Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for the fastest online master’s in education is North Carolina State University, followed by Oklahoma State University.
- Accelerated online Master’s in Education programs typically complete in under two years, offering convenience and a potential return on investment (ROI).
- Programs cover various specializations such as Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, and Special Education, enhancing teacher qualifications and career prospects.
If you’re looking to advance your career in education, an accelerated online master’s in education is a great option. With jobs in education on the rise, earning a master’s degree in education can help you move ahead faster, especially with online programs that let you finish in less than two years. These flexible, master’s in education online programs are designed for busy teachers and professionals who want to enhance their skills without putting their careers on hold.
Licensing is crucial, and requirements vary from state to state. You can find the requirements for your state here.
Types of Accelerated Online Master’s in Education Programs Featured in this Ranking:
- Online MA in Education: Curriculum & Instruction
- Online MS in Educational Leadership
- Online MS in Instructional Design and Technology
- Online MS in Education: Early Childhood Studies
- Online MAT in Secondary Education
- Online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
- Online MA in Educational Psychology
- Online M.Ed. in Literacy
- Online M.Ed. in Adult Education
- Online M.Ed. in Elementary Education
- Online M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning
- Online MS in Learning Technologies
- Online M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education
Rating and Ranking the Top 40 Accelerated Master’s in Education Online Programs
To develop this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of over 50 colleges and universities in the U.S. offering online master’s in education programs that can be completed in less than two years. To ensure affordability, we narrowed this pool using a maximum tuition filter of $30,000. Finally, we applied our universal ranking methodology for graduate degree programs. In the event of a tie, the less expensive program received the higher ranking. Below are the best online schools for master’s in education programs with an accelerated format.
#1—North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Points: 14
Graduate Tuition: $9,095
The accelerated online program for educators from North Carolina State University is one of the most affordable and versatile programs in our ranking. This Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program features 10 specialization options, including:
- Technology, Engineering, and Design Education
- Elementary Education
- Language Arts Education
- Special Education
- Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Each of these optional specializations is available entirely online and can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. NC State is accredited to offer these master’s in education online programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the 50 best schools in the nation for an online master’s in education degree.
#2—Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Points: 12
Graduate Tuition: $5,611
Ranked among the best colleges and universities nationwide for an online master’s in education, Oklahoma State University is also home to one of the most affordable education master’s degrees in our ranking.
This Master of Science (MS) in Educational Technology option can be completed within 18 months of study and follows a prescribed curriculum. Required course titles include:
- Computer-Based Instructional Development
- Foundations of Educational Technology
- Digital Games & Simulations
- Creativity & Innovation in Educational Technology
A graduate certificate in Online Teaching is also available. Oklahoma State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award the Master of Education online credential.
#3—Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Points: 12
Graduate Tuition: $9,119
Several different fully online programs are available through Florida International University, including the following 1-year online master’s in education programs:
- Online Master of Science (MS) in Curriculum & Instruction
- Online MS in Higher Education Administration
- Online MS in Special Education: Autism Endorsement
The MS offering in Curriculum & Instruction features tracks in Curriculum Development and Elementary Education. An accelerated MS in Music Education is also available, as is a 16-month MS in Educational Leadership.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked the masters in education online programs from FIU among the 60 best such programs nationwide. The university is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#4—Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
Points: 12
Graduate Tuition: $10,858
The accelerated online master’s in education option from Clemson University is a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning that can be completed within just 18 months. The curriculum for the program is customizable and features four available concentrations:
- Experiential Learning for Early Childhood
- Instructional Coaching
- STEAM
- Effective and Reflective Teaching
Regardless of concentration, all students enrolled in the program will take certain core pedagogical courses such as:
- Contemporary Issues in Assessment
- Cultural Diversity in Education
- Learning and Motivation in Context
- Classroom-Based Research
A capstone project is also required. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the master’s of education online program from Clemson as the second best online graduate program in education nationwide. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#5—Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey
Points: 12
Graduate Tuition: $13,740
The online program in education from Montclair State University offers an MA in Educational Leadership with an optional fast-track format. Students who elect this accelerated path toward a graduate degree in education may choose an add-on certificate in either the principal or supervisor track and complete their degree in just 14 months. Courses are eight weeks in length and include:
- Effective Leadership in a Diverse Society
- Differentiated Supervision
- School Finance
- Leading Curriculum Change for Student Achievement
Montclair State is fully accredited to award master’s of education online credentials by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the top 15 in the country for an online graduate degree in education.
Related: Accelerated Master’s Educational Leadership Online
#6—Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Points: 11
Graduate Tuition: $3,510
Fitchburg State University holds the distinction of offering the most affordable accelerated online master’s in education program in our ranking. This Master of Education in Curriculum & Teaching option can be completed within just 12 months and is designed specifically for working teachers.
