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Some kids come to the classroom environment with special gifts and talents that distinguish them from their peers. Much like any other aspect of child development, these gifts and talents do not manifest by themselves; appropriate nurturing and development takes a special set of circumstances in terms of the learning environment and support from educators and the child’s environment.
With Online Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education programs, teaching professionals can become adequately prepared to work in this specialized field of education effectively.
Additional Resources:
- Best Online Master’s in Education Grad Programs
- Best Master’s in Elementary Education Online
- Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Grad School Degrees
Overview
An online Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education is an ideal advanced degree for those who want to expand their career options in the field of teaching. Typically, this program involves working in educational settings to help students with gifted abilities realize their full potential and excel inside the classroom and beyond.
Beyond teaching, earning this degree also gives graduate students the opportunity to develop curriculum and policies for gifted children.
Methodology
Online Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education programs focus on equipping teachers with specialized skills for working with high-ability students. If you are interested in addressing learning challenges faced by gifted and talented children, this master’s degree is suitable for you!
You’ve come to the right place to start your advanced education! We’ve put together a list of graduate schools that offer the best Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education programs. Each of the graduate degrees on this list stands out with these characteristics:
- Offered online or as a hybrid program, it is ideal for licensed teachers who need to balance their coursework and career,
- Features curricula that cover major areas of Gifted and Talented Education, including fundamental principles, appropriate support techniques, curriculum development, and instructional design,
- Prepares students to sit for relevant licensure examinations wherever applicable,
- Taught by faculty who have extensive expertise in the field,
- Features competitive tuition and federal aid and other financial assistance or cost management options,
- Conforms to the most relevant educational standards for Gifted and Talented Education, evidenced by the appropriate academic accreditation.
Visit our Methodology page.
Best Online Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education Grad Schools
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR
Masters of Education in Gifted and Talented Education
Since 1927, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has consistently provided accessible and quality education through flexible learning and internship opportunities. Currently, it houses more than 9,000 students, training them to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields.
It offers academic programs in diverse and in-demand fields, including nursing, criminal justice, data entry, engineering, and education. One of its online programs is the Masters of Education in Gifted and Talented Education. This online master’s degree provides prospective students with specialized knowledge and competencies to provide an appropriate education for children and adolescents with gifts and talents.
- The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours of concentration and core courses.
- Students must also complete a practicum and internships in specialized programs.
- To get admitted into the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative average of at least 2.75.
Standout Features:
With a structured, developmental sequence curriculum, this master’s program allows students to work with an adviser to design a study plan that aligns with their specific needs and career goals. On top of their coursework, they can either complete a Comprehensive Examination, thesis, or National Board Certificate. It is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Did You Know?
At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, students have a wealth of opportunities to work alongside the faculty and put their knowledge to good use with the use of the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. The university is considered a regional leader when it comes to utilizing and teaching advanced technology in areas such as emerging analytics, information quality, and nanotechnology.
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Master of Education (M.Ed) in Curriculum & Instruction – Gifted Education
Arizona State University is a public research university with several statewide locations. It also operates several campuses and locations throughout the US and in other countries. It is one of the largest universities in the country, with over 145,000 students attending on-campus and online.
Arizona State University offers an M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Gifted Education. The program prepares students to assist and facilitate learning in gifted students across a variety of educational settings.
- The program is made up of 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
- The program’s classes each have around 7.5 weeks in length.
- The program’s concentration courses include Testing & Measurement in Gifted Education, Differential Instruction, Special Populations, Social & Emotional Needs, Creativity, and more.
Standout Features:
Its education graduate programs, including this one, consistently make the top tier of many rankings in terms of value and innovation. The 12-semester specialization hours allow you to apply for a teaching license in Arizona and other states and focus on gifted education from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Did You Know?
Arizona State University also offers an online MA in Special Education–Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as an online MA in Special Education-Applied Behavior Analysis. Likewise, Gifted Education is also offered as an online Graduate Certificate.
