Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia’s sprawling mountains and tight‑knit coal communities shape a public education system that serves roughly 250,000 K‑12 students across 55 counties. Yet the Mountain State grapples with persistent staffing gaps, particularly in STEM education, special education, and reading intervention, where schools urgently need master‑trained reading specialists. According to the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), more than 1,500 teaching positions remained vacant heading into the the school year, with rural districts hardest hit.

Whether you’re a substitute on a First‑Class Permit, a professional transitioning to become an instructional coach, or a veteran teacher eyeing principal licensure, earning a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in West Virginia can unlock the Professional Teaching Certificate, qualify you for salary lane changes under the state pay scale, and pave the way toward leadership roles. Universities across the state deliver graduate coursework in online, hybrid, weekend, and evening formats—so educators in Huntington, Beckley, or the Potomac Highlands can advance without relocating.

Below you’ll find West Virginia’s leading M.Ed. programs, alongside insights on accelerated options, cost‑conscious 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 Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and their educator‑prep units are WVDE‑approved and CAEP‑accredited—assuring rigorous coursework aligned with state licensure standards.

2026 Best Master's in Education Degree Programs in West Virginia

Looking for the best master's in education degree programs in West Virginia? mastersineducation.org has done the research to help you find top options. We rank programs based on factors like affordability, quality, and student outcomes, making it easier for you to choose a path that fits your goals. Explore our findings and see which schools stand out in the Mountain State. For details on how we create these rankings, check out our rankings methodology.

#1

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV - Public 4-Year - fairmontstate.edu

Master's - Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fairmont State University's online Master of Education in Educational Leadership prepares educators for administrative roles in PreK-12 schools, offering principal licensure and superintendent endorsement. This 33-credit program can be completed in one year and requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and three years of teaching experience. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program, and it includes real-world leadership training with research and capstone components.

Online 33-credit hour program
Finish in 1-1.5 years
Principal and superintendent certification
Requires 3 years teaching experience
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
Real-world leadership training
Research and capstone components

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fairmont State University's online Master of Arts in Teaching provides a pathway for individuals with bachelor's degrees to become licensed educators, with flexible certification options from PreK to Adult levels. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and a passing score on the Praxis II Content Test, but no other entrance exams are specified. The program includes full-time student teaching and offers potential special education endorsements.

Online graduate degree program
Flexible certification options
2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA
Multiple grade level certifications
Praxis II Content Test required
Rolling admission available
Requires full-time student teaching

Master's - Master of Instructional Design and Technology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fairmont State University's online Master of Instructional Design and Technology equips educators with skills in digital media and curriculum development for technology-rich learning environments. This program requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and can be completed in one year, with no entrance exam mentioned. It offers collaborations with organizations like NASA and focuses on practical instructional design skills.

Online Master's degree program
Complete in 1 year
Minimum 2.75 GPA required
Digital media focus
Practical instructional design skills
Multiple career sector opportunities
NASA and NW3C collaboration options
Technology-based learning environments
Flexible semester start options

Master's - Multi-Categorical Special Education with Autism (Autism)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fairmont State University's online Master of Education in Multi-Categorical Special Education with a concentration in Autism prepares educators to support students with mild to moderate disabilities, offering endorsements at K-6 and 5-Adult levels. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA, and no entrance exam is specified. The program includes specialized Autism courses and clinical experiences, enhancing employability in special education.

Online program delivery.
Autism endorsement available.
2.75 GPA requirement.
$50 application fee.
Endorsements at K-6, 5-Adult levels.
For licensed and non-licensed educators.
Focus on mild to moderate disabilities.
Courses coupled with clinical experiences.
Accredited by Council for Exceptional Children.
Enhances educator marketability.

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (Art)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fairmont State University's online Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Art is designed for individuals with bachelor's degrees to become licensed teachers, focusing on grades PreK-Adult. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and a passing score on the Praxis II Content Test, but no other entrance exams are mentioned. The program includes full-time student teaching and offers options for special education endorsements.

Online program format.
Focus on Art concentration.
Prepares for teaching licensure.
Includes full-time student teaching.
Special Education endorsement available.
Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
$50 application fee.
Praxis II Content Test needed.
Rolling admission policy.
Interdisciplinary curriculum offered.

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (English)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Online program flexibility.
Concentration in English.
Prepares for PreK-Adult teaching.
Includes full-time student teaching.
Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
Praxis II Content Test needed.
$50 application fee.
Option for Special Education endorsement.
Waived undergraduate coursework for some.
Rolling admission policy.

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#2

Concord University

Athens, WV - Public 4-Year - concord.edu

Master's - Master of Education (Educational Leadership & Supervision)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Concord University's online Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Supervision is a 36-credit program designed for PreK-12 administrative roles. It emphasizes leadership skills through coursework, clinical experiences, and internships, covering curriculum development, technology, and school law. This program meets West Virginia Board of Education endorsement requirements and does not require an entrance exam for admission.