The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program is entirely prescribed and includes course titles such as:
- Strategies for Creating a Positive Learning Environment
- Using Data to Improve Student Learning
- Dynamic Perspectives in Education
- Formative and Summative Assessment Strategies
A capstone course, entitled “Implementation of Best Practices,” is also required for successful program completion. Fitchburg State is fully accredited to award the Master of Education online credential by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
#7—Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia
Points: 11
Graduate Tuition: $4,572
The accelerated online program in education from Valdosta State University is a unique Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction in Accomplished Teaching. Offered through the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, the program is available on a part-time or full-time basis, and full-time students can complete it within just 16 months.
It’s also one of the cheapest master’s in education programs you’ll find. Sample course titles comprising the program’s curriculum include:
- Knowledge of Students and Their Learning
- Trends, Issues, and Research in Education
- Multicultural Studies across the Curriculum
- Using Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning
Valdosta State is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has recognized it as one of the nation’s best institutions of higher learning for online master’s programs.
#8—University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Points: 11
Graduate Tuition: $6,287
The University of New Mexico is home to three affordable accelerated online master’s in education programs:
- Online MA in Elementary Education
- Online Master of Music Education (MMU)
- Online MA in Secondary Education
Courses for these programs are offered through the university’s College of Education & Human Sciences and delivered via an accelerated 8-week format. Depending on the specific degree plan they pursue, enrolled students will take classes such as:
- Principles of Curriculum Development
- Philosophy of Music Education
- Social Justice in Education
- Experiential, Project-Based and Service Learning
Each of these online courses adheres to Quality Matters standards. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited UNM to award these masters of education online degrees. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the 100 best schools nationwide for a credential of this kind.
#9—Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Points: 11
Graduate Tuition: $6,471
Five distinct online graduate degree options for educators are available through Lamar University:
- Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Administration
- Online M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading
- Online M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership
- Online M.Ed. in Special Education
- Online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership
Several of these programs offer unique specialization options as well, including:
- Educational Diagnostician
- Gifted and Talented
- ESL
- Professional School Counseling
Professional certification options are also available online. Lamar University is fully accredited to offer master’s programs, including 1 one-year online master’s in education program by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the nation’s best colleges and universities for graduate-level distance education programs.
#10—Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Points: 11
Graduate Tuition: $15,246
A leader amongst accelerated online master’s in education programs in terms of affordability and overall value, Gwynedd Mercy University offers the following options for its graduate students:
- Online Master of Science (MS) in Education: New Teacher Certification
- Online MS in Education: Master Teacher Program
- Online MS in Special Education: K-12
- Online MS in Educational Administration: K-12 Principal Certification
- Online MS in Educational Administration: Curriculum and Instruction
- Online MS in School Counseling
Students enrolled in these best master’s in education programs will engage in coursework, including:
- Effective Communication for Educators
- Curriculum and Instructional Supervision
- School Law and Policy Issues
- Computer Applications for Educators
Gwynedd Mercy University is fully accredited to offer these master’s in education online programs by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#11—Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $4,356
Students interested in accelerated online degree programs for educators will find two distinct options at Tarleton State University:
- Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction
- Online M.Ed. in Educational Administration
Each of these programs requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and can be completed in as few as 18 months. Multiple concentrations are available for each program as well, including:
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education
- Child and Family Studies
- Instructional Design and Technology
- STEM Education
A member of the Texas A&M University System. Tarleton State is fully accredited to offer these online master’s programs in education by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#12—Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $4,734
A leader in online education master’s programs, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers several distinct options for its graduate students with an interest in teaching and learning:
- Online Master of Education in School Counseling
- Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Online Master of Education in Special Education
- Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Most programs feature concentration and/or specialization options to suit students’ academic and career goals. Depending on the precise program they choose, students will take online courses such as:
- Introduction to Education Research
- Fundamentals of Curriculum Development
- Program Development & Organization in Special Education
- Developmental School Counseling
These offerings are 1-year online master’s in education programs, and the majority of them are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The school itself holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
#13—University of Louisiana – Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $5,511
The accelerated online master’s in education program from the University of Louisiana- Lafayette is one of the most affordable options in our ranking. This M.Ed. program features three distinct tracks:
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Educational Leadership
- Gifted Education
Course titles associated with the program include:
- Research Methods to Impact Student Learning
- Integration of Technology in Instruction
- Organizing the Learning Environment
- Assessment and Instruction for Educational Leaders
ULL is institutionally accredited to award the masters of education online credential by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the program among the top 75 online education master’s programs nationwide.