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Master of Arts in Educational Specialist in Special Education – Gifted and Talented P-12 Certification
The University of Alabama, the state’s flagship university, is a doctoral-level institution that set a new enrollment record of more than 39,000 students. But beyond its excellent reputation in research and teaching, UA is also known as a great party school. Students enrolled in their online programs will have equal opportunities as their on-campus peers to participate in any campus event for fun and networking.
The University of Alabama’s Master of Arts in Educational Specialist in Special Education offers an emphasis on Gifted and Talented P-12 certification that is fully available online. The program curriculum focuses on the experiences that lead to a better understanding of the special nature and needs of gifted and talented students. It also includes the application of a variety of instructional models and appropriate educational strategies.
- This is a 30-36 credit hour program that can be completed 100% online.
- Students will study topics like Educational Research, Psychology, and Diagnosis and Assessment of Exceptional Children and Youth.
- Students will develop skills necessary in the planning and implementation of differentiated educational programming.
- Eligible applicants must be educators who have earned a master’s degree and hold a valid master’s level teaching certificate.
Standout Features:
Seasoned field experts designed the program’s research-based curriculum to ensure students gain practical insights into the field. Students will learn from an experienced faculty with years of experience teaching gifted students.
Did You Know?
Students at the University of Alabama continue to win prestigious awards. Among them are Goldwater Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholars, and Boren Scholars.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Master of Science in Gifted Education
Johns Hopkins University is one of the most well-known universities worldwide. It thrives in a number of key fields, organized into 16 schools and institutes, with a population of over 30,500 students.
Johns Hopkins University offers an MS in Education with a concentration in Gifted Education, designed to prepare both educators and administrators in teaching and leadership roles that facilitate gifted education. The curriculum aligns with the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Teacher Preparation Standards.
- The program is online and is offered on a part-time enrollment basis.
- The program has 33 credit hours and typically ranges between 2 to 5 years to complete.
- Applicants must have a minimum of 27 months of teaching experience and must hold an initial teaching certificate.
Standout Features:
The program is offered under the well-renowned Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, a world-leading institution for gifted education. As an added measure of quality, the program meets the requirements for Gifted and Talented Education Specialist certification in the state of Maryland.
Did You Know?
Johns Hopkins University is named after its first benefactor. Johns Hopkins was an American entrepreneur and Quaker philanthropist who bequeathed $7 million to establish the university.
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO
Master of Education in Special Education
The University of Missouri continues to value groundbreaking research and comprehensive academic programs to this day. Currently, it offers more than 300 degree programs, including undergraduate majors, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates. It serves more than 31,000 students in the country and from over 100 countries worldwide.
The University of Missouri offers a Master of Education in Special Education to help graduate students see what gifted and talented students need from their learning experience.
- Students must complete 15 credit hours of gifted education courses and another 15 for core subjects.
- The courses will be asynchronous to ensure flexibility.
- Students must complete a field experience, teaching and guiding gifted children in their local area.
- Coursework can be completed in 2-3 years.
- This master’s program is available fully online.
- It meets the requirements for Missouri gifted education certification as set by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE).
- The master’s degree has an accreditation from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
Standout Features:
This online program in gifted and talented education is available 100% online with a semester-based calendar system. The comprehensive curriculum explores coursework topics such as learning theory, the nature and needs of gifted students, curriculum methods, assessment and evaluation, research with exceptional children, and the nature and needs of gifted students.
Did You Know?
The University of Missouri is home to notable faculty and alums. About 93% of its full-time faculty members hold doctorate degrees in their respective fields. George P. Smith, a faculty member, won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR
Master of Science in Education – Gifted, Talented & Creative
Arkansas State University is a leading university in the state, granting over 160 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can choose between online and on-campus learning in some programs. Although AState is more popularly known for its Agriculture programs, it also offers several competitive majors.
One of their unique offerings is the MSEd with a concentration in Gifted, Talented & Creative degree program. This concentration helps professional teachers gain expertise in teacher training, research, and service in the areas of identifying giftedness.
This master’s degree offers a planned graduate-level program based on the recommendations and standards of professional organizations and accrediting associations, including:
- Council for Exceptional Children
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- It offers an accelerated pace, allowing students to graduate in as few as 18 months.
