Top 10 Part-Time Master's in Education Degrees 2025

If you're a busy teacher but want to advance your education, a part-time master's in education may suit you. This is a convenient way to prepare yourself for new teaching roles, such as becoming an assistant principal, or for obtaining other important roles in educational leadership.

We'll show you how to earn the MEd credential by taking classes during the evening, on weekends, or 100% online.

Can You Earn a Master's in Education Degree Part-Time?

Yes, you can earn a master's in education part-time at several American universities. More graduate programs are allowing students to pursue non-traditional tracks to advanced degrees, including self-paced programs. This is beneficial for working professionals and teachers who would otherwise have to leave their jobs to attend graduate school.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Master's in Education Degree?

You can earn a part-time MEd or a part-time master's in special education in about 2.5 to four years, depending on the school you select. Full-time graduate programs typically take between one and two years.

It's also possible to earn an MEd faster if you can leverage other graduate courses you may have taken elsewhere. Some education schools are generous in accepting transfer credits to fulfill up to 50% of the master's degree requirements.

How Does a Master's in Education Part-Time Degree Program Work?

You may encounter some part-time degrees promoted as ''flexible programs''. This means you do not need to follow a strict course schedule as you progress through the degree requirements. These degrees also allow you to take one or two classes in the evenings, on weekends, or at any time via online or hybrid delivery formats.

Best Part-Time Master's in Education Degree Programs

Check out this list of accredited part-time education master's programs. Many feature remote learning opportunities and ways to obtain financial aid to cover the tuition costs.

1. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) has an online part-time MEd program designed to prepare future educators in K-12 systems, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations. This program typically takes one year of full-time study, but part-time learners can handle the degree requirements within two or three years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $794 per credit hour
• Program length: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) provides part-time attendance options for each of its graduate degree programs, including mathematics education, science education, and educational leadership. You can also pursue an endorsement in English language learning.

All classes are online, so you can take them at your own pace. The school also emphasizes competency-based education, making it possible to test out of certain course requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,856 per year
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) offers an online master's degree in education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction. This program trains students in data analysis, using technology in education, and includes a capstone project. Incoming students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in all other college coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $446.07 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Liberty University

Liberty University charges slightly more for part-time graduate programs, but its online programs are still among the most affordable in higher education. It permits students to study toward earning state licensure along with special endorsements.

You can also pursue non-licensure options while concentrating in higher education or curriculum and instruction.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Illinois - Chicago

The University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC) has part-time enrollment options for students who prefer evening courses. This program includes several financial aid resources, such as grants, scholarships, and assistantships. Students normally take one or two courses each semester while attending part-time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,551 per semester
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. University of Washington - Tacoma

The University of Washington - Tacoma offers an MEd degree specifically for practicing educators. Classes are in the evening and the curriculum is either fully online or a hybrid of online and on-campus instruction. This program also grants endorsements for areas like special education and English language learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,808 per semester
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: NWCCU

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has the same tuition rates for full-time and part-time students, including significant discounts for teachers with a military background. The MEd degree allows students to specialize in several areas, such as educational leadership, teaching children with disabilities, online teaching, and special education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. East Carolina University

East Carolina University (ECU) charges very affordable rates for graduate school in education. Its MEd program focuses on adult education, particularly areas like community-based education, workplace training, and educating healthcare professionals. All courses are online, and the school of education does not require standardized test scores for admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $289.55 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego admits both full-time and part-time students into its online MEd program. This graduate program seeks to build 21st-century teaching skills by adapting innovative technology into the classroom and recognizing modern social differences among the student population.

• Estimated tuition cost: $735 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University offers a Master of Arts in Education (MAES) for traditional or part-time students who already possess a teaching license in North Carolina. Students can choose between on-campus and online learning while concentrating in teaching science/math, special education, intellectually gifted education, and literacy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,362.04 per semester
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Here are some guidelines for how we ranked the colleges on this list. We chose universities with academic accreditation, flexible master's programs, and strong academic reputations.

• Accreditation: This refers to the auditing and review process a university receives from outside groups who evaluate the quality of instruction and degree offerings.
• Program flexibility: Flexible programs are the ones that allow students to study part-time or at their own pace.
• Program reputation: This list includes reputable graduate programs from well-respected universities.

FAQs About Part-Time Master's in Education Degrees

These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) for students who wish to pursue a part-time master's in education. These five questions focus on program costs, career options after graduation, and the overall value of these degrees.

How Much Does a Part-Time Master's in Education Cost?

You can get a rough estimate of the total program cost by calculating the cost-per-credit-hour multiplied by the total required credits. Just remember there are other fees associated with graduate education, such as technology fees, textbooks, and so forth.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Master's in Education Degree?

An MEd should position you for career advancement if you have previous teaching experience. It can prepare you for roles in K-12 administration, community college teaching, and various administrative jobs at school districts.

Is It Worth Doing a Master's Part-Time?

This is well worth it if you desire to earn this advanced credential but do not have the time to devote a full-time commitment toward class attendance. It's also convenient to enroll part-time and take all your classes in the evening when you are free from other obligations.

Which Master's Degree is Most in Demand in Education?

Many school districts have a shortage of special education teachers, making it one of the most valuable concentrations for MEd students. There is also considerable demand for graduates who specialize in educational leadership since this prepares you for roles as a school district superintendent or principal.

What Is the Highest-Paying Job for a Master's in Education?

There are several high-paying educational roles, including superintendent, principal, and even university professor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school principals earn an average annual salary of just over $104,000.

Discover Flexible Master's Degrees

Use the resources on Learn.org to find the most flexible part-time degree for you. Discover articles that explore part-time graduate degree programs in education, business administration, nursing, accounting, and many other disciplines.