masters in education free

Education Leadership (online)

Graduate Program

The Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) prepares students with the skills needed to change the world through education. The online Master’s in Education Leadership is a part-time, two-year Ed.M. program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways. The program is specifically designed for working education professionals who bring at least seven years of relevant or transferrable work experience. Through this program, students will strengthen the invaluable skills they’ve already developed and develop the tools to propel themselves to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

Find the Best Online Master's in Education Programs

Some school districts require their teachers to earn an education master's degree within five years of entering the profession. Completing an education degree online can lead to career growth for current and future educators.

Best Online Education Programs

U.S. News evaluated several factors to rank the best online education degree programs, including faculty credentials, graduation rates and reputation.

Clemson, SC

Gainesville, FL

Charlottesville, VA

Online Education Program Specialty Rankings

Explore the best online education master’s programs offering the specialties below and get a feel for the curriculum and topics each area covers.

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration
• Instructional Media
• Special Education

Online Education Program Concentration Rankings

See how online education master’s programs rank in concentrations offered, and discover more about where each focus area can take your career.

• Educational Administration and Supervision
• Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
• Educational/Instructional Media Design
• Educational Psychology
• Education, General
• International and Comparative Education
• Bilingual, Multilingual and Multicultural Education
• Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
• Special Education and Teaching
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
• Teaching Assistants/Aides
• Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language

Online Graduate Education Degree Overviews

The degree types below can help you tailor your online education degree. Learn how an online early childhood education master's degree is different from an online education specialist degree, for example, to discover which is right for you.

• Adult Education
• Child Development
• Curriculum and Instruction (doctorate)
• Doctor of Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Education Administration
• Education Administration (doctorate)
• Education Leadership and Administration
• Education Specialist
• Educational Leadership (Doctorate)
• Educational Technology (Doctorate)
• Elementary Education
• Gifted and Talented Education
• Higher Education (doctorate)
• Higher Education Administration
• Instructional Technology
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Education
• Math Education
• Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology
• Online Teaching
• Reading and Literacy
• School Counseling
• Science Education
• Secondary Education
• Social Studies Education
• Special Education (doctorate)

Online Undergraduate Education Degree Overviews

Explore more in depth what it takes to earn an online education degree using the following guides.

• Early Childhood Education (Associate)
• Education (Associate)
• English Language Learning

FAQs about Online Education Master’s Programs

Online education degrees are respected when earned from an accredited program with a good reputation. Institutions must be accredited by an organization that has been recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Many institutions award the same graduate education degrees to students enrolled in online and on-campus programs. However, some schools do have different in-person and online degree offerings, so students should check that the specialization they’re interested in is offered online.

Employers want to know that you earned your online education degree from an accredited program and that you’re certified to teach in the state in which the job is located. If you enroll in a graduate program that offers state certification as part of the degree requirements, where you obtain your education master’s degree matters. In any case, hiring managers may be more interested in why you earned your degree and how it fits with your career goals than whether you earned it online or in person.

Enrolling in an online graduate education program is not an inherently easier option than enrolling in a traditional in-person program. Any format of an accredited graduate-level education program is rigorous. While the flexibility of online school helps students who are balancing work and family stay on track, many online programs have the same study materials and time commitments as on-campus programs.

Not everyone who enters an online education master’s program will attain a degree, either. According to U.S. News survey data, 73% of online master's in education students who entered in the 2018-2019 academic year graduated by June 2022. Online courses may require students to have more self-discipline to complete assignments. And some online programs still require in-person activities, like student teaching, for credit.

The time and effort to attain your education master’s degree may be worth it to earn a higher salary. Prospective students should weigh the cost of graduate student loans against the likely long-term payoff from a graduate degree. Opportunities for advancement in leadership positions are more likely for those who earn an education master’s degree than for those who have a bachelor’s degree alone. Education professionals with master’s degrees can become school principals or administrators, roles that earn a higher salary than most teaching positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary for elementary, middle and high school principals was $98,420 in 2021. High school teachers , who need at least a bachelor’s degree, earned a median salary of $61,820 in 2021.

A graduate education degree helps you advance your career to administrative and leadership roles and keeps you competitive for new opportunities. You can use your degree in settings including pre-K-12 schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and policy organizations.

