If you’re interested in a career in education, earning a master’s degree in teaching could be the perfect path for you to take. While you typically have to have a teaching degree to become a teacher (or pursue an alternate route to certification), most states require public educators to hold only a bachelor’s degree. However, there are a number of reasons why you might need a master’s degree in teaching, including expanding your advancement opportunities and increasing your salary potential.
At the top graduate degree programs for teaching in the nation, you’ll find exceptional features such as small class sizes, a strong reputation among peers and employers and a wide array of degree options.
1. Stanford University
Leading our list of the top masters programs for teachers is Stanford University in California.
Stanford University’s history of excellence dates back to 1891. The institution is still going strong as it approaches its 135th anniversary.
The school prides itself on small class sizes. The student-to-faculty ratio is just five to one. Stanford University also offers highly-ranked graduate programs in subjects such as the following:
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Science
- Psychology
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- English
- History
Stanford University has an excellent reputation. The Princeton Review recognized the school for a number of achievements, including being among the best value colleges (with and without financial aid), the best “green” colleges and the best schools for internships and career placement services.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Stanford as tied for 7th on its 2023-2024 Best Education Schools list but has historically considered it the best master’s in teaching degree program in the nation. The publication also recognized the institution among the top-ranked programs in the following specialty areas:
- Education Policy
- Educational Psychology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Education Administration and Supervision
- Secondary Teacher Education
- Elementary Teacher Education
U.S. News & world Report also ranked Stanford University as a whole among the best national universities, best value schools, most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans.
What to Expect From Stanford’s Master’s Degree in Education Programs
The graduate teaching degree program is part of the Stanford School of Education. Students can choose from a number of degree paths that include the following:
- Elementary education
- Secondary education
- International comparative education
- Education policy
- Curriculum and teacher education
- Learning design and technology
- Policy, organization and leadership studies
- Individually-designed Master of Arts in Education
Stanford University follows a quarter-based academic calendar. Earning a master’s in teaching degree requires at least three to four quarters of full-time study, depending on which program a student is completing.
College of Education: Stanford School of Education
Location: Stanford, CA
2023 Tuition: $56,487 per year
2. Harvard University
Second on our list of the 15 schools with the best masters degree for teachers programs is Harvard University in Massachusetts. With a history that dates back to 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. Harvard is also among the most selective institutions, with an overall acceptance rate of just 4%.
Small classes are so common at Harvard University, with its student-to-faculty ratio of just 7:1, that more than 71% of courses offered have fewer than 20 students enrolled. The small class sizes are even more pronounced in Harvard’s master’s in education programs. The adjusted ratio of graduate students to faculty was 3.6:1 for the 2023-2024 year, according to U.S. News & World Report.
On its 2023-2024 rankings, U.S. News & World Report rated Harvard University as tied for 9th place among the best education schools nationwide. The publication also ranked Harvard highly in specialties like education policy, educational administration and supervision and higher education administration. Harvard University as a whole has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best value schools, best schools for undergraduate research and creative projects, top national universities, most innovative schools and best undergraduate teaching institutions.
Masters Degree Options for Teachers at Harvard University
At the Harvard Graduate School of Education, students can choose from both residential and online master’s in education programs.
The online master’s in education program for experienced teachers awards one of the best online colleges for teaching degrees in the nation. This master’s degree in educational leadership program allows students to choose between PreK-12 and higher education pathways to match their career goals.
Residential master’s degree programs at Harvard University include the following programs and concentrations:
- Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship
- School Leadership Pathway
- Education Policy and Analysis
- Human Development and Education
- School Counseling Licensure Pathway
- Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology
- Teaching and Teacher Leadership
- Teaching Licensure Strand
- Teacher Leadership Strand
- Arts and Learning Concentration
- Early Childhood Concentration
- Global, International and Comparative Education Concentration
- Higher Education Concentration
- Identity, Power and Justice in Education Concentration
- Literacy and Languages Concentration
Harvard’s graduate school also offers education students a wide range of career services. These services span everything from job search assistance to teaching license program support. The Harvard Graduate School of Education also offers excellent financial aid opportunities. Three-quarters of students in the school of education receive some form of financial aid, and half of these aid recipients benefited from the school’s need-based grant program.
