A Master’s in Secondary Education is a graduate program that prepares students to teach middle and high school learners. The course focuses on subject-area instruction, lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment. It also covers adolescent development and strategies for teaching diverse learners. Most programs include supervised teaching practice in real secondary school classrooms.
Graduates of this program commonly work as secondary school teachers in public and private schools. Many also teach in charter schools or international schools. With experience, graduates can move into roles such as instructional coordinators, department heads, or academic advisors. Some work in curriculum development, educational consulting, or online education. The degree also supports career growth into school leadership or further doctoral study in education.
To succeed in this field, it is important to earn your degree from a reputable and well-accredited institution. Program quality affects your training, teaching certification, and long-term career opportunities. While many schools offer a Master’s in Secondary Education, not all provide the same level of preparation or flexibility. For this reason, we have listed some of the best online programs below to help you choose a strong option that fits your goals.
Best Online Master’s in Secondary Education Programs
1. Clemson University — Online Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary Education)
Clemson’s online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Secondary Education is a 30-credit graduate degree designed for people with bachelor’s degrees who want to become secondary school teachers. The program is built for career changers and mid-career professionals without current teaching certification, especially in English, math, science, or social studies.
Courses are fully online, so you can study from anywhere and continue working while you study. You complete field experiences and a full-time student teaching placement in a school near you, giving real classroom practice. The program usually takes about 14 months to complete and prepares you to earn a teaching certificate to work with students in grades 9–12. Clemson’s education college is regularly ranked among the top online graduate education programs in the nation.
2. Ball State University – Online Master’s in Secondary Education
Ball State University’s online Master’s in Secondary Education is a flexible graduate program designed for both licensed teachers and those seeking initial teaching certification. The program allows students to choose different pathways, including a track for current educators who want to strengthen classroom practice and a licensure track for those planning to teach grades 6–12.
Courses are delivered fully online, making it possible to continue working while studying. The curriculum focuses on curriculum design, instructional technology, classroom management, and teaching diverse learners. Depending on the chosen track, students may complete supervised student teaching in a local school. Most students finish the program in about 18 to 21 months. The degree helps educators improve teaching effectiveness and qualify for broader career opportunities in secondary education.
3. University of Alabama – Online Master of Arts in Secondary Education
The University of Alabama offers an online Master of Arts in Secondary Education for students seeking advanced teaching skills and subject-area certification. The program is designed for those who want to teach subjects such as English Language Arts, Social Science, or English for Speakers of Other Languages at the secondary level.
All coursework is delivered online, allowing students to balance graduate study with work and personal responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes instructional planning, classroom assessment, educational research, and strategies for supporting diverse learners. Students also complete required field experiences aligned with certification requirements.
Most tracks can be completed in about two years. This program prepares graduates for teaching roles in grades 6–12 and supports long-term professional growth in education.
4. University of North Texas – Online Master of Education in Secondary Education
The University of North Texas offers an online Master of Education with a focus on secondary education for future and current teachers. The program typically requires 36 credit hours and combines educational theory with practical classroom strategies. Courses explore curriculum development, teaching methods, literacy across subjects, and effective classroom management.
Most coursework is completed online, but students must also complete required fieldwork or student teaching in approved secondary schools. This structure helps students apply what they learn directly to real classrooms. The program is designed to prepare graduates for teaching middle and high school students while building strong professional skills. It also supports those pursuing certification or career advancement in secondary education settings.
5. Georgia College & State University – Online Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary Education)
Georgia College’s online Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education prepares students for teacher certification in grades 6–12. The program is intended for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject area such as English, mathematics, science, or social studies.
Coursework is delivered online and focuses on instructional methods, classroom inquiry, literacy development, and teaching diverse learners. Students complete required field experiences and a supervised internship in secondary schools near their location.
The program typically includes at least 36 credit hours of graduate study. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for recommendation for Georgia teacher certification. This program emphasizes classroom readiness and practical teaching skills.
6. McDaniel College – Online Master of Science in Secondary Education
McDaniel College’s online Master of Science in Secondary Education is designed for licensed teachers who want to strengthen their professional skills. The program requires 33 graduate credits and allows students to create a personalized study plan with faculty guidance.
Coursework focuses on curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment, and educational leadership. Students can also combine the degree with additional certifications or endorsements based on career goals. All courses are offered online, making the program suitable for working educators.
The flexible format allows teachers to apply new ideas directly in their classrooms while studying. This degree supports career advancement, leadership opportunities, and long-term professional growth in secondary education.
7. Goucher College – Online Graduate Programs in Secondary Education
Goucher College offers online graduate education programs designed for both aspiring and practicing secondary school teachers. The Master of Arts in Teaching supports individuals entering the profession and those working toward teaching certification.
Coursework focuses on instructional planning, student assessment, classroom management, and inclusive teaching practices. Goucher also offers a Master of Education for licensed teachers who want to deepen classroom skills or move into leadership roles. Programs are delivered online to support working professionals and career changers.
Field experiences are included where required for certification. These programs help educators build practical teaching skills while balancing graduate study with professional responsibilities.
FAQs
What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?
Graduates mainly work as secondary school teachers in public, private, and charter schools. Others move into instructional coordinators, curriculum developers, department heads, or academic advisors.
Can I work outside traditional schools?
Yes. Graduates can teach in international schools, online schools, adult education, tutoring centers, or educational consulting. Leadership roles are also possible.
What is the typical salary?
Secondary school teachers with a master’s earn $65,000 to $75,000 per year on average, depending on location and experience.
Is there demand for secondary education professionals?
Yes. While overall teacher growth is moderate, many positions open annually due to retirements and staff turnover, especially in STEM and special education.
Does having a master’s help career advancement?
Absolutely. A master’s can open opportunities for school leadership, instructional coaching, curriculum management, and postsecondary teaching.
Are there remote or online teaching options?
Yes. Online teaching, virtual schools, and educational content development are growing fields for graduates with this degree.
Do graduates often stay in teaching long-term?
Yes. Many begin in classroom teaching and later move into administration, curriculum planning, or education consulting, leveraging experience and credentials.