Why This Matters

  • 3.2M STUDENTS ENROLLED IN GIFTED PROGRAMS

    Although about 1.5% of U.S. students are enrolled in gifted and talented programs, gifted education is directed at the local level, creating diverse opportunities for educators.

  • 112,700 ADDITIONAL TEACHING JOBS EXPECTED

    As school enrollments increase, more teachers of all grade levels are needed in the next 10 years. The demand is highest for kindergarten and elementary teachers, with 53,100 job openings.

  • 3 STATES REQUIRE MASTER’S FOR ADVANCEMENT

    Connecticut, Maryland, and New York require teachers to obtain a master’s degree to maintain their teaching credentials. A master’s in gifted and talented education can fulfill this requirement.

Our Research

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.

  • 46 hours to write this article
  • 182 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 398 education programs we compared

The Top 34 Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Degree Programs

Best Online Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
Lamar University
01
Best Master of Science Degree
Fort Hays State University
01
Fastest Completion Time
Northwest Missouri State University
01
Best Master of Arts Degree
The University of Alabama
01
Most Experienced Faculty
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
01
Best Research-Focused Program
Western Kentucky University
01
Best Curriculum & Instruction Focus
University of Louisiana Monroe Online
01
Best Private University
Lindenwood University
01
Best Optionality
Millersville University
01
Best in the Southeast
Converse University
01
Alumni Recommended
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Distance Education
01
Best Scholarships
University of Nebraska at Kearney
01
Best Public Research University
Arizona State University
01
Best Liberal Arts University
Drury University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Grand Canyon University
01
Best for Accelerated Classes
Alvernia University
01
Best Almuni Network
Florida Atlantic University
01
Best Public University
Arkansas State University
01
Best Specialization Options
University of North Dakota
01
Best Master of Education Degree
University of Missouri
01
Most Affordable
Eastern New Mexico University
01
Best in the Midwest
Wichita State University
01
Best in the South
Liberty University
01
Most Transfer Friendly
Louisiana State University Shreveport
01
Most Flexible
Cleveland State University
01
Best Certificate Options
Eastern Kentucky University
01
Best Women-Only Program
Mary Baldwin University
01
Best Christian University
Regent University
01
Best in the West
University of Northern Colorado
01
Best Educational Psychology Focus
University of North Texas
01
Most Customizable
University of Georgia
01
Best Online Program
McNeese State University
01
Most Military Friendly
University of Southern Mississippi
01
Best Financial Aid Support
University of South Florida

What You Should Know About This Degree

Most teaching jobs are available to students who hold a bachelor’s degree, provided students meet the criteria for a professional teaching license or certificate in their state. However, many students pursue a master’s degree in education in order to specialize in an area like gifted and talented education, maintain their credentials, and increase their salary.

Master’s in gifted and talented education programs are either designed for practicing teachers who already have their teaching credentials or individuals who are fulfilling educational requirements in pursuit of their teaching credentials. Your educational and professional background will determine which kind of program you seek.

If you are pursuing a master’s as a way to enter the teaching profession, be sure to review your state’s requirements for teaching licensure or certification. Each state sets its own regulations, as they can dictate the type of degree you earn, where you earn it, and what kind of accreditation the program must have.

Even if all of the coursework for a master’s in gifted and talented education program is delivered online, you will likely have to fulfill practicum or student teaching requirements in-person. If you are currently working in a school, you may be able to use that setting for these requirements. Otherwise, you should be prepared to spend at least one term in a classroom setting.

What’s Next?

You can ask the following questions when researching master’s in gifted and talented education programs:

  • Is this program CAEP-accredited? Programs that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation are widely recognized as meeting the highest standards for teacher education. Some states may require students to earn their degree from a CAEP-accredited program as a prerequisite for obtaining their teaching license or certificate. If this applies to you, be sure to choose a CAEP-accredited program.
  • How are classes delivered? Online classes are usually delivered in one of two ways. Asynchronous classes do not have set meeting times. Instead, students can access their lessons and assignments at any time. Synchronous classes meet remotely at pre-scheduled times throughout the term. Determine which type of delivery format works best for you before selecting a program.

At this point, you can gather your application materials and confirm application submission deadlines and procedures. You will also want to explore your options for financing your master’s degree. These resources can include student loans, institutional and outside scholarships, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer, if available.