy
Former journalist, who felt a call to become a teacher

Frequently Asked Questions about the Master's in Education Degrees

Online. Nonprofit. Affordable.

Are online master degrees recognized?

Yes. Advanced degrees completed online have just the same value as if you were to attend class in person. Just look for one that's verified by one of the many accrediting agencies out there and backed up by U.S. News & World Report's highest level higher education rankings.

What is the best education masters degree?

Here are 5 of the top concentrations for master's degrees in education:.
Educational Leadership or Administration. ... .
Curriculum and Instruction. ... .
Teaching English Language Learners. ... .
School Counseling. ... .
Educational Technology..

How long does an online masters in education take?

An online master's degree usually takes two to three years to complete, depending on the credit requirements and the pace of the coursework. The average master's degree program will require 36 to 48 credits, but they can range anywhere from 30 to 72 credits.

What is the difference between masters in education and masters in teaching?

The primary distinction is that the master's in teaching focuses more directly on teaching and classroom management. In contrast, the master's in education is a broader degree, applicable to a classroom career but also to jobs in administration, curriculum development, and education policy.