In addition to being prepared for higher paying principal positions, graduates of education-related master’s degrees can become postsecondary education administrators – a job which can take many forms, from helping students sign up for classes to coordinating the activities of a college while serving as dean. According to the BLS, these positions earned a median salary of $96,910 in 2021. In addition, training and development managers , who identify the training needs of an organization and create or select course content for training programs, earned a median salary of $120,130 in 2021. Some higher education institutions hire postsecondary teachers who have a master’s degree, while others require teachers to have earned a doctorate as well. In 2021, postsecondary teachers earned a median salary of $79,640.

Residential Master's in Education

Additional information.

• Download the Master's Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

The residential Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education prepares educators and aspiring educators — like you — with the knowledge and skills to change the world through education. 

With world-class faculty as your mentors, a lifelong network of innovative colleagues and friends, and a community that encompasses boundary-pushing research and a deep commitment to social justice, the HGSE residential Master’s in Education will help you pursue your goals and establish an impactful, rewarding, and successful career in education.

An Immersive Experience

HGSE’s  on-campus master’s degree is a one-year, full-time, immersive Harvard experience . You'll apply directly to one of its five distinct programs, spanning education leadership and entrepreneurship, education policy, human development, teaching and teacher leadership, and learning design and technology. 

The residential Ed.M. curriculum has two other key pillars: Foundations and Concentrations. Together, our Programs, Foundations, and Concentrations — as well as a dynamic assortment of electives and co-curricular experiences — will prepare you to create transformative learning at every level and in every role, from teacher to district leader, policymaker to entrepreneur, learning designer to nonprofit leader. 

"As educators, what we do right now matters. If we lean into our mission to not only empower but also address harm, imagine what the next generation will be capable of?" Bridget Long Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics Harvard Graduate School of Education

To start your master's experience at HGSE, you'll choose and apply to one of our five Programs, where you'll develop expertise in a specific area of education practice that aligns with your professional aspirations.

Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship

Cultivates the skills you need to become an effective, strategic, and innovative leader.  Offers the School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure Strand.

Education Policy and Analysis

Provides you with a deep understanding of what works in education and how to leverage policy to generate solutions.

Human Development and Education

Prepares you to understand and support the development of learners of all ages and their communities. Offers the School Counseling Licensure Pathway.

Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology

Offers you the opportunity to create technological innovations and evolve the science of learning to improve student outcomes.

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

Equips you with the skills needed to transform learning, advance social justice, and make a difference in the lives of all students.  Offers the Teaching Licensure Strand.

Licensure Options

The following programs offer licensure pathways:

Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship: School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure Strand

Human Development and Education: School Counseling Licensure Pathway

Teaching and Teacher Leadership: Teaching Licensure Strand

Foundations

You’ll launch your master's program with  Foundations — four distinctive courses that give you knowledge and capacities that every educator, in every setting, needs to possess. Leveraging the expertise of HGSE’s faculty, along with novel instructional approaches and real-world applications, Foundations will prepare you to understand, evaluate, and address the challenges and rapidly changing circumstances facing students, families, and communities. You'll draw on that foundational knowledge over the rest of your HGSE coursework and throughout your career.  

What to know:

• You’ll start with How People Learn , an immersive online course that runs in June and July and requires a time commitment of 10-15 hours per week.  
• You’ll take Leading Change , Evidence , and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August, plus one additional Equity and Opportunity elective during the year. 

Concentrations

Deepen your knowledge in a particular context or area of education by choosing an optional Concentration — an area of specialty that can be combined with your Program to create customized pathways and expertise. You'll foster connections with peers who share similar interests, and lay the groundwork for your career. Note your interest in a Concentration on your application, and officially declare after enrollment. Concentrations require 6-12 credits of coursework.

Arts and Learning

Helps you explore the integral role the arts play across art forms, age groups, and learning environments.

Early Childhood

Prepares you for a variety of roles within the early childhood education sector.

Global, International, and Comparative Education

Enables you to gain experience addressing education inequalities in low and middle-income countries.

Higher Education

Equips you for a career in postsecondary education — within universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and consulting firms.

Identity, Power, and Justice in Education

Provides you with the skills to create education spaces that aim to eliminate oppressive conditions and inequitable outcomes.

Literacy and Languages

Gives you the tools to address how literacy-related developments support student outcomes.