College of Education: Harvard Graduate School of Education
Location: Cambridge, MA
2023 Tuition: $54,768 per year
3. Johns Hopkins University
Another of the best masters in education programs, Johns Hopkins University’s graduate education program, is also one of the larger programs on our list. Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education boasted a total enrollment of 1,741 as of 2022.
Students in this top master program for educators enjoyed 2.5:1 adjusted ratio of graduate students to faculty as of the 2023-2024 school year. The university as a whole has an 8% acceptance rate.
The private Maryland institution opened in 1876, after its namesake, entrepreneur Johns Hopkins, allocated $7 million dollars of funding for a university and other philanthropic projects in his will. Today, the university has earned recognition for excellence in a wide range of measures from numerous authorities.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education as tied for 13th place among the best education schools for 2023-2024, although the publication has historically ranked the school as high as 2nd in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Johns Hopkins Univesity as a whole highly on its lists of top national universities, best value schools, most innovative schools and best schools for undergraduate research and creative projects. The Princeton Review identified Johns Hopkins University as one of the best northeastern colleges, best value colleges and best green colleges.
Education Master’s Degree Coursework at Johns Hopkins University
The small class sizes at the graduate level are impressive, but this is just one of several factors that make Johns Hopkins University one of the best graduate teaching programs in the nation.
The Johns Hopkins School of Education offers numerous well-regarded graduate-level degree paths.
Johns Hopkins is home to one of the best MS degree programs in education. The Master of Science in Education degree path includes specialization options such as:
- Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology
- Gifted Education
- School Administration and Supervision
- Educational Studies (both individualized, interdisciplinary programs and a program affiliated with Teach for America)
- International Teaching and Global Leadership Cohort
There’s also a Master of Science in Special Education degree option for teachers who aim to work with children with disabilities. Students in the special education master’s degree program can choose one of the following concentrations:
- Mild-to-Moderate Disabilities
- Severe Disabilities With an Emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Severe Disabilities With an Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
Aspiring school counselors can pursue the Master of Science in Counseling degree with a school counseling concentration.
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The school also offers a Master of Science in Education Policy program and a Master of Education in the Health Professions degree.
College of Education: Johns Hopkins School of Education
Location: Baltimore, MD
2023 Tuition: $1,025 per credit
4. University of Wisconsin—Madison
The first public school on our top 15 list of the best graduate programs for teachers is the University of Wisconsin—Madison. The University of Wisconsin—Madison’s history dates back to 1848.
The University of Wisconsin—Madison has a reputation for providing both a fun college experience and an excellent education. The Princeton Review quoted students as saying “It’s never hard to find a party” and ranked the institution on its list of schools with Lots of Hard Liquor (#14) and Lots of Beer (#1). However, the publication also put the University of Wisconsin—Madison on its lists of best value colleges, best Midwestern colleges, best schools for financial aid and institutions with the best quality of life.
The Princeton Review isn’t the only publication with good things to say about UW—Madison. On U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 rankings of the best graduate education programs, the Univesity of Wisconsin tied for 3rd place. The school also performed well on the publication’s rankings in specialties like the following:
- Educational Psychology
- Secondary Teacher education
- Elementary Teacher Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Education Policy
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Special Education
The University of Wisconsin as a whole has also earned coveted spots on U.S. News & World Report’s lists of national universities, top public schools and best value schools. At the undergraduate level, the school accepts around 60% of applicants, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The University of Wisconsin—Madison is known for championing the Wisconsin Idea, a commitment to service throughout the state. Another claim to fame for the institution is that two University of Wisconsin—Madison students founded the satirical news publication The Onion in 1988.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Education at UW—Madison
At the UW-Madison School of Education, graduate students can choose from more than a dozen education options. These options include:
- Master of Science in Special Education
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
- Master of Arts in Educational Policy Studies
- Master of Science in Educational Psychology
The School of Education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison is also home to departments such as art, kinesiology and counseling psychology.
The School of Education has an adjusted graduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5.4:1 and 123 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty on staff.
College of Education: School of Education at University of Wisconsin—Madison
Location: Madison, WI
2023 Tuition: $10,728 per year (in-state), $24,054 per year (out-of-state)
5. Vanderbilt University
Next on our list of the top 15 graduate schools for education is Tennessee’s Vanderbilt University. The private institution dates back to 1873. That’s when the school’s namesake, 79-year-old Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, donated the $1 million gift that funded the school’s founding.
