50 Best Online Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees for 2018

A Master of Arts in Teaching can be the bridge between a bachelor’s degree in nearly any field and your career as a teacher.

Some M.A.T. programs are designed for practicing classroom teachers to sharpen their skills and improve their practice. Many other M.A.T. programs will accept students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field who are seeking their first teaching job.

Whatever position you find yourself in, there’s an M.A.T. program that’s right for you.

What are the options for a Master of Arts in Teaching degree?

An M.A.T. degree often provides the certification that you need for your first teaching job. Depending on your interests, you might pursue an M.A.T. degree in early childhood education (which generally allows you to work with children from birth through kindergarten), elementary education (kindergarten through grade 5 or 6), middle grades (grades 4 through 8), or secondary education (typically grades 8 through 12).

There are teacher certification pathways at the undergraduate level, too. Visit our ranking of the Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees to learn more.

How much can you earn with a Master of Arts in Teaching?

The amount of money you’ll earn as a classroom teacher will depend on the grades that you teach, your additional certifications, your level of experience, and the school at which you work.

According to PayScale, an entry-level teacher with an M.A.T. has an average annual salary of $42,669. After five to nine years of experience, the average salary climbs to $51,003. For educators who have 20 years or more of teaching experience, the average salary rises to $73,977.

What can I do with a Master of Arts in Teaching?

Most often, graduates with an M.A.T. will begin or continue their career as a traditional classroom teacher. Others will become an English as a Second Language or Gifted Education teacher who works with multiple groups of students throughout the day.

Graduate students who pursue certification in Mild to Moderate Disabilities, Severe/Profound Disabilities, or Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) may work in a special education classroom or institution.

What are the requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching?

For programs that lead to initial certification, students will be required to complete a student teaching placement. This culminating experience generally lasts between one semester and a full academic year.

Each state is responsible for setting the regulations and standards to earn a teaching certification. Therefore, if you enroll in an M.A.T. program through a school in another state, be sure to find out if you’ll meet the teaching standards of your own state.

What are the best online Master of Arts in Teaching degrees?

To compile this ranking, we examined data points such as tuition costs, average financial aid packages, and expected early career salary for graduates. All of these aspects become part of our student success assessment.

Our second assessment category is institutional excellence. We measure this through incoming student test scores, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation rate. Our data comes from sources such as the IPEDS database, PayScale, U.S. News & World Report, and individual college websites. (We looked at both degree programs that include “Master of Arts in Teaching” in their title and those that are very similar to a typical M.A.T., even if they lead to an M.Ed. or M.A.Ed. degree.)

With all of this in mind, take a look at our ranking for the best online M.A.T. degree programs in the country.

1. Stephen F. Austin State University

Overview

Located in Nacogdoches, Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University held its first classes in 1923. Since then, it has flourished into one of the South’s leading universities. SFASU has built a reputation for academic excellence and high-impact degree programs. The Master of Arts in Teaching from SFASU, available fully online, is designed around learning outcomes that align with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education professional standards.

Program Features

The online M.A.T. program helps students explore the roles of the teacher as researcher, scholar-practitioner, and educational leader. Students with an undergraduate degree in any field may seek initial teacher certification for either early childhood through grade 12 or grades 7 through 12 (depending on the intended content area of certification). The M.A.T. degree track requires 36 credit hours. Online graduate-level coursework at SFASU includes titles such as:

Child-Centered Environments
Advocacy in Early Childhood
Social/Environmental Foundations
Technology in Teaching

Notables

Applications for the M.A.T. program are accepted year-round. While the coursework for the program is fully online, students will complete either a one-semester on-site student teaching placement or a one-year paid internship. Both of these culminating experience options will be supervised by SFASU faculty. The average annual financial aid package from SFASU is $12,677 per student.

2. Emporia State University

Overview

Past President of Columbia University’s Teachers College Arthur Levine described the teacher preparation programs of Emporia State University as “a Camelot for teacher education.” The online graduate education programs at Emporia State have been ranked 40th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. These award-winning, highly respected programs provide an outstanding way for educators to advance their teaching practice.

Program Features

The Master of Education in Teaching is designed for certified teachers, library and media specialists, and school counselors. The program does not lead to initial teaching licensure, nor does it lead to an add-on endorsement. This degree track requires 36 credit hours in courses such as:

Classroom Management Through Positive Reinforcement
Collaboration and Strategies for Inclusive Secondary Settings
Advanced Educational Psychology for Teachers and Administrators
Beliefs, Values, and Issues in Educational Practices

Notables

Students may take up to seven years to complete the M.Ed. in Teaching program. To graduate with this degree, students must successfully complete a comprehensive exam in one of their two final semesters. Emporia State also offers fully online degree programs leading to an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, in Educational Administration, and in Instructional Design and Technology.

3. Clemson University

Overview

Established in 1889, Clemson University has garnered widespread recognition for innovative research and real-world impact. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university number 10 nationwide for online graduate education programs. Clemson’s Master of Education in Teaching and Learning degree offers a flexible, engaging curriculum for educators who work in both formal and informal settings.

Program Features

The online M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning is designed to be completed in 18 months. The program is intended for current K-12 educators to advance their existing professional skills and knowledge. Candidates in the program may choose from three available specializations: STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, or Instructional Coaching. Required courses in the pedagogical core for all three specialization tracks include:

Curriculum Theory
Contemporary Issues in Assessment
Classroom-Based Research
Cultural Diversity in Education

Notables

Courses taught in the fall and spring last seven and a half weeks, while summer courses last five weeks and are typically taken one at a time. The program is cohort-based, and new cohorts begin each summer. The cost for the online M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning program is $428 per credit hour as of the 2017-2018 school year.

4. Michigan State University

Overview

Michigan State University is a member institution of the elite Association of American Universities, which includes just 60 colleges in the United States. The university is known for exceptional research opportunities, high levels of student engagement, and exemplary affordability. The Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) at Michigan State is well suited for beginning, experienced, and international teachers.

Program Features

Students in the MATC program will choose at least one concentration. Options for concentrations include Educational Technology, Educational Psychology, K-12 Educational Administration, Literacy and Language Instruction, Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Teaching and Learning, Science and Mathematics Education, and English Language Learners/English as a Second Language. All of these concentrations require students to earn nine credit hours from an approved list of electives. Core curriculum for all students in the MATC track includes:

Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning
Professional Roles and Teaching Practice
Curriculum Design, Development, and Deliberation in Schools
Curriculum in its Social Context

Notables

The MATC program at Michigan State does not include a written thesis. However, students will be required to complete a synthesis paper and professional portfolio to meet the university’s requirement for a final evaluation. The student-faculty ratio within the MATC program is 20:1.

5. Western Governors University

Overview

In seven out of the last 10 years, the Distance Learning Association has recognized Western Governors University for its leadership in online learning. The university has extremely high rates of satisfaction among both students and employers of WGU graduates. Students at WGU can choose from a number of fully online M.A.T. degree tracks, all providing flexibility, convenience, and affordability.

