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Online Degrees

Part of Western Governors University

DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Master’s in education degrees you can earn at home.

Online master of education degrees for current or aspiring teachers, from a CAEP and AAQEP-accredited Teachers College.

An educator is also a lifelong learner. A master's degree or endorsement can help you build a career in K–12 education where you can make a huge difference in students' lives. For current teachers, a graduate degree or endorsement can help you specialize your career and may qualify you for a salary increase or lane change. For professionals in a non-teaching career who have a bachelor's degree but want to move into a teaching career, an M.A. in Teaching or a post-baccalaureate teacher-certification program could be the path you're looking for. At WGU you can choose from a Master's of Arts in Teaching that leads to licensure, a Master's of Science, or Master's of Education degree to help propel your education career.

Graduate programs for licensed teachers:

Educational Leadership – M.S.

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.

  • Time: 73% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Process management
  • Strategic planning
  • Performance excellence
  • Governance, finance, law, and leadership
  • Measurement, analysis, and knowledge management
  • Workforce focus
  • Other courses, including a capstone project and a series of performance tasks to take place under the leadership of a practicing state licensed school principal or assistant principal in a practicum school site (K–12). 

Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree. 

States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

Instructional Design – M.Ed.

An online master's degree for current teachers and others...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers and others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on designing top-notch curriculum.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 87% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Instructional design
  • Research fundamentals
  • Measurement and evaluation

Improve teaching, training and learning. Learn to build better curriculum with this education master's degree.

Need a Master's Degree in Education?

A Master of Arts in Education or M.Ed degree can be a great choice if you are a current teacher, or someone who is interested in getting involved in education. Learn more about M.Ed degrees to decide if it's the right fit for you.

Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.

An online master's degree for those who have educational...

An online master's degree for those who have...

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and are looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.

  • Time: 72% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Curriculum theory and development
  • Instructional theory
  • Research fundamentals

Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.

Learning and Technology – M.Ed.

An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking...

An online master's degree for current teachers or...

An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on integrating technology with instructional design principles.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 73% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Instructional design
  • Research fundamentals
  • Technology integration

Harness the power of technology to teach more kids in better ways with this education master's degree.


Graduate programs leading to licensure:

Mathematics Education (K–6) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.

  • Time: 79% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Number sense and functions
  • Graphing, proportional reasoning, and equations/inequalities
  • Geometry and statistics
  • Finite mathematics
  • Research foundations, questions and literature review, design and analysis, and proposals
  • Portfolio oral defense
  • Capstone project

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher...

An online master's of arts in education degree...

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 67% of graduates finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this master's of arts in education degree program often include:

  • Aspiring elementary teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online teacher's degree includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics content, instructional planning and presentation, elementary education methods, and effective teaching practices. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching science to middle school students.

Available in all states that offer a middle-grades general science endorsement.

  • Time: 76% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • General science
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Ecology
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.

Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 79% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 85% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • General science
  • Mathematics
  • Geoscience
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 66% of graduates finish this high school math teaching degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this high school math education program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online teaching degree in secondary math education includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification...

An online master's teaching degree and teacher...

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 69% of graduates finish this secondary science teaching degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this high school teaching degree program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school science teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for science
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This graduate-level secondary science teaching program includes the following areas of coursework: foundations of teaching, science education, pedagogy, field experience, research, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.

Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.

  • Time: 67% of grads finish similar programs in 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Educational psychology and human development
  • Schools as communities of care
  • Essential practices for supporting diverse learners
  • Creating and managing engaging learning environments
  • Special education practices
  • Management strategies for academic and social behavior
  • Assessment and evaluation procedures for special education
  • Disciplinary literacy
  • Special education methods
  • Using educational technology for teaching and learning

Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.

English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal includes a focus on teaching in ELL or ESL settings.

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Culture
  • Language production, theory, and acquisition
  • Theories of second language acquisition and grammar
  • Planning, implementing, and managing instruction
  • Assessment theory and practice
  • Professional role of the ELL teacher
  • ELL-specific pedagogy
  • Research foundations
  • Other courses, including a field experience in a K–12 classroom that serves English language learners.

Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle school students. Available in states that offer a middle-grades math teaching endorsement.

  • Time: 82% of grads earned this degree within 2 years.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • College algebra
  • Finite mathematics
  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • Mathematics learning and teaching
  • College geometry
  • Probability and statistics I
  • Middle school mathematics content knowledge
  • Calculus I
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Mathematics history and technology
  • Research foundations
  • Teacher performance assessment

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle and high school students.

  • Time: 74% of grads earned this degree within 2 years.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • College geometry
  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Calculus III
  • Mathematics learning and teaching
  • Probability and statistics I
  • Probability and statistics II
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Geometry for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Statistics and probability for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Mathematics history and technology
  • Mathematics content knowledge
  • Mathematical modeling and applications
  • Linear algebra
  • Abstract algebra
  • Advanced calculus
  • Teacher performance assessment

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 79% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 88% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • General science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.

Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 74% of graduates finish this online English degree program within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this high school English teaching program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school English teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for English
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This secondary English MAT program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, English content, research, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 70% of graduates finish this middle school math teaching degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this master's in math education degree often include:

  • Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This M.A. Teaching program in middle grades math education includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) program in that it does not require courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. The curriculum of this online math degree is designed to prepare middle school math teachers for success.

Need a Master's Degree in Teaching?

If you're a current or aspiring teacher that already has a bachelor's degree, a Master of Arts in Teaching can help you get the education licensure you need for classroom credentials. 


Online endorsement program:

English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement Preparation Program

An online program for currently licensed elementary and...

An online program for currently licensed...

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings.

Become highly qualified in ELL or ESL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

  • Time: 80% of grads finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework you will complete in this program:

  • Culture
  • Language production, theory, and acquisition
  • Theories of second language acquisition and grammar
  • Planning, implementing, and managing instruction
  • Assessment theory and practice
  • Professional role of the ELL teacher
  • ELL-specific pedagogy
  • Field experience in a K–12 classroom that serves English language learners

Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.

WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.
Master Your Future Scholarship

Apply for a $2,500 Master Your Future scholarship.

A master’s degree can give your career a boost. Plus, 95% of employers said they would hire another WGU grad.* If you apply now, you can take advantage of the Master Your Future scholarship. This scholarship awards recipients $2,500 ($625 per six-month term for up to four terms). With tuition under $3,400, this makes your dream career even more affordable.

*2019 Harris Poll

Future teachers can earn a teaching license through an online master’s in education.

A career change to become a teacher can be a professionally and personally fulfilling move to make. But it can also seem like a daunting change—especially if you already have a bachelor's degree in your field and don't want to start from scratch.

You don't have to start over.

A M.A. in Teaching degree or a post-baccalaureate teacher-prep program can be your path. Designed for aspiring teachers who have a bachelor's degree but no teaching license, these programs are a faster path to your teaching certificate.

No bachelor's degree yet?  Check out our undergrad teacher-preparation programs.

CAEP accreditation.

The WGU Teachers College is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.

AAQEP logo

AAQEP accreditation.

The teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and that the program has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to continue to do so.

Inspiring students.

Many of WGU's Teachers College students are career-changers—students like Wendy. Teaching is a calling—and when you hear the call, it's hard to ignore. Watch Wendy's story of moving from journalism to teacher.

For current teachers, a master’s degree can take you to the next level.

Already a teacher? Imagine reaching the next level of your profession. Through one of WGU's online master’s teaching degree programs, you can put yourself in an excellent position to enhance your professional prestige and earning potential. You’ll develop specialized skills and knowledge in a high-demand field and become a curricular leader in your school.

You’ve worked to mold the futures of your students for years. Isn’t it time you thought about your own future?

Earning your master’s degree in education from the WGU Teachers College helps you secure a better future online, on your schedule, and on your budget. You’ll start seeing the benefits immediately.

A master’s degree often means an increased salary, job security, and retirement benefits. You’ll also notice an immediate improvement in your teaching skills. You’ll be able to reach your students in new ways and maximize the impact of every lesson. Your specialized knowledge and skills will not only benefit you, but also benefit your students and the school districts in which you teach.

