Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Nevada

Known for the bright lights of Las Vegas and the expansive beauty of its deserts, Nevada is also home to a diverse and evolving public education system. With over 500,000 students enrolled in public K–12 schools, the state is working to address persistent teacher shortages, especially in Clark and Washoe Counties. According to the Nevada Department of Education, special education, math, science, and English as a Second Language (ESL) are high-need areas.

Pursuing a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Nevada can empower educators to advance into leadership roles, increase their earning potential, or help close statewide staffing gaps. Whether you’re already in the classroom or transitioning from another career, Nevada offers flexible graduate programs—including online, hybrid, and in-person formats—to help you reach your goals.

This guide explores top-ranked M.Ed. programs in Nevada, along with accelerated degree options, affordable pathways, licensure routes, and significant education employers in the state.

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Nevada offers CAEP-accredited, regionally approved M.Ed. programs that equip educators to address modern classroom challenges and pursue career advancement.

2026 Best Master's in Education Degree Programs in Nevada

Looking for the best master's in education degree programs in Nevada? mastersineducation.org has you covered with our expert rankings. We carefully evaluate schools to help you find top options that fit your goals and needs. Our list highlights programs that offer strong academics, support, and value. Start your search with confidence using our trusted insights. https://mastersineducation.org/rankings-methodology/

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV - Public 4-Year - unr.edu

Master's - Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Reno's Master of Education in Educational Leadership is a two-year online program designed for teachers aspiring to leadership roles. It emphasizes mentorship, equity, and transformative practices through a flexible schedule, co-taught by experienced leaders and faculty. Graduates gain skills to drive change in education. As a master's level program, it may require an entrance exam, but this is not specified in the provided data.

Two-year online master's program
Designed for practicing teachers
Integrated leadership internship
Dynamic instructional models
Mentorship by experienced principals
36 total credit program
Professional Standards aligned
Blended learning opportunities

Master's - Master of Education in Special Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

This Master of Education in Special Education at the University of Nevada-Reno prepares educators to support students with disabilities, offering emphasis areas like intellectual disabilities and autism. It includes online flexibility, 34 credits, and pathways to certifications such as BCBA. As a master's program, an entrance exam might be required, but details are not provided.

Online and campus options
34 graduate credits minimum
Multiple emphasis areas
BCBA certification pathway
Research-focused curriculum
Supports initial and advanced licensure

Master's - Master of Education in Elementary Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Education in Elementary Education at the University of Nevada-Reno is a campus-based program for career changers seeking K-8 teaching licensure. It focuses on pedagogical strategies, classroom management, and diversity. As a master's level offering, an entrance exam could be necessary, though it is not explicitly mentioned.

K-8 Teaching License
Career Changers Welcome
Diverse Classroom Preparation
Comprehensive Pedagogical Training
Professional Education Pathway

Master's - Master of Secondary Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

This Master of Secondary Education program at the University of Nevada-Reno prepares educators for 7-12 grades, combining licensure with advanced training. It requires 48 credits, a 3.0 GPA, competency exams, and includes a full-semester internship. As a master's program, an entrance exam may be required, but specifics are not stated.

First-time Teacher Licensure Program
48 Total Credit Hours
7-12 Grade Teaching Focus
Fast-track Licensure Option
Full Semester Internship Required
3.0 GPA Minimum Requirement
Multiple Teaching Majors Accepted

Master's - Master of Education in Special Education (Autism & Related Disorders)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Related Disorders at the University of Nevada-Reno provides advanced training for supporting students with autism. It offers online learning, 34 credits, and pathways to BCBA certification. As a master's program, an entrance exam might be needed, but it is not detailed.

