Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education Programs

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $294
Out-of-State | $1,047

Credits to Graduate: 36

Georgia College and State University's online M.A.T. in secondary teacher education includes graduate coursework, field experiences and an internship. The program prepares students for teaching certification. It covers grades 6-12 or P-12, for subjects like biology, business, art, and Spanish.

The curriculum integrates five strands of study: technology, classroom inquiry, content area uses, literacy skills, and diversity. Finishing the program may lead to T-5 certification in Georgia. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $548
Out-of-State | $548

Semester Hours: 33

McDaniel College's online M.S. in secondary education program tailors to certified teachers interested in upskilling. This program aims to enhance teaching skills, expand content knowledge, and provide increased opportunities within school districts for certified teachers.

It offers the flexibility to choose an academic focus from various certificate programs. Students also have the option to add endorsements to their teaching certificate, such as in administration and instructional leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $545
Out-of-State | $545

Credits to Graduate: 40-44

Goucher College's online M.A.T. is a certification program that trains college graduates to enter the teaching profession. Students gain knowledge and skills to teach general and/or special education. 

The curriculum focuses on meeting modern standards of teaching. These standards include planning, management, teaching practices, assessments, and professionalism. You can get certified in several areas, such as elementary education (grades 1-6), special education (grades 6-12), and secondary (grades 7-12, content specific). Total required credits may change depending on your certification area.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $695
Out-of-State | $1,020

Credits to Graduate: 32-36

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers an online M.A. in teaching for secondary education. It is for professionals who are not certified but want to start a teaching career. The program offers five areas of specialization. They are: biology and general science, English, math, physical education (grades K-12), and social studies.

Each specialization has different requirements for prerequisites, core classes and education classes. For example, the biology specialization includes lab work in ecology and chemistry. Social studies has courses in cultural anthropology and historiography.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $520
Out-of-State | $520

Credits to Graduate: 32

Drake University's M.S. in education for effective teaching provides leadership skills for educators, both in and out of the classroom. Drake graduates frequently go on to become teacher leaders or master teachers. They can also be instructional coaches, content specialists, or curriculum developers.

The program focuses on innovative pedagogical methods applicable in the classroom. It also offers Iowa-based endorsements for reading specialists and talented and gifted. Developing effective teaching, research, leading instruction and collaboration skills are also emphasized. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,101
Out-of-State | $2,101

Credits to Graduate: 36

The online M.A.T. in secondary education at New York University is a one-year, combined residency and degree program. It prepares you to teach English, math, science, or social studies for grades 7-12. You can also teach in special education for grades 7-12. Online classes are in the evening, twice per week. 

NYU's program is for new teachers. It mixes learning theory with hands-on practice to help develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence. Degree options vary by location. The residency locations with partner schools are in New York City, Upstate and Central New York, and Washington, D.C.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $440
Out-of-State | $440

Credits to Graduate: 30

The University of Alabama's online M.A. in secondary education with science certification is built for busy professionals who wish to grow their science knowledge and apply new concepts in teaching. Graduates may be eligible for master's level teacher certification in biology, chemistry, physics or general science for grades 6-12.

Courses include computer-based instruction, modern secondary school programs, and improving science instruction. Applications require the following: 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• A valid bachelor's level professional educator certificate in general science (6-12), biology (6-12), chemistry (6-12), or physics (6-12)
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $567
Out-of-State | $567

Credits to Graduate: 36

The University of Maine's M.A.T. in secondary education is an accelerated program combining a teacher licensure with a master's degree. The program is for professionals with an undergraduate degree who want to teach at the secondary level.

The program's content areas include math, life science, physical science, English, and social studies. Graduates of the program are ready to teach in grades 7-12. Faculty have expertise in a variety of educational situations, from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to rural and urban school settings.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $535
Out-of-State | $535

Credits to Graduate: 30

The University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne's online M.A.T. in teaching is a two-year program for those seeking a teaching license, career advancement, or skill improvement in non-school settings. Licensure and non-licensure pathways are available for secondary and elementary education. 

The program runs asynchronously, with eight-week or 16-week terms. This includes a 16-week practicum and 16-week clinical internship, both of which count toward the capstones for the degree. Franciscan traditions and values are woven into USF's education programs. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $451
Out-of-State | $451 

Credits to Graduate: 30

Ball State University offers an M.A. in secondary education for current or future teachers. There are four concentrations to align with individual career goals: education core, secondary teaching license, content or special area teaching, and dual credit teaching credential. 

BSU's program focuses on developing skills in key areas, such as pedagogy, curriculum, educational technology, multicultural education, and educational research. The flexible online format allows for completion in as few as four or five semesters. Also, students can earn graduate certificates in diversity, curriculum, middle level education, and educational technology.