Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Vermont

Vermont’s maple‑covered hills and small‑town schoolhouses belie a progressive spirit that has long championed equitable, student‑centered learning. Yet the Green Mountain State’s 80,000 public‑school students still feel the pinch of staffing gaps, particularly in reading and literacy, special education, and rural STEM classrooms. The Vermont Agency of Education reports ongoing vacancies across more than 40 supervisory unions, prompting principals to recruit teachers who can double as reading specialists or ed tech specialists and mentor peers in evidence‑based practice.

Whether you’re a new teacher seeking a Level I License upgrade, a mid‑career educator exploring online options, or an aspiring principal, earning a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Vermont can unlock Level II or Administrator endorsements and lane changes on district salary schedules. Colleges across the state deliver graduate coursework in online, hybrid, weekend, and low‑residency formats—so educators in Brattleboro, Newport, or the Northeast Kingdom can advance without leaving their communities.

Below you’ll find Vermont’s top M.Ed. programs, guidance on accelerated pathways, cost‑savvy tuition, licensure routes, online study, and the districts most eager to hire master‑prepared educators.

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All programs listed are regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and most educator‑prep units are Vermont Agency of Education–approved and CAEP‑accredited, assuring rigorous coursework aligned with state licensure standards.

2026 Best Master's in Education Degree Programs in Vermont

If you're looking for the best master's in education degree programs in Vermont, mastersineducation.org has you covered with our expert rankings. We carefully evaluate schools based on factors like affordability, quality, and outcomes to help you make an informed choice for your career. Our lists are designed to guide aspiring educators toward top options in the state, ensuring you find a program that fits your goals. Learn more about how we create these rankings at https://mastersineducation.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Saint Michael's College

Colchester, VT - Private 4-year - smcvt.edu

Master's - Master of Education (Curriculum and Instructional Design)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Michael's College offers an online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instructional Design, focusing on creating equitable and student-centered learning environments. This program requires no entrance exam and is designed for K-12 educators, featuring seven core courses and five electives for personalized study. It emphasizes educational equity, innovative curriculum development, and flexible learning options, making it ideal for those seeking to lead educational change.

100% Online Program
Seven Required Courses
Five Personalized Electives
Focuses on Educational Equity
Applicable Across Education Levels
Mission-Driven Curriculum Design
Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

Master's - Master of Education (School Leadership)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Michael's College provides a hybrid Master of Education with a concentration in School Leadership, preparing educators for administrative roles without an entrance exam requirement. The 36-credit program requires an initial teaching license and offers endorsements in areas like principal or curriculum director. It focuses on collaborative leadership, moral purpose, and effective school management through a blend of online and in-person learning.

Hybrid program format
36 total credit hours
Initial teaching license required
Additional leadership endorsements
Collaborative learning approach

Master's - Master of Education (Special Education)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Michael's College's campus-based Master of Education in Special Education equips educators to support diverse learners, with no entrance exam needed. The program includes practicums in local schools and is open to both licensed and non-licensed teachers, offering optional endorsements. It covers human development, educational systems, and collaborative strategies, empowering graduates to make a significant impact in special education settings.

Concentration in Special Education
Optional Additional Endorsement
Practicum in local schools
Supports licensed/non-licensed teachers
Comprehensive special education knowledge

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#2

University of Vermont

Burlington, VT - Public 4-Year - uvm.edu

Master's - Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Vermont's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction provides educators with advanced training in innovative curriculum design and research-driven teaching methods. This on-campus program emphasizes a holistic approach to education, focusing on collaborative learning and whole child development. It does not require an entrance exam, as it is a master's level program. Key highlights include a strong focus on curriculum theory and responsive teaching practices, preparing graduates for leadership roles in educational settings.

Advanced curriculum design focus
Research-driven teaching methods
Collaborative learning approach
Whole child development emphasis
Innovative educational strategies

Master's - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies M.Ed.

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Vermont's online Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a 30-credit program designed for professionals aiming to lead educational organizations and address policy challenges. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical leadership skills, covering areas like organizational change and collaborative consultation. This master's level program does not require an entrance exam. Highlights include flexible online learning, no state licensure requirement, and options for transfer credits and a comprehensive exam portfolio.

30-credit graduate leadership program
Online and flexible learning
No state licensure requirement
Leadership-focused core curriculum
Maximum 6 transfer credits allowed
Comprehensive exam portfolio
Optional thesis research option

Master's - Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Vermont's Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration M.Ed. program is a 36-credit on-campus offering that prepares students for careers in college administration with a focus on social justice and student development. It features a cohort model, faculty mentorship, and opportunities for practica and internships. This master's level program explicitly states that no GRE is required. Additional benefits include full-time and part-time study options and available graduate assistantships.

36-credit comprehensive curriculum
Cohort-based learning model
Full-time and part-time options
No GRE required
Graduate assistantships available
Social justice focused
Practica and internship opportunities
Faculty mentorship provided

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#3

Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT - Private 4-year - middlebury.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Licensure (Modern Languages)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Middlebury College's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Licensure in Modern Languages prepares educators for secondary language instruction. This campus-based program combines intensive summer immersion, online coursework, and a teaching practicum to earn a 7-12 teaching license. It offers multiple language options, flexible scheduling for professionals, and emphasizes advanced linguistic and pedagogical skills without requiring an entrance exam.

