DEGREES & PROGRAMS
Master's in Education Degrees Designed to Help You Make a Difference
Master of Science in Education Programs
Education
Educational Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a...
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: 60% of grads earned this degree within 23 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is for licensed teachers who are ready to take the next step in their education career.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- School Law
- School Financial Leadership
- People & Talent
- School Operations and Management
- Leadership Ethics
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.
Education
Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and...
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: 62% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum and Instruction Design
- Educational Research
- Assessment
Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.
Education
Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.
The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...
The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.
No teaching license required.
- Time: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:
- The K-12 pathway
- The Adult Learner pathway
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Learning Experience Design
- Assessment and Learning Analytics
- Learning Technology
- Research Methodology
Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.
M.A. in Education Program | For Licensed Teachers
Education
Mathematics Education (K–6) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.
- Time: 61% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to add K-6 math education to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Number Sense and Functions
- Graphing
- Geometry and Statistics
- Research Design
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.
Education
English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal...
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 students earn this degree within 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to add ELL or ESL to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Assessment Theory and Practice
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
- Instruction Planning and Implementation
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition
Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
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: 63% of students earned this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
This program is for currently licensed teacher who want to add middle-grades science to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth science
- Space science
Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.
Education
Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
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: 62% of students earn this degree within 16 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for current teachers who are looking to add middle grade math to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- College algebra
- Finite mathematics
- Trigonometry and pre-calculus
- Mathematics learning and teaching
- College geometry
- Probability and statistics
- Calculus
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.
- Time: 64% of students earn this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle and high school students.
- Time: 64% of students earn this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 18 total courses in this program.
This program is designd for current teachers who are looking to add secondary math to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Trigonometry and pre-calculus
- College geometry
- Calculus
- Probability and statistics
- Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
- Mathematics history and technology
- Mathematical modeling and applications
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.
- Time: 60% of students earn this degree within 14 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary earth science to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Physical Geology
- Earth Systems
- Astronomy
- Ocean Systems
- Chemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary biology to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
- Zoology
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 15 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who wish to add secondary physics to their licensure.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- General Chemistry
- Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Space, time and motion
Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.
M.A. in Teaching | Leading to Teacher Licensure
Education
Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...
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: 64% of students finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program (29 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
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: 61% of students finish this middle school math teaching degree within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 20 total courses in this program (21 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Educational Psychology
- Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teaching
- Mathematics History
- Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners
This M.A. Teaching program in middle grades math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student 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.
Education
Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
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: 64% of students finish this high school math teaching degree within 25 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 21 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Algebra for Secondary Teaching
- Geometry for Secondary Teaching
- Statistics and Probability for Secondary Teaching
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Educational Psychology
This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This program 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.
Education
Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
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: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- English Pedagogy
- Reading Instruction and Interventions
- Disciplinary Literacy
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for...
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: 62% of students finish this secondary science teaching degree within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 18 total courses in this program (19 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Science Technology
- Science Methods
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners
This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.
Education
Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to...
An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.
- Time: 64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 30 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
- Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Methods of Instruction and Intervention
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.
Online Endorsement Program
Education
English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement Prep
An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school...
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: 62% of students finish within 13 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to earn an ELL/ESL endorsement.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Assessment Theory and Practice
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
- Instruction Planning and Implementation
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition
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.
Learn about Master of Science in Education Degrees
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Education degree program can be a great option for current teachers hoping to move into leadership roles, or for those hoping to move into curriculum roles.
Learn about Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees
If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, a Master of Arts in Teaching can help you get the education licensure you need for classroom credentials. Learn more about these types of programs.
Learn about Adding to Your Teaching License
If you're a current teacher looking to add to your license, a master's degree can help you get additional specialties and move into other teaching areas. Learn more about how these programs could work for your career goals.
EDUCATION MASTER'S DEGREES
Online Master of Education Degrees for Current or Aspiring Teachers
An educator is also a lifelong learner. A master's degree, such as a master of science, or endorsement from an accredited university can help you build a career in K–12 education where you can make a huge difference in students' lives. It can also help you move into instructional or training careers outside the classroom.
For current teachers, academic advancement with a graduate degree, such as a master of science program, can help you specialize your career and may qualify you for a salary increase or lane change. At WGU, there are several academic options to choose from.
For professionals in a non-teaching career who have a bachelor's degree but want to move into a teaching career, an Master's of Arts in Teaching could be the path you're looking for.
We offer master's degrees for currently licensed teachers looking to add to their license and Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degrees for those looking to advance their corporate or academic career.
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. You can begin your path to educational leadership in the classroom now.
An M.A. in Teaching degree, different from the Master of Science in Education degree 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 academic programs for undergrad teacher-preparation.
Teacher Certification
Online. Nonprofit. Affordable.™
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
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.
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.
WGU is a top conferrer of STEM degrees that is partnered with Beyond100K. WGU joins nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and foundations to combat challenges and prepare more teachers for STEM teaching positions nationwide.
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 degree programs in the School of Education is about $4,125 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 47% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.
COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION
Competency: Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.
At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.
AT YOUR OWN PACE
At WGU, you are in charge of setting the pace. Spend time on areas where you need more understanding and accelerate in subjects where you already have knowledge.
Master Your Future
A master’s degree in business can give your career a boost. Plus, 97% 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 $4,500, this makes your dream career even more affordable.
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, educational leadership, and earning potential. You’ll develop specialized skills and knowledge in a high-demand field and become a curricular and academic 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 Teachers College at Western Governors University 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 academic 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.
What Teachers Are Saying About WGU
See why teachers are finding WGU to be a good choice to advance their education careers.
"Coming back to get my master's degree after obtaining my bachelor's degree from WGU was the absolute best thing I could have done. I never dreamed before obtaining my bachelor's that I would get a master's degree, but WGU was such an amazing experience I was excited to continue."
—Tammie Montgomery
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction
"What I got during my education at WGU was so current and I could actually transfer it right away into what I was teaching. It wasn’t like I had to wait until my education was over so I could start applying it.”
—Elizabeth Pendas
M.A. Mathematics Education
"I've always been self-motivated, so working at my own pace to earn my master's degree was a perfect fit."
—Wendy
Former journalist, who felt a call to become a teacher
Frequently Asked Questions about the 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 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
- Master of 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.
For those involved in academics, including teachers that want to advance their careers, completing a master’s in education can be just the thing you need. In most districts a master’s degree in education can lead to higher salaries, and opportunities to move into administrative or leadership roles in your school or district.
A Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Education degree are often terms used interchangeably. Sometimes there may be distinctions between these two types of programs, but often they are similar or the same.
The Master's of Education is an advanced degree for people who already have teaching experience. An M.Ed. allows the student to enhance their knowledge of education with respect to such areas as curriculum development, counselor education, or educational administration.
The duration of master’s degrees varies depending on the institution that offers the degree program. In most cases a master’s degree in education requires approximately two years to complete, however, at WGU, competency based learning program allows you to use your current knowledge to move more quickly through your degree program.