Make it Your Own

Whether you focus on early childhood education, K–12, or higher education, and whether domestically or globally, our master’s curriculum offers the chance to design your own pathway by crafting a customized set of enriching experiences that allow you to tap your leadership potential, cultivate your ability to make a positive impact, and create the conditions for meaningful learning and development. Learn how to personalize your pathway . 

Cohort and Community

From the start of your time as a student, you will be supported to successfully transition into graduate school and immediately begin to develop your networks with others who are dedicated to improving education. And throughout your time at HGSE, you will continue building relationships with and receiving support from your cohort. HGSE faculty and staff also facilitate numerous opportunities to help you find a community that will outlast your time as an HGSE student, and upon graduation, you will join the over 30,000 HGSE alumni working around the world. 

• Learn more about HGSE’s Community .
• Discover what makes life at HGSE distinctive. 

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

Contact Information

Connect with program staff.

If you have program-specific questions, please contact the TTL Program Staff .

• Connect with Admissions

If you have admissions-related questions, please email [email protected] .

Admissions Information

• Application Requirements
• Tuition and Costs
• International Applicants
• Recorded Webinars
• Download Brochure

A groundbreaking approach to teacher education — for people seeking to learn to teach, for experienced teachers building their leadership, and for all educators seeking to enhance their practice and create transformative learning opportunities.

Teachers change lives — and at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, you can be part of the change. The Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) Program at HGSE will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, support, and professional network you need to design and lead transformative learning experiences, advance equity and social justice, and generate the best outcomes for students in U.S. schools.

The program’s innovative approach is intentionally designed to serve both individuals seeking to learn to teach and experienced teachers who are deepening their craft as teachers or developing their leadership to advance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and districts. 

And through the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching , HGSE offers significant financial support to qualified candidates to reduce the burden of loan debt for teachers.

Applicants will choose between two strands:

• Do you want to become a licensed teacher? The Teaching Licensure strand lets novice and early-career teachers pursue Massachusetts initial licensure in secondary education, which is transferrable to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Licensure candidates have two possible pathways — you can select a preference for either the residency fieldwork model or the internship fieldwork model . The residency model is for people ready to make an immediate impact as a teacher; the internship model offers a more gradual path.
• Do you want to focus on the art of teaching, without licensure? The Teaching and Leading strand will enable you to enhance your own teaching practice or to lead others in transforming learning in classrooms, schools, and other settings. Candidates can pursue a curriculum tailored toward an exploration of teaching practice or toward teacher leadership.

Note: Ideal candidates will come with the intention to work in U.S. schools.

“At the heart of TTL is helping teachers reach all students. Whether you are preparing for the classroom yourself or are an experienced teacher preparing to improve teaching and learning on a wider scale, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead others in learning.” Heather Hill  Faculty Co-Chair

After completing the Teaching and Teacher Leadership Program, you will be able to:

• Leverage your knowledge and skills to lead others in joyful, equitable, rigorous, and transformative learning.
• Analyze instruction for the purpose of improving it.
• Foster productive inquiry and discussion.
• Identify, understand, and counteract systemic inequities within educational institutions.

The Harvard Fellowship for Teaching

HGSE is committed to investing in the future of the teaching profession — and minimizing the student debt that teachers carry. We offer a signature fellowship — the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching — to qualified candidates. The fellowship package covers 80 percent of tuition and provides for a $10,000 living stipend.

This prestigious fellowship is prioritized for admitted students pursuing the Teaching Licensure Residency model. Additional fellowships may be awarded to qualified candidates admitted to the Teaching Licensure Internship model and the Teaching and Leading strand. Fellowship decisions are determined during the admissions process. Fellowship recipients must be enrolled as full-time students.       HGSE offers a range of other  financial aid and fellowship opportunities to provide greater access and affordability to our students.

Curriculum Information

The TTL Program is designed to help you gain the knowledge and practice the skills essential to leading others in learning — and will create pathways to success that will allow you to thrive as an expert practitioner and mentor in your community. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the curriculum are:

• Commence your Foundations studies with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 10–15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available.

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to TTL.

