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10 Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education Grad Schools

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Updated: May 30, 2024, Reading time: 20 minutes

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A bachelor’s degree is, typically, the minimum academic attainment required to teach in elementary, middle, and high school. But with the competitive job market, a master’s degree puts you at the top of teaching applicants. 

Master’s degree programs allow you to further your learning and aid in employment in more specialized fields. You can get advanced skills that will qualify you for a teaching career at this level by earning your secondary education online master’s degree. Graduates of master’s degree in secondary teaching are prepared for a variety of managerial and teaching positions as well as for teaching licenses. 

Get ready to transition to secondary education or get promoted to a higher position from your current job as a teacher. 


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Overview

Students usually complete a master’s in secondary education in one to two years, and it requires 30 to 45 credits. This master’s program would typically include courses such as education technology, educational research, curriculum development, and pedagogy. Secondary education is a common concentration within the field of education, but certain institutions allow students to narrow their focus.

Students can choose careers based on their concentrations in school. Some secondary concentrations include special education, foreign language education, and foreign language immersion education.

10 Best Master’s of Secondary Education

California State University – Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

Master of Science in Transformative Teaching in Secondary Education

California State University, Fullerton, has the largest annual student enrollment in the state. It’s a top public research institution that enrolls over 41,000 students per year and offers over 110 affordable degree programs for online and on-campus learning. 

CSU Fullerton offers secondary education enthusiasts an online master of secondary education. This online degree program prepares classroom teachers (grades 6-12) for leadership roles in public and private schools by upgrading their skills and learning new teaching ideas.

Standout Features of the California State University – Fullerton’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

Students of this master’s program online will learn about cutting-edge teaching methodologies and develop their leadership skills. A credential program’s coursework focuses on knowledge and skills needed by new teachers. At the same time, students can also gain skills in sustainable teaching, leadership, curriculum design, instructional and assessment strategies, and technology integration.

Did You Know?

Cal State Fullerton is one of the top campuses at California State University, which is also a hub of intellectual, cultural, and economic activity in the region. Through exceptional co-curricular and educational opportunities, such as faculty-student joint research, they are becoming a national model for fostering student success.


Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Commerce, TX 

Online Master of Secondary Education

Texas A&M University-Commerce is renowned for its vibrant and diverse student population, making it an excellent option for affordable education. It’s consistently ranked among the top schools for admitting economically disadvantaged students, emphasizing its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Texas A&M University’s College of Commerce offers a non-thesis master’s degree in secondary education. The university focuses on education and has graduated many notable and successful teachers and school administrators. 

In this online degree, you’ll learn about instructional design, pedagogy, curricular materials, and evidence-based assessments in programs that emphasize learning quality. The program provides cutting-edge techniques for managing an increasingly digital world. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills to enhance student involvement, classroom management, and teaching effectiveness.

Standout Features of the Texas A&M University’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

You can earn your teaching certificate while earning your post-baccalaureate certification. With this master’s degree online, you can become an effective teacher and become a role model among other future teachers in secondary education. Along with educating pupils, you’ll change lives. 

Did You Know?

The majority of Texas instructors are produced at A&M-Commerce. In fact, 93% of A&M-Commerce graduates pass the state’s teacher certification test on their first attempt. One of the most well-known colleges within the university is the College of Education and Human Services. Many successful teachers and school administrators have graduated from this public and private university in Texas with a focus on education.


Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Online Master of Education in Secondary Education

Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia, enrolling over 45,000 students annually. Its students come from Georgia, the U.S., and 120 countries worldwide. The institution’s strategic initiatives to improve higher education have increased student enrollment in its graduate programs. 

Kennesaw State University comes with a Master of Education in Secondary and Middle Grades Education. Students in middle school or secondary school, sciences, Mathematics, English/ or language arts, or history are eligible to take this course online.

Standout Features of Kennesaw State University’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

Through the use of and production of educational research, among other abilities, this degree is intended to create leaders in instruction who are grounded in the latest research and who can forge strong bonds with their local communities. 

Did You Know?

The university’s emphasis is on development, change, and tenacity. As one of the biggest research-driven universities in Georgia, they prioritize their students in order to provide them with the tools they need to find and pursue their future paths. 


New York University

New York University Steinhardt

New York, NY

Online Master of Arts – Teaching (Secondary Education)

New York University is a highly intensive research university that spends over $1 billion in research annually. This school is perfect for students who want to have plenty of opportunities to contribute to their body of knowledge. NYU is a highly competitive school with a 12% acceptance rate. 

The School of Steinhardt from New York University offers an online Master of Secondary Education. You can have a profound impact on students, classrooms, schools, and communities through this year-long, combined residency/Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Standout Features of the New York University’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

This graduate program offers a great learning experience to future secondary teachers by combining thorough education from an internationally renowned research university with close connections to districts and charter schools around the country. During your practical training, you discover how to support all children, provide an inclusive learning environment, and integrate into a school and community.

No matter whether you are changing careers or a recent graduate, the Master of Arts in Teaching program gives you the tools you need to make a significant difference among learners and their environments. 