36-credit online program
PreK-12 administrative preparation
Multiple clinical experiences
WV BOE endorsement track
Technology and research focused
Leadership theory courses
Public school law training
Internship opportunities
107-108 hour internships

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (Art PreK-Adult)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Master of Arts in Teaching with an Art PreK-Adult concentration at Concord University is a 36-credit online program preparing educators for art teaching across all age groups. It includes professional courses, clinical experiences, and a 16-week student teaching residency, with a flat tuition of $15,840. CAEP accredited, it requires a 3.0 GPA but no entrance exam.

36-credit professional education program
Art PreK-Adult concentration
Flat tuition rate $15,840
16-week full-time student teaching
CAEP accredited program
Multiple 45-hour clinical experiences
3.0 GPA requirement
Online and campus options
Comprehensive licensure preparation

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (Biological Sciences 9-Adult)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Concord University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching in Biological Sciences 9-Adult, a 36-credit online program focused on secondary science education. It features a $15,840 flat tuition, 16-week student teaching, and clinical experiences, adhering to CAEP standards. Admission requires a minimum 2.50 undergraduate GPA and no entrance exam.

36-credit online graduate program
STEM Fellowship eligible concentration
16-week full-time student teaching
Minimum 2.50 undergraduate GPA
Follows CAEP accreditation standards
Three 45-hour early clinical experiences
$15,840 total program tuition

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (English 5-Adult)

Online Learning - Visit Website

This online Master of Arts in Teaching with an English 5-Adult concentration at Concord University is a 36-hour program for secondary education. It includes curriculum, technology, and assessment training, with a flat $15,840 tuition. Admission necessitates a bachelor's degree, 2.50 GPA, and PRAXIS II scores, but no other entrance exam.

36-hour program
Online format
English 5-Adult concentration
Flat tuition rate $15,840
Includes all fees
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum 2.50 GPA
PRAXIS II scores needed
Clinical experiences included
Student teaching required

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#3

West Liberty University

West Liberty, WV - Public 4-Year - westliberty.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Education Leadership in Education Administration

Online Learning - Visit Website

West Liberty University's Master of Arts in Education Leadership in Education Administration is a 100% online program preparing educators for administrative roles like principalship and superintendent positions. It requires 33 credit hours, a 3.0 GPA, and three years of teaching experience, with tuition at $460 per credit hour. The curriculum covers strategic planning, instructional leadership, educational law, and community collaboration, including field experiences. Flexible start dates and a zero-credit orientation course support working professionals. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

100% Online Program
33 Total Credit Hours
3 Years Teaching Experience Required
$460 Per Credit Hour
Multiple Start Dates Available
3.0 GPA Minimum Requirement
WV Administrative Certification Eligible
Post-Master's Certification Tracks
Evidence-Based Practice Focus
Zero-Credit Orientation Course

Master's - Master of Arts in Education Leadership Studies

Online Learning - Visit Website

West Liberty University's Master of Arts in Education Leadership Studies is an online program focusing on leadership theories, social justice, and community relations for roles in education, nonprofit, and public sectors. It requires 30 academic hours, a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA, and offers flexible start dates. The program includes core education courses and practical applications to enhance leadership skills. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

Online program format.
30 academic hours required.
Focus on leadership theories.
Social justice and community relations.
Flexible start dates.
Bachelor's degree required for admission.
2.5 GPA minimum for admission.
Prepares for leadership roles.
Includes practical leadership applications.
Core education courses included.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#4

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV - Public 4-Year - shepherd.edu

Master's - Educational Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

Shepherd University's online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, launching Fall 2024, is designed for education professionals seeking to advance into leadership roles. This fully online program offers a flexible format, allowing working individuals to enhance skills in strategic leadership, organizational management, and innovative practices without disrupting their careers. It does not require an entrance exam and is military-friendly, focusing on driving change in educational settings.

Fully online degree
Starts Fall 2024
Designed for education professionals
Flexible learning format
Advance leadership skills

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education (K-6))

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Shepherd University's hybrid Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education (K-6) provides initial teacher certification for bachelor's degree holders. The 39-credit program includes a 15-week student teaching internship, evening classes with online components, and individualized study plans for specialty content. It does not require an entrance exam, is military-friendly, and prepares career changers for K-6 licensure through field experiences in local schools.

39 total credit hours
Hybrid learning format
Initial teacher certification
15-week student teaching
Individualized study plans
One evening weekly courses
K-6 Elementary Education focus

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Shepherd University's hybrid Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education offers a pathway to certification for bachelor's degree holders, with specializations in subjects like Biology and English. The 39-credit program blends evening and online coursework with a 15-week student teaching internship and field experiences. It does not require an entrance exam, is military-friendly, and includes personalized study plans for state licensure preparation.

