Best Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Programs
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Earning an online master’s in gifted and talented education prepares you to pursue various careers. Whether you’re hoping to teach, tutor, lead, or develop curriculum, pursuing this degree provides the necessary training. For many students, cost impacts the program in which they enroll.
Keep reading to learn about top online schools for master’s in gifted and talented education programs and get the data needed to decide whether to attend graduate school.
Located in Tampa, USF offers an online master of arts in gifted education through its College of Education. In addition to the degree, this program allows students to use electives to attain a graduate certificate in teacher leadership, instructional technology, or autism spectrum disorders.
The curriculum comprises 36 credits and spans 12 courses, five of which can be used to apply for the Florida endorsement in gifted education. Students take 15 specialization credits, nine core credits, and 9-12 elective credits based on their desired practicum track.
Graduates leave the program equipped with the advanced training needed to work with exceptional children and collaborate with other instructors. Applicants must hold a teaching certificate and bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
USF holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Based in Athens, UGA offers over 30 online degrees and certificates, including an M.Ed. in educational psychology, gifted, and creative education. Rooted in the belief that education should be tailored to the students' individual needs, this program focuses on the research and instructional delivery of this philosophy.
The curriculum requires a minimum of 37 credits, a comprehensive written exam, and a practicum in education psychology. Additional coursework covers topics like characteristics of gifted children, methods and material for the gifted, and human development for education.
Graduates of this program may pursue roles as classroom teachers, professors, school system coordinators, and educational consultants. UGA holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The state's flagship institution, Mizzou currently serves over 30,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate level. The school offers an online M.Ed. in special education with an emphasis in gifted education that students can complete in 2-3 years.
Designed for practicing teachers, the M.Ed. program is delivered entirely online and requires 23 credits of courses to apply for the Missouri gifted education certification. The 30-credit curriculum covers a variety of topics, such as learning theory, assessment and evaluation, and curriculum methods.
Graduates of Mizzou's gifted and talented master's program often secure jobs as special education teachers, school counselors, and occupational therapists. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, letter of intent, and two letters of recommendations.
Mizzou holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
UNC Charlotte offers an online M.Ed. in special education and child development with a concentration in academically or intellectually gifted. This part-time program is designed for experienced teachers who hold a bachelor's degree and an initial teaching license.
Students enrolled in this fully online program learn how to apply diverse and effective teaching methods to enhance the standard curriculum for gifted students. This degree requires 33 credits and includes writing-intensive courses like methods of instructing gifted students, social and emotional needs of gifted students, and advanced curriculum for gifted students.
To satisfy the program's field experience requirements, prospective students must have access to a classroom with AIG or advanced students. Upon graduation, students qualify for the North Carolina's professional educators continuing license in special education: academically or intellectually gifted.
UNC Charlotte is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Distance learners can pursue an online master of arts in special education from UA. Working educators benefit from an entirely online format, allowing them to continue teaching full time while pursuing an advanced degree.
This MA program aims to develop distance learners' understanding of gifted individuals' needs to facilitate an enhanced educational program. The curriculum spans 30-36 credits and covers topics like creative problem solving seminar, teaching the gifted and talented, and special populations in gifted education. The program requires a practicum for degree completion.
Upon completion of this program, students also obtain the credits required to be eligible for the gifted and talented certification. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's-level teaching certificate from an accredited college or university.
UA holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Jonesboro, A-State currently enrolls over 5,000 distance learners and offers more than 35 online degrees, including a master of science in education degree with a major in gifted, talented, and creative. The 30-credit program is designed for practicing educators and students can complete the program in as little as 18 months.
Distance learners in this M.S.Ed. program develop the necessary proficiencies to create advanced models for and identify gifted students. The 10-course curriculum features classes like current issues in gifted education, philosophies of education, and affective programming in the classroom.
A-State serves as the flagship university of the Arkansas system and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commision of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All online students in this program pay the same tuition rate, regardless of state residency.
A-State holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
NSU — based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — oversees an array of online master's in education degrees, including a specialization in exceptional student education. This fully online specialization caters to certified teachers and non certified professionals.