The Princeton Review also awarded Vanderbilt University high marks in a number of areas. Most notably, The Princeton Review ranked Vanderbilt University number one on its “Their Students Love These Colleges” list as well as its list of schools with “Great Financial Aid” as of 2023. The school also scored high marks on The Princeton Review’s lists of the Happiest Students, the Best-Run Colleges, College City Gets High Marks, Best Athletic Facilities, Lots of Greek Life and Most Beautiful Campus, among other acknowledgments.
Vanderbilt University also landed accolades from U.S. News & World Report. The institution was ranked 6th place on the publication’s 2023-2024 list of the Best Education Schools. Vanderbilt University also attained a spot on specialty rankings lists in areas that included the following:
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Special Education
- Education Policy
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Psychology
- Elementary Teacher Education
- Secondary Teacher Education
- Higher Education Administration
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
U.S. News & World Report has also recognized the school as one of the top national universities, best value schools, most innovative schools and best schools for teaching undergraduate students.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Education at Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development offers more than 20 master’s degree programs. Of particular interest are the following programs:
- Elementary Education (initial teaching license)
- Secondary Education (initial teaching license)
- Special Education
- Education Policy
- Higher Education Admnistration
- Independent School Leadership
- International Education Policy and Management
Vanderbilt University may be of particular interest to teachers whose passions include reading, writing and the English language. The Peabody College of Education and Human Development offers some of the best graduate English programs for teachers, with programs that focus on English Language Learners, Reading Education and World Languages (awarding initial English as a Second Language certification).
Students can also pursue joint degree options in education and medicine, public policy or theological studies. Those who begin their undergraduate education at Vanderbilt University can apply to the fifth-year early enrollment program. This accelerated program allows students to get a head start on earning their master’s degree in one of the following areas:
- Child studies
- Education policy
- Higher education administration
- Leadership and organizational performance
- Teaching
The adjusted graduate student-to-faculty ratio at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development is just 2.6:1. This means graduate students can look forward to small class sizes and personal attention.
College of Education: Peabody College of Education and Human Development
Location: Nashville, TN
2023 Tuition: $2,169 per credit hour or $39,042 per year
6. University of Pennsylvania
Another of the best teaching schools in the nation is the University of Pennsylvania. This private Philadelphia institution’s history dates back to its founding in 1740.
Today, the University of Pennsylvania is home to four undergraduate schools and 12 graduate and professional schools. The institution employs more than 5,000 faculty members. The overall student-to-faculty ratio at the University of Pennsylvania is 6:1. However, U.S. News & World Report disclosed an adjusted ratio of graduate students to faculty of 4.8:1.
On its 2023-2024 ranking of the Best Education Schools, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Pennsylvania as tied for 3rd place. The school also fared well in multiple specialty program rankings, including Higher Education Administration and Education Policy. The institution as a whole landed spots on U.S. News & World Report’s lists of national universities, best value schools and most innovative schools. The University of Pennsylvania also boasts the best business program in the nation. Dozens of the school’s graduate and undergraduate program offerings in business, the natural and social sciences and the humanities have earned high rankings from U.S. News & World Report, as well.
The Princeton Review has also rated the University of Pennsylvania highly. The institution held a place on The Princeton Review’s 2023 lists of Best Value Colleges, Best Northeastern schools and best Green Colleges.
Master’s Degrees in Education at the University of Pennsylvania
Students at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education can choose from more than 20 master’s degree programs as well as a variety of Ed.D. and Ph.D. doctoral programs.
Some of the graduate degree offerings include master’s degrees the following areas:
- Education Policy
- Education Entrepreneurship
- School Leadership
- Higher Education
- Global Higher Education Management
- Independent School Teaching
- International Educational Development
- Learning Analytics
- Learning Sciences and Technology
- Reading/Writing/Literacy
- Teaching, Learning and Leadership
- Education, Culture and Society
- Urban Education
- Medical Education
Students who aren’t able to commit to an on-campus master’s degree program can earn certain degrees, such as the master’s in Urban Education and the master’s in Global Higher Education Management, online at the University of Pennsylvania.
The school also offers on-campus executive format degree programs designed for busy professionals in degree paths such as the following:
- Education Entrepreneurship
- Higher Education Management
- School Leadership
- Medical Education
- School and Mental Health Counseling
College of Education: University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Location: Philadelphia, PA
2023 Tuition: $1,786 per credit or $29,656 per semester
7. Teachers College, Columbia University
Another top graduate school for education is Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition to claiming 7th place on our list of the best master’s in teaching programs in the nation, Teachers College, Columbia University is also the largest school on our list. For the 2021-2022 school year, 3,220 full-time students and 2,596 part-time students were enrolled in this graduate institution.