• The TTL Program Core Experience (4 credits), is a full year course where all students come together to observe, analyze, and practice high-quality teaching.
• Teaching methods courses (10 credits) in the chosen content area, which begin in June. 
• A Summer Field-Based Experience (4 credits), held on site in Cambridge in July, allows you to begin to hone your teaching practice. 
• Two courses focused on inclusivity and diversity in the classroom (6 credits). 
• Field experiences , where students in the Teacher Licensure strand will intern or teach directly in Boston-area schools.
• Individuals interested in enhancing their own teaching practice can engage in coursework focused on new pedagogies, how to best serve diverse student populations, and special topics related to classrooms and teaching.  
• Experienced teachers may wish to enroll in HGSE’s Teacher Leadership Methods course, designed to provide cohort-based experience with skills and techniques used to drive adult learning and improve teaching.
• Candidates can take elective coursework based on interests or career goals, which includes the opportunity to specialize in an HGSE Concentration .

Advancing Research on Effective Teacher Preparation 

As a student in the TTL Program, you will have the opportunity to contribute to HGSE’s research on what makes effective teacher preparation. This research seeks to build an evidence base that contributes to the field’s understanding of effective approaches to teacher training, including how to support high-quality instruction, successful models of coaching and mentorship, and effective approaches to addressing the range of challenges facing our students.

TTL students will be able to participate in research studies as part of their courses, and some will also serve as research assistants, gaining knowledge of what works, as well as a doctoral-type experience at a major research university.

Explore our  course catalog . (All information and courses are subject to change.)

Note: The TTL Program trains educators to work in U.S. classrooms. Required coursework focuses on U.S. examples and contexts.

Teaching Licensure Strand

Students who want to earn certification to teach at the middle school and high school levels in U.S. schools should select the Teaching Licensure strand. TTL provides coursework and fieldwork that can lead to licensure in grades 5–8 in English, general science, history, and mathematics, as well as grades 8–12 in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics. In the Teaching Licensure strand, you will apply to one of two fieldwork models:

• The residency model – our innovative classroom immersion model, with significant funding available, in which students assume teaching responsibilities in the September following acceptance to the program. 
• The internship model – which ramps up teaching responsibility more gradually.

In both models, you will be supported by Harvard faculty and school-based mentors — as well as by peers in the TTL Program, with additional opportunities for network-building with HGSE alumni. Both models require applicants to have an existing familiarity with U.S. schools to be successful.  Learn more about the differences between the residency and internship models.

Summer Experience for Teaching Licensure Candidates

All students in the Teaching Licensure strand will participate in the Summer Experience supporting the Cambridge-Harvard Summer Academy (CHSA), which takes place in Cambridge in July 2023. Through your work at CHSA, you will help middle and high school students in the Cambridge Public Schools with credit recovery, academic enrichment, and preparation for high school. Students in the Teaching Licensure strand will teach students directly as part of the teaching team. This is an opportunity for you to immediately immerse yourself in a school environment and begin to practice the skills necessary to advance your career.

Teaching and Leading Strand

The Teaching and Leading strand is designed for applicants who want to enhance their knowledge of the craft of teaching or assume roles as teacher leaders. Candidates for the Teaching and Leading strand will share a common interest in exploring and advancing the practice of effective teaching, with the goal of understanding how to improve learning experiences for all students. The program will be valuable for three types of applicant:

• Individuals interested in teaching, but who do not require formal licensure to teach. This includes applicants who might seek employment in independent schools or in informal educational sectors such as arts education, after-school programs, tutoring, and youth organizations. 
• Experienced teachers who wish to deepen their practice by learning new pedagogies and developing new capacities to help students thrive.
• Experienced teachers who seek leadership roles — from organizing school-based initiatives to more formal roles like coaching and professional development.

As a candidate in the Teaching and Leading strand, your own interests will guide your journey. If you are seeking a teacher leader role, TTL faculty will guide you to courses that focus on growing your skills as a reflective leader, preparing you to facilitate adult learning, helping you understand how to disrupt inequity, and teaching you how to engage in best practices around coaching, mentoring, and data analysis. If you are seeking to learn about the craft of teaching, our faculty will similarly direct you to recommended courses and opportunities that will meet your goals.

Students in this strand can also take on internships within the TTL Program (e.g., program supervisor, early career coach) or the HGSE community, and at surrounding schools or organizations. And you can customize your learning experience by pursuing one of HGSE's six Concentrations .

Note: Applicants in the Teaching and Leading strand should expect a focus on leadership within U.S. schools.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Heather C. Hill

Heather Hill studies policies and programs to improve teaching quality. Research interests include teacher professional development and instructional coaching.

Victor Pereira, Jr.

