The 30 Best Masters in Education Programs

The University of Washington is a gorgeous public university in an urban setting, right in Seattle. The school is notable for many reasons, including:

• Housing one of the largest library systems in the world
• Being a high-activity research university
• Being affiliated with 20 Nobel Prize laureates

The university also has the best master’s in education program with a specialization in instructional leadership in the nation.

Some courses in this program are:

• Action Research for Teacher Leaders
• Education as a Moral Endeavor
• Coaching and Mentoring Adult Learners
• Classroom Assessment Strategies: Data Use in Schools
• Educational Leadership

Students also take cohort seminars once a month for two hours to catch up with their classmates and share their learnings.

This education degree program suits teachers well, but it caters especially to aspiring teacher leaders. Many graduates from this program work as instructional coaches, assessment coordinators, department leaders, grade level leaders, educational consultants, and teacher mentors.

The University of Illinois is an excellent school with over 250 programs of study between the graduate and undergraduate levels. It is known for having the fastest supercomputer of any university campus. It’s also well known for its highly regarded College of Education. And if you’re interested in elementary teaching, Illinois has the best Master of Education in elementary education program around.

Several notable courses that you will take at the University of Illinois are:

• Introduction to Teaching Elementary Age Children
• Teaching Elementary Science
• Investigative Approach to Elementary Mathematics Instruction
• Theory Practice in Elementary School Teaching
• Disability Issues in SPED

Education students must also take one four-credit course in educational psychology, one four-credit course in educational policy, and one four-credit 500-level course in education.

The admission requirements to Illinois include:

• A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA
• A professional resume
• Three letters of reference
• A personal statement regarding your professional goals
• Transcripts
• A $70 application fee

Purdue University has come a long way since September 16, 1874, when it first opened with six instructors and 39 students. With 3,055 academic staff and 46,655 students, Purdue University is now the second-largest university in Indiana. The university is known for its very high research activity and for having the fourth-largest international student body of any university in America. It’s also well known for its excellent Master of Science in curriculum studies program.

Some courses that Purdue University students take in this program are:

• Foundations of Curriculum
• Multicultural Education
• Contemporary Curriculum Theory
• Individual Research Problems
• Seminar in Curriculum Studies

These courses offer students the foundations of curriculum studies, and they work their way up toward the more specialized and nuanced information.

Graduate students can choose the thesis option if they wish to pursue doctoral programs or research-focused careers. This option requires an additional six credit hours of study.

Nestled between two lakes in the capital of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the prettiest college campuses around. It’s one of the best, too, especially among public universities. So good, in fact, that the 2001 Greenes’ Guides list regarded the school as a Public Ivy. The university offers a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction, which suits aspiring teachers, school administrators, mentors, and more. 

This top master’s in education includes four specializations: English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Some of these concentrations are exclusively for high school teachers; others are for middle and high school teachers; and the rest apply to teachers of any grade level. You can find out more by clicking the link under each specialization. 

Admission requirements for prospective University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate students are:

• A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA
• Three letters of recommendation
• A professional resume
• A personal statement
• Application fees
• Transcripts

The GRE is required if you have less than a 3.0 GPA and optional otherwise.

The University of Central Florida is perhaps the least prestigious university on this list thus far, but that should work to its credit. When you’re up against Public Ivies and you still rank fifth, that means the program must be good. Really good.

Indeed, the University of Central Florida’s master’s of education in curriculum and instruction is one of the top programs of its kind around, especially when you consider its value. In fact, the Princeton Review considers the University of Central Florida among its “Best Value” universities.

There are six specializations within UCA’s master’s degree education program:

• Supporting high needs populations
• Gifted education
• Intervention specialist
• Educational technology
• Global international and comparative education
• Curriculum leadership

Each specialization supports teachers on their quest to become better teachers, leaders, and people.

Some notable courses in this program are:

• Curriculum Design
• Multicultural Education
• Fundamentals of Technology for Educators

Note that this master’s in education and teaching degree only accepts certified educators, and the more experience you have, the better.

