Top master’s in education programs in the U.S.

What a master’s in education entails

A master’s in education is usually a one- or two-year program focusing on a specific area of teaching, research, or management. Some programs provide additional training in teaching certain grade levels, subjects, or special populations. Others focus on learning and cognitive science, research, and best practices for the classroom and beyond. Many serve as stepping stones to leadership roles, while others provide a “career bridge” for students or professionals interested in teaching but with limited experience.

Degree types and focus areas include:

• Master of Education/Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed./MA): Best for experienced teachers who want to move into administration, curriculum design, or specialized counseling.
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.): Focuses on specialized areas like special education, literacy, or STEM.
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Best for career changers who need initial teacher certification and hands-on classroom training.

Across institutions, programs can be flexible, with many schools offering hybrid and part-time options for busy professionals. Within your program, you can expect classes in pedagogical practice, psychology, education policy, and administration, with different emphases depending on the program’s style. Many programs also include some form of in-class instruction, practicum in curriculum development, or other practical requirements.

A bachelor’s degree is generally required to apply to and enroll in a master’s program, though some current college students may be able to apply to an accelerated program before graduation.

Top education programs: About our list

Below, you’ll find a list of highly rated master’s in education programs in the U.S., evaluated on curriculum depth, professional development and preparation, student outcomes, and affordability. This database includes Master of Education (M.Ed./MA), Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.), and related programs. While PhD and certificate programs are not included, many schools offer a variety of education-related programs that can be explored on their official websites.

We’ve also added information about accelerated pathways for current college students, areas of specialty, minimum GPA and GRE requirements (if applicable), and Praxis pass rates for graduates, when available. We feature both top-rated public and private universities, with attendance costs for in-state and out-of-state residents. Explore the listings below to find the right fit for you and your professional goals.

Whenever possible, data for the 2026-27 school year are included. Estimated and historical values were used when recent, verified data were not available. Keep in mind that some figures, especially acceptance and tuition rates, are for the entire school and not specific programs. Always confirm figures and details with the official school sources linked below for each listing to ensure the latest information. Programs are listed alphabetically, not ranked.

How to become a teacher in the U.S.

While each state has slightly different requirements, becoming a licensed teacher in the U.S. follows these basic steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. All aspiring teachers must obtain a bachelor’s degree to qualify for certification. While any major is acceptable, choosing a degree related to your intended teaching field offers better preparation for certification exams and real classroom experience.
2. Complete a teacher preparation program. Educator preparation programs (EPPs) provide aspiring teachers with rigorous coursework, subject-specific training, and pedagogical skills. They also incorporate supervised teaching in K-12 classrooms, a crucial step before obtaining certification.
3. Pass required teacher certification exams. All teaching candidates must pass certification exams to meet state licensure requirements. The Praxis Core is the most commonly used set of assessments for evaluating fundamental skills in reading, writing, and mathematics across many states.
   • Depending on the teaching specialty and state regulations, candidates might also need to complete additional subject-specific or state-developed exams to obtain licensure.
4. Apply for a teaching license. Once you have fulfilled the educational, training, and exam requirements, the last step is to apply for your state teaching license. Your state’s department of education handles this process, which involves submitting several documents, including university transcripts, teacher exam results, and a background check.

Final step: Completing state-specific certification requirements

Depending on your teaching location, you might need to complete specific state certification requirements. Notable examples include:

• Texas: Requires completion of TExES assessments
• California: Requires passing the CBEST and CSET exams
• Florida: Requires the FTCE exam
• Massachusetts: Requires passing the MTEL
• Various states: The edTPA, a performance-based portfolio assessment, is required in some states and has been waived or replaced in others (for example, Illinois has waived its edTPA requirement). Because state policies change frequently, confirm whether your state requires edTPA scores.

Double-check whether your state requires both the Praxis and state-specific exams, or just a single set of assessments. For detailed information about state-specific requirements, visit our complete guide to teacher certification in the U.S.

Ongoing professional development is also a key part of staying a certified teacher. In most states, you must renew your teaching license every three to five years. Renewal requirements usually involve earning continuing education credits or completing additional study or professional development courses.

What is the Praxis exam?

Thirdman / Pexels / “Students engaged in a geography lesson” / Pexels license

The Praxis series comprises standardized exams administered in the U.S. by ETS. These exams assess the academic knowledge and subject-specific skills of prospective teachers. Each Praxis test functions as a gateway for those entering the teaching field, with assessments tailored to meet state and content-area standards. The Praxis Core exam, a key part of many licensure routes, consists of three tests: Praxis Reading, Praxis Math, and Praxis Writing.

In addition to the Praxis Core, there are detailed Praxis Subject Assessments that evaluate knowledge in fields such as mathematics, social studies, history, science, and more across various grade levels. These assessments determine eligibility for educators seeking to specialize in particular subjects or grade ranges.

Praxis exams are scored on a pass/fail basis, with passing Praxis scores set individually by each state’s education board. Requirements may vary significantly, so it’s crucial to review your state’s standards before scheduling your exam.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)