An online master’s in gifted and talented education focuses on effective strategies and the role of creativity in addressing the needs of high-ability learners. Graduates in this field pursue careers as K-12 teachers, instructional coordinators, school principals, psychology administrators, behavior analysts, and community advocates.
According to U.S. News & World Report, most online master’s in gifted and talented education programs cost $360 to $580 per credit hour. Expect total tuition to add up to around $11,000 to $21,000.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as either a Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Arts (MA). Some programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as elementary education, secondary education, or curriculum development. If you already know what you want to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match your career goals.
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?
- 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?
- What are the networking opportunities?
- Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
The application process for an online master’s in gifted and talented education varies by school and program. Common requirements include:
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended, showing that you earned a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
- 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
Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
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.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
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 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.
Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
The Top 34 Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Degree Programs
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How We Rank Schools
We looked for 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 they meet the highest standards of quality for postsecondary education. Additionally, many of these options have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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?
This 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.
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. This course covers appropriate learning materials for gifted students. Class topics concentrate on educational challenges that can emerge.
- History of Gifted and Talented Education. Students learn about the evolution of this discipline from its beginning.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education?
Career outlook
The career outlook for educators with a master’s degree in gifted and talented education is promising, driven by a growing recognition of the importance of individualized instruction for exceptional students. According to data from the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), there is a strong demand for specialized educators who can provide appropriate programming for gifted learners. Some of the career paths open to those with this academic credential include the following:
- Kindergarten or elementary school teacher — Teach young children in order to prepare them for further education.
- Median annual salary: $63,670
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 109,000 annually
- Middle school teacher — Help students advance their understanding of the subjects they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the subjects that will be covered in high school.
- Median annual salary: $64,290
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 42,200 annually
- Instructional coordinator — Develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of educational materials.
- Median annual salary: $74,620
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New job openings projected: 19,200 annually
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. According to U.S. News & World Report, these programs tend to cost $360 to $580 per credit hour, adding up to a total tuition of $11,000 to $21,000. Beyond tuition, online students can expect to pay fees for technical support, online library resources, and technology purchases like an updated computer.
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 amount of time needed to earn this degree. Students enrolled full-time, taking 12 to 15 credits per semester, usually get their degree within two years. A student with a part-time courseload might need three years or more to finish.
Is an online master's in gifted and talented education worth it?
An online master’s degree in gifted and talented education offers numerous advantages. This degree equips educators with the knowledge and strategies to support the unique needs of gifted students, making them highly valuable in the field of education. Graduates can pursue various career paths within gifted education, from teaching to program coordination and curriculum development.
Online programs eliminate the need to commute to campus, which can save students a significant amount of time. Also, online students will have multiple opportunities to network with other students, faculty members, and industry professionals across the country through their program.
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