Teachers College, Columbia University was founded in 1887. The college identifies itself as “the first and largest graduate school of education in the United States.” Teachers College, Columbia University offers only degree programs in education, health and psychology, and only at the graduate and doctoral levels.
Though Teachers College is affiliated with Columbia University, it is actually a separate entity from the Ivy League institution. Teachers College has its own separate President and Board of Trustees.
Like Columbia University, however, Teachers College is a research institution. Research at Teachers College, Columbia University in recent years has included the following initiatives:
- Investigating methods of developing advanced math educational materials for young students
- Educating elementary school students about nutrition and health
- Teaching high schoolers about government financial matters like the national debt
- Implementing science-based teaching approaches to better educate students who have autism
The school employs 131 full-time faculty members. This gives it an adjusted graduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8.4:1, according to U.S. News & World Report. It’s worth noting that U.S. News ranked Teachers College, Columbia University as tied for first place on its 2023-2024 list of the Best Education Schools. The institution also achieved excellent rankings in the following specialties:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Elementary Teacher Education
- Secondary Teacher Education
- Education Policy
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Advancing Your Teaching Career With a Master’s Degree From Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College, Columbia University is an institution designed to educate those who already have an undergraduate degree and a career in education. This makes the school is an excellent choice for students who want to earn their degrees part-time. Nearly half (44.64%) of students at Teachers College, Columbia University study part-time. Going to school part-time allows them to keep working in the education industry.
The tuition rate of $1,913 per credit is the same whether you study full-time or part-time. This means that students who need to work toward their degree at a slower pace don’t have to spend more money to do so.
With 68 different programs of study available at the master’s degree level, there are plenty of academic options. Some of the popular teacher education and certification programs at Teacher’s College, Columbia University include:
- Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Inclusive Education
- Secondary Inclusive Education
- School Psychology
- Specialized Intellectual Disability/Autism coursework
Students can also take specialized programs of study, such as the following:
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Music and Music Education
- Science Education
- Teaching of Social Studies.
Location: New York, NY
2023 Tuition: $35,460 per year ($1,913 per credit)
8. Northwestern University
Some of the best master programs for teachers are offered at large schools, while others are awarded by smaller institutions. The graduate education program at Northwestern University in Illinois is the smallest program on our top 15 list. Full-time enrollment here amounted to 229 for 2023, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The School of Education and Social Policy is just one of 10 graduate and professional schools within Northwestern University.
Northwestern University’s history dates back to 1850. That’s when a group of nine founders – including John Evans, namesake of the town of Evanston – began making ambitious plans for the school. The school opened its doors in 1855 with just two instructors and 10 students. The School of Education opened as a separate college within Northwestern University in 1926.
Today, the graduate education program alone employs 39 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty members, according to U.S. News & World Report. The adjusted graduate students-to-faculty ratio is 2.2:1.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Northwestern University as tied for 3rd place on its 2023-2024 Best Education Schools list. The institution also scored well in the specialty of Educational Policy. As a whole, Northwestern University also achieved accolades as one of the Best Value Schools, National Universities and Best Undergraduate Teaching schools from U.S. News & World Report.
Northwestern University also made The Princeton Review’s lists of Best Value Colleges, Best Midwestern colleges and best Green Colleges.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Education From Northwestern University
This selective private institution has the highest tuition rate on the list – but don’t let that deter you from pursuing an outstanding graduate teaching education here.
The graduate programs at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy include both master’s degrees and Ph.D. offerings. Master’s-level education programs available at Northwestern University as of 2023 include the following:
- Master of Arts in Learning Sciences: A degree program that delves into the science behind teaching and learning.
- Master of Science in Education: Degree programs that prepare elementary and secondary school teachers for certification or offer certified teachers the opportunity to explore advanced studies or develop their leadership skills through standard 18-month or accelerated one-year pathways.
- Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy: A program to prepare leaders of colleges, universities, governmental agencies and postsecondary education consulting firms,
- Master’s in Learning & Organizational Change: A program for leaders in education, nonprofit, business, consulting and other fields that emphasizes areas like coaching, design thinking and leading wth equity and inclusion in mind.
