Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Montana

Montana’s wide-open landscapes and strong sense of community extend into its educational values. While the state serves just under 150,000 K–12 public school students, it faces notable teacher shortages, especially in rural and tribal communities. According to the Montana Office of Public Instruction, subjects like special education, STEM, and early childhood education remain hard to staff.

Pursuing a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Montana can help educators and career changers address these shortages while advancing their professional goals. Whether you aim to move into a leadership role, earn your initial teaching license, or specialize in high-need subjects, Montana offers flexible online, hybrid, and campus-based M.Ed. programs to meet your needs.

This guide covers the top M.Ed. programs in Montana, fast-track graduate degrees, affordable education pathways, licensure options, and top employers in the state’s education sector.

Home > Schools > Montana

Montana offers a range of M.Ed. programs through regionally accredited public universities and private colleges committed to developing high-quality educators.

2026 Best Master's in Education Degree Programs in Montana

Looking for the best master's in education degree programs in Montana? mastersineducation.org has ranked the top options to help you make an informed choice. Our rankings highlight schools that offer quality education, flexibility, and strong support for future educators. Whether you're aiming to advance your career or specialize in a field, these programs are designed to meet your needs. Explore our detailed analysis to find the right fit for your goals. https://mastersineducation.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT - Public 4-Year - montana.edu

Master's - Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Professional Educator)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Montana State University's Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a Professional Educator concentration is an online program designed for educators seeking professional growth. It focuses on developing innovative instructional strategies and exploring current educational theories, emphasizing practical knowledge and professional development. The flexible structure allows working professionals to advance their careers without disrupting employment. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

100% Online Program
Professional Development Focus
Flexible for Working Educators
No Teaching Certification
Masters Capstone Project Required
Advanced Instructional Strategies
Graduate Faculty Guidance

Master's - Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Educational Researcher)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Montana State University offers a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with an Educational Researcher concentration, blending online core courses with on-campus research opportunities. This hybrid program is tailored for professionals aiming to enhance research skills, requiring an original research thesis and comprehensive exams. It supports working educators with flexible study options. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

100% online core content courses
On-campus research program
Original research thesis required
Supports working professionals
No educator licensure
Flexible graduate study options
Three-member graduate committee
Written and oral comprehensive exams

Master's - Master of Education (Higher Education)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Montana State University's Master of Education in Higher Education is a campus-based program preparing professionals for leadership roles in post-secondary institutions. It focuses on program development, institutional management, and administrative strategies, offering flexible face-to-face and online learning. Students can choose between thesis or comprehensive exam options. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

Face-to-face and online delivery
Three specialization options available
Thesis or comprehensive exam options
Three-member graduate committee required
Administrative positions preparation
Program development focus
Institutional development skills

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT - Public 4-Year - umt.edu

Master's - Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Montana's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction offers a flexible graduate program for educators to enhance teaching skills with options in curriculum studies, elementary, literacy, or secondary education. It emphasizes innovative strategies, collaborative learning, and inclusive environments, preparing teachers for diverse classrooms. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

Multiple concentration options
Focuses on collaborative learning
Develops innovative teaching strategies
Supports inclusive classroom environments
Available with teacher licensure options

Master's - Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Campus Based - Visit Website

Designed for experienced educators, the Master of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Montana prepares candidates for administrative roles with a 37-credit curriculum covering school law, finance, and technology. It leads to a Montana Class 3 Administrative License and K-12 Principal Endorsement, requiring three years of teaching experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA. No entrance exam is specified.

37-credit comprehensive program
Prepares for administrative license
K-12 Principal Endorsement
Requires 3+ years teaching experience
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Final comprehensive exam included

Master's - Teaching and Learning M.Ed. (Special Education)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning with a Special Education concentration at the University of Montana is a 48-credit program training educators to support diverse learners through advanced assessment, behavior support, and inclusive methods. It focuses on intervention strategies and legal frameworks, including a student teaching experience. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

48-credit graduate program
Special Education concentration
Comprehensive special education training
Advanced intervention strategies
Includes student teaching experience

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#3

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT - Public 4-Year - msubillings.edu

Master's - Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction (Elementary)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Montana State University Billings offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an Elementary concentration, focusing on advanced pedagogical skills for diverse and inclusive elementary classrooms. This 48-credit campus-based program includes student teaching and covers Indian Education requirements, preparing graduates for Montana teacher licensure. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with no entrance exam needed. It is military-friendly and emphasizes individualized learning and comprehensive professional development.