Program Features

Candidates may pursue an M.A.T. in English, Elementary Education, Mathematics (grades 5 through 9 or grades 5 through 12), or Science (grades 5 through 12). All of these are licensure programs leading to initial certification. For the Elementary Education M.A.T. track, required coursework includes:

Fundamentals of Diversity, Inclusion, and Exceptional Learners
Classroom Management, Engagement, and Motivation
Instructional Planning and Presentation in Elementary Education
Psychology for Educators

Notables

Online options for licensed teachers include an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, an M.Ed. in Instructional Design, and an M.A. in English Language Learning (PreK—12). Tuition at WGU is charged at a flat rate per term regardless of the number of credits taken. As of 2017, the cost for a six-month term is $3,190. With this tuition model, students are better able to control the time and cost of earning their degree.

6. Columbia College

Overview

Founded in 1851 as a two-year women’s college with ties to the Disciples of Christ, Columbia College has evolved into a coeducational, nonsectarian institution that provides a welcoming atmosphere for all students. CC operates a main campus in Columbia, Missouri and 35 regional campus locations nationwide. Between these campuses and extensive online programs, Columbia enrolls a total of 29,000 students. The online Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to help students become leaders in learning communities.

Program Features

Columbia’s M.A.T. is a 36-credit hour program that leads to initial teacher certification. Twenty-one of the required credit hours will be earned in core coursework. The remaining 15 credit hours will be earned through elective courses. Columbia offers a wide variety of electives in the M.A.T. track, including courses such as:

Language, Literature, and the Creative Arts for Elementary and Middle Schools
Perspectives on Families, Community, and Political Involvement in Public Schools
Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Language Acquisition and Emergent Literacy Theory and Techniques

Notables

Students in the Columbia area who already hold their teaching license can pursue Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education, Gifted Education, and Reading Specialist add-on certificates through on-campus programs. The current tuition rate for the online M.A.T. is $415 per credit hour.

7. Bowling Green State University

Overview

The main campus of Bowling Green State University is in Bowling Green, Ohio, roughly 30 minutes south of Toledo. Business Insider ranked BGSU the most affordable top-quality college in Ohio. The Curriculum and Teaching master’s degree program is designed to help graduates meet the highest standards of teaching in Ohio and nationally.

Program Features

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching requires 11 courses for a total of 34 credit hours. The program is designed for practicing educators to transition into becoming a Master Teacher or Nationally Board Certified teacher. Students can complete the program in 18 months. Core coursework for this degree track includes:

Curriculum Inquiry
Curriculum Issues and Trends
Classroom Technology for Teachers
Advanced Pedagogy and Best Practices

Notables

Classes are eight weeks long, and six different start dates are available throughout the year. The curriculum for the M.Ed. is based on the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. M.Ed. candidates can pursue a number of certificates and endorsements, including Early Childhood Generalist Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Computer Technology Endorsement, and numerous others. Tuition for the program, as of 2017, is approximately $14,700.

8. University of Maryland University College

Overview

The University of Maryland University College has earned numerous distinctions as one of the best schools in the country for adults returning to school, military members and veterans, and other nontraditional college students. The flexibility and affordability of UMUC’s online programs offer opportunities for educators at any stage of their academic or professional career. The Master of Arts in Teaching provides an avenue for teaching certification in a variety of content areas.

Program Features

The online M.A.T. from UMUC requires 30 credit hours, up to six of which may be transferred in from a qualifying institution. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 at all times throughout the program. Core coursework for the M.A.T. degree track includes:

Foundations of Teaching for Learning
Adolescent Development and Learning Needs
Reading and Multiple Literacies
Subject Methods and Assessment

Notables

Certification tracks are available for teaching Earth/space science, physics, English, mathematics, history, social studies, chemistry, biology, computer science, Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin Chinese at the high school level. All of the coursework for the program is offered online, but each class will require one or more on-site components. Students in the program will complete a full-time, 17-week student teaching placement at an approved secondary school.

9. Northern Arizona University

Overview

Located in the scenic college town of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University offers professional education programs that were the first in the state to earn accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The diverse education programs at NAU include a highly acclaimed, fully online Master of Education in Elementary Education. Additional degree paths are available for early childhood and secondary education.

Program Features

NAU’s M.Ed. in Elementary Education offers three available areas of emphasis: Continuing Professional, Elementary National Board Preparation, and Reading K-8. Depending on the emphasis area that a student chooses, a thesis and oral defense may be mandatory or offered as an option. A minimum of 30 credit hours is required to complete the program. The core curriculum for the degree is flexible, with optional courses such as:

Educational Psychology Applied to Learning
Foundations of Education Law
Educational Sociology
Cultural Foundations of Education

Notables

The M.Ed. program is designed for current educators and does not lead to initial teacher licensure. NAU also offers fully online graduate programs in Educational Leadership, Educational Technology, ESL and Bilingual Education, Special Education, and more. Recently, NAU was recognized as one of six highly influential universities in American Indian and Alaska Native education.

10. Colorado State University-Global Campus

Overview

Colorado State University-Global Campus was created in 2007 by the Colorado State University System Board of Governors. It was the first independent, entirely online state university in the United States. For the past decade, CSU-Global has continued to build its reputation as a trailblazer in distance education. Through the Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from CSU-Global, students will hone their leadership abilities and elevate their knowledge of best and emerging practices in teaching.

Program Features

The curriculum for the Teaching and Learning program is extremely flexible and offers an array of specialization options. Students may choose a concentration in English Language Learning, Applied Business Management, K-12 Education Technology and Instructional Design, Strategic Innovation and Change Management, Teacher Leadership, and much more. Candidates in the program will complete required courses such as:

Learning Theories and Models of Instruction
Social, Ethical, and Legal Issues in 21st-Century Learning
Theory and Practice in Backward Design
Cultural Responsiveness in the Differentiated Classroom

Notables

The faculty members for the education programs at CSU-Global are specially trained to teach remotely, ensuring that these instructors are highly qualified and effective in serving online students. The M.S. program is intended for practicing teachers and does not lead to licensure or endorsement.

11. Southwestern College Professional Studies

Overview

Renowned for small class sizes and personalized learning paths, Southwestern College Professional Studies provides relevant, career-centric degree programs in business, ministry, and education. Students at Southwestern College thrive on one-on-one attention from faculty members and academic success coaches. Southwestern’s graduate students may pursue a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, in Special Education, or in Teaching.

Program Features

Students with a bachelor’s degree in a certifiable area (such as mathematics, English, drama, etc.) can earn 6-12 licensure through the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Students who earned their bachelor’s degree in music or physical education can earn P-12 licensure through this program. The M.A.T. does not offer licensure tracks for elementary or early childhood education. Required coursework includes:

Classroom Management
Race, Class, and Power in Schools
Education Foundations
Teaching Methods

Notables

The degree programs at Southwestern College are designed with working professionals in mind. Unlike many other institutions, Southwestern College allows students to sit out one or more sessions as needed and resume their degree path when their work or family schedule allows. The majority of graduate-level courses are six weeks long. Students who take one class each session will earn their M.A.T. degree in just over two years.