Victor Pereira's focus is on teacher preparation, developing new teachers, and improving science teaching and learning in middle and high school classrooms. 

Rosette Cirillo

Sarah Edith Fiarman

Noah Heller

Eric Soto-Shed

Career Pathways

The TTL Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including:

Teaching Licensure Strand:

• Licensed middle or high school teacher in English, science, math, and history

Teaching and Leading Strand: 

• Classroom teachers
• Curriculum designers 
• Department heads and grade-level team leaders 
• District-based instructional leadership team members 
• Instructional and curriculum leadership team members 
• Out-of-school educators; teachers in youth organizations or after-school programs
• Professional developers and content specialists 
• School improvement facilitators 
• School-based instructional coaches and mentor teachers
• Teachers of English as a second language
• International educators seeking to understand and advance a career in U.S. education

Cohort & Community

The TTL Program prioritizes the development of ongoing teacher communities that provide continued support, learning, and collaboration. Our cohort-based approach is designed to encourage and allow aspiring teachers and leaders to build relationships with one another, as well as with instructors and mentors — ultimately building a strong, dynamic network. 

As a TTL student, you will build a community around a shared commitment to teaching and teacher development. You will learn from and with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, levels of expertise, and instructional settings. To further connections with the field, you are invited to attend “meet the researcher” chats, engage in learning through affinity groups, and interact with teaching-focused colleagues across the larger university, by taking courses and participating in activities both at HGSE and at other Harvard schools. 

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Teaching and Teacher Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Donors Invest in Teachers, Reaching Key Milestone

The $10 million Challenge Match for Teachers, now complete, will expand scholarships for students in Teaching and Teacher Leadership

HGSE Honors Master's Students with Intellectual Contribution Award

2024 Best Schools That Offer Free Master’s Degrees Online

Writen by: CollegeRanker Team

Reviewed by: David Krug , Editor-in-Chief

Updated on: January 14, 2024

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Many people dream of obtaining a master’s degree, but the cost and time commitment can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, there are schools that offer free master’s degrees online, making it possible for anyone to pursue graduate education without breaking the bank. These programs cover a wide range of subjects and are often taught by experienced professors who work in the field.

Online education has become increasingly popular in recent years, and free master’s degree programs are no exception. These programs allow students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it possible for working professionals and those with other obligations to continue their education. In addition, the flexibility of online learning means that students can take courses from schools all over the world, opening up new opportunities for learning and networking.

While free master’s degree programs may not be as well-known as traditional programs, they offer a viable alternative for those who want to further their education without incurring significant debt. In the following section, we will explore some of the schools that offer these programs, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a free master’s degree online.

Understanding Free Online Master’s Programs

Online education has been on the rise in recent years, and with it, the availability of free tuition for graduate programs. The following section will provide an overview of the types of free master’s programs available and how universities offer them.

Types of Free Master’s Programs

There are several types of free master’s programs available online. Some universities offer free tuition for specific programs, while others offer free tuition for all of their graduate programs. Additionally, some programs offer free tuition for a limited time, such as a year or two, while others offer free tuition for the entire duration of the program.

Another type of free master’s program is the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). MOOCs are typically free, non-degree courses offered by universities and other educational institutions. However, some MOOCs offer a certificate of completion or credit transferable towards a degree program.

How Universities Offer Free Degrees

Universities offer free tuition for master’s programs in various ways. Some universities partner with organizations or foundations that provide funding for free tuition programs. Other universities offer free tuition as a way to attract students to their online programs and increase enrollment.

In some cases, universities offer free tuition to students who meet certain criteria, such as academic merit or financial need. For example, some universities offer free tuition to students who are veterans or active-duty military personnel.

Overall, free online master’s programs provide students with an opportunity to advance their education without the burden of tuition fees. However, it is important to research the specific program and university to ensure that it meets the student’s needs and goals.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Standard Admission Process

The admission process for online master’s degree programs varies depending on the institution. However, most schools require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some programs may also require applicants to have a minimum GPA, submit letters of recommendation, and pass standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT.

Applicants must also submit a completed application along with a personal statement and transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Some schools may also require an application fee.

Criteria for Free Tuition Eligibility

While many online master’s degree programs require tuition payments, some institutions offer free tuition to eligible students. These programs typically have specific eligibility criteria that students must meet.

