Students who graduate with a master’s degree in online teaching can pursue careers as teachers, school administrators, instructional coordinators, and training and development specialists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for high school teachers is $65,220, while instructional coordinators make $74,620. And 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. Completing this degree typically 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
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Education (MEd). Some universities offer a standalone master’s in online education degree, while others only offer online education as a concentration within a master’s in education program. Many programs will allow you to specialize in a particular niche in this field, such as corporate training or curriculum design. 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
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
If you’re interested in a teaching career, look for programs that have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This organization has particularly high standards for education-related programs.
You should also consider the following factors as well:
- 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.
- 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.
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
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. Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are often required as well. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
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.
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
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. 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. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well. 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 (MEd).
We only included regionally accredited institutions on our list as a confirmation that programs meet high standards of quality. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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 these 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, 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 an 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 Online Teaching?
Career outlook
Individuals with a master’s degree in online teaching have a range of career options, as they can leverage their expertise in instructional design, technology integration, and online pedagogy. Here are some job options available for someone with a master’s degree in online teaching:
- 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
- Training and development manager — Design and manage an organization’s employee training programs.
- Median annual salary: $125,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 3,500 annually
- Postsecondary education administrator — Help manage administrative functions and develop academic policies for a college or university.
- Median annual salary: $102,610
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 15,300 annually
Online Master’s Degree in Online Teaching Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in online teaching degree program?
You can generally submit your 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 statement 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 in total tuition. 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 with 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 online teaching worth it?
Earning an online master’s in online teaching offers numerous advantages in the evolving landscape of digital education. The demand for online educators is rising, and the skills acquired during this program position graduates for success in various academic roles.
Also, online programs eliminate the need to commute to campus, which can save you a significant amount of time. This is an especially good option for students who are trying to balance their education with a full-time job or family responsibilities.