Best One-Year Master’s in Education Programs
One year master’s in education programs can help prepare students for a variety of education roles. Discover common program courses and career paths.
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Master’s in education programs prepare students for education-related careers, often at the K-12 levels. Enrolling in one could give you more credibility and competitiveness in the job market, as well as a higher salary.
Online master’s in education curriculums vary by school but overall have similar core courses, structures, and career paths for enrollees. This page outlines the admissions process, the best one-year master’s in education programs, and the career outlook for graduates.
Best Online Accelerated Master’s in Education Programs
How We Rank Schools
California State University-Bakersfield
- Bakersfield, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $473
Out-of-State | $473
Credits to Graduate: 30
California State University, Bakersfield is home to a 100% online master's in education that you can complete in just one year. This flexible and affordable graduate program facilitates the expansion of skills in the classroom and allows you to hone leadership skills vital to professional growth.
Throughout this 30-credit program, you tackle essential classes such as research methods for educational leaders, teaching for diversity and social justice, and curriculum development and transformation. You must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an active and unencumbered teaching license.
91%
$ 7,176
72%
$16,680
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,613
- Institution Type
- Public
Heritage University
- Toppenish, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $885
Out-of-State | $885
Credits to Graduate: 40
Based in Toppenish, Washington, Heritage University is a private institution that's home to one of the top one-year master's in education programs in the country. This program is ideal for students interested in securing their Washington State teaching credentials and offers multiple flexible academic pathways. Through both synchronous and asynchronous deliveries, you can complete this master's in teaching in just 11 months.
Throughout this 40-credit master's program, you tackle courses such as essential educational concepts, facilitating learning in math, advanced literacy, and evaluation of students with disabilities. You must submit applications to both Heritage University and to the master's in teaching preparation program.
16%
$9,732
72%
$9,732
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 898
- Institution Type
- Private
Augustana University
- Sioux Falls, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: South Dakota Department of Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $490
Out-of-State | $490
Credits to Graduate: 30
Established in 1860, Augustana University is a private Christian school based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Among the school's standout online programs is a flexible and affordable master's in education that you can complete in just 14 months.
As you work through this 100% online program, you tackle core classes such as introduction to graduate research, issues in education, technology in education, and differentiation and diversity. Before graduation, you'll complete a three-credit research synthesis project.
You must submit a completed application with official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a two-to-three-page essay outlining your academic and career goals.
25%
$35,716
82%
$35,716
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,086
- Institution Type
- Private
Master’s in Education Degree Options
One-year master’s in education degrees may give you the option to specialize in certain educational areas. These specializations can be attached to education degrees or presented as separate master of arts programs.
- Early Childhood Education: Early childhood education promotes the development of young children. Enrollees in this specialized major will study cultural diversity, the design of childhood educational programs, and issues with these programs. Graduates with a master’s in early childhood education often design curriculums or work with children as teachers, directors, or advocates.
- Educational Administration: This major prepares you for administrative roles in the educational field. Course topics include moral and legal decisions, budgeting, and staff recruitment. Education administration students may be required to complete coursework, internship, field experiences, or a practicum.
- Elementary Education: Elementary education degrees prepare you to design effective teaching strategies and work with children. You’ll learn curriculum design, how children develop, and basic psychology. Graduates are well-suited to teaching roles in elementary or some middle schools.
- Higher Education: Higher education refers to postsecondary education, including colleges and universities. Graduates with a master’s in higher education often pursue roles in higher education institutions in roles related to academic advising, admissions, or international education. In this subject, you’ll learn about campus culture, leadership, and challenges in modern higher education. Programs aim to help students evaluate research, solutions, and theories in higher education.
- Special Education: Students earning a master’s degree with a focus on special education learn about intellectual, learning, and emotional disabilities. You’ll study current practices for supporting special needs students and related curriculum shortcomings. The program tries to support and develop enrollees’ communication and soft skills to better assist students. The curriculum covers legal policies, learning environments, and specialized teaching methods.
Career and Salary Outlook for Education
You can pursue roles ranging from teacher to corporate trainer. While graduates of master’s in education can pursue roles outside the immediate education field, you may be required to study further to qualify for these roles. Entry-level education positions do not always need internships but can be required by graduate programs.
| Education Career | Median Annual Wage (2023) |
|---|---|
| School Principal | $103,460 |
| Education Administrator | $102,610 |
| Career Counselor | $61,710 |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Librarian | $64,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions About a Master’s in Education Degree
A master’s in education can take 1-2 years, depending upon curriculum and graduation requirements. For example, programs that have fewer credit requirements and no thesis will be shorter than a similar program with an internship or thesis requirement. Students may also attend part-time programs, which will affect the length of the program.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 2, 2024.
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