One common eligibility requirement is demonstrated financial need. Students who can demonstrate that they cannot afford to pay for their education may be eligible for free tuition. Other programs may require students to work for the institution in exchange for free tuition.

In addition to financial need, some programs may require students to maintain a certain GPA or complete a certain number of credit hours each semester. It is important for students to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each program before applying.

Overall, while the admission requirements for online master’s degree programs may vary, students should be prepared to submit a completed application, transcripts, and other supporting materials. For those seeking free tuition, eligibility criteria may include demonstrated financial need or other requirements such as maintaining a certain GPA or completing a certain number of credit hours per semester.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

When it comes to financing a master’s degree, students have several options, including scholarships, financial aid, and other forms of financial assistance. In this section, we will discuss the different types of financial aid and scholarships available to students pursuing a master’s degree online.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can come in many forms, including grants, work-study programs, and loans. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid. Work-study programs allow students to earn money to pay for their education while also gaining valuable work experience. Loans, on the other hand, must be repaid with interest.

Applying for Scholarships

Scholarships are another form of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. They are typically awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of the two. Many universities and private organizations offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing a master’s degree online.

To apply for scholarships, students will need to research and identify scholarships that they are eligible for and submit an application. Applications typically require students to submit transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Federal and Institutional Aid

In addition to scholarships, students pursuing a master’s degree online may also be eligible for federal and institutional aid. Federal aid includes grants, loans, and work-study programs that are funded by the federal government. Institutional aid is offered by individual universities and can include grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.

To apply for federal aid, students will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal aid and is based on factors such as income, family size, and other financial information.

Overall, students pursuing a master’s degree online have several options when it comes to financing their education. By researching and applying for scholarships, financial aid, and other forms of financial assistance, students can make their education more affordable and accessible.

Top Institutions Offering Free Master’s Degrees

For those looking to further their education and career prospects without breaking the bank, free online master’s degree programs are an excellent option. Here are some top institutions offering free master’s degrees:

University of the People

The University of the People is a non-profit, accredited institution that offers tuition-free online degrees, including a Master of Education and an MBA. The university is committed to making higher education accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints. Students can complete their degree entirely online, with courses taught by experienced faculty members.

Curtis Institute of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music offers a free online Master of Music in Opera. The program is designed for singers, pianists, and other musicians who wish to specialize in opera performance. The curriculum includes courses in vocal technique, acting, stagecraft, and more. Students can complete the program entirely online, with the option to participate in live performances and masterclasses.

University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a free online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The program is designed for students with a background in electrical engineering or a related field, and covers topics such as digital signal processing, power systems, and wireless communications. Students can complete the program entirely online, with courses taught by experienced faculty members.

Stanford University

Stanford University offers a range of free online courses, including several master’s degree programs. These programs include a Master of Science in Computer Science, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, and a Master of Science in Engineering. The courses are taught by Stanford faculty members and cover a range of topics, from artificial intelligence to renewable energy.

Saylor Academy

Saylor Academy offers a range of free online courses, including several master’s degree programs. These programs include a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Education, and a Master of Computer Science. The courses are self-paced and can be completed entirely online, with no application fees or tuition costs.

Overall, these institutions offer a range of free online master’s degree programs, allowing students to further their education and career prospects without incurring significant debt.

Online Learning Platforms and Resources

Moocs and free courses.

Online learning platforms have revolutionized the way people access education. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are one of the most popular forms of online learning. They are offered by top universities and provide free access to college-level courses. MOOCs are ideal for those who want to learn a new skill or subject, but cannot afford to attend a traditional university.

Some of the most popular MOOC providers include Coursera, edX, and Udemy. These platforms offer a wide range of courses in various subjects, from computer science and engineering to business and humanities. Courses are typically self-paced, and students can take them as per their convenience. Most MOOCs also provide certificates upon completion, which can be used to showcase one’s skills to potential employers.

Featured Online Programs

In addition to MOOCs, there are many online programs that offer free master’s degrees. These programs are typically offered by universities that have a strong online presence. For example, the University of the People offers free master’s degrees in business administration, education, and health science. The program is accredited and has a rigorous curriculum, making it an excellent choice for those who want to earn a degree without paying tuition fees.

Another featured online program is the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science program. The program is offered in partnership with Udacity and provides a fully online, accredited degree in computer science. The program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers and can be completed in as little as one year.