Secondary (7-12) teaching license
Multiple language options available
Summer and online learning
Teaching practicum included
Flexible program structure

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Licensure (Hebrew)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Middlebury College's MAT with Licensure in Hebrew focuses on preparing educators to teach Hebrew in U.S. public schools. This campus-based program includes summer immersion sessions on the Vermont campus, online coursework, and a teaching practicum. It requires a BA and graduate-level Hebrew proficiency, emphasizes advanced pedagogy in Hebrew language and culture, and does not require the GRE, with financial aid available for support.

Campus and online program.
Requires BA and Hebrew proficiency.
Combines summer immersion with online study.
Prepares for U.S. public school teaching.
Offers financial aid and scholarships.
Focus on Hebrew language and culture.
Includes teaching practicum.
No GRE required.
Designed for active and prospective teachers.
Emphasizes advanced teaching pedagogy.

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#4

Vermont State University

Randolph, VT - Public 4-Year - vermontstate.edu

Master's - Learning, Design, & Technology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Vermont State University offers an online Master of Education in Learning, Design, & Technology, designed for educators seeking to enhance digital learning. This 30-credit program, completed in five terms, focuses on educational technology, instructional design, and innovative teaching methods. With a tuition of $684 per credit for in-state students, it provides flexible, project-based learning and does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for professionals like teachers and curriculum specialists.

Online program, five-term completion
$684 in-state per credit
Technology integration focus
Immersion project-based learning
Flexible professional assignments
Experienced education faculty
Digital learning expertise
30 total credit program

*IPEDS 2024 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Learn more about our methodology

Fastest M.Ed. Programs in Vermont

Educators holding Provisional Licenses—or veterans eyeing a quick pay bump—often need graduate credentials fast. Vermont’s universities have created accelerated, cohort‑based pathways that compress 30–36 credits into four‑semester or one‑year calendars. Programs employ seven‑week online modules, year‑round enrollment, and job‑embedded capstones so you can maintain your classroom duties while earning your degree.

School	Specialty	Program Length	Format
Northern Vermont University	Education Leadership	12 months	Online
Castleton University	Curriculum & Instruction	12–16 months	Online
Saint Michael’s College	Literacy Education	12–18 months	Low‑Residency
University of Vermont	Educational Leadership	16 months	Hybrid
Champlain College	Learning Design & Technology	16–18 months	Online
Vermont State University – Randolph	Special Education	18 months	Hybrid

Explore more one‑year programs. Visit our master list of quick M.Ed. programs for additional accelerated pathways nationwide.

Cheapest M.Ed. Programs in Vermont

Vermont’s public institutions keep tuition reasonable—often under $460 per online credit—and many districts reimburse up to six graduate credits per year. These budget‑friendly master’s degrees deliver strong ROI without excessive debt.

School	Specialty	Tuition Range	Format
Northern Vermont University	Early Childhood	$10,500–$12,500	Online
Castleton University	Special Education	$11,000–$13,000	Online
Vermont State University – Johnson	Instructional Technology	$11,500–$13,500	Online
University of Vermont	Curriculum & Instruction	$12,000–$14,000	Hybrid
Saint Michael’s College	TESOL	$12,500–$14,500	Evening/Hybrid
Champlain College	Learning Design & Technology	$12,000–$14,000	Online

Need more low‑cost picks? See our guide to affordable master’s programs for wallet‑friendly options nationwide.

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

Vermont’s Level I to Level II upgrade and Administrative endorsements frequently run through M.Ed. programs.

Enroll in a Vermont Agency of Education–approved Educator Preparation Program at the master’s level.
Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment or Pearson VT exams for your endorsement.
Complete three years of teaching and a professional growth plan (for Level II).
Submit fingerprints for VCIC/FBI background clearance.
Apply via the Vermont Online Licensing System (ALiS) for Level II or Administrative endorsements upon program completion.

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

Yes—online M.Ed. programs are critical in a state where some educators live two hours from a main campus.

Pros

Asynchronous courses fit coaching, sugaring season, and family life.
In‑state tuition generally extends to online learners.
Field experiences arranged in your supervisory union.

Cons

Broadband can be patchy in the Northeast Kingdom.
Networking largely virtual.
Brief on‑campus orientations may be required.

Explore online master’s in education programs

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

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum GPA 3.0 (some allow 2.75 with conditions)
2–3 professional recommendations
Personal statement outlining career goals
Résumé (teaching experience preferred)
Praxis Core or GRE scores (for licensure seekers, depending on program)

Popular Master’s in Education Degree Specialties in Vermont

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

Burlington School District
Champlain Valley School District
Rutland City Public Schools
Vermont Agency of Education
University of Vermont & Vermont State University
Harwood Unified Union School District

See teacher salary trends

Take the Next Step

Whether upgrading a Level I License, pursuing a literacy endorsement, or stepping into principal licensure, an M.Ed. from a Vermont university can elevate your impact statewide. Compare program lengths, tuition, and delivery formats—then choose the pathway that aligns with your professional goals. Your next chapter in Vermont education starts today.

Sources

Vermont Agency of Education – Educator Workforce & Licensure Data
ALiS – Vermont Online Licensing System
ETS Praxis / Pearson – Vermont Testing Requirements
New England Commission of Higher Education – Accredited Institutions Directory

Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in Vermont

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