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of early childhood education. Research has shown time and again that a good childhood education can be the difference between a prosperous life and one of mediocrity and delinquency. The people in charge of an excellent education are a child’s parents and their teachers. If you want to be an excellent early childhood teacher, consider Ohio State University’s Master of Education in early childhood education.

Courses in this program teach education students to become excellent teachers and mentors. Some notable classes are:

• Early Childhood Pedagogy
• Equity and Diversity in Education
• Classroom Based Inquiry
• Social Studies Methods
• Reflective Seminar

Graduate students must also complete the 10-credit Supervised Student Teaching course to prove that they’re able teachers.

Recommended admission requirements for this teaching degree include:

• A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
• Experience working with youth
• Three letters of recommendation
• A professional resume
• A personal statement

Prospective students with between a 2.75 and 3.0 GPA may still apply, but they must also submit GRE scores.

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship university in the University of Texas system. The school is considered a Public Ivy with a high degree of research activity, fantastic academics, and hundreds of successful alumni and faculty members. The University of Texas also includes excellent sports teams and a lively campus atmosphere. Plus, it’s in one of America’s coolest cities.

The University of Texas at Austin has the nation’s best Master of Arts and Master of Education programs in physical education teacher education. The Master of Arts option requires students to write a report or thesis; the Master of Education option requires students to complete additional coursework. The Master of Education option is perhaps better suited for teachers, while the Master of Arts suits those who want to become a researcher or pursue a Ph.D.

Courses in the physical education teacher education curriculum include:

• Introduction to Multicultural Education
• Current Issues in Physical Education
• Latino Educational Policy in Texas
• Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education

If you’re a nature lover, don’t even consider overlooking Utah State University. Set near gorgeous mountains in Utah, the school has access to the great outdoors that rivals most schools. It also has a fantastic Master of Education degree program in elementary education, which is suited for educators who wish to pursue their studies or become more avid researchers. 

Some courses that Utah State University students take are:

• Research for Classroom Teachers
• Social Foundations of Education
• Diversity in Education
• Foundations of Curriculum
• Designing Assessment in Education

Each graduate student is required to pass an oral exam to complete the program; the exam requires students to talk about their final project or portfolio. If students don’t initially pass the exam, they have one chance to take it again. 

Admission requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree (3.0 or higher GPA)
• A MAT or GRE score in at least the 40th percentile
• A statement of purpose focusing on professional goals
• Three letters of recommendation

The University of California-Berkeley is perhaps America’s best public university. It’s well known for its programs, Bohemian history, and for being associated with 107 Nobel Prize laureates. The list of superlatives and achievements can go on forever, but the point is that the University of California-Berkeley is a premier learning institution. And as long as you think you have a chance of admission, you should apply to the school.

The University of California-Berkeley features one of the nation’s best graduate programs for education with multiple possible emphases, including:

• Critical studies of race, class, and gender
• Culture, development, and the learning sciences
• Policy, politics, and leadership
• Social research methodologies

One master of arts pathway grants students with a teaching credential; the other offers an administrative services credential. 

This master’s degree program doesn’t require students to submit GRE scores. But it is a very selective program nonetheless. Prospective students should concentrate on crafting excellent essays, finding fantastic people to recommend them, and accumulating experience to gain a decent chance of admission.

North Carolina State University is the largest university in the Carolinas, offering over 200 degree programs, countless extracurricular options, and the chance to watch first-rate sports teams compete. It also forms the prestigious Research Triangle—a sort of research partnership—with the University of North Carolina and Duke University. And perhaps most pertinent, NC State offers outstanding Master of Education and Master of Science programs in elementary education.

Graduate students can specialize in mathematics specialist preparation or science leader. Some courses that students in this program take are:

• Number Systems and Operations: K-5 Mathematical Tasks
• Methods of Teaching Elementary School Science
• Reading in Content Areas
• Special Problems in Elementary Science Education

All education and teaching students in both pathways must complete the Inquiry Project to graduate.

