To be included in this list of top 10 online Master’s in Education programs, a program must provide breath and depth of concentration options, high admissions and academic standards, and a reputation of a high rate of placement among graduates.
Featured High Ranking Programs
1. University of Southern California
2. Capella University
3. Post University
4. Grand Canyon University
5. Kaplan University
6. Strayer University
7. Concordia University
When adult learners are investing in themselves by pursuing an advanced degree, they owe it to themselves to seek out a program which will give them the education necessary for success.
#1 University of Southern California Rossier School of Education
Executive Summary
The Rossier program is one of the top-ranked education programs in the country, according to US News & World Report.
Tuition
Grad students at USC pay $21,081 for a 15-18 unit program.
Unique Features
The online degree program is the first one offered by a major research university. The curriculum is identical to the one offered on campus, and includes school-based fieldwork which students can complete from anywhere.
Concentrations
Administration and Leadership
Curriculum and Instruction
Early Childhood Education Education and Teaching
General Education Secondary Education
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#2 National University
Executive Summary
National University is ranked as the best online college in the country by the Online Education Database.
Tuition
The cost to attend National University online is $360 per quarter unit. Students will pay $16,200 to complete a degree.
Unique Features
Students enroll in one course per month, which allows them to focus on that particular subject. Classes start every month and students can study year round.
Concentrations
Educational and Instructional Technology
Instructional Leadership
Language Teaching and Learning Teaching
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#3 Capella University
Executive Summary
Capella University made the list because of the quality of its curriculum. In response to an alumni survey, 98 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with their education experience.
Tuition
MS in Education students at Capella University pay $415 per credit hour ($19,920 for a 48-credit degree).
Unique Features
Capella offers students the flexibility to take courses at their own pace. They can log into their course materials at any time.
Concentrations
Child and Adolescent Development
Curriculum and Instruction
Early Childhood Education
English Language Learning and Teaching
Enrollment Management
General Studies in Human Behavior
Instructional Design for Online Learning
K-12 Studies in Education Leadership in Educational Administration
Postsecondary and Adult Education
Professional Studies in Education Reading and Literacy
Special Education Teaching
Training and Performance Improvement
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#4 Brandman University
Executive Summary
Brandman University is affiliated with Chapman University, which is ranked as a Top School by America’s Best Colleges.
Tuition
Students attending Brandman online pay $570 per credit. The cost of tuition to obtain a degree is $17,100.
Unique Features
Sessions start throughout the year. The classes and all required coursework is completed online.
Concentrations
Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Leadership
Instructional Technology
Leadership in Early Childhood Education
Professional Learning
Community Teaching and Learning
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#5 Post University
Executive Summary
Post University has been ranked as one of the top online universities in the country by the Online Education Database.
Tuition
The cost to attend this University online is $500 per credit hour. The cost to complete a 33-credit hour degree is $16,500.
Unique Features
Students who choose to attend Post get the benefit of small class sizes. The format is flexible so that participants can log in to their courses at any time.
Concentrations
Instructional Design and Technology
Teaching and Learning
#6 Grand Canyon University
Executive Summary
Grand Canyon University is a regionally-accredited school. Its online degree programs are taught by a group of full-time professors to teach online programs exclusively.
Tuition
The cost of tuition for a 34-credit degree from Grand Canyon University is $16,830 ($495 per credit).
Unique Features
Students enrolled at Grand Canyon University take one course at a time. Each one is worth four credits, which means that students can complete a degree in less time.
Concentrations
Curriculum and Instruction: Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education
Curriculum and Instruction: Reading with an Emphasis in Secondary Education
Curriculum and Instruction: Technology Early Childhood Education Educational Administration
Educational Leadership
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education for Certified Special Educators
Special Education: Cross-Categorical Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
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#7 Kaplan University
Executive Summary
Kaplan holds a top 20 ranking as one of the best online universities in the country.
Tuition
Depending on the concentration, a student attending Kaplan will spend $17,710-$29-$20,790 in tuition.
Unique Features
New students can take a course five weeks without having to pay tuition. During this time, the
student can interact with the professor and his or her classmates to decide whether this program is a good fit.
Concentrations
MS in Education
MA in Teaching Educational Psychology
Higher Education
Education in Industrial Technology
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#8 University of Texas
Executive Summary
The University of Texas online program ranks very highly for student satisfaction and public perception, according to GetEducated.com.
Tuition
Tuition for this program is $810 per three-hour course for residents and $1,750 per course for non-residents. A Texas resident would pay $9.720 for a degree and an out-of-state student would be charged $21,000 in tuition.
Unique Features
Students can choose to take 12 elective credit hours in a specific subject, such as reading, math, science or educational technology. The school suggests that participants plan to spend about 10 hours per week on their studies.
Concentrations
Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Technology
Instructional Specialist – Bilingual Education or Early Childhood Education
#9 Strayer University
Executive Summary
Strayer University is a very well-respected school which is known for its high quality programs. Professors at the University have real-world experience in their field, and the curriculum is updated regularly to reflect the needs of employers.
Tuition
Tuition and fees to attend Strayer University online are $26,715.
Unique Features
This program allows adult learners to study at their own pace. Most students complete their degree in 4.5 years.
Concentrations
Adult Education and Development
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Instructional Technology Teacher Leadership
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#10 Concordia University
Executive Summary
Concordia is a well-respected, accredited university. Its Masters of Education program can be completed in one year or less.
Tuition
The cost to complete a 30-33 credit program at Concordia University online is $18,600-$20,460.
Unique Features
Online classes are five weeks long and students can access their learning materials from anywhere they can get online.
Concentrations
The University offers two general concentrations: Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. Students who choose the latter can further specialize in the following areas of study:
Adolescent Literacy Career and Technical Education
eLearning/Technology Education
English Language Development
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (K-Adult)
Environmental Education
Early Childhood Education
Mathematics Methods and Curriculum Reading Science
Teacher Leadership
The Inclusive Classroom (SPED)