Through collaboration with a faculty member and an academic advisor, students in this program customize their coursework to align with their individual career needs. However, the program requires all students to complete 36 credits and take courses in educational research for practitioners, educational and psychological assessment of exceptional students, and special education law.
The exceptional student education track prepares online learners for careers like special education teachers, school counselors, and special needs service providers. NSU's online education platform offers a variety of student support services, including access to the virtual library, faculty and student discussion forums, and academic advising.
NSU holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Denton, UNT offers an online master of science in educational psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented students that can be completed in 15 months. With most course rotations taking place over the summer, this fully online program is especially useful for current teachers.
The 33-credit curriculum prepares practicing educators to identify the cognitive and affective needs of gifted students. Coursework includes six core credits, 18 concentration credits, six elective credits, and a three-credit supervised capstone course.
This MS program prepares students for careers as tutors, special education teachers, and school psychologists. In addition to earning the MS degree, students also obtain the gifted and talented certificate upon program completion. Admission requirements include a 1- to 3-page personal statement, GRE scores, and two written letters of recommendation.
UNT is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ULM offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in special education in gifted education. Students in this program learn how to apply theories of affective needs and instructional strategies in the classroom.
To earn this M.Ed. degree, students must complete 36 credits and an eight-week practicum. During this eight-week session, students apply their knowledge and skills to a supervised experience where they work with gifted children. Core classes include developing creativity in the classroom, effective consultation, and research-based instruction.
Prospective students must hold a teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants can select from one of five start dates each year.
ULM is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
A private, Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent provides an online master of education in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in gifted and talented.
Distance learners enjoy instruction from renowned scholars and practitioners and explore topics such as strategic planning and program evaluation, models and strategies for teaching the gifted, and psychology and education of gifted learners. The curriculum culminates in a professional experience project, in which students compile a portfolio that provides evidence of program competencies.
This program aims to help current educators advance in leadership roles or pursue new education opportunities like curriculum developer, content specialist, and department head. Out-of-state students and licensed educators cannot apply for the Virginia gifted education endorsement.
Regent is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Program?
Before committing to an online master’s in gifted and talented education, you must ensure the program and its outcomes match your career goals. Individuals who pursue this degree enjoy working in educational settings and find joy in helping students with natural abilities and focused work ethics meet their potential. Most programs consist of 30-40 credits and require about two years of full-time study. Part-time learners may need three years to graduate. Students in an accelerated program may finish in as few as 12 months.
Some programs attract students who already hold a teaching license. These programs do not require an in-person student teaching requirement. Programs designed to qualify graduates for licensure include a practicum.
Some schools offer a master’s in gifted and talented education specifically. Other programs may focus on individual grade levels or subject areas and offer concentrations in gifted and talented programming. When preparing for graduate school, you should fully understand all available options.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Degree?
Teachers working in the U.S. earn median annual wages around $65,000. Other factors that can influence earnings besides grade level include education background, amount of experience, school type, and location.
Though public schools tend to pay the most, gifted and talented teachers can work in public, private, or charter school systems. They may also work one-to-one with students as tutors.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $63,670 |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,290 |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Principal (K-12) | $103,460 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Gifted and Talented Education Programs
Before making any decisions, you must consider whether an online degree is worth it and meets your needs and goals. Master’s in gifted and talented education programs offer in-demand skills and credentials that qualify you to work at every grade level in many school settings. Because the BLS projects that jobs for teachers will grow around the national average, you may enter a strong job market.
Most K-12 teachers earn median salaries around $63,000 per year. But factors such as education level, experience, location, and employer can influence these figures. People with master’s degrees tend to earn more than colleagues with bachelor’s degrees. In addition, public school teachers often earn more than those in private schools.For instance, high school teachers working at a local public school received median annual salaries of $66,070 in 2023. These teachers at private schools received median wages of $61,290 during the same year.
In general, teachers tend to earn less than those in administrative positions, with few exceptions. Instructional coordinators made a median salary of $74,620 in 2023. The top 10% of earners earned salaries over $109,500. Meanwhile, elementary, middle, and high school principals earned median wages of $103,460 during 2023, with the top 10% making more than $163.010. Administrative positions often offer higher earning potential.
Image Source: Mike Harrington, Getty Images
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