NC State admission requirements include:

• A teaching certificate
• A 500-800-word personal statement
• Undergraduate transcripts proving a 3.0 or higher GPA
• A current resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• The $75 application fee

Arizona State University is one of the largest university systems in the world. It’s associated with Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and MacArthur Fellowship winners. And the university contains over 1,000 student organizations. Point is, it’s a school that will grant you the programs, connections, and the educational excellence that you deserve. Of all the education degree programs, ASU has one of the best–an outstanding master’s of education in elementary education.

Some courses that grad students will take in this education program take are:

• Instructional Design for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
• Educational Psychology
• Instructional Planning for the Diverse Classroom
• Effective Classroom Behavior Management
• Curriculum Theory and Instructional Planning

Each student must also complete an applied project. Most students complete the 33-credit program in one year.

Admission requirements to this teaching program include:

• A completed application
• The graduate application fee
• A personal statement
• A professional resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• A background check
• Proof of English proficiency

GRE scores are not required for prospective graduate students.

Does a one-year program seem quick to you? And would you prefer to teach as part of an education program instead of waiting until your program is finished? If so, consider the University of California-Los Angeles’ Master in Education program. Graduate students at UCLA specialize in elementary, mathematics, science, English, or social science, combining their studies with a one-year urban teaching residency.

UCLA grad students take such courses as:

• Integrated Methods for Elementary Teachers
• Social Foundations and Cultural Diversity in American Education
• Language Structure, Acquisition, and Development
• Teaching in Urban Schools
• Principles of Teaching Exceptional Individuals
• Integrated Mathematical Methods for Elementary Teachers

Some of these courses are three credits; others are four. 

When students complete their study, they matriculate to the residence portion of the education degree program. In their second year, students assume a paid full-time position as a teacher in school districts near UCLA. While teaching, students complete a research project to satisfy the program requirements. 

You should always expect to find the University of Florida on best-of lists. There are two reasons for this. First, the university is well-funded and about as good as any public university. Thus, you can expect each program to be of the highest order. Second, the university is massive. That means there are more professors, more students, and more opportunities to enroll in different programs. 

The University of Florida offers Master of Arts and Master of Education programs in reading education. Some courses in these programs include:

• Teaching Reading in the Elementary School
• Trends in Reading
• Teaching Media Literacy
• Multicultural Children’s Literature
• Secondary ESOL Teaching Strategies

The Master of Education in reading education program comprises 36 credits. The Master of Arts requires 30 course-based credits and an additional six credits in which students write a thesis or complete a project.

The University of Florida’s admission requirements include:

• A 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework
• A completed application
• Three letters of recommendation
• A purpose statement
• A resume

Indiana University is one of the best public universities in the Midwest. The school has equally competitive academics, sports teams, and research programs. Graduates have such achievements as co-discovering DNA, inventing Wikipedia, designing Siri, and publishing The Hunger Games series. The university is also known for having an outstanding Master of Science in education with an emphasis on secondary education.

Some courses you can expect from this graduate program are:

• History of American Education
• Foundations of Educational Inquiry
• Sociology of Education
• Adolescent Development
• Instruction in the Context of Curriculum

Each student must also complete a practicum or thesis: you can choose which. The practicum is better suited to aspiring teachers; the thesis makes more sense for research-focused students.

Application requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A 2.75 or higher undergraduate GPA
• A personal statement
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• The application fee

International students must also provide GRE scores, TOEFL scores, and a resume.

The University of Minnesota opened as a college preparatory school in 1851, well before Minnesota gained statehood in 1858. Since then, the university has produced:

• Countless significant research findings
• 26 Nobel Prize winners
• Two vice presidents of the United States
• The great Bob Dylan

The University of Minnesota has also developed some of the best masters in teaching programs, including an MA in elementary education.

Students in this master’s degree program focus on an inquiry-based approach, leading child development theories, an understanding of diversity in the classroom, and research. University of Minnesota graduate students complete a thesis or final paper to graduate. The thesis is ideal for research-focused students and those who may pursue a Ph.D. Those who choose the final paper can still matriculate to doctoral programs, but it’s best for those who want to pursue teaching.