39 credit hour program
Hybrid learning format
Initial teacher certification
Multiple secondary subjects
15-week student teaching internship

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#5

Marshall University

Huntington, WV - Public 4-Year - marshall.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) (Art Education)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Marshall University offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching with an Art Education concentration, designed for career changers with non-education bachelor's degrees to become certified art teachers. This 100% online program includes professional education courses, three levels of clinical experiences, and a 15-week student teaching requirement, leading to PreK-Adult certification. Admission requires a minimum 2.80 GPA and passing Praxis exams, with no GRE or other entrance exams mentioned as required. The program is military-friendly and emphasizes flexible, rigorous preparation for art education careers.

100% online program
PreK-Adult Art Certification
Requires bachelor's degree
3 clinical experience levels
Praxis exam requirements
2.80 minimum GPA
15-week student teaching

Master's - Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) (Mathematics)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Marshall University's online Master of Arts in Teaching with a Mathematics concentration prepares professionals for teacher certification in grades 5-Adult. This program is tailored for individuals with bachelor's degrees in non-education fields, featuring online coursework, three clinical experiences, and a focus on mathematics instruction. Admission mandates a 3.0 GPA and passing Praxis exams, with no GRE or other entrance exams specified as required. It is military-friendly and ensures graduates meet West Virginia's certification standards through a comprehensive and flexible curriculum.

100% Online Program
Mathematics Certification Grades 5-Adult
Three Clinical Experiences Required
2.80 Minimum GPA Requirement
Praxis Exam Certification Path

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Federal data source: IPEDS 2024, administered by NCES.

Learn more about our methodology

Fastest M.Ed. Programs in West Virginia

Educators working under First‑Class Full or Alternative Permits—and veterans aiming for a swift salary boost—often need graduate credentials fast. West Virginia universities have launched accelerated, cohort‑based pathways that compress 30–36 credits into four‑semester or one‑year calendars. Programs use eight‑week online modules, year‑round enrollment, and job‑embedded practica so you can stay in your classroom while earning your degree.

School	Specialty	Program Length	Format
Concord University	Reading Education	12 months	Online
Marshall University	Literacy Education	12–16 months	Online
WVU	Educational Leadership	16 months	Hybrid
Fairmont State University	Digital Media Education	16–18 months	Online
Shepherd University	TESOL	16–18 months	Hybrid
West Liberty University	Special Education	18 months	Online

Compare more one‑year pathways. Our nationwide list of quick M.Ed. programs showcases additional accelerated options.

Cheapest M.Ed. Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia’s public universities keep tuition among the lowest in the nation—often under $390 per online credit—and the state’s Underwood‑Smith Teaching Scholars loan forgiveness offsets costs for high‑need subjects. These budget‑friendly master’s degrees deliver strong ROI without excessive debt.

School	Specialty	Tuition Range	Format
Fairmont State University	Multi‑Categorical Special Ed.	$9,500–$11,500	Online
Concord University	Educational Leadership	$10,000–$12,000	Online
Marshall University	Elementary Curriculum	$10,500–$12,500	Online
WVU	Curriculum & Instruction	$11,000–$13,000	Hybrid
Shepherd University	TESOL	$11,500–$13,500	Hybrid
Glenville State University	STEM Education	$10,500–$12,500	Online

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

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

West Virginia’s Alternative Certification and Initial to Professional upgrade often run through M.Ed. programs.

Enroll in a WVDE‑approved Educator Preparation Program at the master’s level.
Pass the Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessments for your endorsement.
Complete a year‑long residency or supervised student‑teaching.
Submit fingerprints for a WV State Police/FBI background check.
Apply via the Certification Portal (Form 20T) for the Professional Teaching Certificate upon program completion.

Are Online Master’s in Education Programs Available in West Virginia?

Yes—online M.Ed. programs enable educators from the Eastern Panhandle to the Coalfields to earn advanced credentials without leaving the classroom.

Pros

Asynchronous coursework fits coaching, farming, and family life.
In‑state tuition applies to distance learners.
Field experiences arranged in your county school system.

Cons

Broadband can be limited in mountainous regions.
Networking largely virtual.
Some programs require brief on‑campus orientations.

Explore online master’s in education programs

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

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

Popular Master’s in Education Degree Specialties in West Virginia

Top Employers and School Districts for M.Ed. Graduates in West Virginia

Kanawha County Schools
Cabell County Schools
Berkeley County Schools
West Virginia Department of Education
West Virginia University & Marshall University
Greenbrier County Schools

See teacher salary trends

Take the Next Step

Whether upgrading from a First‑Class Permit, pursuing a reading endorsement, or stepping into an assistant principal role, an M.Ed. from a West Virginia 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 West Virginia education starts today.

Sources

West Virginia Department of Education – Educator Supply & Credentialing Data
WVDE Form 20T Certification Portal
ETS Praxis – West Virginia Testing Requirements
Higher Learning Commission – Accredited Institutions Directory

Best Master’s in Education Degree Programs in West Virginia

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