Master of Education Programs Online
Step Into Possibility With a Flexible M.Ed. Program
Online
2 Years
36 Credit Hours
$362 per Credit*
Request More Information
Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Unlock Your Teaching Potential With an Online Master’s in Education
- Apply By: 05/21/26
- Start Class: 06/04/26
Level up your teaching career while studying on your schedule with a flexible online master of education degree program. In this cutting-edge program, you will develop advanced, research-supported instructional strategies key for creating engaging classrooms and enhancing student learning.
Explore multiple classroom-ready concentrations, featuring courses that contribute to state add-on certification and endorsement requirements. Become a leading educator and choose the degree path that furthers your goals.
Program Details
- No application fee
- Concentrations lead to add-on certifications or endorsements
- Convenient online courses ideal for a teacher’s schedule
- No. 2 Top Public School in the South1
Online M.Ed. in Applied Learning and Instruction Concentrations
Tailor your master’s degree to your future when you choose a required concentration, several of which lead to add-on certifications and endorsements in South Carolina. Learn more about each concentration’s unique advantages below.
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Faculty Offer 1:1 Attention and Support
36 Total Credits
12 Courses
USC Upstate prides itself on a highly supportive, mentoring culture. You will join a network of mentors — including faculty, peers and alumni — eager to help guide you through our engaging coursework. If you select a concentration with an in-person practicum, you can complete those requirements at your current place of employment.
Learn online without feeling alone. In addition to our mentoring community, the Student Success Center also provides free tutoring, supplementary instruction, 1:1 academic consultations and more helpful resources.
Bigger goals. Quicker success. Greater heights.
Course Materials Backed by Local School District Leaders
You can be certain that the Master of Education program’s online curriculum aligns with the needs and priorities of South Carolina students.
Graduate Faster with Eight-Week Courses
Save time — and money — with accelerated coursework designed to engage, educate and challenge you.
Prepare for Add-On Certifications and Endorsements
Multiple M.Ed. concentration options help you earn an add-on certification and/or the Gifted and Talented or Project-Based Learning endorsements.
Admissions Requirements
Know What You Need to Apply
Application Deadline 05/21/26
Start Date 06/04/26
Our online Master of Education degree is intended for educators who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree and hold a valid teaching certificate. See below for more admission details, then choose your start date and apply.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA | Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts showing all post-secondary coursework attempted and the award of the baccalaureate or higher degree by an accredited college or university. |
| Transfer Credits | A maximum of 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution, or nine credit hours if part of a master’s degree at the other institution, may be considered. |
| Official Test Score(s) | If an applicant’s undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0, they must submit MAT or GRE scores. |
| Additional Requirements |
|
International Students
All international students must demonstrate English language proficiency for admission. If you do not meet the English proficiency requirement, you may be admitted conditionally.
| English Proficiency Exams |
|
|---|---|
| Additional Requirements |
|
Admission Requirements for USC Upstate Online Programs
Applying to one of the online degree programs in South Carolina offered by USC Upstate is simple, flexible, and designed to fit your life. Start anytime, save your progress and return when it works best for you. With multiple start dates throughout the year, your journey begins whenever you’re ready. For guidance or personalized support, visit the Admissions Hub or speak with a student engagement specialist at 833-814-8322.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Competitive Tuition That Fits Your Budget
Calculate your cost for attending USC Upstate Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
At USC Upstate, we value your resources. That’s why we offer competitive tuition — so you can focus on learning, not debt. Maximize your return on investment with discounted tuition for in-state applicants who hold a South Carolina teaching certificate.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $362 per Credit (In-State With S.C. Teaching Certificate) $572 per Credit (Out-of-State) |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 36 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $13,032 (In-State With S.C. Teaching Certificate) $20,592 (Out-of-State) |
| Additional Fees | $85 One-Time Matriculation Fee $50 Security Fee Per Semester $12 Technology Fee Per Credit Hour $8.50 Health Fee Per Credit Hour |
| Other Costs to Budget For | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses |
Spartan Support for Military Students
USC Upstate is nationally recognized for its support of veterans, active-duty military and their families. Our Veterans Affairs Office guides you through benefits, career planning and academic credit, including military training, certifications and programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill®, Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, REAP, and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. Tuition advantages include active-duty tuition discounts, DoD military tuition assistance and in-state tuition for veterans and their dependents. With these resources and dedicated support, we help those who have served turn their dedication into success and rise to new heights through education.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend USC Upstate Online?
USC Upstate offers a wide range of financial aid options to help students from all backgrounds reach their goals. Scholarships, grants, loans and employer tuition assistance make a quality education more accessible, so you can focus on learning, growing and reaching greater heights. We encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock federal and state support.
Tuition Details
What Careers Can I Pursue With an Online Master’s Degree in Education?
Earn a Master of Education online and open the door to new career pathways. Whether you want to elevate your skillset, teach a new subject or transition into a role outside of the classroom, USC Upstate is your first step.
Take advantage of the Career Management services, which help students and alumni in South Carolina and beyond navigate the college-to-career journey with confidence. Benefit from personalized career counseling, résumé and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, skill-building workshops and more.
What Will I Learn in the Online Applied Learning and Instruction Programs?
In this online program, you will increase your ability to meet the needs of students in diverse classroom settings. With an emphasis on practical skills you can use immediately, our experiential curriculum offers opportunities for you to practice applying theory and other strategies in supportive, hands-on environments.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate foundational theoretical and content knowledge in the field
- Read, analyze and evaluate peer-reviewed research
- Understand and use basic quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Identify challenges in educational practice
- Review, analyze and synthesize peer-reviewed literature
Personalized Guidance in Every Classroom
At USC Upstate, our faculty are more than instructors — they’re mentors invested in your success. With real-world experience, advanced credentials and a commitment to personal attention, they guide you through practical learning that prepares you for a meaningful career. Small classes and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure you have the support you need to grow and thrive.
Dr. Sharda Jackson Smith
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sharda Jackson Smith
Dr. Jackson Smith joined USC Upstate in 2018 and has held several leadership roles including Director of Curriculum and Associate Dean throughout her tenure. Dr. Jackson has taught in K–12 schools in Florida, where she worked across grade levels and was honored as Teacher of the Year.
Her scholarship centers on education finance, teacher compensation, and educational equity. She has published in respected outlets such as the Journal of Education Finance and Journal of Education Human Resources.
Dr. Jackson Smith is also deeply engaged in public scholarship and service: she has presented on educational policy issues, written for the League of Women Voters, and serves on multiple boards including the National Education Finance Academy and the South Carolina League of Women Voters.
Source and Disclaimer
- U.S. News & World Report. “University of South Carolina Upstate Rankings.” Retrieved Sept. 25, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-south-carolina-upstate-6951.
*In-state tuition with South Carolina teaching certificate