12. The University of Louisiana Monroe

Overview

Located on the picturesque Ouachita River, the University of Louisiana Monroe is an intellectual and cultural hub in the northeast region of Louisiana. eULM, the distance learning branch of the University of Louisiana Monroe, offers over 30 fully online degrees. A number of Master of Arts in Teaching tracks are available through eULM, ensuring that students can find a degree program that matches their career goals.

Program Features

The M.A.T. from eULM offers certification for Elementary Education (grades 1 through 5) and Secondary Education (grades 6 through 12). Both of these programs are available as dual certification tracks that include licensure in special education (Mild/Moderate Disabilities). These programs require between 36 and 45 credit hours to complete. Requirements for the Elementary Education track include courses such as:

Assessment Principles and Practice for All Learners
Educational Techniques for Diverse Learners in Inclusive Classrooms
Health and Physical Education Program Development
Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties

Notables

For students in fully online programs, there is no out-of-state fee, so all distance learning students will pay the same tuition regardless of state residency. Online courses through eULM are taught in four-, eight-, or 16-week formats. Certification programs will require a six-credit hour internship experience.

13. Brandman University

Overview

Brandman University was founded in 1958 to address the specific needs, challenges, and strengths of adult learners. Today, that mission is reflected through an assortment of highly respected undergraduate and graduate degrees, which are available both through distance learning programs and through the university’s 25-plus campus locations. These degree tracks offer engaging, interactive coursework and highly practical learning outcomes. Brandman’s teacher preparation programs will empower students to utilize assessment data to inform their practice and to differentiate their instruction to reach all learners.

Program Features

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Brandman is available as both a Secondary Education track with Single Credential and as an Elementary Education track with Multiple-Subject Credential. Both of these programs are available in either a fully online or hybrid (blended) format. Candidates for the M.A.T. will take courses such as:

Collaboration for Inclusive Schooling
Seminar in Curriculum Studies
Research and Evaluation Methods
The Teacher as Scholarly Practitioner

Notables

Both the Elementary Education and Secondary Education program require the development of an action research proposal. This proposal will address an educational challenge that the student has faced in their personal practice. The estimated cost per credit for the M.A.T. program is $640.

14. San Diego State University

Overview

San Diego State University was founded in 1897. The vibrant community of high caliber students and distinguished faculty members has earned SDSU a reputation for excellence in research and scholarship. In U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of America’s Best Colleges, SDSU earned a slot among the top 70 public universities nationwide. The celebrated Master of Arts in Teaching from SDSU incorporates problem-based learning and issues-centered curriculum.

Program Features

Graduate students can enroll in the M.A.T. program for either Elementary Education or Secondary Education. Candidates must already hold a valid teaching credential to apply to the program. Working educators with a full-time job can earn the degree within one year. Foundational courses for the M.A.T. program will cover topics such as:

Innovative curriculum development
Measuring student achievement
Inclusion in the classroom
Research-based pedagogy

Notables

For California residents, the total cost of the M.A.T. program is less than $10,000. Recently, for the fifth consecutive year, SDSU won an INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. This distinction recognizes schools that have shown an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

15. University of San Diego

Overview

U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of San Diego among the top 100 national universities. The Carnegie Foundation has also recognized USD as a Community Engagement Institution, and the university has been designated as an Ashoka Changemaker Campus. This Catholic-affiliated university offers a number of innovative, fully online graduate programs in law enforcement, healthcare informatics, cybersecurity, and teacher education.

Program Features

The M.Ed. degree from USD is intended for experienced, licensed educators to become designers of learning. The program requires a total of 30 credit hours and is designed to be completed in 20 months. Specialization tracks are available in STEAM, Inclusive Learning: Special Education and Universal Design, Literacy and Digital Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, and School Leadership. Core courses for all of these specializations include:

Social Justice and Educational Equity
Cognition and Learning
Educational Research Methodology
Qualitative Methods in Educational Research

Notables

Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 and a minimum of two years of experience in teaching (however, a teaching credential is not required). A personal phone interview is also necessary, while a GRE score is optional. The cost per credit hour for the M.A.T. program is $710.

16. Quinnipiac University

Overview

Quinnipiac University is home to a college of arts and sciences and eight professional schools. According to a ranking from the Economist and the Brookings Institution that assessed the value of education, the university ranks in the top 13 percent of four-year colleges nationwide. Quinnipiac operates three campuses in the corridor between Boston and New York. Meanwhile, the Quinnipiac Online programs offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees for students all over the nation. These distinguished programs include a renowned Master of Science in Teacher Leadership.

Program Features

Quinnipiac’s M.S. in Teacher Leadership offers a Literacy Leadership Track, a Mathematics Leadership Track, and a Program Improvement Leadership Track. The program is designed for current teachers and does not lead to initial licensure. The degree includes a 21-credit hour core, featuring classes such as:

Teacher Leadership to Transform School Culture
Leading the Instructional Program to Improve Student Learning
Research-based Literacy Practices
Diversity in the Classroom and School Community

Notables

Students will access course material, submit assignments, and interact with faculty and peers through the learning management system Blackboard. Classes are typically asynchronous, so students can work through assignments at a pace that fits their schedule. Quinnipiac Online also offers a fully online Master of Science in Instructional Design and a Master of Science in Special Education.

17. West Texas A&M University

Overview

Serving the West Texas region and the Panhandle, West Texas A&M University is a highly respected institution offering an excellent return on investment for students. WTAMU enrolls over 10,000 students pursuing 59 undergraduate degrees, 38 master’s degrees, and one doctoral degree. The 2,500 graduate students of WTAMU can choose from a number of outstanding online and hybrid degree programs in business, finance, nursing, and teacher preparation.

Program Features

West Texas A&M provides an M.A.T. program that is offered in a hybrid format. Multiple subject certifications are available in early childhood through grade 6 and early childhood through grade 12 special education. Candidates may also earn certification to teach specific content areas for grades 4 through 8, 6 through 12, 7 through 12, or early childhood through 12. For the early childhood through grade 6 certification, required coursework includes:

Theories and Practice in Classroom Management
Reading Skills Instruction
Foundations and Psychological Principles of Education
Curriculum and the Young Child

Notables

For this program, the required practicum experience must be completed in Texas. Candidates can earn full teaching certification within one year of beginning their degree track. To qualify for the M.A.T. program, students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 (either cumulatively or in the last 60 hours of coursework).

18. New York Institute of Technology

Overview

In its list of the Best Regional Universities in the North, U.S. News & World Report ranked the New York Institute of Technology number 32. The online graduate education programs have been recognized as some of the best in the entire nation. The Master of Arts in Teaching from NYIT is a technology-infused, intensive path to initial teacher certification for grades 7 through 12.

