Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Degrees 2023
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- A master's in elementary education is a good way for educators to boost their earning potential.
- It can also open the door to career opportunities outside the classroom, including administrative roles.
- The BLS projects elementary school teachers will see 4% job growth over the next 10 years.
When it comes to learning, America's elementary education teachers don't just talk the talk — they also walk the walk. According to the National Center for Education (NCES), 58% of all public school teachers in the U.S. had a graduate degree or higher as of 2017-2018.
An online master's degree in elementary education can boost your earnings, sharpen your skills, and open doors to leadership and administrative positions.
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
If that sounds like a smart move, here's what you need to do next:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in elementary education programs and our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Elementary Education?
In addition to giving you more refined tools to be successful inside the classroom, a master's in elementary education can help you access opportunities outside the classroom, including roles in:
- School and district administration
- Curriculum development
- Nonprofit youth development
- Government education agencies
Most online programs offer specializations to support your specific career goals within the education system.
Featured Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs
Why Should You Get a Master's in Elementary Education?
"Teachers pour all their energy into their students. My master's degree was a way to have some of that teaching energy poured back into me," said Lindsay Henderson, now the principal at Alice Moore Alexander Elementary in Denton, Texas.
Benefits of a Master's in Elementary Education
- Boost your income: According to the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), 88% of large districts offer additional pay to teachers with master's degrees.
- Hone your teaching skills: A master's degree can help you stay up to date with the latest in pedagogy and classroom management.
- Get into admin: Open the door to a new career trajectory outside the classroom and qualify for on-campus and district-level positions in administration.
- Have fun: Many teachers pursue advanced degrees because they just really like school. "Most teachers just love learning, which can be motivation enough to go back to school," said Henderson.
Reasons to Get Your Master's in Elementary Education Degree Online
- It's flexible: An online degree can happen on your schedule, no matter how packed it is.
- It's cost-effective: Save money on campus fees, tuition, commuting costs, and lost wages.
- It's easier than ever: Online programs have gotten better since the pandemic — the best schools provide excellent support and guidance to help you get to the finish line.
How Much Money Can You Make With a Master's in Elementary Education?
(Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Let's cut to the chase: most teachers are woefully underpaid in this country, especially for such a highly-degreed group of workers.
"None of us get in this line of work to get rich," said Henderson. "But a master's degree is a good way to push your salary into a more comfortable place."
Several factors can affect how much you earn, including your job title, employer, years of experience, and location. Because most schools use pay scales, teachers with more experience or more education often earn substantially more.
Is an Online Master's in Elementary Education Worth It?
Yes, if you want to:
1. Get paid more in your current role
According to the NCTQ, teachers with master's degrees earn an average of $2,760 more in their first year of teaching than those with bachelor's degrees.
That education pay gap expands over time, with teachers at the top of the pay scale earning an average of $7,360 more annually.
2. Compete for good jobs among a pool of increasingly highly-educated candidates
"As a principal, if I'm considering two teaching candidates with the same experience, but only one has a master's degree, I'll go with that added education value every time," said Henderson.
3. Pursue leadership positions
Administrative positions at both the campus and district levels — including assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent — typically go to candidates with advanced degrees.
"If you think you might want to get a master's degree and go into administration, I would urge you to first spend some time shadowing an administrator in your district. It's very different from the classroom," said Henderson.
What Are the Best Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs of 2023?
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $785
Out of State | $785
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Brenau's online master's program in elementary education prepares you to become a classroom teacher. The curriculum focuses on instructional skills, and students must complete in-person field experiences while enrolled in the program. The coursework will also prepare you for initial certification to teach grades preK-5.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university and have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on all college transcripts.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $310
Out of State | $310
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Campbellsville University's MA in teaching focuses on the implementation of innovative teaching methods and real-world experiences. Students in this program must complete student-teaching requirements. CU's master's program prepares you to work with grades K-5.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in the same field, a 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 30 credit hours of coursework.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $458
Out of State | $458
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UTRGV's master of education (M.Ed.) in curriculum and instruction focuses on elementary education and science. UTRGV's M.Ed. program does not require you to have prior teaching experience.
Upon graduating, you can become a specialist in the high-demand areas of math and science and pursue career opportunities as a lead teacher, instructional leader, or content specialist. Applicants must submit official transcripts and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $352
Out of State | $800
Credits to Graduate
51
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The master of arts in teaching (MAT) in elementary education program at UAS requires weekly intensive practicum assignments and one semester of student teaching. You'll also complete coursework to earn a graduate certificate in elementary education, which leads to an eligibility endorsement for an Alaska teaching certificate.
