There aren’t enough qualified teachers to teach all of the American students who need their attention; that’s why finding an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree is becoming so important to educators. These professionals are looking to advance their education so that they can pass that off to their students. An online degree is the best possible option for them to do exactly that.
Teachers often work overtime during the school year, grading papers, tutoring students, and organizing their classrooms. It should come as no surprise, then, that an online program would have to fit in between their career and any other personal obligations that they may have. Students are in need of online degrees with little to no residency requirements, affordable options, and degrees that take less than two years to complete. This secondary education program on this ranking list tick all of the above boxes, which is why this list has been updated for this year.
Methodology
A great amount of research went into compiling this ranking. To begin with, all research was conducted through the National Center for Education Statistics website and its publicly available College Navigator database. An initial pool of 70 schools and private schools was identified by searching for online Master’s in Secondary Education. The public and private schools were all then independently reviewed and compared based on several key factors, including tuition rates and estimated time to completion for the secondary education programs. The final 25 public and private schools were chosen based on the total estimated in-state graduate tuition cost for the entire program.
Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Secondary Education
25. Kutztown University
Online Master of Education in Secondary Education, Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
Tuition: $9,288
Kutztown University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that comes with a variety of options, all of which can be completed in two years or less. It is possible to earn initial teaching licensure with this degree; it is up to the students to check with their state’s Department of Education to ensure that they meet all the requirements to sit for licensure. Students will find that this degree comes with six concentrations; these include Biology, Social Studies, Middle-Level, and Curriculum and Instruction. All courses are available online through the school’s learning management system; students will be able to choose between live or on-demand courses, all of which follow a 16-week academic term format. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Supervision and Finance, Action Research for Teacher Leaders, and Student Diversity and Critical Pedagogy.
24. The University of Louisiana at Monroe
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Specialization in Secondary Education
Tuition: $6,490 (federal financial aid is available upon request)
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe is a great degree for students who are interested in earning the Louisiana initial teaching licensure. This degree is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, meaning that the school is approved by the state to prepare students to sit for licensure. This degree is available 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. Students will take all of their courses through the school’s virtual portal; sessions last for 16 weeks and are delivered asynchronously or synchronously. This Master’s degree can be earned in just two years when students engage in a full-time plan of study. More information on this degree can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
23. Old Dominion University
Online Master of Science in Education, Specialization in Secondary Education
Tuition: $10,207 (federal financial aid is available upon request)
Old Dominion University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that was designed for students who possess a non-teaching bachelor’s degree but would love to become secondary school teachers in the state of Virginia. Please note that only students who reside in the state will be eligible for licensure. This degree enables students to pursue a concentration area in eight different areas, including Earth Science, Chemistry, and English. This program is offered entirely online; students will never have to attend campus for any reason. Courses are delivered as live or on-demand offerings through the school’s learning management system; sessions last for 16 weeks. Students will need to complete a practicum and an internship as part of the requirements for this degree; this can be completed in their community. Other requirements for this degree include 34 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. More information on this Master’s degree, its requirements and to see a full list of course offerings can be found by contacting the department’s admissions advisor.
22. The University of North Texas
Online Master of Education in Teaching, Secondary Education Certification
Tuition: $5,900 (federal financial aid is available upon request)
Students who are enrolled at the University of North Texas are provided with the chance to graduate with an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree. This degree can lead to certifications in a variety of areas, including ESL Generalist and Bilingual Generalist. This degree is available 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete their degree through the school’s virtual portal, where courses are held mostly live in the evenings and on the weekends. Students will be able to graduate in two years by following the recommended sequence of full-time study in the summer months and part-time during the school year. This Master’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, two practicums that take place in a professional’s community, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Literacy for All, Literacy Development for English Learners, Successful Teaching in the Secondary School.
21. Gwynedd Mercy University
Online Master of Science in Education, Specialization with Secondary Education Certification
Tuition: $13,749
Gwynedd Mercy University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that is perfect for working professionals without a teaching background. This degree was designed to be completed entirely online with no residency requirements. All courses for this degree are provided by the school’s online learning management system; courses are either held on-demand or live and may require participation for graduation. Students will note that practicums and internships are not required for this Master’s degree. Requirements for graduation include 36 credit hours of coursework, an action research project, and a culminating project are required for graduation. Sample courses include Methods for Teaching Reading and Assessment, Social and Political Foundations of Education, and Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Education.