Program Features

The M.A.T. program in Adolescent Education offers certification in mathematics, English, social studies, biology, chemistry, or physics. The program is available for both full-time and part-time students, and in online, in-person, and blended formats. To earn the M.A.T., students will complete a total of 30 credit hours. Coursework includes:

Curriculum Design and Development
Theory and Practice of Literacy Instruction
Human Growth, Development, and Learning for Middle Childhood and Adolescence Education
Methods and Materials for Middle and Secondary Education

Notables

To qualify for the program, students must have earned a Bachelor of Science in English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, or Social Studies. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Candidates with a lower GPA may be considered for admission in specific circumstances. NYIT also offers an M.S. in Early Childhood Education and in Childhood Education.

19. Nova Southeastern University

Overview

In 2018 rankings, Nova Southeastern University was featured among the top 200 national universities. Located in Davie, Florida, the main campus of Nova Southeastern is minutes away from Ft. Lauderdale and South Beach. As a private nonprofit university, Nova offers over 60 master’s degree programs in counseling, business, healthcare, and education. The Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology (CIT) program from Nova is ideal for current educators and administrators, as well as students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who are seeking a transition into education.

Program Features

The online CIT program (which culminates in a Master of Science in Education) may or may not lead to certification, depending on the regulations of an individual student’s state department of education. The courses for the CIT program last eight weeks, with two eight-week terms in each semester. Candidates will earn 36 credit hours for the CIT degree through courses such as:

Research in Education: Process and Application
Technology and the School Curriculum
Internet for Educators
Introduction to Web Authoring

Notables

The CIT degree track can be completed in one to two years. All candidates for the CIT program will complete the Special Topics course sequence. In this sequence, students will analyze and synthesize their learning experience through research, evaluation, and practical application. This is the culminating experience for the program.

20. East Carolina University

Overview

East Carolina University is a regional leader in outstanding undergraduate and graduate education. Over 70 master’s degrees are available at ECU, ranging from communication and fine art to engineering and technology. The College of Education offers a number of graduate programs both on-campus and online, including an M.A.Ed. in Mathematics Education, an M.A. in Science Education, and an M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

Program Features

The online M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction requires 39 credit hours. The program is designed for licensed educators. Concentrations are available in English Education (ENED), leading to 9-12 English Education advanced licensure, and History/Social Studies Education (HIED), leading to 9-12 Social Studies advanced licensure. Core curriculum for both specialization tracks includes:

Understanding and Engaging in Educational Research
Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
Addressing Differences in Human Learning in Schools
Leadership and Communication Skills in Education

Notables

Students may enroll in the Curriculum and Instruction program on a full-time or part-time basis. While East Carolina University does offer an M.A.T. program for Elementary, Middle Grades, High School, and Special Education, these degrees are only available to on-campus students. The M.A.T. tracks lead to initial teacher licensure.

21. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Overview

For the eighth consecutive year, the University of Alabama at Birmingham was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, a distinction awarded for outstanding commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. The culture of service and real-world impact carries through UAB’s 53 bachelor’s, 56 master’s, and 38 doctoral degrees. U.S. News & World Report ranked UAB’s School of Education number 29 in the nation for its online graduate programs.

Program Features

Online master’s degree tracks leading to initial certification are available in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education. All of these degree programs require between 31 and 34 credit hours. The dual certification Early Childhood/Elementary Education track leads to licensure for preschool through grade 6. Required coursework for this program includes:

Curriculum and Teaching in Cultural and Familial Contexts
Collaborative Learning Spaces: Deliberation and Development
Classroom Applications of Constructivist Theory
Assistive and Instructional Technology

Notables

The UAB Early Childhood and Elementary Education program incorporates coursework in child development, developmental reading, primary math methods, teaching pedagogy, classroom management, and other skills that are critical to the 21st-century teacher. A variety of master’s degree programs leading to certification in secondary education are available through on-campus or hybrid (blended) programs.

22. North Carolina State University—Raleigh

Overview

A member institution of the University of North Carolina system, North Carolina State University has offered outstanding academic programs for 130 years. In the most recent rankings of public universities by U.S. News & World Report, NC State came in 33rd. NC State offers nine different tracks within its Master of Arts in Teaching program, including tracks for Special Education, English as a Second Language, and Elementary Education. Tracks for numerous content areas for Middle Grades and Secondary Education are also available.

Program Features

All tracks within the M.A.T. program lead to both a master’s degree and initial teaching certification. These programs feature a strong focus on social justice, child-centered pedagogy, and reflective practice. Core coursework for the M.A.T. in Elementary Education includes:

Principles of Developing and Interpreting Assessment
Exploring Diversity in Classroom and Community
Inquiry and Professional Development
Organization and Behavioral Management of Inclusive Classrooms

Notables

The M.A.T. programs are offered in a hybrid format, with up to 25 percent of the credit hours requiring face-to-face classes on the Raleigh campus. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months. Applicants to the program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above do not need to submit GRE scores.

23. William Carey University

Overview

With strong roots in the Southern Baptist Convention and the Mississippi Baptist Convention, William Carey University offers an environment for students to grow in their professional knowledge and in their faith. Originally the Mississippi Woman’s College, the university was renamed in 1954 when it became a coeducational institution. The online programs from William Carey foster a vibrant community of learners. Fully online degree programs are available in nursing, music and ministry studies, natural and behavioral sciences, and education.

Program Features

The Master of Education degree from William Carey is available with concentrations in art education, elementary, secondary, biology, English, gifted, mathematics, mild/moderate disabilities, social science, and emotional and behavioral disorders. All of these concentrations require 30 credit hours. All M.Ed. students will take the Teacher as Researcher course, the Historical/Philosophical Foundations of Education course, and the Curricula Planning course. Additional requirements for the Secondary Education concentration include:

Technology in Education
Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
Secondary Methods
Survey of the Exceptional Child

Notables

With supplemental coursework beyond the required 30 credit hours, students can seek additional endorsements in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Severe/Profound Disabled, Reading, Gifted, and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. William Carey also offers fully online programs leading to an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

24. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Overview

Chartered in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was one of the first universities west of the Mississippi to grant doctoral degrees. It has continued to build on its reputation as a leader in higher education for more than 145 years. This long history of innovation has made UNL a top choice for students seeking a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

Program Features

The UNL Department of Mathematics offers an M.A.T. in Mathematics, which is designed for teachers of grades 7 through 12. Elementary or middle school teachers can customize their degree path with an available concentration in the Teaching of Middle-Level Mathematics. Many students in the M.A.T. program add a minor in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (TLTE). Coursework for the M.A.T. program with TLTE minor may include:

Teaching with Technology
Integrating Math Learning and Teaching
Integrating Geometry Learning and Teaching
Reasoning and Sense Making

Notables

Students seeking initial teacher certification can pursue an on-campus program which leads to a Master of Arts with an emphasis on mathematics teaching (MAmt). Emphases in other content areas are also available through the on-campus M.A. program. UNL has been recognized by both the Fiske Guide to Colleges and Kiplinger’s for outstanding value and affordability.

