Teachers who like working with children but want leadership opportunities beyond the classroom should consider an online master’s in K-12 education. While this degree helps people teach effectively and build positive relationships with students and families, it also prepares graduates for work as school administrators.
This degree could quickly lead to a six-figure salary, as elementary, middle, and high school principals earn a median annual income of $103,460.
Online master’s in K-12 education programs usually take about two to three years to complete, but that depends on how many credits you take each year. The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in K-12 Education Program
Choose your area of study
This degree may be available as a Master of Arts, Master of Education, or Master of Science. To focus on applied education skills, look for a Master of Education. If you’re more interested in a research-based approach, look for a Master of Science or Master of Arts program.
Some programs are designed for people already working in education, while others will prepare students to become certified teachers. Furthermore, many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as special education, curriculum development, or educational leadership. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these 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).
As you research schools and programs, consider requirements beyond online learning. For instance, depending on the school and your concentration, you might need to complete a thesis project or an internship demonstrating practical experience. How does the school facilitate online students meeting these requirements? Some schools have an on-campus childhood development center or approved schools or organizations where you can gain such experience. If you’re currently teaching, ask whether your employment helps fulfill this requirement.
Remember to look for other support services the school offers for online students so that you have a well-rounded learning experience. Is there career coaching or mentoring? Are there networking opportunities, such as an alumni association?
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
Each program varies in its application requirements and process. However, most online master’s degree programs in K-12 education require:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher
- Transcripts from previous colleges
- Letter(s) of recommendation from professional and academic references
- A resume or record of employment history
- A personal statement describing your achievements and plans
Applicants will also likely need to submit standardized test scores like those from the GRE. If you need to take the GRE, prepare and sit for the exam while researching schools.
Also, you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Some students apply to a single program based on their needs and interests, while others apply to multiple schools to boost their chances of acceptance. Whatever path you choose, application fees can add up. If you need financial assistance with these fees, contact the school to ask about a fee waiver.
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
Every school with an online master’s in K-12 education program should specify the financial support students can receive, including grants, scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and work-study.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal student loans and need-based institutional aid. There also are several financial programs for prospective teachers — for instance, the TEACH Grant Program assists those willing to teach in high-need fields.
Students already working in the education field should consider whether employer tuition assistance benefits can offset their costs. Talk with each school’s financial aid office for more detailed information about how to pay for a degree.
The Top 34 Online Master’s in K-12 Education Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
We focused our research on masters-level programs in K-12 education and related areas. The most common types of degrees in this subject are Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Science (MS).
One of our main criteria was that programs be delivered entirely or primarily online. We wanted the programs on this list to be available to the greatest number of students, regardless of location or schedule.
All of the programs are offered by schools that have regional accreditation. Many of these options have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) as well.
We evaluated each program based on faculty, flexibility, reputation, cost, and outcomes. Then, 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 K-12 Education Program?
Online master’s in K-12 education programs vary based on the school, but students can expect a core curriculum about child development, the principles of teaching, and professional communication.
In addition, some programs may focus more on instructional technology and developing advanced curriculum skills — others may provide a concentration and expertise in special education, math, reading, science, or English as a second language.
Students pursuing this degree to teach or advance as an administrator might need in-person field training, which can interfere with other responsibilities such as a full-time job. A part-time or self-paced program might help you balance your education requirements with other commitments. Talk with an admissions counselor about in-person requirements and how the school helps facilitate these.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in K-12 education degree program
- Foundations of Classroom Management. Students learn techniques and strategies to manage their classrooms effectively. A course like this also covers forming stronger relationships with students and their families.
- Applied Classroom Assessment Techniques. Students learn how to interpret and evaluate data from different assessment procedures, such as standardized testing.
- The Teacher as Leader. This course discusses how teachers can set goals for their professional growth while becoming leaders in the classroom and around the school campus.
- Culturally Responsive Instruction. Teachers must understand how to work with students from various backgrounds and cultures. A course like this discusses creating teaching strategies and differentiating instruction for students with multiple needs.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in K-12 Education?
Career outlook
Graduates with an online master’s in K-12 education possess the skills and knowledge needed for various roles in the education sector. Here are some common career paths for individuals with advanced education in K-12 education:
- Kindergarten or elementary school teacher — Teach subjects such as reading, math, and social studies to young children.
- 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
- Elementary, middle, or high school principal — Oversee school staff and operations at the K-12 level.
- Median annual salary: $103,460
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 20,200 annually
Online Master’s in K-12 Education Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in K-12 education degree program?
Each school’s application process varies. Start by checking the application webpage for your school of choice. Most schools accept applications and supporting documents electronically, so gather electronic or digital versions (PDFs) of all required documents, such as transcripts, a resume, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Talk with a school admissions counselor if you have questions or concerns about submitting application materials, deadlines, or eligibility requirements.
How much does an online master’s in K-12 education cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $12,596 at public institutions and $28,017 at private institutions. In addition to whether your school is public or private, the amount you pay will depend on the number of credits required, additional fees, and other expenses, such as textbooks or course-specific software. If your school requires hands-on experience, also factor in how this takes away from your earning time at your current job.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in K-12 education degree?
While this depends on the curriculum, most schools estimate their online master’s programs in K-12 education take about two to three years to complete. The total number of credits affects the program’s length, as does attending part-time or full-time. Some schools offer asynchronous learning, where students can complete the lessons and assignments on a syllabus at their own pace.
Is an online master's in K-12 education worth it?
Earning an online master’s degree in K-12 education equips educators with leadership skills, pedagogical knowledge, and a deeper understanding of educational theory. Graduates are better positioned for roles such as school principal, curriculum specialist, or education consultant, where they can contribute to school improvement and student success.
Pursuing a master’s degree online offers numerous benefits, especially for adult learners with other personal or professional commitments. Online programs provide flexible scheduling as well as increased accessibility for those who do not live in a region with higher education opportunities.
Read More about Online Master’s in K-12 Education Degrees
Compare School Options
Related Degrees
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Secondary Education
- Child Development