Cheapest Online Master’s in Education in Massachusetts
Many educators seek a Master’s in Education online to keep up with the current skills and knowledge to serve their students better. These degrees provide a detailed investigation of a particular area of Education, looking at the most recent research-based education techniques, and prepare graduates for leadership positions.
Are Education Graduates in Demand?
Between 2021 and 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that occupations in Education, training, and libraries will expand by 7%. Classroom teachers, career counsellors, and instructional coordinators are some examples of job titles. High School Teachers earn a median annual salary of $61,820, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission Requirements for Masters in Higher Education
Cheapest Online Masters in Education in Massachusetts
1. Salem State University
Program: MEd in Elementary Education
Tuition: $140 per credit hour(in state); $230 per credit hour(out of state)
Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Financial Aid: Available with 93% of the students receiving the aid.
The program is designed for individuals with an initial license in elementary education who desire professional support and a master’s degree or for professionals seeking further professional development. The students of the program are exempt from taking MAT or GRE.
2. Fitchburg State University
Program: MEd in Curriculum and Teaching
Tuition: $385 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Financial Aid: Available with 99% of the students receiving the aid.
The 36-credit hour program can be completed in as less as 12 months and is designed to meet the needs of working teachers. The objective of the course is to develop habits of obtaining, analysing, and implementing current research to enhance teaching strategies, including the fundamentals of educational law. Upon completion of the course, the educators are placed in the roles of curriculum coordinator and curriculum and assessment director.
3. Bridgewater State University
Program: Masters in Elementary Education
Tuition: $488.50 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Financial Aid: Available with 91% of the students receiving the aid.
The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education offers several elementary education master’s programs and concentrated areas of study to help you meet your professional goals. A master’s in elementary education can help you develop or enhance your teaching skills, advance your career or land your first teaching position. The class size is capped at 25 to facilitate one-on-one interaction with the instructor to network and collaborate with fellow graduates.
4. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Program: M.Ed. in Higher Education
Tuition: $580 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Ranks #1 in Top Public Universities in Massachusetts.
Financial Aid: Available with 88% of the students receiving the aid.
The program is designed for busy professionals who already work in higher education or an adjacent field and have several years of experience. In this 36-credit hour program, the students engage in assessment, evaluation, and research projects on student experiences and higher education organizations that contribute to current thinking in the field. Students complete the degree by developing a case study project in an Integrative Seminar and presenting/defending the results.
5. Boston University
Program: MEd in Curriculum & Teaching
Tuition: $955 per credit hour
Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Financial Aid: Available with 58% of the students receiving the aid.
The 36-credit hour program is designed for practising teachers by helping to deepen their content knowledge in their respective fields. The educators can choose to enrol from focused content tracks, including elementary education, special education, math education, and science education, among the various options available. The program boasts asynchronous courses and flexible live sessions.
Is a Master’s in Education worth it?
When it comes to advancing careers in the field of Education, a master’s degree can be a valuable asset. Depending on an individual’s career goals, aspirations, and how specific the program is, the value of a master’s degree in Education can vary considerably. Make sure that the program you choose aligns with your career goals and aspirations by researching and comparing different ones.
Here the flowchart summarises the key drivers to pursue a Master’s in Education.
Will a Master in Education Increase my salary prospects?
The National Council on Teacher Quality reports that 88 per cent of large U.S. schools (including the 100 largest districts) offer master’s degree holders additional pay.Also, BLS statistics show a considerable wage premium for master’s degree holders working in the field of education.
| Occupation | %Wage Premium(for Masters over Bachelor’s) |
| Education Administrators | 44% |
| Preschool and kindergarten teachers | 43% |
| Elementary and middle school teachers | 28% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 24% |
| Special education teachers | 24% |
| Other Teachers and Instructors | 22% |
| Postsecondary teachers | 14% |
Source: BLS
How can an Online Master’s in Education Degree help me achieve my career goals?
An online master’s in Education prepares students for careers such as career counselling, education programme director, training and development specialist, and high school principal. Payscale data shows that salaries range from an average of $134,168 for a school administrator to a median of $60,510 for a career counsellor.
The table below summarises the various jobs available with a Master’s in Education.
| Job | Salary |
| Career Counsellor | $60,510 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $61,570 |
| High School Principal | $98,420 |
| School Superintendent | $134,168 |
Source: BLS & Payscale
A Master’s degree in Education helps teachers enhance their subject knowledge, pedagogy, and classroom skills and explore different career paths. With a Master’s degree, you can advance your understanding of how students learn while strengthening your classroom practice.