25. University of Cincinnati

Overview

Deemed a “research heavyweight” by the Chronicle of Higher Education, the University of Cincinnati is a top-tier national university known for diversity and student engagement. The online graduate programs at the University of Cincinnati have been ranked among the best in the nation. Specifically, the teacher education degree programs came in at number 43 in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Program Features

Four different tracks are available within the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program. Options include Middle Childhood Education, M.Ed. + Licensure; Secondary Education, M.Ed. + Licensure; Teaching and Learning: General Studies; and Medical Education. The program is offered in-person through the main campus in Cincinnati and on numerous regional campuses as well as fully online. Required coursework for the Curriculum and Instruction degree includes:

Educational Research for Masters Students
Curriculum and Instruction: Theories and Trends
The Role of Teachers in a Democratic Society
Teaching and Learning in Diverse Classrooms

Notables

Through the Curriculum and Instruction program, students can pursue additional certificates and endorsements in Gifted Education and STEM Teaching and Learning. The University of Cincinnati also offers fully online graduate programs in Educational Leadership; Instructional Design and Technology: Teaching Specialization; Literacy and Second Language Studies; and Special Education.

26. Western Kentucky University

Overview

Western Kentucky University was founded in 1906 by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Today, WKU is a leading university in the Southern region. The main campus of WKU is in Bowling Green, and the university also operates regional campuses in Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, Glasgow, and Owensboro. WKU’s award-winning distance learning division offers a number of programs leading to M.A.T. degrees and M.A.Ed. degrees in a variety of specializations.

Program Features

WKU offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education, Learning, and Behavior Disorders. The program leads to initial teacher certification for preschool through grade 12. The program requires 36 total credit hours. Required coursework includes:

Survey of Educational Technology Practices
Advanced Educational Psychology
Advanced Assessment Techniques
Research in Exceptional Child Education

Notables

The M.A.Ed. programs from WKU require a valid teaching certification prior to admission. Specializations are available in Biology Education for Secondary Teachers, Elementary Education, Gifted Education and Talent Development, Literacy Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Numerous endorsements are available within the M.A.Ed. in Elementary Education and within other specializations. U.S. News & World Report ranked Western Kentucky University 35th in the nation in a ranking of the top Online Graduate Education Programs.

27. Central Michigan University

Overview

With a total enrollment of over 26,000 students, Central Michigan University is an outstanding example of a public research institution. The main campus is located on 480 acres in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. CMU is well known for a broad array of academic opportunities, generous financial aid, and strong ties to the surrounding region. CMU has more teacher education alumni than any other college or university in the state of Michigan.

Program Features

The MA. in Education for Curriculum and Instruction degree requires 33 credit hours. The program is designed for practicing teachers and does not provide initial certification, although it does offer opportunities for professional advancement. Once accepted, students will choose an emphasis in either Instruction, Mathematics, or Reading. All candidates for the M.A. in Education will complete the following courses:

Advanced Technology in Education
Methods of Educational Research
Applied Educational Measurement and Evaluation
Theory and Practice in Curriculum Development

Notables

The Master of Arts in Education from CMU is available both online and through face-to-face instruction. As of the 2017-2018 school year, the cost for the M.A. in Education program is $575 per credit hour. This program does not require students to submit a GRE score.

28. California State University, Fullerton

Overview

California State University, Fullerton has a total enrollment of over 40,000 students, including international students from 86 nations around the world. Cal State Fullerton offers 57 undergraduate and 52 graduate degrees, many of which have earned regional and national distinction for academic excellence. Cal State Fullerton provides a full complement of cutting-edge master’s degree and certification options for students of education.

Program Features

Online teacher preparation programs are available for Elementary and Bilingual Education (kindergarten through grade 6), Secondary Education (grades 7 through 12), and Special Education. The Elementary and Bilingual Ed degree is available as both a certification track for pre-service teachers and for current teachers to advance their pedagogical knowledge. Graduate-level coursework in the Elementary and Bilingual Education department includes:

Issues in the Instructional Design of Software for Use in Schools
Multimedia Development and Instruction in the Classroom
Current Issues and Problems in Bilingual-Bicultural Education
Culture and Education of Latino Students

Notables

Additional fully online graduate programs are available in Instructional Design and Technology and in Literacy and Reading Education. Cal State Fullerton awards more teaching credentials than any other public university in the state of California. U.S. News & World Report named Cal State Fullerton to its list of the top 25 Most Innovative Schools in the nation.

29. Pittsburg State University

Overview

Home to over 100 academic programs across the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Technology, Pittsburg State University is an anchor institution of the Midwest. The university’s main campus is located in the southeast corner of Kansas, within two hours of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri; and Fayetteville, Arkansas. In addition to its renowned on-campus programs, PSU also offers 47 fully online programs, including an acclaimed Master of Arts in Teaching.

Program Features

The PSU Master of Arts in Teaching is available for Secondary Education and Special Education. The Secondary Education track does not lead to initial teaching licensure. The Special Education track, however, does culminate in High-Incidence Special Education certification for grades 6 through 12. The Special Education program is a 36-credit hour track that takes two years to complete. Candidates will take courses such as:

Characteristics of Adaptive Learners
Behavioral Analysis and Management
Assessment in Special Education
Teach Secondary Students in an Adaptive Setting

Notables

The Special Education track within the M.A.T. program was ranked 47th in the country among the Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report. To be eligible for the program, students must have at least one year of experience working with secondary students who have high-incidence learning needs.

30. University of Colorado Denver

Overview

The University of Colorado Denver is one of the four campuses of the CU System. CU Denver, like its sister campuses, is well known as a driver of intellectual growth and economic prosperity throughout the state. The fully online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is committed to the university-wide mission of empowering graduates to become catalysts of positive change in their communities.

Program Features

The M.A. in Early Childhood Education offers three concentrations: Administration and Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, and Teaching and Learning. The program also offers an optional Early Childhood Special Education Specialist License. For the Teaching and Learning concentration, available coursework includes:

Working with Families and Communities
Language and Literacy in Young Children
Development and Education of Infants and Toddlers
Screening and Assessment of Young Children

Notables

The coursework for the M.A. in Early Childhood Education is fully online. However, every June, students are required to attend a three- to five-day summer seminar in Denver. The average class size for this program is between 25 and 30 students. The majority of M.A. students take between one and three classes each semester. Most courses for the Early Childhood Education track are offered only once per calendar year.

31. University of Pittsburgh

Overview

The University of Pittsburgh has been a leader in teacher education for over a century. Pitt, as the university is affectionately known, was featured in the 2017 edition of “The Best 381 Colleges” by the Princeton Review. This publication highlights the top 15 percent of colleges in the nation. The diverse academic opportunities at Pitt include options for both elementary and secondary educators to elevate their teaching practice.

