Best One-Year Online Master’s in Education Degree Programs of 2024

Pursuing a master’s degree is an undeniable step towards staying current with the latest innovations and improvements in the ever-evolving realm of education. However, traditional two-year Master’s programs can be a significant time and financial commitment and may not be the best fit for every student. That’s where one-year Master’s in Education programs come in. They provide the same quality of education in a shorter timeframe and with the convenience of online learning. In this article, we will not only explore the best one-year online Master’s in Education programs to help you find the perfect program for your career goals but also cover the advantages and disadvantages of online learning and some potential career paths in this rewarding field.

Is an Online Degree Program Right for You?

Choosing a degree program can be challenging, and deciding between an online education and a traditional in-person program can be a significant decision. While online programs have advantages, they also have certain drawbacks you’ll want to be aware of before enrolling.

First, let’s address the advantages. Online learning can be more affordable and accessible to those who cannot attend on-campus classes due to distance or other commitments. Additionally, online courses offer flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and at a convenient time. With access to a broader range of programs, students can choose the program that best fits their needs and interests. This means students can easily find a program that aligns with their career goals, from curriculum and instruction to special education and educational administration.

However, even online learning has its disadvantages. It requires high self-motivation and time management skills, as there is less structure and interaction than in a traditional classroom. Students may also miss networking opportunities essential for finding job opportunities and building professional relationships. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and fellow students can make it more challenging to build relationships and receive support when needed.

Online programs can be an especially great fit for individuals who need the flexibility to balance their studies with other commitments, such as being a parent or having a full-time job. For example, students who are parents or full-time workers often find that online programs allow them to earn their degree on their own schedule without sacrificing any of their other responsibilities.

Still, it’s important to note that not all students are a good fit for online programs. For example, those who value face-to-face interaction with professors and their peers may not find online programs as fulfilling as traditional in-person programs. Moreover, students struggling with self-motivation or time management skills may need help to succeed online. These students may find it more beneficial to attend a traditional classroom program to receive more guidance and in-person support.

What You Can Do with a Master’s in Education

Whether you are looking to advance in your current career or explore new avenues, a wide range of occupations can be pursued with a master’s degree in education.

High school teacher

Median annual salary (May 2021): $61,820
Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 5%

Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for high school teachers in most states, certain states mandate that they obtain a master’s degree at some point during their careers. A high school teacher educates students in grades 9-12 and helps them prepare for college, employment, and beyond. Their typical job responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering lesson plans
• Grading assignments and tests
• Organizing and implementing class projects
• Providing individualized instruction and support to students

High school teachers are also responsible for assessing students’ progress and communicating with parents, school administrators, and other teachers about student achievement and behavior.

Teachers may work with students in various classroom settings, including large-group lectures, small-group discussions, and one-on-one tutoring sessions. In addition, high school teachers often work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to prepare lesson plans and grade assignments, and they may also attend school-related events such as parent-teacher conferences and school board meetings. Despite the challenges, high school teachers often find their work rewarding as they inspire and educate the next generation of leaders.

Postsecondary teacher

Median annual salary (May 2021): $79,640
Projected job growth (2021-2031): 12%

In contrast to traditional four-year universities, community colleges typically employ teachers who hold a master’s degree rather than a Ph.D. Postsecondary teachers, also known as college professors, teach courses to students beyond the high school level. Their job duties include developing lesson plans and course syllabi, delivering lectures and leading classroom discussions, grading assignments and exams, and providing individualized instruction and mentoring to students. In addition, some postsecondary teachers may be responsible for supervising student research projects and advising students on academic and career goals.

Postsecondary teachers often work in a combination of classroom and office settings, spending time preparing lesson plans and grading assignments in addition to teaching classes. The work environment can be rewarding and demanding. Postsecondary teachers can inspire and challenge students while contributing to academic research and intellectual discourse. However, they often work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and may be required to balance teaching with research and administrative duties. For those passionate about their subject matter and dedicated to helping students achieve their academic aspirations, postsecondary teaching can be an immensely gratifying career despite its inherent challenges.

Instructional coordinator

Median annual salary (May 2021): $63,740
Projected job growth (2021-2031): 7%

Instructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists or curriculum coordinators, typically work in schools or school districts to improve the quality of education by developing and implementing education programs and curricula. Their responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and selecting textbooks.
• Developing and implementing educational programs.
• Training teachers in new instructional techniques and materials.

They may also monitor student progress and provide feedback to teachers to help them improve their instruction.

Instructional coordinators typically work full-time during regular school hours but may also be required to work the occasional evening or weekend to attend meetings or professional development events. They may be required to travel between schools or districts to meet with teachers or administrators.

Our Research

This list features some of the best 1-year online Master’s in Education programs in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best 1-year online Master’s in Education programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.