Did You Know?

Teachers and students have access to New York University’s extensive international network for professional development and career advancement. The school has a large number of students who study abroad every semester in places like Paris, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Sydney, and Accra. 


University of Massachusetts Global

University of Massachusetts Global

Irvine, CA

Online Master of Secondary Education

The University of Massachusetts Global is one of the biggest online schools in the country. It is designed to help adult students pursue a college education without leaving their current commitments. You can choose from over 80 online degree programs, with the strongest majors in Education, Business, and Psychology. 

The University of Massachusetts Global offers an online Master of Secondary Education. The Master of Secondary Education program combines a master’s degree with a Single Subject Credential to help you achieve your dreams of becoming a teacher.

In this master’s degree online, you can consider and assess how decisions and actions affect other people while applying subject-specific teaching abilities in real-world situations.

Standout Features of the University of Massachusetts Global’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

This MA in Teaching in Secondary Education also includes a Single Subject Credential approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. After graduating, you can become qualified to teach a particular subject at a middle or high school in California.

You will gain a better understanding of learning theory, which will help you design better curricula. This program is only available to residents of California.

Did You Know?

University of Massachusetts Global strives to provide students with a transformative education that is accessible, inclusive, and built on excellence and flexibility. By doing so, students will be able to become more valuable and relevant in a changing world. 


The College of Saint Scholastica

The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, MN

Online Master of Science in Teaching – Secondary Education

The College of Saint Scholastica offers a tight-knit community that focuses on providing students with a personalized learning experience. The college emphasizes not just intellectual growth but also the development of character and values to live up to its Benedictine heritage.

If you want to make a difference in the education sector, it’s time to enroll in the College of Saint Scholastica’s online Master of Secondary Education. 

Standout Features of The College of Saint Scholastica’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

As a master’s degree student, you can concentrate on specialty subjects like Life Sciences, Chemistry, Communication Arts and Literature, Social Studies, or Math. As part of this program, students gain practical experience in research and teaching methods.

Did You Know?

College of St. Scholastica strives to provide outstanding educational opportunities to all of its students. A competitive tuition becomes a meaningful investment as St. Scholastica continues to foster a vibrant intellectual environment based on academic quality, rigor, and integrity.


University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

Online Master of Secondary Education

The University of North Dakota has the state’s largest physical and virtual campus. Students can choose from more than 225 highly accredited degrees at UND. All online courses are taught by instructors trained to meet online learners’ unique needs. Several reputable organizations have acknowledged it as one of the best grad schools in the United States. 

UND offers an online Master of Secondary Education. As a teacher or any current position you have, you may advance your teaching, leadership, research, and earning potential through this online master’s degree in secondary education.

With the fully online MA in Teaching & Leadership degree from UND, you’ll be equipped to handle the demands of contemporary K–12 schools and guarantee academic achievement.

Standout Features of the University of North Dakota’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

Students benefit from this program’s improved comprehension of basic math, social studies, and scientific concepts, as well as its teaching of grading, coaching techniques, and student evaluation and assessments. 

Did You Know?

The University of North Dakota continues to build on its record of developing leaders. They’ve earned national recognition for their academic programs. Their online program has the largest number of students of any nonprofit flagship university in the eight-state area. The University of North Dakota prepares students to make an impact like no other accredited university.


Brenau University

Brenau University

Gainesville, GA

Online Master of Secondary Education

Brenau University is a private university focused on career-oriented majors,  fine arts offerings, and programs for leadership skills development. Emphasizing convenience and flexibility, Brenau offers a variety of online programs in fields like Education, Business Administration, Nursing, and Accounting. Students in the Online College can study without needing to be on campus and finish courses at their own pace.

Brenau offers one of the best online Master of Secondary Education that allows you to pursue careers as a middle school or high school teacher. Students enroll in courses like Introduction to Special Education, Computer Literacy in Education, and Contemporary Issues in Education in addition to a full-time classroom experience for one semester.

Standout Features of Brenau University’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

Full-time students can complete the curriculum in two years. All of Brenau University’s core online courses are taught entirely online through the Canvas learning management system. The majority of this program’s curriculum focuses on improving students’ classroom skills. 

Did You Know?

The institution comes with support services for graduate students. They can be assisted in terms of transfer credits, tuition and fee schedules, financial aid, academic requirements, credit transferability, and job assistance.


University of Nebraska at Omaha

University of Nebraska - Omaha

Omaha, NE

Online Master of Science in Secondary Education

If you’re looking for an institution with a small community feel, consider the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The university offered Christian education free of ecclesiastical authority, and it was a formidable competitor to several prosperous religious institutions in the city.

UN Omaha offers an Online Master of Secondary Education. This secondary education program offered by the University of Nebraska at Omaha provides students with the skills and teaching techniques necessary to partake in secondary education. This degree program is designed for secondary school teachers across a variety of subject areas. 