Along with a bachelor’s degree, prospective students applying to this program should have:

• A bachelor’s degree (3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA)
• Clear interest in teaching and research
• Strong writing skills
• Unofficial transcripts
• GRE scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• A current resume

The University of South Florida is a large research-focused university in Tampa, Florida. The university has been granted the 10th largest number of patents of any university in the United States. USF is also a research-focused school, with the 43rd largest research spending of any school in America. More pertinent, USF houses one of the best grad schools for education, specifically, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in early childhood education.

Some courses that USF graduate students take are:

• Foundations of Measurement
• Foundations of Educational Research
• Historical Foundations of American Education
• Diversity in Home and School
• Group Processes for Educational Personnel
• Socio-Economic Foundations of American Education

Every student must pass the comprehensive exam to graduate from the master’s degree program. 

Prospective students can gain acceptance to UCF’s master’s in education with:

• A bachelor’s degree (3.0 or higher GPA)
• Two recommendation letters
• A purpose statement
• A current resume
• Graduate application essays
• The application fee

The University of Georgia is an excellent public university, so good that it’s commonly referred to as a Public Ivy. The school’s achievements include:

• Being in the nation’s top three producers of Rhodes Scholars
• Being affiliated with countless notable politicians and judges
• Having very high research activity according to the Carnegie Classification

If your goal is to teach middle school, you won’t want to miss this one. UGA houses one of the best masters of education programs in middle grades education.

Students in this 36-credit program take classes like:

• Theory and Practice of Middle Grades Curriculum
• Classroom Management in Culturally Responsive Classrooms
• Classroom Management in Culturally Responsive Classrooms
• Sustainability Education: Promising Practices
• Assessment and Evaluation in the Middle Grades

Graduate students must also take one course in their specialization, which may be language arts, math, science, or social studies.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a 2.8 or higher GPA. Students with a 3.2 or higher undergraduate GPA don’t have to complete the entrance exam requirement. 

The University of Kansas is an outstanding university with a nearly $2B endowment. The school has dozens of robust research programs, 16 varsity sports teams, and hundreds of accomplished alumni and faculty members. The University of Kansas also hosts the Master of Science in early childhood unified program, which focuses on the intersection of special education and typical students. The master’s degree comprises ten courses and 33 credits.

Some courses in the early childhood unified program include:

• Overview of Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education
• Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education
• Assessment in Early Education
•  Inclusive Strategies and Interventions for Preschoolers

Each student closes their studies with the master’s project or master’s thesis.

Admission requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree (and transcripts)
• A letter of introduction
• A professional resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• A professional disposition statement

International applicants must supplement these materials with proof of English proficiency and a statement of financial documentation. 

The University of Maryland was born as the Maryland Agricultural College on March 6, 1856. Since then, the school has become a leading public research university that’s commonly known as a Public Ivy.

Another notable aspect regarding the University of Maryland is its proximity to Washington D.C., which has resulted in several partnerships between the school and the federal government. And even more notable is the University of Maryland’s Master of Education in curriculum and instruction.

One noteworthy feature of this master’s degree program is intensive mentored internship, which requires students to participate as interns under experienced educators in classrooms. In the internship, students practice the ideas and methods they learned in university. Students also explore the university’s partnerships with four neighboring school districts. 

Admission requirements include a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, relevant experience with children, and a clearly illustrated potential to thrive in a teaching role.

San Diego State University is a large public university in San Diego, California. Its setting in one of California’s most beautiful cities and its classification as a California Historical Landmark bolsters its reputation as one of Southern California’s best schools outside of the prestigious University of California system. Plus, San Diego State University has one of the best Master of Arts in teaching programs in the state.

San Diego State University offers dozens of scholarship opportunities to eligible education students. These scholarships range from $500 to over $2000, which is a small but significant dent toward your overall schooling costs. A few of these scholarships are renewable, too, meaning eligible students can receive the same scholarship multiple times.

