Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Degrees of 2025
Considering an elementary education master’s degree? Discover the top-ranked programs to earn your degree online.
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Are you looking for the next step in your education career?
An elementary education master’s degree can help you boost your compensation and take on new job responsibilities. Educators usually see salary bump when they earn a master’s. And the flexibility of an online format means you can pursue a graduate degree while teaching.
Keep reading to learn more about the best online master’s programs in elementary education.
Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Degrees of 2025
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,337
$18,482
80%
56%
Why We Chose This School
UNC Charlotte's master of arts in teaching (MAT) in elementary education prepares you for the advanced M-level elementary educator teaching license in North Carolina. The nine-credit program builds on the elementary graduate certificate (Phase I) and offers a mix of asynchronous and synchronous online courses.
Designed for North Carolina's licensed and employed elementary teachers, the program's courses will help you learn and apply classroom management, leadership, and data analysis strategies in your current classroom.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Highlights
- Three start dates
- Average annual salary of $70,400 for graduates
- Complete in less than one year
Know Before You Apply
- Minimum 3.5 GPA required
- Graduate certificate in teaching elementary education required
- Higher out-of-state tuition
$3,812
$18,474
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
$4,337
$18,482
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,337
$18,482
80%
56%
$3,812
$18,474
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UNC Charlotte's master of arts in teaching (MAT) in elementary education prepares you for the advanced M-level elementary educator teaching license in North Carolina. The nine-credit program builds on the elementary graduate certificate (Phase I) and offers a mix of asynchronous and synchronous online courses.
Designed for North Carolina's licensed and employed elementary teachers, the program's courses will help you learn and apply classroom management, leadership, and data analysis strategies in your current classroom.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Highlights
- Three start dates
- Average annual salary of $70,400 for graduates
- Complete in less than one year
Know Before You Apply
- Minimum 3.5 GPA required
- Graduate certificate in teaching elementary education required
- Higher out-of-state tuition
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,916
$25,759
43%
9%
Why We Chose This School
Designed for certified teachers in Florida, UCF's master of education (M.Ed.) in elementary education features specializations and endorsements in reading, English for Speakers of Other Languages, gifted education, and exceptional education.
Teachers with a temporary certificate can earn their professional certificate in the program by completing the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
Focused on educators of grades K-6, the program features courses in mentoring and clinical supervision of interns and understanding gifted students. You also have a thesis option if you wish to gain research experience.
Highlights
- Lower in-state tuition
- Two-year program
- Reduced campus-based fees
Know Before You Apply
- Teaching experience required
- Teaching certificate required
$6,368
$22,467
92%
68,842
Public
Yes
$6,916
$25,759
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,916
$25,759
43%
9%
$6,368
$22,467
92%
68,842
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Designed for certified teachers in Florida, UCF's master of education (M.Ed.) in elementary education features specializations and endorsements in reading, English for Speakers of Other Languages, gifted education, and exceptional education.
Teachers with a temporary certificate can earn their professional certificate in the program by completing the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
Focused on educators of grades K-6, the program features courses in mentoring and clinical supervision of interns and understanding gifted students. You also have a thesis option if you wish to gain research experience.
Highlights
- Lower in-state tuition
- Two-year program
- Reduced campus-based fees
Know Before You Apply
- Teaching experience required
- Teaching certificate required
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$10,294
$23,018
80%
49%
Why We Chose This School
After you complete K-State's master of arts in teaching elementary program, you can pursue a K-6 initial teaching license in Kansas. The self-paced program features a practitioner and a license-seeking track, each offering flexible asynchronous schedules and the ability to graduate in as little as 12 months.
