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Online Teaching Degree Master's Program

Zepure Kurumlian, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2016, thumbing through a book while sitting on a couch in her living room with a laptop on her lap.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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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
Zepure Kurumlian, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2016, wearing a brown jacket and carrying a bicycle up a stone staircase.

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.

Degree Courses

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 inlude:

Course ID: EDU 614
In evaluating online strategies and tools, educators will gain the skills needed to appropriately select new and innovative ways of approaching their instruction. Special attention will be paid to creating learning activities that leverage teaching strategies and technology tools in order to provide experiences that meet the needs of a diverse group of students in an online environment.
Course ID: EDU 630
With a focus on the intricacies of online instruction, educators will analyze and apply strategies for student engagement, differentiation, instructional delivery methods, and feedback. Special attention will be paid to the diversity of student populations and how online instructional strategies can benefit all students.
Course ID: EDU 635
In the context of the grade level and content area that educators teach, educators will learn how to apply instructional strategies and pedagogical practices into their lesson planning in support of engagement and learning. Educators will create lessons and explore how to build them in a learning management system.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching curriculum.

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: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024

Next term starts:
July 29, 2024

Apply Now

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

Online Classroom

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
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

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.

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Other MEd admission requirements include:

  • A resume that includes at least 6 months of relevant K-12 instructional or curriculum development experience
  • Filling out our MEd Non-Licensure Acknowledgment Form

You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)

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), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

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 programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*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 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 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.

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.

2%

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.

$74,620

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.

Laura Denithorne with text Laura Denithorne"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.

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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)