A Master of Science in Teaching (sometimes referred to as an MST) is designed for prospective teachers seeking initial teacher certification or current teachers looking to advance in the classroom with a Master’s in Teaching. A master of science in teaching program is open to graduates who have no prior learning in the education field and are seeking a career change, or are currently educators and are seeking a master’s degree in teaching. The easiest way to accomplish this, given that many potential students already hold full-time careers, is through online education.

Online master of science in teaching programs focus on blending learning theory with hands-on, field-based teaching experiences. Prominent themes might include:

Advancements in educational technology have made online programs better suited than ever for 21st-century learning. Basic computer hardware features provide the ability to quickly and easily watch video, as well as “Web 2.0” structures that allow for discussions and exams – these are all basic technologies that most people have access to, and the best online m.s. in teaching degree programs put these technologies to good use.

Strong online master of science in teaching programs should have the following:

The following are concentration areas candidates may find while pursuing an M.S in teaching:

The early childhood education concentration prepares students to teach from birth through second grade. Course content explores the different early childhood education models, ultimately teaching students how to create diverse and inclusive classrooms as well as how to incorporate play as part of their teaching.

The childhood education concentration prepares students to work in elementary education with children from first to sixth grade. Course content focuses on child development, inclusive elementary classroom techniques, and professional case studies. This concentration may also require field experience where students apply what they have learned in a real classroom setting.

The childhood special education concentration prepares students to work in elementary education with children in first to sixth grade who have disabilities. Course content focuses on instruction in child development and on adapting instructional practices for children across all settings.

The adolescent education concentration prepares students to work in middle school or high school classroom settings. Course content focuses on subject-specific material that is applicable to all adolescents.

The adolescent special education concentration prepares students to work in special education support roles—for example, as consultants or co-support teachers. Course content helps students learn the policies, principles, and intricacies of special education. These foundations will support assessment and intervention when working with diverse groups of adolescents with a range of disabilities.

A TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) concentration allows students to specialize in teaching English to non-native speakers. This concentration provides students with a foundation but may require additional coursework in advanced ESL methodologies and techniques.

The education leadership concentration helps students develop leadership skills in their everyday coursework. Course content may include research methods, organization and administration, and instructional leadership.

The art education concentration prepares students to teach art courses from kindergarten through high school. This concentration may require an additional extension in order to teach art for students with disabilities.

The art education for students with disabilities concentration prepares students to teach art courses from kindergarten through high school. The curriculum builds on a typical art education by adding courses tailored to teach students with disabilities and a wide range of learning styles.

The physical science education concentration could be ideal for someone seeking to teach within STEM. This concentration prepares students to teach a wide range of science subjects, including biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics at the middle school or high school level.

The mathematics concentration is an option for those seeking to teach STEM. This concentration specifically prepares students to teach mathematics courses such as algebra, geometry and calculus.

The English concentration prepares students to teach English or language arts, typically from seventh grade through high school. Course content equips students to teach a wide range of English topics, including grammar/punctuation, writing/creative writing, and story analysis.

The social studies concentration prepares students to teach social studies or history, typically from seventh grade through high school. Course content equips students to teach a wide range of topics from general areas such as geography and history to government and current affairs.

While a Master of Arts in Teaching is a more popular degree choice, a Master of Science in Teaching paves the way for newcomers to the education field, providing the coursework to earn a teacher certification while developing a prospective teacher’s knowledge of educational philosophies and pedagogy skills. An M.S in Teaching can be age group specific and/or subject specialized.

An MA in Teaching is a degree designed for current and prospective K–12 teachers seeking either their initial teaching license or additional certification to advance their careers in the classroom. Read more about earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

An online Master of Science in Teaching (MST) typically covers the same core content as an on-campus MST: research-informed pedagogy, subject/grade-band methods, and supervised classroom practice. While coursework is delivered online, hands-on fieldwork and student teaching are still completed in-person in a school setting (often arranged near where you live).

Because MST programs vary by state licensure rules and by whether the degree is for initial licensure or advanced study, credit requirements can vary widely. Some MST tracks are closer to 30 credits, while licensure-aligned programs may be 36 credits or more and, in some cases, exceed 50 credits depending on the certification area and required clinical experiences.

Most MST plans of study include:

Course coursework (common across programs)

Concentration or certification-area coursework

Clinical practice / fieldwork
For programs that lead to initial teacher licensure, clinical experiences are a major component and may require a full-time schedule in schools during the student teaching/residency phase. Many states and preparation models use ~600 hours (often roughly comparable to a full semester of full-time placement) as a common benchmark, though the exact hours and scheduling requirements vary by state and provider. Fieldwork is also critical to the curriculum, serving as a major focal point for learning outside the classroom.

Admission Requirements for an Online Master of Science in Teaching

A key difference between traditional and online MST degree programs lies in the coursework and concentration options. Depending on the program you enroll in, your experience will vary, but the best programs shouldn’t differ drastically in terms of their coursework.

Much like the distinction between in-class assignments and homework in a traditional on-campus program, online programs have synchronous and asynchronous elements.

E-mails, discussion boards, social networks, collaborative documents and e-portfolios are also asynchronous elements. Like homework in a regular classroom, these offline components support the online curriculum. You’ll be expected to have watched lectures and completed homework assignments prior to attending live class sessions so you’re ready to participate in discussions and other in-class activities.

While most states do not require educational professionals to hold an advanced degree, there are a number of benefits to earning your MST. Having an advanced degree, both inside and outside the classroom, provides you with greater career options and the opportunity to earn a higher salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, common job titles and employment figures for MST-related occupations include:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, median annual salaries and employment growth through 2024 for MST-related occupations are:

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Information last updated: January 2026