Online program availability
34 graduate credit minimum
BCBA certification pathway
K-12 autism focus
Research course requirement
3.0 GPA maintenance
Comprehensive exam/portfolio

Master's - Master of Education in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis in Special Education)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Online and campus options
BCBA certification pathway
Minimum 34 graduate credits
Research-driven curriculum
Teacher leadership focus
PK-12 special education preparation
U.S. News top 100 graduate program

Master's - Master of Secondary Education- Continuing Educator Improvement (CEI)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fully online master's program
Two-year completion timeline
Designed for practicing educators
Secondary education focus
Professional development oriented

Show 6 More Programs ˅

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu

Master's - Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction

Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction represents a comprehensive professional development pathway for educators seeking advanced pedagogical expertise. Designed to enhance teaching capabilities across diverse learning environments, the program emphasizes critical skill development in instructional strategies, curriculum design, and educational leadership. Students explore innovative approaches to teaching, focusing on learner development and inclusive educational practices. With multiple specialized tracks available, graduates gain sophisticated tools to create transformative learning experiences, positioning themselves at the forefront of educational innovation and student-centered instruction.

Multiple specialized tracks available
Advanced pedagogical skill development
Diverse career opportunities
Inclusive learning environment focus
Research-based instructional strategies
Leadership and collaboration emphasis
Professional growth orientation

Master's - Master of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Master of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership provides a strategic 36-credit program targeting educational transformation in urban school environments. Focusing on systemic change, the degree cultivates advanced leadership skills through comprehensive training in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and innovative administrative approaches. Participants develop critical competencies in curriculum alignment, performance monitoring, and creating inclusive learning cultures. The hybrid program format enables professionals to enhance their leadership capabilities while addressing complex educational challenges, preparing graduates to drive meaningful improvements in PK-12 educational systems.

36 semester credit hours
Nevada School Administrator Endorsement
Urban education leadership focus
Systems approach to learning
Real-world experiential learning
Professional development emphasis
Diverse learner considerations
Hybrid program format

Master's - Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction (Career, Technical & Postsecondary Education)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with Career, Technical & Postsecondary Education concentration provides a dynamic professional pathway for educators seeking specialized skills in workforce training and career-oriented instruction. This program prepares professionals to design innovative curricula, develop advanced instructional strategies, and support learner growth across diverse educational and professional settings. Emphasizing practical skills in curriculum development and pedagogical approaches, graduates gain comprehensive knowledge to lead educational transformation in technical education, workforce training programs, and career-focused learning environments.

Professional education program
Multiple track options
Develop advanced educational skills
Focus on learner development
Career-oriented curriculum design

Master's - Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction (Educational Technology)

Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with Educational Technology concentration equips educators to leverage cutting-edge digital tools and innovative pedagogical strategies. Designed for K-12 teachers, instructional designers, and technology specialists, the program provides comprehensive training in technological integration, digital curriculum design, and transformative educational practices. Students develop advanced skills in creating technology-enhanced learning experiences, exploring digital pedagogies, and implementing sophisticated instructional technologies that support contemporary educational approaches and prepare learners for technological landscapes.

Professional Studies Track
Educational Technology Concentration
Advanced Instructional Skills
Digital Curriculum Design
Multiple Career Pathways

Master's - Master of Education - Higher Education (Student Affairs)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Education in Higher Education with Student Affairs concentration at UNLV prepares professionals for leadership roles in post-secondary institutional environments. This comprehensive program cultivates advanced skills in organizational management, diversity awareness, and administrative practices. Participants develop critical competencies in navigating complex higher education structures, understanding contemporary challenges, and implementing ethical leadership strategies. Focused on preparing entry-level administrators, the program offers diverse career pathways and emphasizes organizational diversity, positioning graduates for impactful roles in student support and institutional advancement.

Entry-level leadership preparation
Student Affairs concentration available
Diverse career pathway options
Comprehensive administrative training
Emphasis on organizational diversity

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education (Arts Education, English/Language Arts Education, Health/Physical Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, Social Studies Education, Career and Technical Education, World Languages)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Multiple subject concentration options
Conditional teaching license possible
Prepares non-education bachelor's graduates
Nevada standard licensing track
Comprehensive professional educator preparation

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

Campus-based program.
Pathway to Nevada teaching license.
Focus on diverse learning environments.
Emphasizes professional practice.
Prepares for leadership in education.
Developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Inclusive learning environments.
Application of content knowledge.
Engages in professional learning.
Meets high educational standards.

