Check out the 5 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Online Teaching.
Education and teaching is continuing to evolve as technology becomes more and more innovative. Long gone are the days where students have to go to a physical classroom to take a class or earn a degree.
And if you are interested in learning online yourself, take a look at our rankings of the Best Online Colleges here.
Similarly, teachers no longer have to be glued to an on-campus environment either! Virtual classrooms are continuing to pop up as people strive to earn advanced degrees in a more flexible and efficient manner.
It’s no surprise that Online Teaching degrees are gaining popularity as educators work to learn the latest software and techniques for engaging students in a virtual setting.
No matter what grade level you’re hoping to teach, you can work as an online instructor rather than in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom environment. You’ll work with students via email, message boards, virtual reality platforms and more.
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for an online instructor in the United States is $46,406. Of course, the more educational experience you have, the higher your earning potential will be. Jobs in this industry are continuing to grow; in fact, the University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and Oregon State University are just a few of the schools currently looking for online instructors.
Ready to start imparting wisdom on students? Get started with the help of College Choice! We’ve ranked the Best Online Masters in Online Teaching Degrees for your convenience. Whether you’re looking to be an instructor or a tutor, these programs will teach you how to best support your students and create imaginative lesson plans.
2017 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
Concordia University - Portland
Overview
Located in Portland, Oregon, this private liberal arts university is home to nearly 5,500 students. Concordia offers 25 undergraduate majors with concentrations in more than 20 fields. If you’re looking for an online teaching degree, Concordia may be the perfect fit for you. In fact, more teachers choose Concordia for their graduate education degrees than any other university in the Northwest!
Program Features
Concordia offers a Master’s of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: Online Teaching and Learning. This program is geared for those who already teach K-12 (or above) and are looking to master the workings of a virtual classroom. Your courses may include:
- Community of Learners
- Ethical and Social Issues for Online Teachers
- Developing Character Through the Curriculum
- Instructional Strategies for the Online Classroom
The best part? You can obtain this degree either on campus or online! Either way, you’ll learn about online instructional strategies, assessment, learning technologies and tools, ethics, and more. All students are expected to complete 30 credit hours, including one capstone course. Your capstone may be a practitioner inquiry, thesis, or action research – the choice is yours!
Notables
Graduates of this program have a plethora of career options. You could be an online curriculum developer/writer, K–12 teacher with online education specialty, an online education supervisor, and more!
2
Drury University
Overview
Located in Springfield, Missouri, Drury University is a small private liberal arts college that was founded in 1873. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the midwest, Drury boasts an excellent program for educators. The M.Ed. in Online Teaching is perfect for those looking to gain a better understanding of virtual classrooms and the new era of education.
Program Features
Drury’s programs are known for their convenience. The M.Ed. in Online Teaching can be completed 100% online, on campus, or a mix of online and seated courses. Classes are also available in 8- and 16-week sessions. Your required courses may include:
- Simulations and Virtual Reality
- Instructional Product Development
- The Sociological Foundations of Educational Practices
- Developing and Sustaining Professional Learning Communities
All students are expected to complete a capstone seminar prior to graduating as well. Graduates may complete a paper or a project to satisfy the capstone requirement.
Notables
If your undergraduate degree did not lead to teacher certification, don’t worry! Drury has accredited program options to get you on the path to a fulfilling career in education. You’ll learn to design and deliver cutting-edge educational experiences by combining the latest teaching methodologies with the very best online platforms and technology.
3
California State University - East Bay
Overview
This public university located in Hayward, California is home to nearly 15,000 students. Founded in 1957, Cal State East Bay now offers 50 areas of undergraduate study and nearly 40 fields of graduate study, including business, public affairs, and online teaching and learning. In fact, this university’s online teaching degree program is completely online which is perfect if you need more flexibility in earning an advanced degree.
Program Features
The Master of Science in Online Teaching and Learning (MS-OTL) program has been empowering educators, instructors, trainers, and support staff to effectively design and implement online courses since 1999. Your courses may include:
- Teaching Models for Online Instruction
- Technology Tools for Online Instruction
- History and Culture of Online Learning Communities
- Creating Digital Media for Online Instruction
- Providing Interactivity in the Online Environment
Courses are delivered entirely online and in five or 10 week modules, enabling you to complete your master’s degree in only 15 months if you take two courses per quarter for five consecutive quarters.
Notables
From online teachers at universities and community colleges to head online trainers for nuclear technology and medical companies, MS-OTL graduates have secured positions in a variety of settings.
4
Wilkes University
Overview
Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Wilkes is a small university that’s home to just over 4,000 students. What Wilkes lacks in size, it makes up for in degree offerings. Students can pick from numerous majors across six different schools. If you’re looking for an advanced degree in education, check out Wilkes’ M.S. in Online Teaching program where courses are offered completely online!
Program Features
The Wilkes University 30-credit fully online program in Online Teaching is made with flexibility in mind. Students may choose to complete the master’s only (30 credits); the master’s with embedded option for endorsement (30 credits); or the endorsement only (12 credits). Your courses may include:
- Using Technology for Assessment
- Facilitating Online Learning Communities
- Social & Ethical Issues in Online Learning
- Action Research in the E-Learning Environment
- Blended and Synchronous Learning Environments
- Building Online Collaborative Environments
- Developing Online Programs
Notables
Prospective students should note that there are specific requirements when applying to this program. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in an educational field. You must also have official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and
a copy of Pennsylvania Level I or II teaching certificate (if seeking the Pa. Online Instruction Endorsement).
5
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Overview
With more than 200 years of history and tradition, the University of South Carolina is home to over 30,000 students. The university offers several graduate programs across a variety of schools, from business and law, to medicine and engineering. Interested students can also pursue a Master of Education in Teaching Online; the perfect degree for educators looking to boast their virtual classroom skills!
Program Features
The 36-unit Online Teaching program is made to be completed in two years. It’s ideal for working teachers who are looking to evaluate and solve educational challenges on district, school and individual student levels. Core courses may include:
- Ideas and Issues in Teaching
- Action Research in Teaching
- Developing as a Professional Educator
- Action Research Capstone Seminar
This M.Ed. is structured to fit the process for National Board Certification. Another unique aspect of this program is that all students are provided with their own personal faculty adviser.
Your adviser will work with you to customize a program based on your talents, career objectives and choice of degree emphasis, and will assist you through to graduation.
Notables
The USC College of Education Online Programs are ranked No. 22 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Graduates of the USC College of Education go on to do incredible things. In fact, College of Education alumnus, Akil Ross, was named the 2018 NASSP National Principal of the Year!