- The curriculum focuses on an application-based curriculum designed for working adults.
- Students must complete 30 hours of coursework.
- Courses include Current Issues in Gifted Education, Affective Programming in the Classroom, Assessment for Programming in the Classroom, and Philosophies of Education, among others.
- Students in this program are expected to gain expertise in developing models to serve the needs of gifted learners better.
Standout Features:
AState’s MSEd degree program is one of the cheapest online, with a $340 per credit hour rate. It’s rare for state universities to have the same in-state and out-of-state rates, making AState one of the best choices for students in remote areas.
In addition to its affordable tuition rates, students can also pursue the program part-time. However, this may entail a longer graduation time.
Did You Know?
Arkansas State University is home to more than 14,000 students. It provides a blend of world-class research and a long tradition of student-friendly instruction. As the second largest university in the state, Arkansas State is a doctoral-level educational institution offering more than 150 academic programs.
It is also considered Northeast Arkansas’ economic and cultural engine. It has built many public-private partnerships, with one of its ventures including hosting the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
University of Houston
Houston, TX
Master of Education in Special Populations – Gifted & Talented
As the largest public research university in Houston, the University of Houston caters to more than 46,000 students. It offers nationally ranked education programs, with 276 degree programs in total. It is also known for its cutting-edge research centers and state-of-the-art facilities.
The online Master’s in Special Populations with a Gifted and Talented emphasis offered at the University of Houston helps students to complete supplemental certification as Gifted and Talented. Students will learn to modify the curriculum and instruction’s depth, complexity, and pacing to meet the needs of gifted and talented students.
- Students must complete 30 credit hours to earn the degree.
- Students can expect to gain a mastery of the theories, research strategies, and best practices of Gifted Education.
- This master’s degree does not require GRE test scores, but interested students will need to meet the minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.
Standout Features:
The program curriculum focuses on the standards for delivering comprehensive services and incorporating research-based best practices for learners who are gifted and talented.
Did You Know?
Committed to advancing innovation, the University of Houston features nine research centers. It houses the Division of Energy and Innovation, which provides training, education, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. To date, its faculty has received 17 Guggenheim Fellowships awards.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH
Masters in Curriculum & Instruction, Specialization in Gifted and Talented Development Education
Cleveland State University is an integral part of the University System of Ohio, with its 8 component colleges, over 100 degree programs, and over 15,400 students. Many international students prefer this school, with 1,400 of them enrolled here. Around one-third of these students are in graduate school or law school.
Cleveland State University offers a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a Specialization in Gifted Education. The program is designed for previously certified/licensed teachers who seek to expand their skill set in the field of working with gifted and talented learners.
- The program is made up of 10 courses, which add up to a total of 30 credit hours.
- The program can be completed in 3-5 semesters.
- The program’s curriculum is designed to develop teachers’ skills across different relevant areas, including
- recognizing & nurturing talent
- supporting the various needs of gifted students
- curriculum development
- working with families and other professionals
- creating challenging and supportive learning environments
Standout Features:
This M.Ed. program is aligned with the teacher preparation standards established by the Council for Exceptional Children, The Association for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children.
Did You Know?
Aside from the full-blown Master’s Degree, Cleveland State University’s Gifted Education program is also offered as a shorter & faster Endorsement program, made up of 5 courses and totaling 15 credit hours.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
Master of Science in Educational Psychology – Gifted & Talented Education
The University of North Texas is one of the largest universities in the country, currently composed of 14 colleges and schools, with a population of almost 47,000 students.
The University of North Texas offers an online MS in Educational Psychology – Gifted and Talented Education concentration designed for educators, administrators, and other roles related to teaching gifted & talented students.
- It is an “Executive Summer-to-Summer” with five different annual start points.
- Students must complete 33 credit hours in a series of 3-week, 5-week, and 8-week courses.
- Students can complete the program in as little as 15 months of full-time enrollment.
- They can also enroll part-time and graduate in 24 months.
- The program’s concentration courses include program planning, methods & curriculum, educational statistics, human development, and more.