Program Features

The School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh offers four distinguished online programs leading to a Master of Education degree. Available programs include Elementary Education, English and Communications, Mathematics Education, and Secondary Social Studies Education. These programs do not lead to initial licensure. The M.Ed. in Elementary Education is a 36-credit hour program, with available courses such as:

Psychology Of Learning And Development For Education
Inclusive Setting Classroom Management Strategies
Assessment And Accountability Policy For Educators
Theory And Practice In Teaching New Media And Literacies

Notables

Students who earned their teaching credential from the University of Pittsburgh can transfer up to 18 credits from their certification program into the master’s degree program. These students will then only need to complete another 18 credits to earn the Master of Education.

32. University of Arkansas

Overview

The University of Arkansas is the flagship institution of the University of Arkansas System. The main campus is located in Fayetteville, overlooking the Ozark Mountains. The 27,000 students who attend the U of A can pursue more than 210 academic programs, including an acclaimed Master of Arts in Teaching.

Program Features

Through U of A Online, students can pursue an M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics. The program is designed to help high school teachers develop their skills and confidence to teach any math or statistics course at the secondary level, from introductory algebra to AP calculus. The degree track includes 30 total credit hours and features a number of flexible options to fulfill the core requirements. Recommended courses for this program include:

Curriculum Development
Instructional Theory
Content Specific Pedagogy
Analysis of Teacher Education

Notables

The online M.A.T. degree does not require applicants to submit a GRE score. In addition to the M.A.T., the U of A also offers fully online Master of Education degrees in Adult and Lifelong Learning, Educational Leadership, Physical Education, Educational Technology, and more. As of 2017, the estimated tuition cost for the online M.A.T. is $420.19 per credit hour.

33. Valley City State University

Overview

One of the 11 members of the North Dakota University System, Valley City State University serves roughly 1,400 students. For 20 years running, VCSU has been recognized as one of America’s best colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The university was founded in 1890 as a teacher’s college, and it remains strongly committed to providing exceptionally effective teacher preparation programs.

Program Features

The Master of Arts in Teaching from VCSU is designed for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than teaching. Once accepted, candidates can begin teaching while they are still pursuing their master’s degree. This online program requires 33 credit hours, a student teaching experience, a research report, and the presentation of a comprehensive portfolio. Coursework within the M.A.T. track includes:

Human Development and Learning Needs
Issues in School, Community, and Family
Supervision and Assessment of Teachers and Learners
Teaching with 21st-Century Tools

Notables

VCSU offers a number of scholarship opportunities for students in a teacher education program. Ten awards of $500 each are available to first-year North Dakota students in the M.A.T. track. A fully online Master of Education is available for practicing teachers. Six concentrations are offered within the M.Ed. track.

34. Western Carolina University

Overview

Located near both the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western Carolina University has a scenic setting for its award-winning academic opportunities. Regardless of whether students attend WCU on-campus or online, they’ll work with dedicated and distinguished faculty members in regionally acclaimed programs. Online education options are available both for pre-service teachers to seek licensure and for current educators to advance their skills.

Program Features

Western Carolina offers an online M.A.T. in Special Education that leads to certification for kindergarten through grade 12. Students can choose between concentrations in Adapted Curriculum and General Curriculum. Both concentrations require 42 credit hours. For the Adapted Curriculum concentration, required coursework includes the following:

Foundations of Teacher Leadership in a Diverse Society
Physical Care and Management of Students with Severe/Profound Disabilities
Evidence-Based Methods for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Assessment and Functional Skill Instruction in the Adapted Curriculum

Notables

Numerous other tracks for the M.A.T. are available on campus. Students at WCU who already hold a teaching credential may pursue an M.A.Ed. in Comprehensive Education through a fully online program. The College of Education and Allied Professions, which awards the M.A.T., has full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP, formerly NCATE).

35. Kansas State University

Overview

According to the Wall Street Journal, Kansas State University is 12th in the nation when it comes to improving students’ critical thinking skills. Money Magazine declared K-State the best university value in Kansas. The university offers more than 150 graduate degrees and certificates, including a number of teacher preparation programs that reflect K-State’s commitment to innovation, intellectual engagement, and affordability.

Program Features

The online Master of Arts in Teaching from Kansas State is a 31-credit hour program. After successfully completing the program, graduates will be qualified to teach kindergarten through grade 6. The degree track can be completed in 12 months. Candidates for the M.A.T. will complete coursework such as:

Social Foundations of Education
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Teaching Diverse Learners
Teaching Health, Movement, and Fine Arts

Notables

The M.A.T. program is cohort-based. New cohorts begin each May. All candidates for the M.A.T. degree will complete a Teaching and Learning Portfolio. Additionally, students will be required to complete a 12-week, full-time internship as their capstone experience. During this internship, students will gradually take on all responsibilities of the lead teacher. The estimated tuition cost for the M.A.T. degree is approximately $17,500.

36. Brenau University

Overview

Established in 1878, Brenau University is a unique and versatile institution. The university operates a residential Women’s College in Gainesville, Georgia; a number of coeducational campuses in Gainesville, Augusta, Norcross, Fairburn, and Jacksonville; and a series of fully online degree programs. Degrees available online include an Educational Specialist in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education in either Early Childhood Education or Middle Grades Education.

Program Features

The online M.Ed. program is open to candidates who already hold a valid teaching credential. Within the Middle Grades track, students will choose a primary and secondary concentration. Available options include math, science, language arts, and social studies. Both the Early Childhood Education track (which requires 34 credit hours) and the Middle Grades track (which requires 37 credit hours) begin with a Professional Development and Research core. Courses within this shared core include:

Computer Literacy in Education
Curriculum and Pedagogy in Multicultural Education
Contemporary Issues in Education
Methods of Educational Research

Notables

Both tracks within the M.Ed. feature a comprehensive examination as the capstone experience. Brenau has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring plenty of personalized attention for every student. Nearly 30 percent of Brenau students are enrolled through the online campus.

37. Campbellsville University

Overview

Campbellsville University is rooted in a philosophy of servant leadership and effective stewardship. A private Christian institution, Campbellsville offers a wealth of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a comprehensive array of disciplines. Campbellsville was ranked fourth in the state of Kentucky and 92nd nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs ranking.

Program Features

The online Master of Arts in Teaching from Campbellsville is available leading to initial teacher certification in secondary education for grades 8 through 12. Another M.A.T. program for certified teachers is available for grades 5 through 9. For the secondary education track, certification is available for English, math, biology, chemistry, and social studies. For the middle grades track, concentrations are available in English, math, science, and social studies. Both tracks share a common core of courses such as:

Human Growth and Development
Nature and Needs of Diverse Learners
Formative Assessment and Intervention
Effective Skills for Today’s Educators

Notables

Course material for both the middle grades track and the secondary education track is asynchronous, so students can work through their assignments whenever their schedule allows. The M.A.T. from Campbellsville requires between 30 and 36 credit hours. Most students complete the M.A.T. within 12 to 18 months.

