10 Potential Master’s Degree Options for Teachers (Apply Now!)

Potential master’s degree options for teachers may depend on your eligibility and professional interests. For instance, maybe you’re hoping to pursue a career change and become a teacher. Masters degrees for teachers vary widely based on specialty.  Or, maybe you’re trying to jumpstart an enhanced role as an instructional coordinator or education administrator, in which case you'd need a different education masters. Alternatively, you might prepare to serve a particular population of students by studying TESOL or gifted & special education.masters degree in teaching - masters degrees for teachers

We’ve put together a list of graduate schools offering potential masters degree programs for teachers. Check them out, or skip to the bottom of this article to learn more about types of masters in education programs that may be ideal for you.

10+ Masters Degrees for Teachers Programs

Searching for the best masters degrees for teachers may depend on your qualifications, goals, and the area in which you hope to make an impact. These ten sponsored graduate schools offer various master’s degree programs designed with educators in mind.

written by Shannon Fandler

1. University of Southern California

University of Southern California is a private research university based in Los Angeles. USC opened its doors in 1880 and has since become a well-regarded leader in higher education. In addition to graduate students, the university serves 26,500 graduate and professional students across a variety of academic areas.

The USC Rossier School of Education offers teacher education programs at all levels, including master’s degree programs designed for aspiring teachers. In addition to traditional, campus-based programs, USC offers teaching master’s degrees in an online format.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

2. Canisius College

Canisius College is a private, Jesuit college based in Buffalo, New York. They were founded in 1870 and are one of just 28 Catholic, Jesuit colleges in the nation. Canisius offers over 100 academic majors, minors, and special programs, across three schools and seven academic institutes.

The School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) at Canisius College is home to a number of master’s degree programs for current and aspiring education professionals. Some programs are offered in an online format.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

3. Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph’s is a Catholic, Jesuit university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For over 160 years, they have been offering student-centered education grounded in the liberal arts, with a focus on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, social justice, and more.

The College of Arts and Sciences at SJU offers a number of master’s degree programs for educators, along with professional development and graduate certifications programs in areas like Reading Specialist and Principal Certification. They also offer online M.S. programs in areas like Education Leadership and Special Education.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

4.Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a Catholic-affiliated research university based in Chicago, Illinois. The university serves well over 16,000 students, including graduate, professional, and adult learners.

The School of Education at Loyola offers a variety of graduate education programs designed for students who hope to lead, teach, counsel, or research in the fields of elementary, secondary, or higher education. Programs include Education Specialist programs, Master of Education programs, Graduate Teacher Prep programs, and others.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

5. Northcentral University

Northcentral University is a regionally accredited online university established in 1996. Their model focuses on one-on-one mentoring of students, innovative delivery of learning materials, and accessibility for candidates from around the world.

NCU offers multiple online degree programs for educators. Programs focus on helping teachers prepare to serve the evolving needs of diverse students, while meeting challenges in the classroom and beyond.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

6. Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University is a private, nondenominational Christian institution of higher learning, located in Greeneville, South Carolina. They offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across five schools, a college, and a seminary.

BJU is home to a School of Education, which offers teacher education programs with a biblical worldview. For example, the master of education in teaching and learning program is designed to help candidates strengthen their readiness for teaching and leadership in a Christian setting. In some cases, courses may be pursued through BJUOnline.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

7. Duquesne University

Duquesne University is a private Catholic, Spiritan college based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For over 130 years, they’ve offered programs founded on educational excellence, moral and spiritual values, service, and an ecumenical atmosphere.

The School of Education at Duquesne University has a history dating back over 85 years. They offer more than 40 graduate programs for current and aspiring teachers, including master’s degree programs and potential opportunities to pursue endorsements, certifications, and licensure.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

8. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson is the largest private university in New Jersey, with multiple campuses in the Garden State and beyond. They serve 11,500 full- and part-time students, offering flexible learning paths and even online degree programs. FDU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Multiple master’s programs for teachers are offered at the Florham campus in Madison, NJ and the Metropolitan campus in Teaneck, NJ. The Mathematical Foundations MA program is offered online.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

9. University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco is a private, Jesuit university based in San Francisco, California. Established in 1855, they serve over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students in degree programs that span five schools within the university.

The School of Education at USF is home to an array of education master’s programs. Study at the university’s main campus, or search for programs at other locations in Sacramento, Pleasanton, Orange County, and elsewhere.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

  • Master of Arts in International and Multicultural Education
  • Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs
  • And Others

10. University of Hartford

University of Hartford is a private, nonsectarian institution of higher learning. Their beautiful campus spans Hartford, West Hartford, and Bloomfield, Connecticut. Around 5,000 undergraduate students and 1,600 graduate students attend the university.

The College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions at University of Hartford offers programs designed to help professionals prepare for new goals. The school is home to several MEd programs for aspiring teachers who wish to pursue potential certification in specialized programs.

Master’s Programs for Teachers:

10 Types of Masters in Education Programs for Teachers

Trying to choose from among prospective masters degree programs for teachers? Let’s learn more about kinds of education master’s programs you might want to consider.

  1. ESL/TESOL – Study how to foster ESL skills in key areas like reading, writing, and listening, as well as how to work with students, families, and the community.
  2. Curriculum & Instruction – Study how to design lessons and materials that enhance student outcomes, while studying areas like instructional theory, psychology, and more.
  3. K-12 Education – You may focus on either Elementary or Secondary Education, while studying classroom skills and more. Typically, candidates choose a subject area to focus on, like math, science, or social studies. A background in teaching may not be required.
  4. Gifted or Special Education – Study instructional theories and practices designed to enhance the outcomes of learners with diverse gifts and challenges.
  5. Early Childhood Education (ECE) – Study the theory and practice behind teaching younger students, possibly including pre-kindergarten through grade 4.
  6. Education Technology – Explore the use of new methods and technologies for learning, such as games, online learning, digital tools, and more.
  7. Education Leadership & Administration – Study the theory and practice of education leadership and administration for diverse schools, settings, and challenges.
  8. Higher Education – Study key aspects of higher education, such as administrative structures, educational technologies, education management, and more.
  9. Teacher Education – Study how to pursue new goals in the classroom, lead colleagues in new initiatives, develop new programs or curricula, and beyond.
  10. Adult Education – Study adult learning theory as it may apply to areas like basic education, corporate training, health education, ESL instruction, and other fields.

Keep in mind that every master’s program will be slightly different, even within the same field. Interested in studying a particular area of education? Compare prospective master’s degree programs for educators to find out more about admissions requirements, learning objectives, and what you may study.

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