Top Graduate Degrees and Master’s Programs for Teachers Exploring What’s Next
Whether you’re looking to move into school leadership, specialize in an area of instruction or enhance your day-to-day teaching practice, today’s education landscape offers more opportunities than ever. But with so many online education master’s programs and graduate degrees for teachers available, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming.
This guide highlights four of the best online master’s programs for teachers, each designed to support specific goals—from leadership to tech integration to inclusive education. And thanks to Rowan University’s flexible, 100% online format, you can take the next step in your career without stepping away from your students.
1. Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Administration
Who is an M.A. in School Administration best suited for?
If your goal is to become a principal, assistant principal, vice principal, supervisor or educational leader at the district level, an online master’s in school administration program could be your ideal next step. It’s designed for certified teachers with at least three years of experience who are ready to lead beyond the classroom—shaping school policy, supporting teachers and driving student success on a larger scale.
Rowan’s fully online M.A. in School Administration is built for working educators and aligns with New Jersey Department of Education requirements for principal and supervisor certification.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s in School Administration:
- Leadership theory and practice
- School finance and operations
- Supervision of instruction
- Legal and ethical issues in education
Sample Courses Include:
- Curriculum Design & Development for Instructional Leaders
- Leader Curricular Implementation & Assessment for School Improvement
- School Finance and Records
- Law and Ethics for School Leadership
- Instructional Leadership and Supervision
- Building Organizational Capacity
To view the full list of courses and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Career Paths with a Master’s in School Administration Include:
- Education Administrator, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Education Administrator, Postsecondary
- Education Teacher, Postsecondary
- Education and Childcare Administrator, Preschool and Daycare
2. Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Leadership
Who is an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership best suited for?
An M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership program is designed for classroom teachers who love teaching and want to expand their impact without leaving the classroom. It supports certified educators who are ready to grow into instructional leadership roles such as mentor teachers, team leads or curriculum developers—within their school communities.
Rowan’s fully online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership is a part-time graduate program built for working professionals. It aligns with New Jersey State Teacher Model Standards and empowers educators to lead through exemplary teaching, continuous improvement and inclusive collaboration.
What You’ll Learn in an Online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership:
- Strategies for coaching and collaboration
- Data-informed decision-making
- Equity and advocacy in education
- Curriculum leadership
Sample Courses Include:
- Curriculum Development for Teacher Leaders and Other School Professionals
- Agency in Teacher Leadership
- Teacher Leadership and Learning Communities
- Analysis of Classroom Teacher Behavior
- Educational Change
- Teacher Leadership in Practice
To view the full list of courses and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Career Paths with an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership Include:
- Education Administrator, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Education Administrator, Postsecondary
- Education Teacher, Postsecondary
- Education and Childcare Administrator, Preschool and Daycare
3. Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education & Inclusive Practices
Who is an M.A. in Special Education best suited for?
If you’re passionate about equity and committed to serving diverse learners, an M.A. in Special Education offers advanced training to support students with disabilities and create inclusive learning environments. Whether you’re already certified in special education or looking to expand your qualifications, this flexible online program builds deep expertise in inclusive teaching, evidence-based practices, and student advocacy.
Rowan’s fully online special education master’s program offers multiple tracks—including advanced content knowledge and certification options—so you can tailor your degree to your current role and future goals.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s in Special Education:
- Assessment and instructional methods for exceptional learners
- Behavior intervention planning
- Assistive technology and accommodations
- Collaboration with families and support teams
Sample Courses Include:
- Characteristics of Young Children with Disabilities (Birth-5) and Their Families
- Special Education Policy, Advocacy, and Teacher Leadership
- Communication Skills for Students with Disabilities
- Educational Assessment in Special Education
- Inquiry in Special Education Settings
- Practicum: Inquiry in Special Education Settings
To view the full list of courses and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Career Paths with a Master’s in Special Education Include:
- Special Education Teacher, Secondary School
- Special Education Teacher, Middle School
- Special Education Teacher, Preschool
- Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teacher, Elementary School
- Adapted Physical Education Specialist
- Interpreter and Translator
4. Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Technology
Who is an M.A. in Educational Technology best suited for?
As digital learning becomes essential at every level of education, tech-savvy educators are in high demand. Rowan’s fully online Master of Arts in Educational Technology is designed for teachers and educational leaders who want to lead tech integration, develop engaging online learning experiences, and drive school-wide innovation.
This program is ideal for educators interested in ed tech leadership, online instructional design, curriculum innovation or instructional coaching in digitally connected classrooms. With 100% online coursework, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the tools and strategies shaping the future of education—all on a schedule that fits your life.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s in Educational Technology:
- Instructional design and eLearning development
- Learning management systems and digital platforms
- Technology-enhanced assessment
- Emerging trends in ed tech
Sample Courses Include:
- Digital Citizenship in 21st Century Schools
- Emerging Technology Tools and the Curriculum
- Internet in the Classroom
- Technology for Students with Disabilities
- Developing Online Resources for P-12 Students
- Leading for Effective Educational Technology
To view the full list of courses and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Career Paths with a Master’s in Educational Technology Include:
- Instructional Coordinator
- Educational Technology Specialist
- Curriculum Developer
- EdTech Coordinator or Director
- Online Learning Designer
Why Rowan University Is a Top Choice for Online Graduate Degrees in Education
Each of Rowan University’s online master’s programs in education is designed to help teachers grow—without stepping away from their students. With 100% online coursework, flexible pacing, and strong student support, Rowan empowers educators to advance their careers through high-quality, affordable and relevant graduate programs.
A top 100 public research university and one of the fastest-growing in the nation, Rowan has been a leader in teacher preparation since 1923. From its roots as a teachers college to its nationally recognized online offerings, Rowan combines academic excellence with a deep understanding of what today’s educators need.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, a new specialization, or simply want to make a greater impact, Rowan’s online graduate degrees in education are built to help you succeed—on your terms, on your timeline and with confidence.
Discover Rowan’s flexible, fully online graduate programs in education—and take the next step in your teaching career with confidence.
Learn More About Online Master’s Programs for Teachers
Still deciding which online education master’s program fits your goals? Whether you’re focused on educational leadership, special education, instructional technology, or teacher leadership, the resources below can help you compare programs, weigh your options, and move forward with confidence.
- 5 Signs You’re Ready for an Online Master’s Program in Education: Is it time to earn your master’s in education online? Discover 5 signs you’re ready to advance—and explore flexible online M.Ed. programs for working teachers.
- Is an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership Worth Getting? Here’s What You Need to Know: If you’re ready to grow your education career—but don’t want to leave the classroom—an online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership can help you lead and inspire change.
- 7 Reasons to Earn Your Online Master’s in Education Administration: Already leading in your school? Turn your impact into a formal leadership role—see how an online master’s in education administration can move you forward.
- 5 Signs You’re Ready for a Master’s in Educational Technology: Wondering if you’re ready for an online master’s in educational technology? Discover 5 signs and how this degree can advance your impact and career.
- 12 Careers You Can Pursue with a Master’s in Special Education: Explore 12 high-impact careers you can pursue with a master’s in special education—fully online, flexible, and designed to help you lead, support, and inspire.