#14—Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $6,494
Youngstown State University offers its accelerated online degree programs for teachers through its distinguished Beeghly College of Education. The program is versatile, featuring eight different concentration options such as:
- Curriculum & Instruction: Digital Teaching and Learning
- Curriculum & Instruction: Teacher Leader
- Special Education: Autism and Related Disabilities
- Special Education: Intervention Specialist- Mild-Moderate Disabilities
- Educational Administration: Principal Licensure
These degree plans can be completed in as few as 12 months. Youngstown State is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to offer 1-year online master’s in education programs. The programs themselves are also separately accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
#15—University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $7,002
The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley offers several highly accelerated online master’s in education programs that can be completed in just 10 months of full-time study. Program options for the master’s degree online in education include:
- Online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
- Online M.Ed. in Educational Technology
- Online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership
- Online M.Ed. in Special Education
Each program requires 30 credit hours of coursework, and courses are delivered via 7-week terms. Classes include:
- Instructional Leadership for Diverse Learners
- Data Management for School Improvement
- Foundations of Learning, Cognition and Human Development
- Research Methods in Education
UTRGV is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to offer these masters in education online programs.
#16—University of Louisiana – Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $6,490
The University of Louisiana- Monroe is home to several different online degree programs for teachers that can be completed via an accelerated format:
- Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction
- Online M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership
- Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
- Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Elementary Education
- Online MAT: Secondary Education
These programs require a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and can be completed through a succession of accelerated 8-week classes. ULM is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Its online education masters programs are also programmatically accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
#17—Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $8,418
The accelerated online masters in education options from Bowling Green State University are offered through the school’s eCampus. Options for graduate students interested in distance learning include:
- Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education
- Online M.Ed. in Classroom Technology
- Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching
- Online M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology
- Online Master of Music Education
- Online M.Ed. in Reading
Courses for these programs are offered via accelerated 7-week terms, making it possible for students to earn their credentials in under two years. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Bowling Green State University at the institutional level. Its online education masters programs have been ranked among the 75 best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
#18—Mercer University
Columbus, Georgia
Points: 10
Graduate Tuition: $15,531
A contender for the best online master’s degree in education, Mercer University offers three distinct online graduate degree programs for teachers that can be completed on an accelerated basis:
- Online Master of Education in Elementary Education
- Online Master of Education in Middle Grades Education
- Online Master of Education in Secondary Education
All of these programs are offered fully online through the school’s College of Education. In terms of completion times, the online M.Ed. in Elementary Education can be completed within one year, while the M.Ed. options in Middle and Secondary Education take up to 16 months. Sample course titles include:
- Contemporary Curriculum Practices
- School Philosophy & Teacher Leadership
- Culturally & Educationally Responsive Pedagogy
Mercer University is fully accredited to offer these online education master’s programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#19—University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Points: 9
Graduate Tuition: $6,350
Students interested in accelerated master’s in education online programs will find a few different options at the University of North Texas:
- Online Master of Science (MS) in Early Childhood Education
- Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Online MS in Learning Technologies
While the Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership options are 1-year online master’s in education programs, the degree plan in Learning Technologies can be completed within 14 months. Sample coursework for these programs includes titles such as:
- Foundations of Learning Technologies
- Management of School Resources
- School Communications and Public Relations
- Research Strategies in Early Childhood Education
- Schooling in a Multicultural Society
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited UNT at the institutional level to award the online masters in education credential. The university is one of the top 10 colleges and universities nationwide for a graduate degree of this kind, according to U.S. News & World Report.
#20—Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Points: 9
Graduate Tuition: $7,884
Indiana State University’s accelerated online master’s in education program is a fully online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning. The 33-credit hour degree plan can be completed within just 18 months of study and features six different concentration options:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Elementary Education
- Early Childhood
- Assessment
- Gifted and Talented
- Literacy
Required core courses include:
- Learning Theory and Instructional Strategies
- Diversity and Disability in Today’s Schools
- Development Through the Lifespan
- Curriculum Fundamentals
Students who desire a more relaxed pace may elect to take online courses on a part-time basis. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Indiana State University to award this master’s of education online degree.
#21—University of Northern Colorado
Loveland, Colorado
Points: 9
Graduate Tuition: $11,628
The accelerated online graduate degree in education option from the University of Northern Colorado is a Master of Arts (MA) program in Special Education. Offered through the university’s Extended Campus, the program can be completed in either three or four terms of study, depending on course load. Once enrolled, students will take required classes such as:
- Mathematics and Content Area Learning for Students with Disabilities
- Educating Students with Significant Support Needs
- Assessment, IEP Development, and Instructional Planning
- Scientifically Based Literacy Interventions
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited UNC to confer this master’s of education online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online graduate degrees in education among the top 100 nationwide.
#22—Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Points: 9
Graduate Tuition: $12,510
For students looking for the quickest master’s degree online programs in the field of education, Mississippi College has several options:
- Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction
- Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
- Online M.Ed. in Elementary Education
- Online M.Ed. in Special Education
These master’s in education programs online are offered fully online and can be completed in as few as 10 months. Required course titles may include:
- Instructional Dimensio