Most Affordable Online Master’s In K-12 Education Degrees

Overview

American Military/Public University takes the #1 spot on this list. It is a private university that is primarily online. Though it has no official affiliation with the United States government, over 56 percent of the student body at American Military/Public University are military service members. These students benefit greatly from tuition assistance and support.

Program Features

American Military/Public University brings together affordability and accessibility in this online Master of Education in Teaching. This is intended for classroom teachers who are currently licensed but looking for advancement in their field. You’ll take two years to complete the 36 credit-hours, allowing you to go at your own pace. Here’s a sneak peek:

• Critical Perspectives on Diversity and Culture
• The Professional Educator
• Meaningful Inclusive Instruction and Co-Teaching
• Education Law, Ethics, and Politics

Notables

This degree program also gives you the benefit of customizing your graduate studies to a specific concentration. You can choose from any of the following: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Teachers, Elementary Reading, English Language Learners, Online Learning, Special Education, Instructional Leadership, and more.

Overview

The flagship university of the state system, Minnesota State University Mankato is also one of the largest public universities in the state. Despite its growing enrollment numbers, the school maintains a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The online learning platform graduates around 3,000 students each year.

Program Features

Offered in a hybrid format, you’ll jump into the Graduate Teacher Licensure Program/MA in Teaching at Minnesota State University Mankato. Your classes will be conducted in a combination of online classes in in-person training. This is a cohort-based program that operates on a 7-week course schedule. Take a look at a few course options:

• Evaluation in the Classroom
• Technology Integration in the Classroom
• Reading, Literacy, and Differentiated Instruction
• Research Methods

Notables

The program at Minnesota State University Mankato includes a student teaching experience. The class, Practicum in the Secondary School, is based in a classroom setting anywhere from grades 8-12. This will give some of the most valuable field experience to apply your learnings.

Overview

Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a strong public university of the south. It enrolls around 24,000 students each year making it one of the largest by population in the state. Its distance learning branch, ODU Online, was started in 1994 and offers over 60 different degree programs.

Program Features

ODU Online hosts an MS in Educational Leadership/Administration & Supervision K-12. This is a cohort-based online program that works through 30 hours of relevant educational theory and application. You also will complete a 120-hour internship throughout the degree program. Some of your class highlights might include:

• Educational Politics and Policymaking
• Instructional Leadership and Supervision
• Leadership and Management for School Improvement
• Educational Law and Ethics

Notables

Old Dominion University works hard to make this degree affordable. After all, a degree in education should give back, right? You’ll find lots of perks embedded in this program. For instance, all Virginia public school employees receive a 25 percent discount per credit.

Overview

Based in Gunnison, CO, Western Colorado University is a small but mighty liberal arts school. It excels in outdoor education, biology, education, and more. For the last four years, Forbes has ranked Western Colorado University as one of the top 100 universities in the West.

Program Features

Western Colorado University delivers a two-year MA in Education that incorporates both a licensure and a specialty. This degree can be completed 100 percent online. During the first year, you’ll complete 27 credits toward your teaching license. The next 16-19 credits will go toward your emphasis area. Here’s a look into the curriculum:

• Curriculum Program Evaluation
• Grant Writing in Education
• Materials and Motivation for Reading
• Literacy Coaching and Mentoring

Notables

The program at Western Colorado University makes it possible for you to dive deeper into an area of your choosing. You’ll be able to guide your degree in one of the following areas: Teacher Leadership, Reading Leadership, K-12 Online Teacher Leadership, or Educational Administration.

Overview

Affiliated with Southern Baptist Church, the University of the Cumberlands is a small institution in Williamsburg, KY. The University of the Cumberlands began offering numerous graduate-level education degrees fully online in 2006. In addition to 45 unique areas of study at the undergraduate level, the school also offers master’s and doctorate programs.

Program Features

At the University of the Cumberlands, you’ll earn a Master of Art in Education through a 30 credit-hour online program. This program features concentration areas in three areas: Literacy Specialist, School Counseling, and Teacher Leader. Each path includes core courses, speciality courses, and professional courses. Here’s a sampling:

• Curriculum Management and Assessment
• Diversity in a Multicultural Society
• Writing Instruction for Content Areas
• Literacy Leadership

Notables

The University of the Cumberlands understands the cost of education, which is why it works hard to make tuition affordable for all students. Nearly 97 percent of the students at the University of the Cumberlands receive some sort of financial aid. It spends on average $35 million on scholarships, work-study programs, and loans per year.