Most Affordable Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Degrees

OverviewLouisiana State University in Shreveport began as a two-year college. However, it expanded and bloomed into the research university it is today, offering dozens of graduate and doctoral programs. Just under 6,000 students attend the Shreveport member of the Louisiana State System.FeaturesComing in with a tuition rate under double digits, LSUS offers an Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction degree with specialization in Academically Gifted. All coursework is 100 percent online and notably flexible. You’ll take one course for seven weeks with seven total required courses (see below) plus a practicum.

• Methods of Teaching the Gifted
• Educational Technology Applied to the Classroom
• Curriculum Development for the Gifted
• Characteristics/Study of Gifted Individuals

NotablesThis is an ideal program for those students who want to equally explore curriculum development and gifted education. And not only is this the most affordable option, it’s among the best. LSUS is regionally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its overall rankings, its online graduate degrees in education also receive consistent recognition.

OverviewLocated in Denton, the University of North Texas distinctively specializes in the sciences and education. Founded as a private teachers college, today North Texas is a flagship university and home to nearly 40,000 students. FeaturesFor those seeking a psychology-based degree, look no further than the University of North Texas. UNT offers an MS in Educational Psychology online with a concentration in Gifted and Talented. You will graduate ready to become a teacher of the gifted, program coordinator, curriculum specialist, and more. UNT’s coursework covers:

• Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students
• Social and Emotional Components of Giftedness
• Human Development Across the Lifespan
• Educational Statistics

NotablesThis is not only an affordable program, but an efficient one as well. Students can complete the degree within 15 months through UNT’s “Executive Summer-to-Summer” program. This unique model includes rotations of consecutive three, five, and eight-week courses.

OverviewEastern New Mexico University is located in Portales with additional campuses in Ruidoso and Roswell. Eastern is modest in size, with its four colleges and one graduate school. But it is known for its many unique libraries, museums, archives, and more. Around 6,000 students attend Eastern.FeaturesEastern offers an online M.Ed. with an emphasis in Gifted Education Pedagogy. This program will train and prepare you to teach students who have shown extraordinary potential and academic performance. In addition to core courses covering educational research, theories of learning, and assessment, you will also explore:

• Curriculum for Gifted
• Consultation Collaboration and Communication
• Creativity Across the Curriculum
• Educational Psychology

NotablesWhen you attend Eastern New Mexico University you not only have access to the many services and resources within the College of Education and Technology. You are also privy to the renowned Child Development Center Laboratory School, even as an online student. This research-based offers opportunities for observation, practical experience, and application.

OverviewWest Virginia University is a public school located in Morgantown. It is a land and space-grant institution, meaning it is known and recognized for its research activity. Around 30,00 students attend WVU.FeaturesAt WVU you can earn an MA in Gifted Education online in one of two ways. You can enroll in the Master’s in Special Education program with certification in Gifted Grades K-12. Or you can enroll in the Special Education program and concentrate in Gifted Education. Either way, you’ll graduate from WVU prepared to become a leader through coursework such as:

• Legal/Educational Foundations in Special Education
• Individualizing Academic Instruction for Special Needs
• Designing Supportive Learning Environments for Special Needs
• Co-Planning/Co-Teaching for Inclusion

NotablesWVU has graduated dozens of Rhodes, Goldwater, and Truman Scholars. Indeed, the university has been called a member of the “All-USA College Academic First Team” by USA Today. WVU is top-ranked by an array of publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

OverviewThe University of South Florida is a large, research-driven school. It is located in Tampa and boasts one of the largest enrollments in the state with its nearly 50,000 students. USF is comprised of more than a dozen schools and colleges through which it offers over 200 academic and professional degree programs.FeaturesAt USF you will be trained on how to spot the characteristics, needs, and opportunities of gifted learners. This exceptional student education program is specifically for certified teachers who want to expand their knowledge and skill sets in the areas of gifted and talented education. Indeed, classes include:

• Nature and Needs of the Gifted
• Consultation, Counseling, and Guidance for Gifted
• Theory and Development of Creativity
• Seminar in Special Populations of Gifted Students

NotablesWhen you study at USF, you are guaranteed a comprehensive program that combines hands-on experience with a global perspective. In fact, the USF College of Education is committed to several global community partnerships as well as international conferences and study abroad programming.

