Best One-Year Master’s in Education Programs
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Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
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Master's in education programs prepare students for education-related careers, often at the K-12 levels. Enrolling in one could give you more credibility and competitiveness in the job market, as well as a higher salary.
Online master's in education curriculums vary by school but overall have similar core courses, structures, and career paths for enrollees. This page outlines the admissions process, the best one-year master's in education programs, and the career outlook for graduates.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Accelerated Master's in Education Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Master of Education
- Accreditation: HLC, SDDE
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- View Program
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Online Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction
- Accreditation: WASC, CCTC
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- View Program
Schreiner University
Kerrville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Master's of Education in Educational Leadership
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- View Program
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Online Master of Education
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- View Program
Tusculum University
Greeneville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
- Master of Arts in Education
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, Tennessee SBE
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- View Program
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Master's in Education Degree Options
One-year master's in education degrees may give you the option to specialize in certain educational areas. These specializations can be attached to education degrees or presented as separate master of arts programs.
- Early Childhood Education: Early childhood education promotes the development of young children. Enrollees in this specialized major will study cultural diversity, the design of childhood educational programs, and issues with these programs. Graduates with a master's in early childhood education often design curriculums or work with children as teachers, directors, or advocates.
- Educational Administration: This major prepares you for administrative roles in the educational field. Course topics include moral and legal decisions, budgeting, and staff recruitment. Education administration students may be required to complete coursework, internship, field experiences, or a practicum.
- Elementary Education: Elementary education degrees prepare you to design effective teaching strategies and work with children. You'll learn curriculum design, how children develop, and basic psychology. Graduates are well-suited to teaching roles in elementary or some middle schools.
- Higher Education: Higher education refers to postsecondary education, including colleges and universities. Graduates with a master's in higher education often pursue roles in higher education institutions in roles related to academic advising, admissions, or international education. In this subject, you'll learn about campus culture, leadership, and challenges in modern higher education. Programs aim to help students evaluate research, solutions, and theories in higher education.
- Special Education: Students earning a master's degree with a focus on special education learn about intellectual, learning, and emotional disabilities. You'll study current practices for supporting special needs students and related curriculum shortcomings. The program tries to support and develop enrollees' communication and soft skills to better assist students. The curriculum covers legal policies, learning environments, and specialized teaching methods.
Career and Salary Outlook for Education
You can pursue roles ranging from teacher to corporate trainer. While graduates of master's in education can pursue roles outside the immediate education field, you may be required to study further to qualify for these roles. Entry-level education positions do not always need internships but can be required by graduate programs.
| Education Career | Median Annual Wage (2023) |
|---|---|
| School Principal | $103,460 |
| Education Administrator | $102,610 |
| Career Counselor | $61,710 |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Librarian | $64,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions About a Master's in Education Degree
How long will it take to get a master's in education?
A master's in education can take 1-2 years, depending upon curriculum and graduation requirements. For example, programs that have fewer credit requirements and no thesis will be shorter than a similar program with an internship or thesis requirement. Students may also attend part-time programs, which will affect the length of the program.
Is it worth it to get a master's in education?
A master's in education requires significant financial and time investment. However, this degree can be worth the sacrifices to people interested in a career in education. You can take courses to further your career and obtain specialized knowledge. Holders of a master's degree can stand out among peers and receive a higher salary.
What is the difference between an MS and MA in education?
One-year master's in education programs can be an MS or MA. An MS in education focuses on technical and practical skills. Graduates of MS programs may pursue hands-on roles such as teacher, school leadership, or special education. MA in education programs focuses on research related to education. Enrollees in MA programs will study curriculum development, testing practices, and learning development theories.
What is the highest paying M.Ed.?
Your salary depends heavily upon your career path. School superintendents have one of the highest salaries in the education field, with an average base salary of $145,340, according to Payscale as of May 2024. Principals, postsecondary administrators, and postsecondary teachers represent other high-paying career paths in the industry.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 2, 2024.
