Online Teaching Degree Master’s Program
Program Overview Why get an online teaching degree?
The 2020 pandemic changed the teaching world for educators. Teachers transitioned to virtual and hybrid teaching on the fly, often with little to no training or guidance.
That's why SNHU developed the Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching.
With this specialized master's degree, you can develop the necessary knowledge for online teaching. You'll gain skills regarding differentiation, student engagement, individualized feedback, learning management systems (LMS), and the development of age- and grade-level appropriate content.
Skills you'll learn:
- Curriculum development
- Assessment design
- Research-based teaching strategies
- Cultural competency
- Inclusive teaching techniques
- Data and technology for education
Courses & Curriculum Online teaching degree classes that prepare you for your career
When you enroll in Southern New Hampshire University's online teaching master's program, you can gain an advantage as a leader in both the traditional and virtual classroom.
This 12-course (36-credit) program consists of 9 core courses – required of all online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction students, no matter the concentration – and 3 classes in the concentration.
If you're unsure whether you want to pursue a concentration in online teaching, the MEd in Curriculum & Instruction program also has 5 other concentrations: dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, educational leadership, reading, special education and technology integration.
Online education degree courses
The core courses will prepare you to become a leader in your field. You'll learn to apply local, state and national standards in designing learning experiences that are relevant, outcome-driven and culturally inclusive for all ages, education levels and learning environments.
Plus, the courses throughout the core weave educational technology in both learning and instruction throughout all the courses. It's expected that you integrate technologies and applications into your curriculum designs.
Four of your core courses focus specifically on curriculum design. Explore the foundational design theories and principles in various learning environments, and then build upon that foundation by implementing Differentiated Instruction (DI) strategies to meet the needs of unique subsets of learners. From there, you'll explore assessment theories and dive into emerging theory and design.
Complete your core courses in the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program with an online seminar and a capstone – allowing you to showcase your work to future employers.
In your seminar, you'll finalize your portfolio, including your educational philosophy statement. You'll also draft a curriculum proposal that addresses a self-identified achievement gap.
And in your capstone, you'll need to demonstrate your mastery of knowledge and skills. Develop a complete curriculum in an area of interest, along with your portfolio, to show your growth as an educational leader.
Online teaching concentration courses
In addition to the core courses, you'll also take the 3 courses that make up the online teaching degree concentration.
This concentration specifically addresses any gaps you may have in meeting the unique and newly discovered needs of students in remote and hybrid learning environments.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching curriculum.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree program does not lead to licensure. SNHU also offers online post-licensure Master of Education (MEd) programs for currently licensed individuals who are interested in furthering their professional development and enhancing their credentials.
However, since state requirements for adding endorsements vary greatly, SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of those programs will result in rank, endorsements and/or salary increases. It strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board prior to enrolling.
SNHU provides additional information for education programs on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 24, 2025
Next term starts:
Oct. 14, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Dedicated to your success
Our instructors are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. With real-world education experience and a dedication to our students and their learning, our faculty are with you every step of the way.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Brandon D. Simmons
Dr. Brandon Simmons is an adjunct instructor with SNHU and the curriculum and data coordinator for the second-largest virtual public school in the country.
"This MEd program is a much-needed program that is truly ahead of its time. COVID-19 has shown us that online education provides the versatility to remove the barriers that traditional face-to-face learning has."
Position
Adjunct instructor
Joined SNHU
2019
Education
- PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology from North Carolina State University
- EdD in Educational Leadership and Superintendent's Licensure from UNC Wilmington
- MBA in Organizational Leadership and Management from Methodist University
- Master of School Administration from UNC Wilmington
- MA in Education Instructional Technology from East Carolina University
- Graduate Certificate in Distance Learning from East Carolina University
What SNHU Instructors are Saying
Hear from more of our instructors about the MEd program:
"The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching provides these educators, as well as others, the opportunities to revise and bolster their existing knowledge and skills in the hybrid learning environments to better meet the needs of their students."
Dr. Daniel Tanguay, executive director of education
"These courses were created with the input of educators who work in virtual learning environments and with an eye on the future need for educators prepared for the unique challenges of online teaching and learning. The need for skilled online educators is going to continue to grow, and we need educators to be ahead of the curve, ready with the knowledge and skills to take on those roles."
Dr. Kelly Hoban, adjunct instructor
"Having skills and strategies to leverage technology for the best interest of students is another great item in our teacher toolbox. What we offer is not just a theory, but it's a theory connected with a practice."
Vickie McCullough, adjunct instructor
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Additional Requirements:
- Resume including any relevant K-12 instructional or curriculum development experience, for at least six months
- Non-Licensure Acknowledgment form
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an online teaching degree?