OverviewWestern Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green and serves around 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to its undergraduate programs, Western Kentucky offers a number of graduate degrees in a range of professional areas, from business to education. FeaturesAt Western Kentucky University you can earn a MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development in one of two ways. One includes advanced certification while the other focuses on research development. Both include practicums and prepare you for rewarding careers in gifted teaching. Core courses include:

• Introduction to Adult Education
• Methods for Teaching Adults
• Adult Learning and Development
• History and Philosophy of Adult Education

NotablesAlready offering an affordable online degree, WKU goes above and beyond by securing financial aid for 90 percent of its students. These students find financial help by way of grants and scholarships. WKU is also a military friendly school, offering additional opportunities to its students vets and active duty members.

OverviewNorthwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, LA. It is a member of the wider University of Louisiana System and was first founded as a teacher’s college. Approximately 10,000 students attend NSU. FeaturesWhen you earn an M.Ed. in Gifted Education from NSU’s global campus you will learn how to provide gifted students with innovative, creative, and inclusive learning environments. Additionally, you will learn how to design and implement effective curriculum. Classes at NSU include:

• Psychology of the Gifted
• Teaching Creative Thinking
• Practicum, Academically Gifted
• Counseling the Gifted

NotablesNorthwestern State University of Louisiana is regionally ranked, considered among the best universities in the South. Likewise, its online programs, notably its graduate degrees, are consistently included on the prestigious rankings from sources such as U.S. News & World Report.

OverviewLamar University is a research university located in Beaumont, TX. It is part of the wider Texas State University System and is home to around 15,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students. Lamar is organized into half a dozen colleges, including its highly regarded College of Education and Human Development.FeaturesLamar offers an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership degree with specialization in Gifted and Talented. You can finish this program in as few as 18 months. At Lamar you will learn how to promote student achievements by focusing on creative needs and academic potentials. Classes include:

• School Community Relations
• School Law
• Diverse Learners
• Student Expectations and Motivation

NotablesLamar is a nationally ranked university with many recognitions and awards to its name. Its online graduate programs, for example, are among the top 50 in their respective departments. And Lamar is included in Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges” report.

OverviewThe University of Southern Mississippi is known as Southern Miss and located in Hattiesburg, just north of Gulfport. It is a large, research-based university with recognized strengths in the areas of education, psychology, fine arts, and nursing, among others. Around 15,000 students attend Southern Miss.FeaturesSouthern Miss offers a Masters in Special Education degree with an emphasis in Gifted Education. You’ll take classes on everything from the legal issues in educating exceptional learners to transition programming, student assessment, and more. Graduates from USM have secured careers as:

• Behavior Specialists
• Educational Interventionist
• Disability Specialist
• And Special Education Teachers in an array of settings

NotablesThe University of Southern Mississippi is a nationally ranked university. Its research contributions and projects have landed it a top classification from the Carnegie Foundation. And U.S. News & World Report includes Southern Miss annually on a range of its elite listings, including its online.

OverviewFort Hays State University is based in Hays, KS and has around 15,000 students. Many of FHSU’s students study online through one of the the university’s four colleges. Offering a range of degree programs, Fort Hays is known for its professional development programs in education, tech, business, and more.FeaturesYou can complete Fort Hays’ MS in Special Education with specialization in Gifted education program in as few as 18 months. Whether you want to work toward a teaching endorsement to become a special educator or you want a broad program without certification, this program covers the full spectrum of special and gifted education. For example, the core classes include:

• Legal and Professional Issues in Special Education
• Theories of Exceptionalities and Diversity
• Strategies in Gifted Special Education
• Consultation and Collaboration in Gifted

NotablesU.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Fort Hays State University regionally. In addition to its general academic reputation, the University also boasts some of the best online degrees in the US, particularly in education.