An online master’s in gifted and talented education focuses on effective strategies and the role of creativity in teaching the needs of high-ability learners. Graduates in this field of special education pursue careers as K-12 teachers, instructional coordinators, school principals, psychology administrators, behavior analysts, and community advocates.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees the job market for education and training to grow by 10% between now and 2030. On average, special education teachers earn approximately $59,000 yearly.
Depending on the school, according to U.S. News and World Report, a two-year, 30 to 40 credit hours online master’s in gifted and talented education program costs $360 to $590 per credit hour. Expect total tuition to average between $11,000 and $21,000 in total tuition.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Program
Choose your area of study
Before beginning their search, students should take some time to reflect on their educational and career goals, as well as their current level of experience and training. Within the field of gifted and talented education, there are various focus areas, such as curriculum development, elementary or secondary education, or human behavior. Students who know what they want to specialize in will have an easier time finding a program that meets their needs.
Students should also consider their needs in terms of logistics and cost. Some students may be able to enroll in a full-time program, while others plan on taking part-time classes due to work or other responsibilities.
For online programs, courses can be delivered synchronously, with regular virtual class meetings at predetermined times; asynchronously, with coursework accessible 24/7 so students can study on their own schedule; or through a hybrid of both formats. By deciding now what will work best for them, students can set parameters to begin their search.
Research schools and programs
When investigating schools, the first thing to confirm is their accreditation status. This affects whether the school is eligible to award federal financial aid to students. For educators, it can also impact their ability to get the necessary licenses and certifications. Students should seek out schools with regional accreditation as well as accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Other important information that students should seek out during the research phase includes:
- Are students required to have work experience or teaching licensure to be eligible for the program?
- Is the content of the program’s courses relevant to your interests and needs?
- Are there any experiential learning requirements, such as student teaching or a practicum?
- How do remote students access student services like academic advising, tutoring, tech support, and counseling?
- Is the program offered completely online, or is it a hybrid format requiring on-campus attendance?
- Is it a synchronous or asynchronous online program?
- What are the networking opportunities?
- Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
Students have a variety of avenues for learning more about schools and programs. They can visit the school’s website, contact the admissions office, read online reviews, follow school and program social media accounts, and attend virtual open houses and information sessions.
Prepare for tests and applications
During the research stage, it’s a good idea to collect information on the school’s application requirements, processes, and deadlines. This information is usually available on the school’s website, but you can also contact the admissions office if you have questions. If you’re applying to multiple schools, keep track of application materials and deadlines using a checklist or spreadsheet.
Common eligibility requirements for an online master’s in gifted and talented education include a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher, and an active, unencumbered teaching license or certification.
A standard application for this program includes:
- Completed application and fees
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended
- Letters of recommendation detailing your qualifications, character, and potential for program success.
- A resume or CV that summarizes your education and professional experiences.
- An essay or personal statement explaining your interest in gifted and talented education and why you are a match for the program.
- GRE scores
Select your program
Once students have researched their options, they should pare down their list to the programs that most align with their personal and professional needs. This may mean that students only apply to one or two programs or that they apply to many to increase their odds of acceptance. There’s no magic number of applications to submit, but students should keep in mind that the more schools they apply to, the more they’ll pay in application fees.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in determining a student’s eligibility for federal student loans and need-based institutional aid like scholarships and grants. Many schools also offer merit-based aid like scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships to students with a strong academic record and professional achievements. Students can also explore scholarships and grants from outside sources like professional development organizations, community and religious groups, and nonprofits.
For students who are working while enrolled in a master’s program, tuition assistance benefits may help reimburse payment for classes. Military service members and veterans should inquire about tuition discounts for military and GI Bill benefits.
The Top 34 Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Degree Programs
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How We Rank Schools
Our research focused on finding the best master’s programs in gifted and talented education. Within this subject, students generally earn a Master of Education (M.Ed) or Master of Arts (MA) degree.
We specifically looked at programs that can be completed entirely or primarily through online coursework, although education programs typically have experiential learning components like student teaching.
All of the schools on our list are regionally accredited, which is a confirmation that their programs meet the highest standards of quality for postsecondary education. Additionally, many programs are also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAEP), a specialized agency that oversees postsecondary education programs.
After compiling our list, we reviewed each program’s reputation, faculty, cost, outcomes, and flexibility. Based on these reviews, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Program?
The master’s degree program allocates the initial year to basic classes that encompass the fundamentals of gifted and talented education. Students explore curriculum design, behavior and human development, and the needs and nature of gifted and talented learners.
In the second year, expect to go deep into the gifted education area that aligns most with your career goals. Gaining experience through practicums and fieldwork is a possibility. Some schools present a specific master’s in gifted and talented education. Other programs might concentrate on particular subject areas or grade levels.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in gifted and talented education degree program
- Comparative Learning Theory. Students examine how to design learning environments to benefit diverse groups.
- Gifted Learner Identification. Students learn how to gauge possibly gifted learners.
- Intro to Gifted Education and Talented Development. This first-semester course reviews current gifted and talented education research, trends, and practices.
- Curriculum and Instruction for High Ability Learners. Learners design appropriate gifted student learning materials. Class topics concentrate on educational challenges that can emerge.
- History of Gifted and Talented Education. Students learn the evolution of the discipline from its beginning.
Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in gifted and talented education degree program?
Contact the admissions counselor for details about the application process. Most schools accept applications and supporting materials online through their websites.
To apply, collect the required materials:
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
- Letters of recommendation from two or three references
- Resume or CV to spotlight your educational and professional experiences
- GRE test scores or scores from other standardized tests to assess quantitative and verbal reasoning skills
- Graduate school essay to explain why you are a good fit and interested in the program
How much does an online master’s degree in gifted and talented education cost?
Tuition rates vary by school. U.S. News and World Report reveals that a two-year, 30- to 40-credit-hour online program averages between $11,000 and $21,000 in total tuition. Students can pay $360 to $590 per credit hour.
Beyond tuition, online students can expect to pay fees for technical support, online library resources, and technology purchases like an updated computer. However, they can save money by not paying for transportation, on-campus housing, and activity fees.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in gifted and talented education degree?
The total enrollment time can vary depending on the number of required credits, the student’s pace, and any experiential learning requirements. Two years is the average time to attain a degree. The amount of credits a student carries every semester will determine the completion date. Students enrolled full-time, taking 12 to 15 credits per semester, could usually get a degree in 18 months. A student with a part-time load of nine to 12 credits might need two years or more to finish.