Students who graduate with a master’s degree in online teaching are qualified to teach at grade schools, middle and high schools, and charter schools, as well as at the postsecondary level at universities and colleges. They can also pursue careers in the private sector as instructional coordinators, corporate trainers, and training and development specialists.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for high school teachers in 2021 was $61,280, while instructional coordinators made an average of $63,740. The average annual salary for postsecondary teachers was $79,640. The average cost of a master’s program in 2020-21 was $12,394 at public institutions and $26,621 at private institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Completing this degree takes between one to two years of full-time study.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Online Teaching Program
Choose your area of study
Since a degree in online teaching qualifies graduates to teach at different levels and in both the public and private sectors, students need to know what career they’d like to pursue before choosing a program of study.
Some universities offer a master’s in online education, while others offer a master’s in education with a concentration in online education. An M.Ed program may focus on education at the primary, middle, or high school level. Additionally, many programs offer or require an internship or field experience. If there is an in-person aspect, it’s essential to ensure opportunities are available locally.
Research schools and programs
After deciding on an area of study, the next step is to research various schools and their programs. Search for programs that offer concentrations and field experiences that correspond with your career goals. This can often be done by going to each school’s website and navigating to the specific page for the program. Some schools provide detailed information, while others do not. You may need to fill out an online form or contact an admissions counselor to receive more information.
Find out as much as you can about the academic aspects of the program, but consider the following factors as well:
- Is the school accredited? Be sure to apply only to institutions that are accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation status of a school will affect the financial aid you will be able to receive. Proper accreditation also affects what future postsecondary programs you will be eligible for as well as what job opportunities are available to you after graduation. You can also verify that individual programs are accredited by visiting the website of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
- What is the cost of the program? Along with accreditation, this is usually one of the determining factors in choosing a program. Focus on programs that fall within the amount you can spend for the degree so that you only spend time researching programs within your budget.
- What is the learning format? Online programs can be synchronous, asynchronous, or a combination of both. Asynchronous programs give students the most control over their schedules, and if they’ll be studying evenings and weekends, this is generally the best option. On the other hand, synchronous learning provides live instruction and more interaction with fellow students and instructors, but it requires students to be online at specific times. Consider the amount of time you can put into your learning and any responsibilities you may have outside of school to help you determine which learning format makes the most sense.
- Where is the school located? Most universities offer various services, amenities, and events that are available only on campus. These may include orientations, career fairs, meet-and-greets, student clubs and organizations, sporting events, and more. Although the actual master’s degree program is online, students may wish to participate in some of these other activities. If so, the school’s location is something to consider when choosing a program.
Prepare for tests and applications
Admissions requirements vary with each university, so check the school’s website for details. Some institutions set specific deadlines for submission of applications and related documents, while others offer rolling admissions. The program’s start date may have a bearing on this, as online programs may or may not start at the same time as on-campus classes. Also, some universities require GRE or Praxis scores for admission.
Select your program
After you’ve selected your area of study and researched various schools and programs, it’s time to narrow down your selection. Since no two programs are exactly the same, look at the pros and cons of each. Determine which features are most important to you personally. Compile a list, in order of preference, of the programs you would like to take, and then apply to them all. When you receive acceptance letters, choose the one that ranks highest on your list.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Eligible students can get financial aid from the U.S. government through grants, loans, and work-study programs. To receive such assistance, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If students previously earned graduate-level credits, they may be able to transfer them to their current program, reducing the number of courses needed for the degree. Also, many universities offer financing, and students may have the option to pay for each course separately as they work their way through the program. Schools usually offer discounted tuition to past and present members of the military. Additionally, if your schedule allows, a part-time job can help pay for the degree. Contact the school’s financial aid office to help you explore all options for paying for your degree.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Online Teaching Programs
How We Rank Schools
For this list, we concentrated our research on master’s programs with an emphasis in online teaching. Most of these programs offer degrees in online teaching, instructional or educational technology, or curriculum design. Students can earn several different degrees in this field, including a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Education (M.Ed).
We only included regionally accredited institutions on our list as a confirmation that programs meet high standards of quality. Many programs also have National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation.
Another criterion was that programs be completely or primarily delivered online to ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students, regardless of location or availability.
We reviewed all of the programs on the basis of cost, reputation, outcomes, faculty, and flexibility. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score of each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Online Teaching Program?
Online teaching and in-person teaching share many similarities, so this program covers the skills needed to become a qualified and effective educator.
It also delves into other areas, such as how to involve students and keep them engaged in an online setting, how to use technology to maximize the online experience, the theory and culture of online learning, what online learning management systems are available and how they differ from one another, how to provide individualized feedback, technical training, and other subjects relevant to online education.
Online students receive course material via an online learning platform. Popular platforms include Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle. Alternatively, the school may have its own platform. After logging on to their personal portals, students can access the course syllabus, schedules, audio-video material, reading material, class assignments, grades, and more. They also have access to online chats and message boards, which facilitate communication with other students as well as instructors.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in online teaching degree program
- Technology tools for online instruction. In addition to acquiring skills as an educator, online teachers must know what technology tools are available for online education and how to use them. This course covers how to utilize various software programs and applications, operating systems, mobile devices, and learning platforms for teaching in the online environment.