College of Education: Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy
Location: Evanston, IL
2023 Tuition: $60,555 for the degree ($4,037 per course unit)
9. University of Washington
Next on our list of the top graduate schools is the University of Washington. This public institution in Seattle that first opened its doors in 1861.
The University of Washington also has campuses located in Tacoma and Bothell in addition to its main Seattle campus. The College of Education is just one of 16 schools that make up the University of Washington.
On its 2023-2024 list of the Best Education Schools, U.S. News & Word Report ranked the Unviersity of Washington as tied for 11th place in the nation. The publication also recognized the school’s performance in specialties such as the following:
- Elementary Teacher Education
- Secondary Teacher Education
- Special Education
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
U.S. News & World Report also recognized the the University of Washington as a whole with spots on its National Universities, Best Value Schools, Top Public Schools and Best colleges for Veterans lists.
The Princeton Review ranked the University of Washington on its lists of the Best Value Colleges, the Best Career Placement Public Schools, the Best Western schools and the top Green Colleges. The University of Washington has also landed a coveted spot on Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s global rankings list multiple times.
In 2023, U.S. News reported a total enrollment in the University of Washington College of Education amounting to 692. With more than 50 full-time faculty currently employed at the University of Washington College of Education, the adjusted graduate student-to-faculty ratio is just 3.5:1.
Master’s Degree in Education Options at the University of Washington
In addition to being one of the best public schools in the nation for graduate teaching studies, the University of Washington College of Education is known for its strong focus on research and on diversity in the field of education.
Students at the University of Washington’s College of Education can pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in areas like the following:
- Instructional Leadership
- Culturally Sustaining Education
- Language, Literacy and Culture
- Mathematics or Science Education
- Education Policy, Organizations and Leadership
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Education Policy
- Leadership in Higher Education
- Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership
- Special Education
- Early Childhood Special Education
- High-Incidence Disabilities Teacher Education
- Low-Incidence Teacher Education
- Learning Sciences & Human Development
- Measurement & Statistics
Students at the University of Washington College of Education may also choose to pursue a one-year Master of Teaching in elementary or secondary education.
College of Education: University of Washington College of Education
Location: Seattle, WA
2023 Tuition: $6,845 per quarter (in-state); $11,927 per quarter (out-of-state)
10. University of Texas—Austin
If you’re looking for the best graduate degree at a reasonable price point, check out the University of Texas—Austin. Texas residents pay just $4,637 per semester for graduate studies at the University of Texas—Austin as of 2023. Out-of-state students paid tuition rates amounting to $9,016 per semester in 2023.
The University of Texas—Austin’s history dates back to its founding in 1883. Today, the university is one of the biggest schools in the United States, with a total enrollment of more than 52,000 students – including 11,075 graduate students – in 2022. The University of Texas—Austin’s College of Education is one of 18 schools within the university. For the graduate education program at the University of Texas—Austin, U.S. News reported a 2023 enrollment number of 610.
Although U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Texas—Austin as tied for 16th place on its 2023-2024 list of the Best Education Schools, we felt this institution deserved a higher position. U.S. News & World Report also ranked the University of Texas—Austin highly among many specialties, including the following:
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Special Education
- Secondary Teacher Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Education Policy
- Educational Psychology
- Elementary Teacher Education
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranked the university as a whole on its lists of the Top Public Schools, National Universities, Most Innovative Schools, Best Value Schools and Best Undergraduate Teaching schools on 2023.
The Princeton Review ranked the University of Texas—Austin on more than a dozen of its rankings and lists, including the Best Value Colleges, Best Western institutions, Colleges That Create Futures and top Green Colleges.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Texas—Austin
Graduate offerings at the University of Texas—Austin’s College of Education include Master of Arts and Master of Education degree programs, in addition to Ph.D. programs of study and undergraduate majors.
Among the 11 MA degrees in education are the following programs:
- Early Childhood Education
- STEM Education
- Social Studies Education
- Physical Education Teacher Education
- Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- Learning Technologies
The Master of Education offerings are even more robust. The University of Texas—Austin offers Master of Education degrees in all of the above programs of study, as well as areas like the following:
- Counselor Education
- Educational Policy and Planning
- Health Behavior and Health Education
- Higher Education Leadership and Policy
- Language and Literacy Studies
- Teacher Leadership, Mentoring & Professional Development
College of Education: College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin
Location: Austin, TX
2023 Tuition: $4,637 per semester (in-state); $9,016 per semester (out-of-state)
11. University of California—Los Angeles
Another highly regarded school for a top graduate degree in teaching is the University of California—Los Angeles. The public institution was founded in 1919 and recently celebrated its centennial.