38. Georgia Southern University

Overview

Renowned for affordability and military friendliness, Georgia Southern University is a comprehensive public institution of higher education. In addition to programs offered through the main campus in Statesboro, Georgia Southern’s distance learning programs provide outstanding value and career-oriented degree tracks to students all over the country. The online graduate education programs at Georgia Southern were ranked number 12 nationwide by SR Education Group.

Program Features

Georgia Southern’s M.A.T. offers six available concentrations, two of which are offered fully online. The distance learning tracks include Special Education (grades P-12) and Early Childhood Education. Both of these online tracks lead to initial teacher certification. Coursework within the M.A.T. for Special Education includes:

Assessment and Procedures in Special Education
Collaboration Across the Life Span
Language Development
Perspectives on Mild Disabilities

Notables

The Early Childhood Education track is a new program that began in the summer of 2017. The number of credit hours required to earn the M.A.T. is dependent on how many undergraduate credit hours the student has completed within the intended area of certification. Through a transcript evaluation, advisors and faculty members will help students craft a personalized degree path. Certified teachers may pursue a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction–Accomplished Teaching through a fully online program.

39. California University of Pennsylvania

Overview

California University of Pennsylvania is located in rural California Borough, about 35 miles from Pittsburgh. Known for exemplifying the warm community atmosphere of a mid-sized university, Cal U offers a suite of undergraduate, graduate, and degree completion programs both on campus and online. The teacher education tracks within the Global Online division of Cal U include outstanding options for certified educators and pre-service teachers alike.

Program Features

The online M.A.T. program offers initial certification in numerous content areas, including art, biology, chemistry, communications, Earth/space science, English, physics, mathematics, social studies, and Spanish. This track is intended for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in one of these certification areas to earn their license for teaching secondary education. Coursework within the M.A.T. initial certification track includes:

Standards-Based Instruction in 7-12 Education
Introduction to Behavior Analysis
Technology Integration in 7-12 Education
Supporting English Language Learners

Notables

Licensure candidates will complete field observation experiences each semester. The program also incorporates a full semester of student teaching. To be considered for regular admission, applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.8. Students with a lower GPA can apply for conditional admission. Cal U’s M.A.T. program is fully accredited by NCATE.

40. Mississippi State University

Overview

Established in 1878, Mississippi State University has been a driving force for innovation and social mobility for almost 140 years. Many of the distance learning programs offered to graduate students at Mississippi State have been ranked among the top programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The acclaimed Alternate Route for educators is a distance learning program that leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Program Features

This fully online M.A.T. program can lead to initial teacher licensure for grades 7 through 12 in biology, business, chemistry, English/languages arts, physics, social studies, and math. Certification for kindergarten through grade 12 is also available for art, French, music, physical education, and Spanish. Another program, the Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education (MATX), offers certification in kindergarten through grade 12. Core courses for the M.A.T. track include:

Integrating Technology for Learning
Special Education in the Regular Classroom
Principles of Effective Instruction
Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools

Notables

Mississippi State has a strong focus on teacher education and operates an initiative that encourages the state’s brightest students to become teachers. The teacher preparation program for high school students, developed by MSU’s Research and Curriculum Unit, serves as a national model for other institutions of higher learning.

41. University of West Georgia

Overview

Over 2,200 graduate students make their academic home at the University of West Georgia. UWG has earned a coveted spot on the Best Regional Colleges 2018 list published by the Princeton Review. The College of Education at UWG boasts an array of accolades for its programs in special education, library science, reading instruction, and more.

Program Features

The online Master of Arts in Teaching from UWG requires between 24 and 30 months to complete. The program culminates in licensure for grades 6 through 12 in biology, broad field science, business education, chemistry, economics, English, history, mathematics, physics, or political science. This degree track requires 33 credit hours (34 for the business education track). Available coursework for the M.A.T. includes:

Psychology of Classroom Learning
School Law, Policy, and Ethics
Curriculum for Educational Leaders
School and Classroom Assessment

Notables

While the education coursework for the M.A.T. is available primarily online, students are required to take two content courses within their intended area of licensure. These content courses may or may not be offered online. Classes that are not available in an online format are typically offered as evening or weekend classes, at a time that accommodates the schedules of working professionals.

42. Eastern Kentucky University

Overview

Eastern Kentucky University, often known simply as Eastern, has a main campus in Richmond. The university offers an array of liberal arts, pre-professional, and professional programs that are aimed at advancing the knowledge of individual students and supporting the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In 2015, EKU launched a graduate-level, initial licensure program for Elementary Education (P-5). This added to the already extensive certification options for the online M.A.T.

Program Features

Students of the online M.A.T. can pursue initial teacher licensure at any level, including early childhood, elementary, middle grades, and secondary education. Some coursework for the secondary and P-12 licensure tracks may be offered in a hybrid format, requiring limited attendance at the Richmond campus. Coursework for the Professional Education Core within the M.A.T. track includes:

Learners, Teachers, Schools, and Society
Curriculum and Instructional Design
Instructional Technology
Exceptional Learners in the Regular Classroom

Notables

Cohorts for the M.A.T. program begin in January and August of every year. All online students at EKU will pay the same tuition rate, regardless of state residency. The university offers a “Try Teaching” program, which allows students to spend one or two weeks in a K-12 classroom prior to enrolling as an M.A.T. candidate.

43. Liberty University

Overview

Liberty University is the largest Christian university in the world, and the largest private, nonprofit university in the country. Military students alone number more than 30,000. Altogether, the student body of Liberty is over 110,000 strong. While the main campus is in Lynchburg, Virginia, students all over the United States can take advantage of Liberty’s extensive fully online degree tracks in disciplines such as business, healthcare, technology, and teacher education.

Program Features

Licensure tracks are available for elementary, secondary, and special education through Liberty’s online M.A.T. program. The M.A.T. requires 36 credit hours, up to half of which may be transferred in from another institution. For the Middle Grades cognate, which leads to certification in grades 4 through 8, students will complete courses such as:

Young Adolescents, Schools, and Communities
Curriculum and Methods for the Middle School
Teaching Social Studies in the Middle School
Teaching Literacy in the Middle School

Notables

The M.A.T. program is considered “Online with Required Intensives.” This indicates that the majority of coursework can be completed online, while some requirements must be completed on campus in Lynchburg. Liberty’s teacher preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

44. University of the Cumberlands

Overview

Affordability and real-world learning outcomes are the hallmarks of the University of the Cumberlands. UC was founded in 1888 by a group of Baptist Ministers, and the university retains strong ties to the Kentucky Baptist Convention. UC’s online M.A.T. offers access to exceptional faculty, flexible curriculum, and abundant opportunities for field experience.