As an online student at K-State, you pay the same tuition rate regardless of where you live, and your field experiences can be completed at a location near you. This program is approved by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Highlights
- Three annual start dates
- Scholarships awarded to 70% of students
- Employment rate of 97% within one year
Know Before You Apply
- LERP license required for practitioner track
- Tablet required for internship
- In-person internship
$9,964
$26,838
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
$10,294
$23,018
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$10,294
$23,018
80%
49%
$9,964
$26,838
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
After you complete K-State's master of arts in teaching elementary program, you can pursue a K-6 initial teaching license in Kansas. The self-paced program features a practitioner and a license-seeking track, each offering flexible asynchronous schedules and the ability to graduate in as little as 12 months.
As an online student at K-State, you pay the same tuition rate regardless of where you live, and your field experiences can be completed at a location near you. This program is approved by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Highlights
- Three annual start dates
- Scholarships awarded to 70% of students
- Employment rate of 97% within one year
Know Before You Apply
- LERP license required for practitioner track
- Tablet required for internship
- In-person internship
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
Why We Chose This School
ECU's master of arts in education (MA.Ed.) in elementary education features five concentration options, including teacher leadership, teaching children in poverty, early childhood, academically and intellectually gifted, and content pedagogy.
You can study online at your own pace with asynchronous classes or as part of a 14-month cohort.
The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, features a research project or a thesis option, plus a comprehensive exam. Upon completion, you can qualify to upgrade your K-6 elementary education license to an M level license.
Highlights
- No GMAT or GRE required
- One of the most affordable tuition rates
Know Before You Apply
- Higher out-of-state tuition rates
- No built-in practicum
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
$4,749
$17,898
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
ECU's master of arts in education (MA.Ed.) in elementary education features five concentration options, including teacher leadership, teaching children in poverty, early childhood, academically and intellectually gifted, and content pedagogy.
You can study online at your own pace with asynchronous classes or as part of a 14-month cohort.
The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, features a research project or a thesis option, plus a comprehensive exam. Upon completion, you can qualify to upgrade your K-6 elementary education license to an M level license.
Highlights
- No GMAT or GRE required
- One of the most affordable tuition rates
Know Before You Apply
- Higher out-of-state tuition rates
- No built-in practicum
Mercer University
Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,531
$15,531
66%
34%
Why We Chose This School
Designed for Georgia teachers with a level 4 certification, Mercer's advanced teacher master of education degree makes you eligible to upgrade to a level 5 certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission upon completion. The program also offers four concentration options, including elementary education, middle grades education, P-12 education, and secondary education.
You can also pursue two endorsements from among 12 options as part of the program. The online classes run in eight- or 16-week sessions and feature no in-person requirements, though face-to-face meetings with faculty are available if you want.
Highlights
- Three start dates
- Graduate in 12-16 months
- No campus requirements
Know Before You Apply
- Level 4 teaching certification required
- No built-in practicum
- Synchronous sessions may be required
$30,017
$30,017
83%
9,124
Private
Yes
$15,531
$15,531
Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,531
$15,531
66%
34%
$30,017
$30,017
83%
9,124
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Designed for Georgia teachers with a level 4 certification, Mercer's advanced teacher master of education degree makes you eligible to upgrade to a level 5 certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission upon completion. The program also offers four concentration options, including elementary education, middle grades education, P-12 education, and secondary education.
You can also pursue two endorsements from among 12 options as part of the program. The online classes run in eight- or 16-week sessions and feature no in-person requirements, though face-to-face meetings with faculty are available if you want.
Highlights
- Three start dates
- Graduate in 12-16 months
- No campus requirements
Know Before You Apply
- Level 4 teaching certification required
- No built-in practicum
- Synchronous sessions may be required
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$31,460
76%
42%
Why We Chose This School
UA Online's master of arts in elementary education prepares you for Alabama's Class A elementary education K-6 certification. The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, features courses in evaluation of classroom learning and elementary school curriculum, plus a choice of specializations among options like language arts, mathematics, science, social sciences, and literacy and reading.
If you already have bachelor's-level early childhood education certification, you may also qualify for the state's early childhood education P-3 certification.