- Theory and culture of online learning. Online teaching differs in many ways from in-person instruction. This course discusses these differences in depth and helps students understand teaching methods and approaches that are most effective when providing education online.
- Field experience. Most teaching programs require students to participate in a field experience where they teach in a real-world environment. The amount of time required partially depends on the student’s prior experience and what degrees/certificates they already have.
- Foundations of distance education. In this course, students explore the history of distance education and how it has rapidly evolved over the past few years. It covers various policies and practices and how the latest technologies have changed online learning and teaching.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Negotiation And Conflict Management?
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators isn’t especially positive or negative. The number of jobs for this occupation is expected to grow at a rate of 6% over the next decade, which is around the overall average for all occupations. Also, the median salary for these professionals is $49,410, which is slightly higher than average ($45,760). There are some lucrative positions available for workers in this field, though — the top 10% of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators make more than $110,350 per year. Earning a Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management will help you access these high-paying opportunities.
Career paths
In addition to arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators, you can also become qualified for a variety of other occupations with a Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management.
For example, every human resources department needs workers who are adept at conflict management. As for negotiation, this can be a highly valuable skill for many different industries, including sales, business administration, and talent management.
To give you an even better idea of your potential career paths, here are some examples of specific jobs that you can get with this degree:
- Event coordinator – manage all aspects of event planning, such as booking venues, negotiating prices with vendors, and maintaining event budgets
- Crisis intervention specialist – help provide treatment for individuals who are dealing with substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health issues
- Community organizer – unite people to work toward a common goal through collective action
- Sports agent – represent athletes in contract negotiations and generate additional income through promotional deals
- Sales manager – develop sales strategies, manage sales teams, and resolve customer complaints
Labor relations specialist
Earning Potential: $58,000 to $93,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resources, negotiation and conflict management, or related field
Labor relations specialists serve as an intermediary between workers and management — they meet with both union representatives and managers in order to negotiate issues such as compensation, workplace safety, and disciplinary procedures. In addition to negotiating new collective bargaining agreements, the job duties of labor relations specialists may also include ensuring compliance with current agreements and investigating the legitimacy of complaints.
Human resources manager
Earning Potential: $64,000 to $100,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resources or related field
Once you’ve earned a master’s degree, you’ll have an easier time moving up into management positions. Indeed, some employers will only consider candidates with a postgraduate education for management roles. Human resources managers help organizations attract and retain qualified employees. Their responsibilities include overseeing the recruitment and hiring process, implementing policies to prevent discrimination and harassment, setting disputes and directing disciplinary procedures, and administering services such as training, payroll, and benefits.
Purchasing manager
Earning Potential: $68,000 to $113,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration or related field
Purchasing agents are responsible for buying products or services for their employers to use or resell. To accomplish this task, they must evaluate sellers, negotiate contracts, and assess the quality of the products or services delivered. Those in a management role may also be responsible for developing procurement policies and ensuring that there are no conflicts of interest.
Online Master’s Degree in Online Teaching Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in online teaching degree program?
Applicants can generally submit their applications online or through the mail. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required but doesn’t necessarily have to be in a related field. Some programs require applicants to have a teacher’s license or prior teaching experience. Transcripts should be submitted on time, and there is usually a 2.5-3.0 minimum GPA requirement. Applicants should be prepared to submit their resumes, personal statements or essays about teaching interests or previous teaching experience, and letters of recommendation.
Many universities require proof of U.S. citizenship or residency, and if English is not the applicant’s first language, test scores proving English proficiency are required. Applicants should always contact an admissions counselor to confirm all admissions requirements and submission deadlines before applying.
How much does an online master’s in online teaching degree cost?
An online master’s in online teaching costs between $11,000 to $35,000. Fees involving technology and software, books, and additional university services are not usually included in tuition. At public universities, in-state residents often pay lower tuition than out-of-state students, although for online programs, students may be charged the same tuition regardless of where they live.
How long does it take to earn a master’s degree in online teaching online?
Depending on the institution, this program requires 30-36 credits and can be completed in one or two years of full-time study. Part-time options are available at some schools — this would take longer to complete. Even so, students are usually required to complete the degree in five years or less.
Is an online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management worth it?
Earning a Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management is an excellent investment for your career.
Without a master’s degree, you’ll be completely shut out of some job opportunities. For example, 25% of labor relations specialists report that this level of education is required for their work. Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers with a master’s degree tend to make more money and face less unemployment than those who only have a bachelor’s.
Once you’ve decided to pursue a master’s, the next question is whether you will earn your degree online or on campus. You should strongly consider the online option, as the lack of commute will allow you to save a lot of time and money — some online programs can even be completed at your own pace, which makes it even easier to find time for your studies.