20. Mississippi State University
Online Master of Science in Secondary Education
Tuition: $8,800 (federal financial aid is available upon request)
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that is available from Mississippi State University is offered to professionals who are interested in advancing their knowledge of the field. Students can choose from a wide range of concentrations, including Biology, Physics, Physical Education, and Social Studies. Students will note that this degree does not lead to any type of licensure. The entire course of study is offered online; there are no residency requirements. Students will be able to access their courses through the school’s virtual portal; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who commit to a full-time plan of study will be able to graduate within two years. This Master’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework and a teaching portfolio. Sample courses include Middle and Secondary School Curriculum, Improving Instruction, and Advanced Planning and Managing.
19. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education Grades 6-12, Professional Studies Program
Tuition: $5,738
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana has designed an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that will be perfectly suited for professionals who are interested in earning initial licensure to teach in the state of Louisiana. This Master’s degree comes with a variety of content areas; these include Speech Education, Physics Education, Business Education, and more. This degree is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. All courses are held in the school’s online learning management system; sessions are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and in a 16-week format. Full-time students can expect to graduate within two years. More information on this program, its graduation requirements and a full list of course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admission office.
18. Ball State University
Online Master of Arts in Secondary Education
Tuition: $8,850
The accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that is available from Ball State University was created for certified educators who have an interest in advancing their knowledge in their content area; content areas include Biology, English, Social Science, and more. This degree is available wholly online and was designed to have no residency requirements. Students will be able to access their entire degree through the school’s virtual portal; courses are often offered live in the evenings or on weekends. If a student chooses to study full-time, they will graduate in two years or less. This Master’s degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a teacher portfolio, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Philosophy of Education, Dynamics of the Secondary Classroom, and Instructional Strategies for Middle School and Junior High Classrooms.
17. California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master of Education, Specialization in Advanced Studies in Secondary Education and Teacher Leadership
Tuition: $9,288
The California University of Pennsylvania offers certified educators the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that can be completed in two years or less when students choose a full-time plan of study. Students will also have the option to add the Online Teaching Endorsement Option to their program; this only requires a fieldwork experience that can be completed in a student’s community. The entire program is offered online with no residency requirements. Students will find their classroom online through the school’s learning management system. Sessions last for 16 weeks and are held live or on-demand. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Classroom Management, Online Technologies in Education, and Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms.
16. Liberty University
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Specialization in Secondary Education
Tuition: $7,980
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree from Liberty University is offered to professionals who are interested in earning initial teaching licensure. This degree was designed to be completed in two years while continuing to work full-time. The program is offered as a hybrid degree, but students can elect to complete the degree as a 100 percent online course of study that has no residency requirements. All courses can be found through the school’s virtual portal and are offered asynchronously or synchronously in 16-week sessions. Students will need to complete a practicum in order to graduate; this can be completed in their community. Other Master’s degree requirements include 36 credit hours of coursework and a teaching portfolio. Sample courses include Learning theory, Curriculum Fundamentals, and Principles of Behavior Management.
15. The University of Maine
Online Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary Education
Tuition: $8,100 (financial aid is available upon request)
The University of Maine confers an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that has a stated focus in curriculum and instruction. This degree is only open to certified educators; a teaching license in good standing is required for admission. This program is offered entirely online with no residency requirements. The coursework is held on the school’s online learning management system. Students have the option to choose asynchronous or synchronous courses; all sessions run in 16-week terms. This Master’s degree can be earned in just two years when students choose to study full-time.
Colleges and schools commission will expect Students can expect to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, an action research project, a practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Classroom Practice to Improve Learning, Dynamics of the Curriculum, and Prevention and Intervention in School Settings.
14. The University of West Alabama
Online Master of Education in High School Education, Grades 6-12
Tuition: $6,678 (financial aid is available upon request)
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree provided by the University of West Alabama is backed by several accreditation institutions. This includes the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Students will note that this degree is offered as a one-year online master’s in secondary education and can be completed entirely online. Courses will be available through the school’s virtual portal and are delivered in eight-week asynchronous or synchronous sessions. It is possible to earn initial teaching licensure in the state of Alabama with this Master’s degree. Students will be required to complete a teaching field experience in their chosen content area.
Colleges and schools commission will expect 34 credit hours of coursework, a teacher portfolio, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Technology and Education, Introduction to Special Education, and Foundations of Education.
13. The University of Maryland University College
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Tuition: $13,158 (financial aid is available upon request)
The University of Maryland University College provides students with the accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education, a program for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to earn initial teaching licensure in the state of Maryland. The program offers students the chance to complete a content area of their choice; options include Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and more. Students will find that this degree is offered as a low-residency program; students will be required to attend campus once each term. They will also be required to complete a full-time, 18-week student teaching experience at a secondary school that is approved by the school. It is possible to complete this Master’s degree in two years if a student chooses to study full-time.