Program Features

Students may pursue licensure in elementary education (pre-kindergarten through grade 5), middle school (grades 5 through 9 in English, math, science, or social studies), secondary education (grades 8 through 12 in biology, chemistry, Earth science, English, math, physics, or social studies), all grades (pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in art, music, health, or physical education), business and marketing (grades 5 through 12), or special education (pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in learning and behavior disorders). Requirements for the online M.A.T. may include education courses such as:

Educational Technology
Research Methods in Education
Instructional Design and Curriculum
Classroom Management and Discipline

Notables

The majority of courses for the M.A.T. are based on an eight-week schedule. The classes for this degree program are synchronous, meaning that all students will log on at designated times. These classes meet one night a week from 8:00 to 9:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.

45. Lindenwood University

Overview

Located in St. Charles, Missouri, Lindenwood University serves a student body of over 15,500. Founded in 1827, Lindenwood has developed a reputation for entrepreneurship, innovation, and exceptional dedication to its students. As an institution firmly rooted in Judeo-Christian values, Lindenwood emphasizes the obligations and privileges of citizenship. The extensive School of Education at Lindenwood offers over 55 certification and degree programs, including a unique program that focuses on character education.

Program Features

Lindenwood offers a fully online Master of Arts in Education for Character Education. The 33-credit hour program is designed to provide practicing teachers with the skills to integrate character education into an existing curriculum. This distinctive teacher training program incorporates coursework such as:

Analysis of Teaching and Learning Behavior
Conceptualization of Education
Character Education Curriculum Design
Character Education Instructional Techniques

Notables

Candidates for the M.A.Ed. in Character Education will choose between a character education project and a character curriculum design course as their capstone experience. For residential students, additional graduate programs leading to initial licensure are available for a wide variety of content areas through the on-campus Master of Arts in Teaching program.

46. University of New Hampshire

Overview

In U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of public universities, the University of New Hampshire was named among the top 50 nationwide. With a significant educational, economic, and entrepreneurial impact in New Hampshire and throughout the region, UNH is an anchor institution of the Northeast. Online programs offer UNH’s highly respected degrees to students in any state. The Master of Education in Educational Studies is an outstanding example of the forward-thinking, student-focused academic programs at UNH.

Program Features

The M.Ed. in Educational Studies can be completed in as little as 14 months. The program is well-suited for both K-12 teachers as well as professionals working in other educational contexts, including those in the corporate world, in public policy institutes, and in state or federal departments of education. M.Ed. students will take four core courses and four electives. The four core courses include:

Introduction to Research Methods
Analysis of Teaching and Learning
Issues in Education
Educators as Researchers

Notables

While all coursework is offered online, local students have the option of taking their elective courses in a face-to-face format. Students may choose electives from a wide variety of options within or outside of the Education Department. Online electives are available on topics such as technology in education, legal issues in education, STEM education, and more.

47. North Carolina A&T State University

Overview

Founded in 1890 as a land-grant college, North Carolina A&T State University is now a thoroughly modern 21st-century institute of higher learning. A&T Online, working in close collaboration with the university’s academic colleges and departments, provides outstanding programs in technology, leadership studies, and teacher education. Personalized support and engaging, interactive coursework are some of the main draws for the M.A.T. program at NC A&T State.

Program Features

Housed in the acclaimed College of Education, the Master of Arts in Teaching has four available concentrations: Technology Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business Education, and Elementary Education. All of these concentrations lead to initial teaching licensure. For the Elementary Education concentration, required coursework includes:

Foundations in Reading
Research in the Elementary Classroom
Diversity Issues in K-12 Schools
Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs

Notables

The Elementary Education M.A.T. track is designed around two tiers. In the first tier, students complete all the requirements for initial certification. This tier includes a semester-long internship experience. The second tier is the “Advanced Masters Phase,” during which students will earn additional qualifications that may make them eligible for a salary increase. Applicants for the M.A.T. program must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.6.

48. Maranatha Baptist University

Overview

Maranatha Baptist University offers a strong commitment to outstanding academic rigor rooted in a fundamentally Baptist perspective. Built on strong ties to the local community and church, MBU now serves a diverse international community of roughly 1,400 students from 46 states and 20 countries. In addition to 31 undergraduate programs, Maranatha is also home to eight associate’s degree programs, a seminary, and two master’s degree programs: a Master of Organizational Leadership and a Master of Education in Teaching and Leading.

Program Features

Students have a number of flexible options for earning the M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning. The 32-credit hour program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Degree seekers may instead choose to take only one class per session and earn the degree over the span of two years. Core coursework for all students in the M.Ed. program includes:

History and Philosophy of Education
Student Learning and Motivation
Instructional Improvement Through Assessment
Exceptionality in Student Learning

Notables

MBU offers a Teaching and Leading Scholarship that is available to students who are pursuing the M.Ed. while employed full-time in Christian vocational ministry. This scholarship covers 60 percent of tuition, and brings the cost per credit hour down to $184. The M.Ed. program does not directly lead to initial licensure.

49. University of Delaware

Overview

Established in 1743, the University of Delaware is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country. The university enrolls over 23,000 students in a comprehensive suite of degree programs, ranging from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees. UD has been consistently recognized by both Kiplinger’s and the Princeton Review for academic excellence and manageable tuition rates. UD’s renowned Master of Education is available fully online and provides an emphasis on Teacher Leadership.

Program Features

The M.Ed. is designed for certified classroom teachers who are seeking a leadership position within their school or district. After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared to serve as a department chair, curriculum coordinator, teacher mentor, instructional coach, or community liaison. The program is designed to be completed in two years. Students will complete 10 three-credit courses, including classes such as:

The Role of Literacy Across the Content Areas
Data-Based Decision Making and Assessment
Foundational Skills in a Standards-Based Curriculum
Teacher Leadership in Education Policy

Notables

UD offers five terms throughout the calendar year, and students may begin the M.Ed. program in any term. All candidates for the program must be employed as a teacher when they enroll. Candidates may work in a public school, a private school, a preschool, a college or university, or a homeschool setting.

50. Webster University

Overview

Webster University prides itself on its globalized curriculum and diverse, inclusive network of students, faculty, and alumni. The students of Webster hail from all corners of the United States and from over 100 countries around the world. The unique degree offerings for online graduate students at Webster include a Master of Arts in Multimodal Literacy for Global Impact, in Special Education, in Teaching English as a Second Language, and in Education and Innovation.

Program Features

The online M.A. in Education and Innovation degree track offers an optional emphasis in Education for Global Sustainability and in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The program includes 15 credit hours in core courses and 15 credit hours in electives. Courses within the 15-credit hour core include:

Foundations of Global Citizenship
Curriculum: Creativity and Design
Multimedia Design for Innovative Learning
Research Designs for Education and Innovation

Notables

Relevant electives for M.A. candidates may include courses such as Restorative Justice: Learning Communities, Mindfulness, and Sustainability Leadership: Transitions and Change. Applicants to the program must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5. Students at Webster may also pursue a fully online Master of Educational Technology (M.E.T).