A master’s degree in education at UCLA is surprisingly affordable – at least, compared to other top master’s in education programs. In-state students pay around $18,136 annually for most master’s programs at the school. The price tag for non-residents is somewhat steeper.
Between the North Campus, which is home of the arts, social sciences and humanities departments, and the South Campus, home of the natural sciences and mathematics department, UCLA offers more than 250 academic programs, including 120 programs at the graduate and doctoral levels.
On its 2023-2024 Best Education Schools ranking list, U.S. News & World Report placed the University of California—Los Angeles as tied for 7th place. The school earned recognition in several specialty areas, including:
- Higher Education Administration
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Education Policy
- Educational Psychology
- Secondary Teacher Education
The publication also ranked the University of California—Los Angeles as tied for 1st place on its Top Public Schools list. The institution also landed spots on U.S.News & World REport’s lists of National Universities, Most Innovative Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans and Best Value Schools.
The Princeton Review named UCLA 10th on its lists of Best Value Colleges, Best Schools for Financial Aid, Best Western schools and top Green Colleges.
Master’s in Education Degree Programs at UCLA
Graduate education students at the University of California—Los Angeles can pursue academic Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees or professional Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees.
Among academic degree programs that award a Master of Arts are the following areas of study:
- Higher Education & Organizational Change
- Human Development & Psychology
- Social Research Methodology
- Social Sciences & Comparative Education
The professional Master of Education programs at UCLA’s Graduate School of Education & Information Studies include a Teacher Education Program in a variety of tracks based on grade level and subject. Students in the teacher preparation program can choose from subject area pathways such as English, mathematics, science, social science and music. Student teaching is an important part of the degree program, as is coursework in subjects that range from language and culture to methods of teaching mathematics.
Students may also earn a Master of Education degree in the following areas:
- Educational Leadership
- Principal Leadership Institute
- Student Affairs
- Transformative Coaching and Leadership
College of Education: UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies
Location: Los Angeles, CA
2023 Tuition: $18,136 per year (in-state); $33,238 (out-of-state)
12. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
Among the top graduate education degree programs in the nation is the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor. This public school has a history that dates back to 1817.
The School of Education became its own college within the University of Michigan in 1921, but its history – and particularly, its close ties to public education – dates back much farther. In fact, in 1817, the University of Michigan’s first charter assigned the institution responsibility for all public instruction across the state, though that’s no longer the case.
The School of Education is just one of 19 schools and colleges that make up the University of Michigan.
The University of Michigan has produced a number of famous alumni. Examples of University of Michigan alumni include former United States President Gerald Ford, actor James Earl Jones and National Football League quarterback Tom Brady.
The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor tied for 1st place nationwide on U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Education Schools list. The publication also recognized the institution’s performance in a number of specialties, including:
- Higher Education Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Elementary Teacher Education
- Secondary Teacher Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education Policy
U.S. News & World Report named the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor as a whole on its Top Public Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, Most Innvoative Schools, National Universities, Best Value Schools and Best Undergraduate Teaching lists.
The Princeton Review named the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor on more than a dozen of its lists and rankings, including Best Midwestern, Best Value Colleges and Colleges That Create Futures.
Master of Arts Programs at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor awards Master of Arts degrees to its graduate education students.
Students can choose from four academic tracks at the master’s level.
The school’s Master of Arts in Educational Studies program allows students to pursue concentrations in the following areas:
- Educational Studies (Blended)
- Design and Technologies for Learning Across Culture and Contexts
- Educational Equity, Justice and Social Transformation
- Program Evaluation and Improvement Research
- Educational Studies + MBA dual-degree program
The University of Michigan’s Master of Arts degrees with initial teacher certification allow students to choose between elementary school and secondary school certification programs.
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy program emphasizes school improvement from multiple perspectives and includes a 100-hour internship.
The school also offers a Master of Arts in Higher Education degree program with numerous concentration areas, including:
- Management and Organizations
- Institutional Research
- Public Policy
- Student Access and Success
College of Education: University of Michigan School of Education
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
2023 Tuition: $26,392 per year (in-state); $53,178 per year (out-of-state)
13. University of Oregon
Can you earn a teaching master’s degree from a tier-one research school? At the University of Orgeon, you can.