Colleges and schools commission will expect 30 credit hours of coursework, an internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Subject Methods and Assessment, Reading and Multiple Literacies, and Foundations of Teaching for Learning.
12. Georgia Southern University
Online Master of Education in Secondary Education
Tuition: $4,977 (financial aid is available upon request)
The accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree available from Georgia Southern University was designed for educators who hold a Professional Level Four Teaching Certificate. This Master’s degree is offered wholly online; there are no residency requirements. An ambitious student can complete this program in two years if they choose to study full-time. This program is housed online through the school’s virtual portal. Students will take their asynchronous or synchronous courses in the traditional 16-week session. There are over ten content areas that a student can choose from, including Geography, Mathematics, Political Science, and Biology.
Colleges and schools commission will be expected to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and a teaching portfolio for graduation. Sample courses include Educational Research, Learning Theories and Applications, and Early Adolescent Literature.
11. Black Hills State University
Online Master of Science in Secondary Education
Tuition: $8,384 (financial aid is available upon request)
Black Hills State University hosts the accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education as part of the school’s Project SECOND. This program was created to provide secondary teacher certification for students who are interested in taking on a wholly online course of study. Students will take all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system; courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously in a traditional 16-week academic term format. This program also requires that students complete two practicums and one student teaching internship. Students will find that this Master’s degree can be earned as a 12-month online master’s in secondary education. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 35 credit hours of coursework, two practicums, one student teaching internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include New and Emerging Technologies for Schools and private schools, Middle-Level Methods of Teaching, and South Dakota Indian Studies.
10. The University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Online Master of Science in Secondary Education, School Library Endorsement
Tuition: $5,976
Students enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln are offered the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education in just two years. This degree has a stated focus in school libraries and media courses. Students will find that this 100 percent online degree has no residency requirements and can easily be taken full-time without disruption to personal or professional obligations. The school’s virtual portal offers students all of their coursework; sessions are offered live or on-demand and in 16-week sessions. This Master’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Cataloging and Classification, School Curriculum Planning, and Reference Resources and Services.
9. The University of Alabama
Master of Secondary Education
Tuition: $10,780
The accelerated online Master of Secondary Education degree from the University of Alabama is a cohort program that requires 30 credit hours of coursework. The program is designed for current professionals seeking an Alabama Class “A” Professional Certificate in secondary education. Students in the online program will put the knowledge they have about teaching into instructional practices. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Sample courses include Modern Secondary School Programs, Introduction to Educational Research, and 15 semester hours in the teaching field.
8. California State University at Fullerton
Online Master of Science in Secondary Education
Tuition: $7,176 (financial aid is available upon request)
The accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree at California State University at Fullerton offers students the chance to complete the Single Subject Credential program; this translates into a one-year master’s of secondary teaching. Subject areas available for this program include Art, Music, Physical Education, and World Languages. This degree is offered 100 percent online; there are no campus residencies. Students will take all of their courses through the school’s virtual portal; courses are offered live or on-demand and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will find that it is possible to complete this Master’s degree in two years or less when they choose a full-time plan of study. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 31 credit hours of coursework and a culminating experience of their choice. Sample courses include Survey of Educational Research, Curriculum Theory and Development, and Assessment Student Learning.
7. William Carey University
Master of Education in Secondary Education
Tuition: $9,600
William Carey University confers an affordable accelerated online master’s in secondary education degree that provides students with the chance to earn a professional education that will see them advance as educators. This degree offers concentrations in eight areas, including Social Science, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and Art Education. This degree is offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. The school’s online learning management system houses all the courses required for this degree; classes are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. It is possible to earn this Master’s degree in two years if a student chooses to study full-time. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a professional portfolio; please note that this degree will not serve to provide students with a pathway towards licensure. Sample courses include Secondary Methods, Survey of the Exceptional Child, and Technology in Education.
6. The University of New Mexico
Master of Arts in Secondary Education, Specialization in Teacher Leadership
Tuition: $5,156
Students enrolled at the regionally accredited institution, University of New Mexico, will have the opportunity to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that focuses on teacher leadership. Students will not be eligible for administrative licensure with this program. This is an online programs ; the start date is always in the fall. Students will complete all of their coursework requirements online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are offered as live or on-demand sessions that are offered in 16-week sessions. Students will not be required to complete practicums or internships. This Master’s degree requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework, a seminar, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Effective Teaching and Student Learning, Research Applications to Education, and Principles of Curriculum Development.