48-credit graduate program
Elementary education specialization
No GRE required
3.0 GPA admission standard
Includes student teaching component
Diverse instructional strategies focus
Indian Education requirements included
Advanced professional core courses
Comprehensive teacher licensure preparation

Master's - Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Montana State University Billings provides a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Secondary concentration, emphasizing curriculum theory, educational technology, and innovative teaching strategies. This mostly online program with evening classes can be completed in about five semesters, totaling 38-41 credits. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with no entrance exam specified. Graduates achieve an 87% employment rate and an average salary of $42,363, supported by student teaching options and a military-friendly environment.

3.0 GPA admission requirement
Mostly online program
Evening classes available
5 semesters to complete
38-41 total credits
87% employment rate
Average salary $42,363
Secondary teaching focus
Student teaching options
Educational technology training

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2024 Final Release.

Learn more about our methodology

Fastest M.Ed. Programs in Montana

For those eager to earn their degree quickly, several Montana institutions offer accelerated M.Ed. options that can be completed in 12–18 months.

School	Specialty	Program Length	Format
University of Montana	Educational Leadership	12–16 months	Hybrid
Montana State University	Adult Education	12–18 months	Online
MSU Billings	Special Education	12–16 months	Hybrid
Carroll College	Curriculum & Instruction	12–18 months	Hybrid
Rocky Mountain College	Educational Leadership	12–18 months	Hybrid
University of Providence	Reading & Literacy	16 months	Online

Cheapest M.Ed. Programs in Montana

Montana offers a variety of low-cost M.Ed. programs at public universities, making graduate education accessible to more students.

School	Specialty	Tuition Range	Format
MSU Billings	Special Education	$11,000–$13,000	Hybrid
University of Montana	Curriculum & Instruction	$12,000–$14,000	Online
Montana State University	Educational Technology	$12,500–$14,500	Hybrid
Carroll College	Educational Leadership	$13,000–$15,000	Hybrid
University of Providence	Reading & Literacy	$12,000–$14,000	Online
Rocky Mountain College	Curriculum Development	$13,000–$15,000	Hybrid

What Master’s in Education Degrees Lead to Montana Teacher Licensure?

Montana offers initial licensure tracks through M.Ed. programs for individuals with a non-teaching bachelor’s degree. These programs meet state certification requirements and include fieldwork.

To complete the teaching certification process, you generally need to:

Enroll in an M.Ed. program approved by the Montana Office of Public Instruction
Pass the Praxis Subject Assessments (as required by content area)
Complete student teaching or internship
Undergo fingerprinting and background checks
Apply the Educator Licensure system

Are Online Master’s in Education Programs Available in Montana?

Yes—Montana universities provide online master’s in education programs that help working professionals, rural educators, and career changers balance life and learning.

Pros:

Study from anywhere in the state
Keep your teaching job while earning your degree
Often more affordable than on-campus options

Cons:

Some clinical requirements may still be in-person
Requires strong self-motivation and organization
Internet access can vary in remote areas

What Are the Admissions Requirements for M.Ed. Programs in Montana?

Most M.Ed. programs in Montana expect applicants to meet the following:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
GPA of 2.75–3.0 (varies by school)
Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
Statement of purpose or personal essay
Praxis scores (for licensure tracks)
Resume with relevant experience

Popular Master’s in Education Degree Specialties in Montana

Montana educators have access to a wide range of in-demand specializations:

Top Employers and School Districts for M.Ed. Graduates in Montana

Graduates of M.Ed. programs in Montana work across school districts, universities, and state agencies. Top employers include:

Billings Public Schools
Missoula County Public Schools
Bozeman Public Schools
Montana Office of Public Instruction
University of Montana
Montana State University

Explore teacher salary trends

Take the Next Step

From increasing pay to filling statewide teacher shortages, earning a Master’s in Education in Montana can set you on a purposeful, high-impact career path. Whether you want to lead a classroom, develop policy, or support underserved students, the right M.Ed. program can make your goals possible.

Explore accredited, flexible programs that support your needs, and take the next step in shaping the future of education in the Big Sky State.

Sources

Montana Office of Public Instruction – Educator Shortage Report
University of Montana – Department of Teaching and Learning
Montana State University – Graduate Education Degrees
Praxis – Montana Test Requirements

Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Montana

Table of Contents