Today's K-12 classrooms come in all shapes and sizes, accommodating students in public and private schools, vocational programs, and even home schooling environments. At Kaplan University, we understand the value of nurturing students in unique teaching and learning environments. Our own virtual classrooms focus on adding a human touch to the high technology of learning online, allowing you to earn a Master of Science in Education entirely on your own schedule, full or part time, from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Whether you are preparing to enter this exciting field for the first time, or are already teaching and want to enhance your knowledge and advance your career, Kaplan University offers a convenient, flexible solution for earning your master's degree online.

 Program Highlights 

Our Master of Science in Education curriculum is designed to prepare you for a teaching career in which you will have the power to influence, motivate, and empower future generations. Through sustained learning, job-embedded activities, collegial discussions, and engaging follow-up, you will acquire knowledge and practical teaching skills that can have a positive impact on student achievement. Professional instructors will guide you every step of the way as you:

  • Apply action research and other assessment theories and strategies to evaluate and improve your teaching practice and enhance student performance in the classroom
  • Explore the reflective decision-maker model and develop competencies required for effective teaching, including various approaches to classroom management and discipline
  • Focus on designing curricula for K-12 education in accordance with local and national standards
  • Complete a capstone course in which you will implement the methodologies learned in your online coursework, collect and analyze data, and write an action research report focused on improving student learning

 Emphasis Areas for the Master of Science in Education 

Developing expertise in a particular subject is essential, especially for middle and high school teachers who must exhibit a high level of proficiency in the subject area they teach. Kaplan University's Master of Science in Education program offers nine emphasis areas to help you achieve the academic competencies required in a specific area of teaching.
    Focus on developing curricula at the elementary level in accordance with the National Council of Teachers of English standards. Develop skills for teaching basic reading and writing skills to children. Explore ways to help children overcome comprehension difficulties and how to develop courses for students with special learning challenges.
    Focus on developing curricula at the secondary level in accordance with the National Council of Teachers of English standards. Develop skills for teaching basic reading and writing skills to middle and high school students. Explore ways to help adolescents overcome comprehension difficulties and how to develop courses for students with special learning challenges.
    Explore how technology can be integrated into your classroom and how the Internet can support teaching and learning in accordance with the National Educational Technology Standards for teachers. Examine the most effective software applications available to educators and how special education can benefit from high-tech teaching methods.
    Special education is an area of teaching in great need of qualified and caring instructors who understand the challenges faced by students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and physical handicaps. Examine best practices and methods for adapting curricula to accommodate children with special needs. Focus on interventions, transition planning, and complying with federal, state, and local requirements.
    Develop proficiencies for teaching mathematics to students in grades K-5 in accordance with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. Explore methods of teaching that relate the mathematics students learn in the classroom to real-world applications. Focus on numbers and operations, geometry and measurement, algebra, and data analysis and probability.
    Develop proficiencies for teaching mathematics to students in grades 6-8 in accordance with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. Explore best practices for teaching problem solving and computational fluency. Focus on teaching numbers and operations, geometry and measurement, algebra, and data analysis and probability.
    Develop proficiencies for teaching mathematics to students in grades 9-12 in accordance with the National Council of
    Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. Focus on instructional strategies that emphasize equity, curriculum,
    teaching, learning, assessment, and technology for teaching high school mathematics; measurements, numbers, and operations; and algebra.
    Focus on specific strategies, assessment tools, and technologies used to actively engage students in scientific explorations. Develop skills to plan, teach, and assess inquiry-based science classes. Prepare to meet national and state standards for teaching physical and life science and earth and space science to students in grades K through 6.
    Examine the National Science Education Standards for teaching inquiry-based science using scientific reasoning and critical thinking. Explore historical and contemporary perspectives on science and technology, physical and life science, and earth and space science. Focus on how to make science investigations meaningful and engaging.
    Study how to improve the school environment for students, teachers, and the community; enhance student learning; and follow nationally recognized standards developed by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the NCATE/Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). Examine best practices for educational leadership in the areas of school finance and operations, legal issues in education, curriculum development for school improvement, and supervision and staff development. In addition, focus on the special needs, diversity, and cultural concerns that face site-based administrators.