Highlights
- Tuition is same for in-state and out-of-state students
- Asynchronous online courses
Know Before You Apply
- Valid educator certificate in elementary education required
- In-person practicum requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
$11,100
$32,400
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
$11,100
$31,460
Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$11,100
$31,460
76%
42%
$11,100
$32,400
86%
39,622
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UA Online's master of arts in elementary education prepares you for Alabama's Class A elementary education K-6 certification. The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, features courses in evaluation of classroom learning and elementary school curriculum, plus a choice of specializations among options like language arts, mathematics, science, social sciences, and literacy and reading.
If you already have bachelor's-level early childhood education certification, you may also qualify for the state's early childhood education P-3 certification.
Highlights
- Tuition is same for in-state and out-of-state students
- Asynchronous online courses
Know Before You Apply
- Valid educator certificate in elementary education required
- In-person practicum requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Fordham University
Bronx, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$23,112
$23,112
56%
19%
Why We Chose This School
You can pursue initial teaching licensure in New York with Fordham's master of science in teaching (MST). In fact, the program offers five licensure tracks, including childhood education in grades 1-6, students with disabilities in grades 1-6, early childhood education birth-grade 2, students with disabilities birth-grade 2, and early childhood and childhood education from birth-grade 6.
Along with coursework, you complete two full-time student teaching experiences within the program. Fordham's MST program is approved by the Association of Childhood Education International.
Highlights
- All courses run online
- Pass rate of 98% on licensure exams
- Two-year program
Know Before You Apply
- Full-day, 14-week student teaching assignments
- Live weekly classes online
- One of the costliest programs on the list
$56,920
$56,920
88%
16,153
Private
Yes
$23,112
$23,112
Bronx, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$23,112
$23,112
56%
19%
$56,920
$56,920
88%
16,153
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
You can pursue initial teaching licensure in New York with Fordham's master of science in teaching (MST). In fact, the program offers five licensure tracks, including childhood education in grades 1-6, students with disabilities in grades 1-6, early childhood education birth-grade 2, students with disabilities birth-grade 2, and early childhood and childhood education from birth-grade 6.
Along with coursework, you complete two full-time student teaching experiences within the program. Fordham's MST program is approved by the Association of Childhood Education International.
Highlights
- All courses run online
- Pass rate of 98% on licensure exams
- Two-year program
Know Before You Apply
- Full-day, 14-week student teaching assignments
- Live weekly classes online
- One of the costliest programs on the list
American University
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$38,139
$38,139
47%
29%
Why We Chose This School
AU's online master's of arts in teaching for elementary education helps you qualify for teaching licensure in about 20 months. The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, includes courses in antiracist pedagogy, practice-based teacher education, and the science of learning, plus a 600-hour internship.
You move through the program with an online cohort, taking about two hours of synchronous classes, 1-2 hours of asynchronous classes, and 5-7 hours of self-managed assignments each week.
Highlights
- No specific degree or licensure required for admission
- Practicum in your state
- Employment rate of 100% within six months, per website
Know Before You Apply
- In-person practicum requirements
- One of the costliest tuition rates on this list
$53,070
$53,070
86%
13,019
Private
Yes
$38,139
$38,139
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$38,139
$38,139
47%
29%
$53,070
$53,070
86%
13,019
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
AU's online master's of arts in teaching for elementary education helps you qualify for teaching licensure in about 20 months. The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, includes courses in antiracist pedagogy, practice-based teacher education, and the science of learning, plus a 600-hour internship.
You move through the program with an online cohort, taking about two hours of synchronous classes, 1-2 hours of asynchronous classes, and 5-7 hours of self-managed assignments each week.
Highlights
- No specific degree or licensure required for admission
- Practicum in your state
- Employment rate of 100% within six months, per website
Know Before You Apply
- In-person practicum requirements
- One of the costliest tuition rates on this list
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,691
$20,774
94%
44%
Why We Chose This School
UNI's Online master of arts in education program for elementary education allows licensed K-6 classroom teachers to advance their careers. Adhering to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the 30- or 33-credit program runs asynchronously online and offers courses in issues and trends in curriculum and integrated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities in elementary school.