The University of Oregon is home to nine schools and colleges. The School of Education was established in 1910, more than 30 years after the University of Oregon’s 1876 founding. The school switched to its current name in 1968.
As a tier-one research institution, the University of Oregon is a member of the Association of American Universities, with a research operating budget of $932 million and access to 30 different research facilities. The school offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs – more than 150 of which are graduate programs. Still, the school manages to keep class sizes small. Its status as a tier-one research institution means students and faculty have access to a variety of different research facilities. The institution also has invitation-only membership with the Association of American Universities.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Education Schools list put the University of Oregon in a tie for 14th place and recognized it as one of the best programs for special education.
U.S. News & World Report also awarded the University of Oregon a spot on its Top Public Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans and National Universities rankings.
Studying Education at the Graduate Level at the University of Oregon
Today, the University of Oregon College of Education offers the following master’s degree-level programs of study in education:
- Master of Science in Education Policy and Leadership
- UOTeach Curriculum and Teaching Master of Education/teaching licensure
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Teacher Education
- Master of Arts, Master of Science or Master of Education in Special Education
Despite being called the College of Education, the school produces graduates who find employment as teachers, administrators, educational research scientists, social service professionals, psychologists, therapists and clinicians.
College of Education: UO College of Education
Location: Eugene, OR
2023 Tuition: $19,485 per year (in-state); $27,990 per year (out-of-state)
14. Arizona State University
Another of the most affordable schools on the list – at least for residents – is Arizona State University in Phoenix. At just over $12,000 per year for in-state students, Arizona State University provides a highly ranked education at a great value.
The public research institution was founded in 1885. With a total enrollment of more than 77,000 students and a massive undergraduate population of more than 64,000 students, Arizona State University happens to be one of the nation’s largest schools in terms of undergraduate enrollment.
On the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report list of the Best Education Schools, Arizona State University placed in a tie for 18th in the nation. The school also received recognition in the following specialty areas:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Elementary Teacher Education
U.S. News & World Report ranked Arizona State University on its lists of theTop Public Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools, Best Undergraduate Teaching programs and National Universities in 2022. The Princeton Review also recognized Arizona State University on a number of fronts, including the school on its Best Western, Best Value Colleges, Colleges That Create Futures and Green Colleges lists.
Master’s Degree in Education Programs at Arizona State University
Graduate education students at Arizona State University are part of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. The teachers college is named for the late educator and philanthropist, Mary Lou Fulton.
The school offers more than 40 master’s, doctoral and graduate certificate programs in education. Popular courses of study include the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, and secondary education.
ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College also offers degree paths for aspiring special education teachers, instructional coordinators, school counselors and principals and administrators.
College of Education: Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
Location: Phoenix, AZ
2023 Tuition: $12,014 per year (full-time, in-state); $24,498 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
15. New York University
Completing our top 15 graduate degree programs for teaching list is New York University. The private institution located in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, has offered students an outstanding education since its founding in 1831.
In addition to listing New York University as tied for 9th place on on its 2023-2024 list of the best graduate education programs, U.S. News & World Report also recognized the school on its National Universities, Best Value Schools, , Most Innovative Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans lists.
New York University is an international research institution. The university has with 12 academic centers scattered across the globe and research programs headquartered in more than 25 nations. The school’s total enrollment of more than 61,724 students makes New York University the largest private college in America.
NYU’s Masters Degrees in Education
Graduate teaching students at New York University are part of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The school offers more than two dozen master’s degree programs related to education.
Some such programs are expected courses of study, such as:
- Early Childhood Education
- Childhood Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
Other graduate programs at NYU are subject-specific. These master’s degrees include:
- Art + Education
- Dance Education
- Music Education
- English Education
- Math Education
- Science Education
- Social Studies Education
- Environmental Conservation Education
College of Education: Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Location: New York, NY
2023 Tuition: $18,909 per term
Editor’s Note: This ranking of the top 15 graduate degree programs for teaching is intended as a guide to help prospective students find the right school and degree program for them. The data presented in this list was drawn from authoritative sites such as U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and the official school websites of the institutions listed and has been updated with the most recent data as of 2023. Students who are interested in one or more of the programs above should continue their own research into the listed institutions before choosing a college.
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