Secondary education is a key stage in every student’s learning journey. It covers the middle and high school years, where young people start shaping their goals and sense of direction. Teaching at this level takes more than subject knowledge; it requires patience, creativity, and an understanding of how teenagers think and learn. That’s what a degree in secondary education prepares you for: helping you inspire and guide students at a crucial time in their lives.
For many teachers, earning a master’s degree in secondary education helps refine teaching skills, opens doors to leadership and administrative roles, and can even lead to higher pay. Graduates also find opportunities in curriculum design, education policy, and teacher training.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for qualified teachers continues to grow, especially as schools adapt to new learning methods. With a master’s, you can work in both public and private schools, community programs, or education-focused organizations.
Today, it’s easier than ever to earn this degree online. You can study from anywhere, on your own schedule, without giving up your job or relocating. Many universities now offer online master’s programs in secondary education that are just as thorough as on-campus ones.
And while cost is often a concern, some reputable schools have managed to keep their tuition truly affordable without lowering academic standards. If you’re looking for quality and affordability, here are the top ten most affordable online master’s programs in secondary education.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Secondary Education Programs
If you’re hoping to earn your degree without spending too much, check out the list below. These are ten of the most affordable and reputable colleges offering online master’s programs in secondary education.
1. American College of Education — M.A. in Secondary Teaching
Cost: approx. $235 per credit hour.
This program is built for people who hold a bachelor’s degree in something other than education but want to become secondary teachers, usually for grades 5–12.
It’s fully online, with courses that focus on adolescent development, lesson design, assessment, and classroom strategies you can use right away.
The curriculum aims to get you ready for licensure in the state you teach in, and there are practical components so you finish with both knowledge and classroom-ready skills.
2. Georgia College & State University — M.A.T., Secondary Teacher Education (online option)
Cost: $288 per credit hour (non-residents pay more).
GCSU’s MAT gives you teacher preparation at the master’s level, and they offer a two-year part-time online track for people who need flexibility.
The program mixes content-area coursework with field experience, so it’s meant for those who want initial certification or who already have some teaching background but need a route to a full license.
3. Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) — M.A. in Secondary Education (online)
Cost: approx. $395 per credit hour for graduate online students.
SEMO’s online master’s program focuses on practical classroom improvement, with options that include educational studies or educational technology.
The program is designed so that what you learn can be applied immediately to your teaching, and it includes a mix of research, new teaching methods, and tech-forward tools for secondary classrooms. It also supports teachers who want a stronger leadership or specialist role in their schools.
4. Kennesaw State University — M.Ed. in Secondary and Middle Grades Education (online)
Cost: In-state graduate tuition is about $303 per credit hour
KSU’s online M.Ed. is for already-certified teachers who want to deepen their practice for middle or secondary classrooms. It’s a 30-credit program that stresses evidence-based instruction and leadership in teaching, with degree tracks tailored to subject areas like English, math, science, or social studies.
The format is designed to work with a teacher’s schedule, and the coursework emphasizes being a reflective practitioner who can lead change in the classroom.
5. Liberty University — M.A.T./M.Ed. in Secondary Education (online)
Cost: approx. $415 per credit hour for full-time online MAT students at Liberty
Liberty runs multiple online options for secondary education, including MAT tracks that lead toward initial licensure and M.Ed. and Ed.S. paths for more advanced study.
Courses are delivered in short modules so working adults can move through the program at their own pace, and students complete local practicum or internship experiences to meet hands-on requirements.
6. Campbellsville University — M.A.T. / M.A. in Secondary or Middle Grades Education (online)
Campbellsville’s online MAT/M.A. tracks are designed for career changers and current teachers who want initial certification or to strengthen their classroom practice. The programs combine coursework on adolescent learning, curriculum, and classroom management with field placements or student-teaching components.
Admission requirements are straightforward, and the online delivery makes the program a fit for working adults who need scheduling flexibility.
7. University of Alabama — M.A./M.A.Ed. in Secondary Education (online options)
Alabama offers online master’s routes that prepare teachers for secondary certification in several subject areas, and they provide both traditional and alternative pathways depending on your background.
The online programs focus on modern methods for teaching content in grades 6–12, include practical experience requirements, and are structured so working educators can complete them without giving up their jobs.
8. University of West Florida — M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, secondary specialization (online)
UWF’s online M.Ed. gives teachers the tools to design curriculum and lead instruction at the secondary level.
You can specialize in elementary, middle, or secondary schools, and the program emphasizes applied coursework, research methods, and the skills needed for instructional leadership or curriculum roles.
9. Alcorn State University — M.S. in Secondary Education (various endorsements, online options)
Alcorn’s master’s in secondary education offers several subject endorsements, including special education and school counseling, and the program has online and hybrid options.
Degree plans typically run about 33–36 credits and combine core education theory with subject-specific courses and field experiences.
10. Asbury University — M.A. in Education (Literacy Specialist / Learning & Behavior options, online)
Asbury provides online master’s tracks that focus on literacy and learning & behavior, and they position their programs as flexible for working teachers. The literacy specialist option is P-12 and is built to prepare educators for specialist roles in reading and literacy instruction.
Asbury blends faith-based values with practical classroom strategies, and the program format is set up so graduates can apply what they learn immediately in their schools.
FAQs About Online Master’s in Secondary Education
1. Who is this degree best suited for?
This program is ideal for teachers who want to deepen their skills or move into leadership roles. It also works well for professionals planning a career change into education, especially at the middle or high school level.
2. Can I start teaching with a bachelor’s degree, or do I need a master’s?
A bachelor’s degree and teaching license are enough to begin teaching in most states. However, a master’s often leads to higher pay, more job options, and better long-term career stability.
3. How long does it take to earn this degree online?
Most online master’s programs take between 18 months and two years to finish, depending on your schedule. Some schools offer flexible or accelerated options for teachers who want to complete it faster.
4. What career paths can I explore after graduation?
Graduates often go on to become department heads, instructional coordinators, curriculum specialists, or school administrators. Some also move into education consulting, policy work, or teacher training.
5. How much do affordable programs usually cost?
Tuition for affordable online master’s programs in secondary education typically ranges from $8,000 to $18,000 total, depending on the university and how quickly you complete the coursework.
If teaching is your calling, one of these programs could be the perfect place to build on what you’ve started.