There are five pathways within the Master of Arts in Teaching program:

• Teacher for K-12 language arts
• Reading and language arts
• Mathematics education
• Science education
• Elementary education and secondary education

For anybody in the know, the University of Michigan is a name that speaks for itself. Nobel Prize winners, Rhodes Scholars, MacArthur Fellows, politicians, musicians, athletes—you probably get the point, right? The University of Michigan is arguably the best public university in the country and one of the best universities in the world. And when you see its name on a list, you should trust that its placement is deserved.

The University of Michigan offers an excellent master’s degree in higher education. This graduate program is unlike most on this list in that it focuses on higher education. The program examines higher education, its practices, and the forms of leadership in higher education. Some courses in this program include:

• Introduction to Higher Education
• Organizing for Learning
• American College Student
• History of Postsecondary Education
• Foundations for Student Affairs Educators

Each education student also completes a practicum and a two-semester internship experience. The only exception is for students who already work in higher education, in which case they can waive part or all of the internship requirement. 

California State University-Fullerton is a large learning institution with over 100 programs. It also has the most robust graduate student population in the California State University system, with over 5,800 graduate students. Among the 52 graduate degrees is the Master of Science in education program. This education degree program is customizable and features emphases that students may not come across anywhere else. 

The two available concentrations in the Master of Science in education program are bilingual/bicultural education (Spanish-English) and elementary curriculum and instruction. The program also offers emphasis in:

• Early childhood education
• Education for social justice
• Math and science
• Professional inquiry and practice
• Staff development

At Cal State Fullerton, expect to take classes such as:

• Web Design for Instruction in Schools
• The Study of Teaching
• Models of Teaching
• Assessment Across the Curriculum
• Foundations of Education for Social Justice

Graduate students complete their studies with a thesis, research project, or culminating project.

The University of Colorado-Boulder is the flagship school of the University of Colorado system. CU Boulder is noted for its high research activity, earning an acknowledgement from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a R1 university. Additionally, CU Boulder offers one of the best master of arts in teaching programs, with specializations in math, science, English, social studies, or music.

Some notable classes in this program include:

• Framing Equity and Justice in the Humanities Classroom
• Adolescent Development and Learning for Teachers
• Advanced Social Foundations of Education
• Secondary English Methods
• Professional Teaching for Equity and Justice

Each student undergoes a student teaching portion in which they apply what they’ve learned to the classroom.

This master’s degree in education provides teachers with teacher licensure in secondary education, which applies to 7th-12th grade classes. CU Boulder’s education program is perfect for aspiring teachers who want to pursue a graduate program and earn teacher licensure. Even if you have licensure already, consider CU Boulder’s master’s degree programs that don’t include licensure.

The University of Connecticut is an excellent research-focused university that’s often considered the best public university in New England. Its qualifications go far beyond New England, though: Many of UConn’s programs are known for being the best, or among the best, worldwide.

Among other standout programs, the University of Connecticut offers a one of the best master’s in education degree programs in curriculum and instruction with concentrations in elementary education, secondary education, and music education.

Each pathway has its own curriculum, although they share similar core classes. Some notable courses in this master’s degree in education program are:

• Wise Integration of Technology
• Educational Technology
• Teacher Leadership and Organizations
• A seminar

To be clear, this degree doesn’t lead to teacher licensure. Instead, it’s a program meant to supplement or precede your teaching credentials.

To gain admission to this selective master’s degree in education, prospective students must submit:

• Letters of recommendation
• A resume
• A personal goal statement
• A bachelor’s degree with undergraduate transcripts
• A completed application
• A application fee

Michigan State University is one of the least selective universities included in the Public Ivy list. That means graduate students access an excellent education without having to have excelled every step in the way in university or high school. And, as far as Public Ivies and most private universities go, Michigan State University may have one of the best education degree programs in the nation. And one of its best programs is the Master of Arts in education offering.

Education students can choose one of many specializations, including:

• Special education
• Technology and learning
• P-12 school and postsecondary leadership
• Literacy education
• Sport coaching and leadership
• Science and mathematics education

Note that this program is entirely online. If you’re interested in distance learning, this accredited online college program is for you. If you aren’t, consider another option on this list.