As teachers and schools get deeper into online learning, they'll find that technology will have some permanence in their classrooms.
Pre-pandemic, classes were already moving to a virtual environment. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), during the 2017-18 school year, 21% of public schools and 13% of private schools offered at least one course online.2
Because online teaching should become a reality for most teachers, it's crucial to be prepared for it – and even take the lead within your school.
As more school districts seek out master-educated teachers, developing straightforward curriculum and instruction skills goes hand in hand with online education integration.
Occupations
With your master's in online teaching, you could find yourself working in a variety of educational environments, like:
Instruct young learners in basic subjects, leveraging support structures for online learning.
Create and deliver hybrid-format instructional lessons that meet both curriculum requirements and the mission of the charter school.
Create engaging online curriculum for active learning to support students for state testing and college prep.
The expected increase in instructional coordinator roles – including training and library roles – through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 This is on par with the average growth across all occupations.
The median annual salary for instructional coordinators in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
The best education master's degree that you can earn is the one that teaches you skills that can help you both achieve your career goals and advance your career.
Southern New Hampshire University offers several focused online concentrations in MEd in Curriculum and Instruction.
Created in response to teachers who struggled with the transition to the online environment, SNHU's MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching helps educators fill the gaps in their professional experience.
"I think the most prominent advantages in the online instruction concentration ... are the practicality, relevance and overall essential need of the coursework in today’s classroom," said Laura Denithorne, an adjunct instructor at SNHU.
"Schools are continuing to incorporate online learning in a hybrid and/or blended learning format, validating online learning is not going away," adds Dr. Daniel Tanguay, executive director of education at SNHU. "With that in mind, educators still need to develop practical knowledge and skills to effectively manage and work within the online learning environment."
"The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching addresses this need and provides educators the opportunity to improve learning outcomes for their students through the creation of new and more innovative learning experiences," he said.
Not only that, an education master's could help you beyond the classroom. If you're thinking about transitioning into administrative roles or other advancement opportunities, a master's may be a requirement to be considered.
Yes, you can get an online teaching job with an online degree. The curriculum for an online degree program is typically the same as you would have at a traditional brick-and-mortar school.
However, you'll need to research the programs that you're interested in, to be sure the outcome matches up with your goals. And for initial licensure, be sure to do your research to ensure your program can help you with your career.
If you're already licensed, though, earning your next degree online is a great option. Many online master's degrees in education are actually geared toward students who are already teachers.
For example, Southern New Hampshire University now offers an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching.
The concentration courses in this online teaching degree program focus on the technology you can use in classes, the strategies to keep your class engaged and instructional methods that are appropriate for an online setting.
Degrees that focus on online teaching aren't common – in fact, SNHU is an early adopter of programming in this space. If you're interested in learning more about becoming an online teacher, contact an admission counselor to find out how you can succeed in the virtual environment.
Best is often subjective, just as it is here. If you want to earn your degree in online teaching, there are a lot of factors as to what the best choice is for you.
At Southern New Hampshire University, we now have a master's in teaching online program. Some of the benefits of earning your online teaching degree from SNHU include:
- One of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation
- 24/7 access to the classroom
- Instructors with master's degrees or above and real-world teaching experience
- Skills for teaching in remote and hybrid environments
- Sets you up for career transition or advancement
"This focus on online teaching within the MEd program will provide educators a learning opportunity to help them gain the fundamental online teaching knowledge and skills needed to develop and effectively implement the curriculum," said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, executive director of education at SNHU. "By better preparing our educators and supporting their learning needs, we can help ensure that our students receive the best educational experience they need to be successful and achieve their own personal and academic goals."
Tanguay also mentions that the courses in the online teaching concentration "allow students the opportunity to reflect on their impressions and bias, while building awareness of how to address them in the field of virtual education."
Earning an online teaching degree in a short amount of time will completely depend on your schedule.
Do you have the time to do classwork full time? Do you have responsibilities outside of work – like family or other obligations – that would require you to space out your classes?
Either way, creating a schedule that works for you is perfectly OK. At Southern New Hampshire University, we have many students that attend full time and quite a few others that take classes part time.
SNHU offers 5 graduate terms a year, and each one is 10 weeks long. If you want to be a full-time student in this 36-credit program, it could take you about 15 months to complete. This means you'd take 2 courses per term.
But if part time is more your speed, you can take just 1 class per term. Our main goal is that you're successful in your program and beyond. And taking 1 course per term may be your way of achieving that.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Facts: Distance Learning, on the internet, at https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=79 (viewed Feb. 14, 2022)