A Master of Arts in Teaching is a practical degree for people who are interested in becoming teachers or for these professionals who wish to advance their careers. Teachers can have a lifelong impact on their students, so teaching is a special profession. It is also a practical profession since the job market for teachers is huge and salaries can be competitive in the right districts.

Teacher Education programs, including Master of Arts, are also an avenue into school administration.

While the teaching profession remains in turmoil with various strikes and fighting for equal pay, the overall employment outlook for teachers is bright. Nearly all reform efforts include a push for smaller class sizes and as the population continues to increase, so will the desire for more teachers.

While a Master of Arts in Teaching is a good idea, it can be difficult to go to school full time while also working full time, especially if you have to attend class on campus. Thankfully, there are several high quality, accredited programs available online that are very flexible for full-time professionals.

Check out these top 10 Master of Arts in Teaching programs online.

#1 – UMass Online

The University of Massachusetts online program is one of the largest public university online programs in the United States. UMass Online offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Master of Arts in Teaching. In fact, UMass offers 20 diverse degree and certificate programs related to education, including a Master’s degree in Curriculum studies, a Master of Education – Vision Studies, and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.

Tuition costs vary widely for the UMass online teaching programs. The tuition depends on the nature of the program and the course. For example, courses in the Bachelor of Arts-Children’s Learning and Development program online cost $385 per credit. It should also be noted that tuition is the same regardless of whether the student is in-state or out-of-state.

#2 – Kaplan University

Kaplan University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program is offered nationwide for professionals who are interested in the field of education and already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field of study, or in education. The program is offered for students in every state except Arkansas, Iowa, and Kentucky because of local online teaching regulations.

The teaching program is designed to help people who want to change careers. The program teaches them the professional competencies required for secondary educators who teach grades 5 through 12. The program doesn’t lead to certification, but it does provide college graduates with a solid foundation to pursue alternative routes to a teacher certification.

#3 – Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a 100% online college founded by the governors of 19 states and led by the governors of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. The main administrative offices are located in Salt Lake City, but all classes are conducted online. The Teacher’s College offers post—baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, including a Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education.

#4 – Liberty University Online

Liberty University Online offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education, as well as Masters of Education in Program Specialist (Reading) and Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood). The programs are offered with a Christian perspective. This school offers one of the most affordable online educations. Tuition costs for master’s level programs are $465 per credit hour.

#5 – University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online Master of Arts in Education program with specializations in Art Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Education Administration, English, Instructional Technology, Music Education, and Physical Education. The online courses offered by UNK are affordable. Graduate College of Education courses are $375 per credit and tuition costs for Nebraska residents are lower.

#6 – Drexel University Online

Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, established its online program in 1996. The school is rooted in technology and research, meaning it brings unique strength in academics to the online learning environment. Drexel University offers online Master of Education programs in a wide variety of specializations. The graduate program classes are offered online at $784 per credit for new students.

#7 – Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s ASU Online virtual campus offers a Master of Arts or Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision. The Curriculum and Instruction program offers specializations in Teaching and Learning, Gifted Education Focus; Teaching and Learning, Autism Spectrum Focus; English as a Second Language (ESL); and Early Childhood Education. Tuition costs are the same for all online students regardless of their residency.

#8 – University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati was founded in 1819 as a public research university and is divided into 14 schools and colleges, including the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. The CECH offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Urban Educational Leadership, Middle Childhood Education, Instructional Design and Technology, Special Education, and Secondary Education.

#9 – Graceland University

Graceland University is a non-denominational university sponsored by the Community of Christ. It began online courses in 1999 and has a wide range of online degree programs, including a fully online Master of Education degree program. This program is offered to people who hold an undergraduate degree in education or an educational endorsement from an accredited university. Prospective students must have a current Teaching Certificate and verification of current teaching employment with at least 20 hours per week in the classroom.

#10 – Walden University

Walden University, founded in 1970, is a world leader in student-centered, online education. The school’s mission is to provide a diverse community of career professionals with new opportunities. The university’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 13 different specializations. Tuition varies by degree program.

Whatever master of arts in teaching program you choose, you are sure to receive an education that will help you hopefully move forward to where you want to be in your career.

The post Top 10 Master of Arts in Teaching Programs Online appeared first on Early Childhood Education Degrees.