Michigan State admission requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA
• Three letters of recommendation
• An updated resume
• A professional goal statement

GRE scores are not required, but a good score may bolster your application. Note that Kentucky residents can’t apply to this program.

The University of Virginia stands alongside the University of Michigan and a couple of University of California locations as the best public universities in the United States. UVA is one of the most historic universities in the country. Its first Board of Visitors included Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Additionally, Thomas Jefferson helped plan the architecture of the school and the first programs at the school.

UVA offers a master’s in education program in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on reading education. Some courses in this program are:

• Reading in the Content Areas
• Foundations of Reading Instruction
• Writing Across the Curriculum
• Word Study: Language Structures and Phonics
• Children’s Literature

Graduate students must also complete two practicums.

The University of Virginia is a very selective school. Admission requirements include at least:

• Two letters of recommendation
• University transcripts
• Acceptable GRE scores
• A current resume
• A professional goal statement

The average GPA score of incoming freshmen is 3.8.

Texas A&M University began as a university focused on agriculture, machines, and the military. It has since evolved significantly. Today, Texas A&M University hosts hundreds of programs and has the largest student body of any school in the United States. The university has graduated dozens of professional athletes, scholars, award winners, and leaders of many fields. Texas A&M also hosts top masters in education programs in curriculum and instruction.

This master’s degree focuses on science education. Some courses you can expect to take are:

• Analysis of Teaching Behavior
• Cultural Foundations of Education
• Experimental Design in Education
• Statistics in Research

The Master of Science program includes a thesis, whereas the Master of Education program doesn’t. 

Admission requirements for Texas A&M’s College of Education include:

• Three recommendation letters
• A bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 or higher GPA
• Two application essays
• A resume
• Undergraduate transcripts

The GRE isn’t a requirement for prospective students.

Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest universities in America, especially for universities as far west as Pittsburgh. The university has produced dozens of Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Academy Award winners. The University of Pittsburgh also offers one of the nation’s best graduate programs for education leadership.

This education leadership master’s degree is part-time, meaning students can supplement their studies with full or part-time jobs. The part-time format suits teachers who want to advance their craft without quitting the profession temporarily. This program teaches students leading methods, theories, and practices, requiring them to implement teachings into real-world scenarios.

Some admission requirements to the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate school include:

• The $50 application fee
• A goal statement
• A professional resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Undergraduate transcripts

Other prerequisite requirements include teacher licensure, demonstrated teaching leadership, and a minimum of two years of teaching experience.

The University of California-Irvine is a Public Ivy in Southern California. With an endowment of over $1B, some institutions of UCI are a teaching hospital, a natural reserve system, and a health sciences system. UC Irvine is also a research-focused university, with the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a R1 Research University.

UC Irvine offers one of the best Master of Arts in teaching programs with specialization options in elementary education and secondary education. The program pairs the Master of Arts in teaching with a teaching credential, and grad students can complete the program in as few as 14 months. 

Some notable courses in the MAT + credential program include:

• Curriculum and Methods for Elementary School Science
• Student Teaching in the Elementary School
• Supervised Teaching in Bilingual Education
• Teaching Investigation: Identifying Dilemmas of Practice
• Children’s Sense Making in Science

UC Irvine graduate students supplement their studies with a year-long teaching apprenticeship.

The University of Oregon is a research-focused university with 19 research centers and institutes. OSU also has many competitive sports teams, academic programs, and over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Among other things, OSU hosts one of the best grad schools for education, particularly middle and high school education. This graduate program is one of the finest of its kind in the country.

This university program is longer than most on this list, lasting two years or more with 63 credits. Some courses that students in this program take are:

• Educational Psychology
• Theory: Curriculum and Cultural Conflict
• Foundations in Language
• Language, Power, and Education
• Introduction to Supportive Learning Communities

These classes impart the theories, knowledge, and practices that teachers need to prosper in the field.

To graduate from this graduate degree program, grad students must pass the field placement evaluation, content area test, and complete the required courses and field work.