“After graduating from WGU, and through all the rigor and quality of instruction that I received in the educational field, I was awarded Hawaii District Teacher of the Year in 2012.” Amoreena Nestman
M.A. Teaching – Elementary Education

Earn a graduate degree on a teacher's salary.

As a nonprofit organization, WGU provides a convenient, cost-effective path to your master’s degree in education or endorsement. Tuition for all degree programs in the Teachers College is between $3,225 and $3,240 per six-month term—about half what you’d pay at other universities.*

Low tuition is just the start! Tuition is charged at a flat rate each 6-month term, regardless of how many courses you complete during that term. The standard term is based upon a full course load—at least 8 competency units (credit equivalents) for post-baccalaureate and master’s students. Individual progress may vary. Because you can accelerate through material you already know well or learn quickly—finishing more courses in a term without paying extra—you could end up saving even more.

* WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 57% the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.

Frequently asked questions about our master's in education degrees:

When choosing an education master's program it's important to determine your career goals. If you want to become a licensed teacher, or if you're a current teacher and you want to expand your license, a Master of Arts in Teaching will be the right master's program for you. If you want to work in curriculum, leadership, administration, or other elements of education, a Master's of Arts in Education or a Master of Science in Education will be the best master's program for you.

For many students an online master's in education program is the ideal fit for their needs. An online program often allows you to continue working at your full-time job, giving you crucial flexibility, while also helping you earn an accredited and respected degree.

Online master's degrees in education offer a wide variety of specialties. Some include:

  • MAT programs for elementary education
  • MAT programs for secondary education
  • MAT programs for specific subjects like math, English, or science
  • MEd programs in curriculum or instruction
  • MS programs in educational leadership
  • And more

You can utilize a master's degree in education for many career paths, including:

  • Elementary school teacher
  • Special education teacher
  • Middle school or high school teacher
  • Principal 
  • Vice principal
  • Superintendent
  • Curriculum developer
  • Learning experience designer
  • Instructional coordinator
  • Learning technology expert

An online master's in education program can allow you to change or further your career—in the education field degree programs are often required for you to be eligible for certain jobs, so having that credential on your résumé is vital.

The best master's in education program for you will depend on your career goals. If you want to get a license to teach, MAT programs will be ideal. If you want to work in education leadership, a master's degree with that specialization will be the best fit. If you want to work on curriculum and training, there are MEd programs and MSEd programs that can help you get where you need to go. 

Generally there are three master's in education degree programs to choose from:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Master of Science in Education

There are pros and cons for each type of degree programs—the main focus should be on which program will help you reach your specific career goals.

Most traditional master's in education programs will take 2 years to complete. Online master's in education programs often give you the option to accelerate—for example WGU students often finish their master's in education programs in approximately 18 months.

If you want to continue your schooling after completing a master's program, a doctoral program is usually the next step. This can allow you to move higher on the education career ladder, teach post-secondary courses, and more.

Master of Education degree programs, often called M.Ed programs, are graduate level programs typically focused on preparing students for education careers that do not focus on teaching. These programs can prepare you for roles in administration, instructional technology, or curriculum planning and design, and more.

Graduate faster by focusing on learning competencies, not logging semester hours. Here's how it works:

competency, noun

Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.

At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.

For this course, there are 3 areas you need to prove competency in.

Start
Competency Areas

First, let's take a pre‑assessment.

Determine what you already know from previous work and education experience, and where you need to focus your studies. Prove your competency in 3 areas in this exercise.

Start Pre-Assessment

Competency 1: Retrieving results...
Competency 2: Retrieving results...
Competency 3: Retrieving results...

Start Course

Second, study course materials.

Click on the free learning resources created by education experts that will help you master the competencies.

E-textbook

Web-based Tutorials

Online Classes

Simulations

Learning Communities

Course Mentors

Ready? Take Assessment

Result:

Try Again
Brain game

Measuring:

  • Skills
  • Knowledge
Passed
Failed
X

You're ready to take your assessment!

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Discover which WGU program is the path to your unique career goals.

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