You must possess a bachelor's degree with a general education background and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, you must have passing Praxis CASE/Core exam scores and submit two writing samples.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429
Credits to Graduate
34
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University of West Alabama's online master's in elementary education program provides instruction in advanced teaching concepts. Topics of focus include technology, educational planning, statistics, and reading strategies. After graduating from this program, you'll be able to work in specialist roles, such as learning coach or content specialist.
This program also allows you to earn a master's level teaching certificate. Applicants must submit official college transcripts.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $498
Out of State | $498
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
UND's online master's in elementary education program helps you advance your teaching, curriculum development, and assessment skills. You'll improve your ability to create supportive and productive learning environments and provide quality education to diverse students.
To apply, you must submit official college transcripts and GRE scores. You must also submit a statement of goals and three academic or professional references.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $238
Out of State | $963
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UNC at Pembroke's MA in teaching program prepares you to earn a K-6 teaching license in North Carolina. This fully online program allows you to teach with a temporary license after graduating.
Possible career paths include lead teacher, content specialist, and researcher. You must submit official college transcripts and professional references.
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $469
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
You can complete Delta State's master's in elementary education program in one year. To graduate, you'll have to take comprehensive exams to demonstrate competency. You can also elect to complete a thesis for credit.
You must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or a GPA of 2.75 on the last 64 hours of required coursework. The program also requires you to possess a Class A teaching certificate or its equivalent and satisfactory verbal scores on nationally recognized standardized tests.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $518
Out of State | $518
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Completing the MA in teaching program at ULM allows you to pursue teacher certification in Louisiana. The program is part of a teacher certification reciprocity agreement with 41 states, meaning you might be eligible for initial licensure in your home state.
You must submit official college transcripts and GRE or GMAT scores to apply.
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $600
Out of State | $1008
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SFA's master in elementary education program prepares certified elementary school teachers for leadership roles. The program offers three areas of concentration: reading specialist, standard elementary, and all-level professional reading specialist certification preparation.
To apply, you must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and submit GRE or GMAT scores.
What Jobs Can You Get With A Master's in Elementary Education?
Elementary school teacher Special education teacher Instructional coordinator |
Assistant principal Elementary school principal |
How Much Does an Online Master's in Elementary Education Degree Cost?
Yes, graduate school is expensive. And no, paying off student loans on a teacher's salary isn't much fun.
But if you play your cards right, you won't be paying off those loans: Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, eligible teachers can qualify for federal loan forgiveness of up to $17,500.
"If you're a Title 1 teacher, there is no reason not to get a master's degree," said Henderson. "Financially, it's a win-win: The government pays the bill, and you get a salary bump."
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution
$11,957
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$19,167
Total Average Cost of a Master's Degree (Two Years)
Public Institution
$54,718
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$72,572
Even if you don't qualify for public service loan forgiveness, many districts provide tuition reimbursement or tuition benefits. Make sure to research the resources available to you.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master's Degree in Elementary Education?
Most master's in elementary education programs take 1-2 years to complete, and also require a practicum or teaching internship (especially if you don't already have teaching experience).
Required Course Credits
30-40*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
Yes
*Credits vary depending on the specific program
Featured Online Master's of Elementary Education Degrees
Common Concentrations for a Master's in Elementary Education
In addition to general coursework, many colleges and universities offer specializations that more closely align with different career goals.
"I focused on educational leadership because I wanted to translate my passion for teaching into developing and growing other educators," said Henderson.
Some common specializations include:
- Curriculum and instruction
- Special education
- Educational leadership
- Education technology
- Gifted and talented
"There is a lot of opportunity for good leaders in the public school system right now. During the pandemic, it became clear how important relational leaders really are. Administrators who supported their people well saw way less turnover and burnout. Their districts performed so much better it was shocking," said Henderson.
Still looking for the right fit? You might also like:
Everything Else You Need to Know About Master's in Elementary Education Degrees
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in elementary education?
Administrators — like principals and superintendents — have the highest-paying jobs in elementary education. Most schools require that administrator candidates have several years of classroom experience and an advanced degree.
Annual salaries for elementary school principals hit a median of $98,420 in 2021, according to the BLS. The top 10% of earners took home median yearly salaries of over $153,520.
The average school superintendent earned $136,000 a year as of January 2023, according to Payscale. Notably, while women dominate nearly every K-12 position, school superintendents are overwhelmingly men.
What's the difference between a master of teaching (MAT) and a master of education (M.Ed.) in elementary education?
Both degrees qualify you for classroom teaching. An MAT focuses specifically on pedagogy and classroom management, while an M.Ed. is a broader degree that can prepare you for leadership roles outside of the classroom as well.
What classes are required for an elementary education master's degree?
Core coursework for an online master's degree in elementary education typically includes the following:
- Teaching reading at the elementary level
- Research in elementary education
- Classroom management
- Differentiation in elementary education
- School, family, and community partnerships