Standout Features:
The program prepares students for the Texas Examination of Educator Standards Gifted & Talented Supplemental Certificate. The program also serves to prepare students for doctoral degrees if they decide to pursue further education later on.
Did You Know?
The University of North Texas offers other Online Graduate Programs on Education, including the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction and the MS in Early Childhood Education.
Converse University
Spartanburg, SC
Master of Education in Gifted Education
Converse University is a private university built initially for women only. However, it became co-ed for its residential undergraduate programs in 2020. Today, it offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees and has about 1,280 students.
Converse University offers an online Master of Education in Gifted Education. This program prepares students to meet certification requirements for gifted education, as well as take on leadership roles in the field.
- The program contains a total of 30 credit hours.
- Students are required to have prior certification in an area of teaching to apply.
- Students can do a practicum with gifted kids in Athena camp.
- The program’s courses cover the key areas of gifted students’ nature and needs, learning challenges faced by gifted students, curriculum development, and instruction techniques.
Standout Features:
Aside from appropriate curriculum development and instructional design, the program prepares students to identify and properly serve various populations of gifted students, including those with special needs. Converse University’s M.Ed. program is regarded as one of the best Gifted and Talented Education programs in its region.
Did You Know?
Converse University offers two other closely related online degree programs: the Master of Education in Advanced Studies and the Master of Education in Art Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the online Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education degree program?
This master’s degree program can be typically completed in 2 to 3 years. However, this will largely depend on the rigorous coursework and other degree requirements. Some require the completion of a thesis or a practicum, which often takes time. Other programs have accelerated options, allowing students to finish their degrees much more quickly.
What courses are in an Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Program?
These programs are very diverse. Specific courses and requirements will greatly vary. However, here are some of the most popular topics you can expect to encounter:
- Introduction to Gifted Education and Talent Development: This foundational course overviews contemporary research, trends, and best practices in gifted and talented education.
- Identification of Gifted Learners: This course equips students with practical skills in identifying potentially gifted learners through various assessment methods and observations, making it a valuable asset in your educational career.
- History of Gifted and Talented Education: This course traces the historical evolution of gifted and talented education, offering insights into its origins and development over time.
- Comparative Learning Theory: This course delves into the design of inclusive learning environments that effectively cater to diverse student populations.
- Curriculum and Instruction for High-Ability Learners: Participants explore strategies for developing curriculum materials tailored to the needs of gifted students, addressing the unique educational challenges they may encounter.
What are the common admission requirements for online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education programs?
Graduate programs in gifted and talented education usually require students to hold a bachelor’s degree from a related field. There are many cases where students need to meet a minimum GPA requirement. Other admission requirements include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
What can I do with an Online Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education?
A master’s degree in gifted and talented education leads to several career opportunities. You can also find career opportunities in educational support services, schools, and government agencies.
Here are the most popular career pathways for graduates:
| Opportunity | Average Annual Salary | Job Role |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $63,680 | Your role would involve designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of gifted students. |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,290 | You would create challenging curriculum materials and provide enrichment activities to support their intellectual and academic growth. |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 | At the high school level, you could teach specialized courses or programs for gifted students, such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes, honors courses, or other advanced offerings. You would help prepare gifted students for college and careers by providing rigorous academic experiences. |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 | You could focus on developing and improving gifted education programs within school districts. You would collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that gifted students receive appropriate support and enrichment opportunities. |
| Principal (K-12) | $103,460 | With experience and possibly additional education or certification, you could pursue leadership roles as a principal of a school or a district-wide administrator. Principals oversee all aspects of the school, including the gifted education program, and advocate for the needs of gifted students at a broader level. |
Key Takeaways
- A Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education program is one of the various specialized education disciplines, this time designed to cater to the needs unique to gifted and talented learners.
- Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education programs are often offered as specialization or concentration areas of Masters in Education programs. They cover a wide range of fundamentals and practice-related skills focused on gifted & talented students and their unique needs.
- Master’s in Gifted & Talented Education programs aren’t exclusively designed with teaching roles in mind; some programs are also designed to accommodate non-teaching professionals who occupy administrative/leadership roles that also have an impact on gifted & talented learners.