5. The University of Central Missouri
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education
Tuition: $7,524
The University of Central Missouri provides its students with an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that can be completed in just two years when they follow a full-time plan of study. This degree comes with three concentrations: Secondary Education, Middle School Education, and Educational Theory. This degree will not lead to licensure. Students will complete all of their coursework requirements online through the school’s learning management system; they can expect classes to be taught live or on-demand and in 16-week sessions. This Master’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, an internship, a research project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Contemporary Instruction: Theory and Practice, Content Area Literacy, and Advanced Foundations of Education.
4. Southern Arkansas University
Online Master of Arts in Teaching
Tuition: $5,040
Prospective students at the regionally accredited institution, Southern Arkansas University, will have the chance to complete a 12-month accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education that will provide them with a certification or endorsement of their choosing. Prospective students will be able to choose from a variety of secondary education licensure and certification areas; some of these include Art, Computer Science, and Agriculture. All courses for this Master’s degree are available online through the school’s virtual portal; there are no residency requirements. Students will engage in eight-week asynchronous or synchronous courses in order to graduate in one year. This program requires 30 credit hours, fieldwork experiences, and a teacher portfolio for graduation. Students are encouraged to speak to a graduate admissions advisor to learn more about this program.
3. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Concentration in Middle and Secondary Education
Tuition: $4,337
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides prospective students with an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that can be completed in just two years. This program is currently only open to licensed teachers; the program itself leads to Professional Licensure in the state of North Carolina. This Master’s degree is offered entirely thru online programs; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system; courses delivered here are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students can choose from four different tracks: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 39 credit hours of coursework, an internship, and a comprehensive written exit exam for graduation. Sample courses include Teacher Leadership, Seminar in Professional Development, and Research Methods.
2. The University of Cumberlands
Online Master of Arts in Teaching, Specialization in Secondary Education
Tuition: $5,670
Students at the University of the Cumberlands are offered the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that will lead them to state licensure. This regionally accredited institution program is offered entirely online; courses are delivered through the school’s virtual portal and teaching experiences take place within a student’s community. Students will take their courses as asynchronous or synchronous sessions that last approximately 16 weeks. It is possible to complete this Master’s degree in two years when prospective students choose to study full-time. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, professional experiences, and a teaching portfolio. Sample courses include Educational Psychology, Reading and Writing Foundations, and Introduction to Educational Technology.
1. San Diego State University
Online Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education and Secondary Education
Tuition: $7,176
San Diego State University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Secondary Education degree that can be completed in just one year by professionally licensed educators. This Master’s degree is offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Prospective students will take all of their courses online through the school’s learning management system; sessions are held asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. This Master’s degree requires 24 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. More information about this degree can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
What are the Career Options for an Affordable Accelerated Online Master’s in Secondary Education?
- High School Teacher
- Corporate Trainer
- Media and Technology Specialist
- Child Care Director
- Dean of Student Affairs
- SEO Content Writer
- High School Principal
- Adjunct Online General Education Faculty
- Educational Policy Developer
- Instructional Coordinator
- Educational Consultant
- Curriculum Developer
- Associate Director of Enrollment and Student Outreach
- Secondary School Special Education Teacher
- American Sign Language Instructional Aide
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The median salary for secondary education professionals, such as high school teachers, is $58,030. The salary range is $40,000 to $100,00. Professionals will note that the salary range includes positions that may not be directly tied to teaching high school students.
The highest paid professionals in this field remain high school principals, administrators, college professors, and superintendents. The positions are in high demand and are quite competitive, especially in the private school sector or at Ivy League institutions.
However, educators are not limited to jobs in the education sector; these professionals can work contract positions as journalists, writers, authors, speakers, curriculum designers, and more. These professionals are often quite flexible but do not provide a stable salary; this is because these positions are based on contract jobs which see the individual get paid once for a project.
What are the Various Disciplines of Secondary Education?
Secondary education is the education field that focuses prospective students on advanced education. Therefore, the main discipline is education. For professionals, the disciplines of curriculum, technology, administration, leadership, human resources, management, accounting, and finance also play a role in how the classroom operates, especially if they have moved into administrative positions.
Teachers of secondary education also have the option to specialize in a specific field. Some may choose history, others may choose science, and still, others may choose special education. The specialization discipline will often serve as the sub-discipline of secondary education for that professional and may provide them with a strong graduate foundation in that field.
Secondary education, or grades 6-12, is a critical time in a student’s life. This is when they begin charting out their adult life and, more specifically, the career that they want to pursue. These students need the best teachers that they can possibly get because passionate educators can translate into passionate professionals. While the accelerated online Master’s degree Secondary Education may not be right for everyone, chances are there is at least one professional who will be able to find the program of their dreams from this ranking.
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