You can also choose between a thesis or non-thesis track. The research-focused program features no campus or in-person requirements.
Highlights
- Graduate in five semesters
- May qualify for scholarships
- GRE not required
Know Before You Apply
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission
- Six hours of coursework for every credit
- Valid teaching license required
$8,396
$19,940
84%
9,021
Public
Yes
$9,691
$20,774
Cedar Falls, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,691
$20,774
94%
44%
$8,396
$19,940
84%
9,021
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
UNI's Online master of arts in education program for elementary education allows licensed K-6 classroom teachers to advance their careers. Adhering to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the 30- or 33-credit program runs asynchronously online and offers courses in issues and trends in curriculum and integrated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities in elementary school.
You can also choose between a thesis or non-thesis track. The research-focused program features no campus or in-person requirements.
Highlights
- Graduate in five semesters
- May qualify for scholarships
- GRE not required
Know Before You Apply
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission
- Six hours of coursework for every credit
- Valid teaching license required
Ball State University
Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,884
$21,222
72%
59%
Why We Chose This School
Ball State's online master of arts in education (MA.Ed.) degree in elementary education offers three concentrations — early childhood education, elementary education, and reading/literacy instruction. The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, also includes specializations in over seven fields, such as autism, middle school education, and educational technology for teachers.
At Ball State, your courses run asynchronously online, and the program requires no campus visits or in-person attendance. While Ball State's MA.Ed. program does not lead to licensure, it can help you advance your teaching career and/or prepare you for a doctoral program.
Highlights
- No GRE required
- Classes average 20 students
- May contribute to Indiana teacher licensure renewal requirements
Know Before You Apply
- Does not lead to initial licensure
- No built-in practicums
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
$8,688
$26,696
77%
20,440
Public
Yes
$9,884
$21,222
Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,884
$21,222
72%
59%
$8,688
$26,696
77%
20,440
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Ball State's online master of arts in education (MA.Ed.) degree in elementary education offers three concentrations — early childhood education, elementary education, and reading/literacy instruction. The program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, also includes specializations in over seven fields, such as autism, middle school education, and educational technology for teachers.
At Ball State, your courses run asynchronously online, and the program requires no campus visits or in-person attendance. While Ball State's MA.Ed. program does not lead to licensure, it can help you advance your teaching career and/or prepare you for a doctoral program.
Highlights
- No GRE required
- Classes average 20 students
- May contribute to Indiana teacher licensure renewal requirements
Know Before You Apply
- Does not lead to initial licensure
- No built-in practicums
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Elementary Education?
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 Lindsay Henderson, now the principal at Alice Moore Alexander Elementary in Denton, Texas. 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. On average, educators see a 27% salary bump when they earn a master’s, according to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,670 |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Elementary School Principal | $103,460 |
| Assistant Principal | $77,150 (April 2024) |
Is an Online Master’s in Elementary Education Worth It?
Earning an elementary education master’s degree online can pay off. For example, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your expertise, increase your earning potential, and open new career doors.
- Earn a higher salary: You can increase your compensation by pursuing a master’s degree. In fact, those with a master’s in education earn 27% more than those with a bachelor’s in education, according to NACE data. You may also qualify for higher-paying roles with a master’s degree.
- Boost your credentials: A master’s in education can help you pursue board certification, add additional endorsements to your license, or specialize your expertise in areas such as instructional design or curriculum development. By expanding your expertise, you can stand out in the classroom or move into new roles.
- Pursue leadership positions: You’ll develop leadership skills during a graduate degree in elementary education. And with a master’s in education, you can move into leadership roles, including as a lead teacher or instructional coordinator. A master’s can also prepare you for other school administrator positions, including assistant principal or principal.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online 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 career opportunities outside the classroom, including roles in:
- School and district administration
- Curriculum development
- Nonprofit youth development
- Educational publishing
- Government education agencies
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