 Curriculum for the Master of Science in Education 

    Courses Credits
    Transforming Teaching Practice 4
    Action Research I 5
    Classroom Management 5
    Curriculum Design 5
    Educational Leadership 5
    Student Assessment 5
    Action Research II (Capstone Course) 5
    Emphasis Area Courses 12
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Teaching Reading Across the Curriculum (Grades K–6) 4
    Teaching Writing Across the Curriculum (GradesK–6) 4
    Reading Diagnosis and Remediation 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Reading Diagnosis and Remediation 4
    Teaching Writing Across the Curriculum (Grades6–12) 4
    Reading in the Content Areas (Grades 6–12) 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Using Technology—Fundamentals of Integration 4
    Using Technology—Practical Applications 4
    Using Technology—Applications in the Content Areas 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Teaching Exceptional Students in Inclusive Settings 4
    Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities 4
    Teaching Students With Behavior Disorders 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Developing Mathematical Proficiency—Numbers and Operations (Grades K–5) 4
    Developing Mathematical Proficiency—Geometry and Measurement (Grades K–5) 4
    Developing Mathematical Proficiency—Algebra (Grades K–5) 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Developing Mathematical Proficiency—Numbers and Operations (Grades 6–8) 4
    Developing Mathematical Proficiency—Geometry and Measurement (Grades 6–8) 4
    Developing Mathematical Proficiency—Algebra (Grades 6–8) 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Principles, Pedagogy, and Standards for High School Mathematics (Grades 9–12) 4
    Measurements, Number, and Operations (Grades 9–12) 4
    Algebra 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Planning and Teaching an Inquiry-Based Science Class (GradesK–6) 4
    Physical and Life Science (Grades K–6) 4
    Earth and Space Science (Grades K–6) 4
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 34
    Planning and Teaching an Inquiry-Based Science Class (Grades 6–12) 4
    Science as Inquiry (Grades 6–12) 4
    Historical and Social Perspectives on Science and Technology (Grades 6–12) 4
    Total Program Requirements 46
    Courses Credits
    Transforming Teaching Practice 4
    Educational Psychology 4
    Action Research I 5
    Classroom Management 5
    Curriculum Design 5
    Perspectives on Diversity 4
    Educational Leadership 5
    Student Assessment 5
    Emphasis Area Courses 17
    Courses Credits
    Core Requirements 37
    The Principalship 5
    Management of Resources 4
    Legal Issues in Education 4
    Supervision and Instructional Leadership 4
    Total Program Requirements 54

 Prepare for Licensure 

Master of Science in Education degree candidates are expected, but not required, to hold a valid state teaching license. The Master of Science in Education does not lead to initial teacher certification. Applicants should contact their school district to ensure that a Kaplan University Master of Science in Education degree will satisfy specific state or district requirements for an increase in pay, renewal of a current license, or recertification of an expired license. Kaplan University makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree program meets the specific requirements for any individual state or school system.

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

The program is designed to help you improve your teaching skills and increase your professional marketability. Graduates may pursue career advancement in areas such as teacher leadership, professional development, curriculum development, or mentoring.* Upon successful completion of the program, you may have acquired the knowledge and credentials required to pursue further doctorate-level studies.†

Let Us Evaluate Your Transcripts

If you already have applicable experience or course credits earned at another institution, you may qualify for transfer credit that can be applied toward your master's degree requirements at Kaplan University. Transfer credits can save you time and money, allowing you to earn your master's degree faster. Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for details about our transfer of credit policy.

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$385.00
Total program requirements Standard Emphasis Area Track track46
Total cost of tuition$17,710.00

Cost per credit hour$385.00
Total program requirements Educational Leadership Emphasis Area Track track54
Total cost of tuition$20,790.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective June 5, 2010, a minimum tuition deposit, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

Chat with a representative about your financial aid options

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*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.

†Although this program is designed to prepare you to pursue further studies, the University cannot guarantee that you will be granted admission to any graduate or doctoral programs.