Master's - Master of Education - Higher Education (Intercollegiate Athletics)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Entry-level leadership preparation
Intercollegiate Athletics concentration
Diverse career opportunities
Comprehensive administrative skills
Practical higher education focus

Master's - Master of Education - Higher Education (Higher Education Organization)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Campus-based program.
Focus on Higher Education Organization.
Prepares for leadership roles.
Emphasizes practical administrative skills.
Covers diversity and ethical practice.
Specialization in non-student services.
Opportunities in facilities management.
Public relations focus.
Human relations administration.
Entry to mid-level administration roles.

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education (English/Language Arts Education)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pathway to teaching license
Conditional license possible first semester
Multiple concentration areas available
Comprehensive professional educator preparation
Develop advanced teaching skills

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education (Mathematics Education)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pathway to Nevada teaching license
Mathematics Education concentration
Graduate-level professional preparation
Comprehensive secondary education training
Supports professional teaching development

Show 10 More Programs ˅

*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Learn more about our methodology

Fastest M.Ed. Programs in Nevada

For educators who want to graduate quickly, Nevada universities offer accelerated M.Ed. programs that can be completed in 12–18 months.

School	Specialty	Program Length	Format
UNLV	Curriculum & Instruction	12–16 months	Online
University of Nevada, Reno	Literacy Studies	12–18 months	Hybrid
Nevada State University	Secondary Education	12–18 months	Online
Touro University Nevada	Educational Leadership	12–16 months	Online
Sierra Nevada University	STEM Education	12–18 months	Hybrid
Western Governors University	Special Education	12–16 months	Online

Cheapest M.Ed. Programs in Nevada

Budget-conscious students can explore affordable M.Ed. programs at public institutions and online providers across Nevada.

School	Specialty	Tuition Range	Format
Nevada State University	Elementary Education	$10,000–$12,000	Online
University of Nevada, Reno	Special Education	$11,000–$13,000	Hybrid
UNLV	Educational Psychology	$11,500–$13,500	Online
Western Governors University	Instructional Design	$9,000–$11,000	Online
Sierra Nevada University	Outdoor Education	$12,000–$14,000	Hybrid
Touro University Nevada	Educational Leadership	$13,000–$15,000	Online

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

Nevada offers initial teacher licensure through M.Ed. programs that include pedagogy, subject preparation, and supervised teaching components.

To follow the teaching certification process, candidates typically:

Complete a Nevada Department of Education-approved M.Ed. program
Pass Praxis or alternative assessments (varies by subject)
Fulfill student teaching or internship hours
Submit fingerprints and background checks
Apply via the Nevada Online Licensure Portal

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

Yes— online master’s in education programs are widely available across Nevada and are ideal for educators balancing full-time jobs or living in remote areas.

Pros:

Flexibility for working adults
Options for asynchronous learning
Reduced commuting and housing costs

Cons:

In-person practicums may still be required
Less social interaction
Self-paced formats require high self-discipline

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

Admissions vary slightly by program but often include:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum 2.75–3.0 GPA
2–3 letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Resume or CV
Entrance exams or Praxis (for licensure seekers)

Popular Master’s in Education Degree Specialties in Nevada

Nevada educators can specialize in high-demand areas through a range of M.Ed. concentrations:

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

M.Ed. graduates often find employment across Nevada’s public school districts, colleges, and state agencies. Major employers include:

Clark County School District
Washoe County School District
Nevada Department of Education
University of Nevada System
Charter School Authority of Nevada

Explore teacher salary trends

Take the Next Step

Whether preparing to enter the classroom or planning to shape educational policy, a master’s degree in education can help you thrive in Nevada’s fast-evolving school landscape. These programs can elevate your teaching practice and impact with flexible formats, strong licensure support, and in-demand specialties.

Take the next step by exploring accredited M.Ed. programs in Nevada that match your career goals and schedule.

Sources

Nevada Department of Education – Licensure & Certification
University of Nevada, Las Vegas – College of Education
University of Nevada, Reno – Education Graduate Programs
Praxis – Nevada Testing Requirements
Clark County School District – Human Resources
Washoe County School District – Careers

Stay informed with expert insights on Master’s in Education programs, career development, and leadership opportunities. Whether you’re evaluating schools, preparing for admissions, or exploring career paths after graduation, our carefully selected articles offer valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions and maximize your Master’s in Education investment.

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Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Nevada

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