Standout Features of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

For students not planning on enrolling in a master’s or graduate certificate program, unclassified status is an option. If you are seeking additional teaching endorsements and possess a master’s degree in education, you may be able to apply for unclassified status.

Did You Know?

A variety of local, national, and international organizations collaborate on interdisciplinary programs to improve the lives of Nebraskans and people around the world. It offers eight programs ranked among the top 25 in the country, making it the highest-ranked college in the state.


University of Nebraska at Kearney

University of Nebraska Kearney

Kearney, NE

Online Master of Secondary Education

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is one of the best value schools in the Midwest. It offers affordable academic programs, academic excellence from expert faculty, and various hands-on experiences and research opportunities. It’s also one of the region’s most progressive online program providers. 

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers the online Master of Secondary Education. This online Curriculum and Instruction master’s degree is designed for teachers who wish to become better classroom teachers across all grade levels and areas.

You can enhance your professional growth as an educator by studying curriculum and instruction, regardless of whether you wish to expand within your discipline or address particular issues in teaching.

Standout Features of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Online Master of Secondary Education Program:

In this program, cutting-edge techniques for teaching and evaluating grades 7-12 are examined. There is no certification associated with this program, but you will be trained to teach in secondary education settings after graduation. 

Did You Know?

A public university with residential facilities, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is dedicated to being one of the best undergraduate universities in the country, with top-notch graduate programs, scholarships, and public service. The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s four pillars are Learning Matters, Learning Environment Matters, People Matter, and Responsible Stewardship Matters.

4 Common Courses in an Online Master’s in Secondary Education

1. Adolescent Learning and Development

Adolescents undergo biological and cognitive changes that affect their high school experiences, and this aspect will be discussed in the adolescent learning and development course. The students in this class should also study effective teaching techniques along with potential behavioral and emotional issues.

2. Interdisciplinary Instruction

This course teaches students how to enhance classroom instruction through interdisciplinary teaching methods. Students are encouraged to use sources from a variety of industries in their work and learn ways to integrate a wide range of academic topics.

3. Educational Psychology

The Educational Psychology course introduces students to the top behavioral theories of student learning. The course examines teaching methods and motivational strategies. The training could also go over the emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of adolescents.

4. Teaching Diverse Classrooms

This course covers the most effective methods and cutting-edge theories for teaching diverse student populations. Students explore how students’ disparities affect their educational experiences, as well as how teachers can embrace and appreciate diversity. The training may cover topics related to special education.

4 Tips for Pursuing a Secondary Education Teaching Pathway

Becoming a secondary education teacher is made possible when you know what or how to prepare. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Examine your interests in teaching.

Choosing a program requires you to determine your teaching preferences. It is important to ask yourself why you want to become a teacher. If you answer this question, you can choose your preferred grade level, topic area, and whether you want to work with any unique pupils.

2. Examine potential teaching degrees.

It is easier for you to make an informed decision about your educational options once you have determined your professional goals and preferred locations for employment. Choosing the degree to pursue, as well as the emphasis or major to pursue, is part of this process, and this is covered in this course. 

3. Determine your learning style.

In order to become a teacher, you have a variety of educational options. Your first step is to decide how the material will be distributed and what pace you will learn at. You will also need to determine your learning and teaching styles.

4. Enroll in a master’s degree.

If you have already made your decision and have decided what degree you would like to pursue, find institutions that provide that degree. You can choose from a variety of respectable colleges and excellent programs. It might be challenging to choose the right school with so many options, but choose the one that aligns with your goals. 

Online Master's in Secondary Education - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

What can graduates accomplish with a Secondary Education master’s degree?

Graduates with a master’s in secondary education can work as special education teachers as well as in regular high schools. They may also pursue teaching opportunities in technical and career-based education. Graduates are also eligible for administrative jobs like instructional coordinator responsibilities. Many universities offer doctoral degrees in secondary education or closely related fields for students who want to further their studies.

Doctorates in Educational Administration or Leadership might open up more leadership prospects, such as becoming a high school principal. If they don’t already have one, aspiring teachers may need to obtain a teaching license.

How much does a Secondary Education master’s degree online run?

A secondary education master’s degree normally costs between $9,000 and $22,000. The overall cost varies depending on the program, enrollment status, and credit requirements. There are various options for master’s students to reduce the price of their degree.

Candidates ought to look for economical programs. Attending a cheap program in another state is made simpler by the use of an online learning approach. Prospective students should look into available financial help, scholarships, and tuition discounts. All these reduce the tuition fees. 

Is it worthwhile to pursue a Secondary Education master’s degree?

Yes, it’s worthwhile. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the typical yearly salary for Secondary School Teachers across the country is about $73,800. If you’re looking for higher pay, think about working in larger states. Here are the top three states where secondary teachers tend to earn more:

Graduates can further their education by enrolling in a doctoral program in one of several related professions. Students may gain additional value from an online master’s in secondary education.

Online education can be more accessible for many students with less travel and scheduling constraints. Additionally, it’s simpler for learners to remain working, which can lessen the financial burden of their studies.

Key Takeaways

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.