Overall, online learning platforms and resources offer a flexible and affordable way to access education. MOOCs and free online courses are ideal for those who want to learn a new skill or subject, while online programs can help students earn a degree without paying tuition fees.

Degree Specializations and Coursework

Choosing a specialization.

When pursuing a free online master’s degree, it is important to choose a specialization that aligns with your area of interest and career goals. Many schools offer a variety of specializations, such as business, education, healthcare, and technology. Students should research the available options and consider their personal and professional aspirations before selecting a program.

Curriculum and Thesis Requirements

The curriculum for a free online master’s degree typically consists of a combination of graduate-level courses and thesis requirements. Coursework may vary depending on the specialization, but often includes core courses in the chosen field of study, as well as electives and seminars. Students may also be required to complete a capstone project or thesis, which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or research question.

It is important for students to carefully review the thesis requirements for their program, as they may vary in terms of length, format, and content. Some programs may require a traditional research-based thesis, while others may allow for a more creative or applied project. Students should work closely with their advisors to ensure that their thesis meets all requirements and is completed on time.

Overall, choosing a specialization and navigating the coursework and thesis requirements of a free online master’s degree can be challenging, but with careful planning and dedication, students can successfully earn their degree and advance their careers.

Career Outlook with a Free Master’s Degree

Individuals who pursue a free master’s degree online have the opportunity to enhance their career prospects and increase their earning potential. Online master’s degree programs provide diverse knowledge geared toward specific career paths, which can make graduates more competitive in the job market.

Employment Opportunities

Obtaining a master’s degree can open up a wide range of employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a master’s degree earn a median weekly salary of $1,545, which is significantly higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Graduates with a master’s degree can find employment in various industries, including education, healthcare, technology, and business.

Skill Development for the Future

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, it is essential to have the necessary skills to succeed. Pursuing a free master’s degree online can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen field. Online master’s degree programs offer courses in areas such as data analysis, project management, and leadership, which are in high demand in many industries.

Successful graduates of free online master’s degree programs have a competitive advantage in the job market. They possess the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their field and are better equipped to adapt to changes in the job market.

Planning and Budgeting for Additional Expenses

When considering pursuing a free master’s degree online, it is essential to plan and budget for additional expenses that may not be immediately apparent. While tuition may be free, there are still hidden costs associated with attending school, such as textbooks, technology, and other materials.

Calculating Hidden Costs

To accurately budget for additional expenses, students should first calculate the estimated cost of attendance. This includes not only tuition but also the cost of textbooks, technology, and other materials. Students should research the requirements for their specific program and estimate costs accordingly.

It is also important to consider other expenses that may arise, such as travel expenses for in-person meetings or networking events. Students should factor in these costs when creating a budget to avoid unexpected financial strain.

Exploring Financing Options

While free master’s degree programs offer significant savings, students may still need to explore financing options to cover additional expenses. Some schools offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students cover the cost of attendance.

Private loans may also be an option for students who need additional funding. However, it is important to carefully consider the terms and interest rates associated with private loans before taking on additional debt.

Overall, planning and budgeting for additional expenses is crucial when pursuing a free master’s degree online. By accurately estimating costs and exploring financing options, students can avoid unexpected financial strain and focus on their academic pursuits.

Alumni Success Stories and Networking

Graduates of free online master’s degree programs have found success in their careers and personal lives. Networking and mentorship opportunities provided by these programs have been instrumental in helping students achieve their goals.

Graduate Success Rates

Many free online master’s degree programs boast high graduate success rates. For example, the University of the People reports that 95% of its graduates have found employment within six months of completing their degree. This success rate is due in part to the quality of education provided by the program, as well as the networking opportunities available to students.

Networking and Mentorship Programs

Networking and mentorship programs are a key component of many free online master’s degree programs. For example, the University of the People offers a mentorship program that pairs students with experienced professionals in their field of study. This program provides students with valuable insights and advice, as well as opportunities to network with other professionals in their field.

Similarly, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a number of networking opportunities for its online master’s degree students. These opportunities include access to MIT’s alumni network, as well as networking events and online discussion forums.

Faculty members are also an important part of the networking and mentorship programs offered by free online master’s degree programs. Many programs offer students the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on research projects and other initiatives, providing students with valuable experience and exposure to the latest developments in their field of study.

Overall, alumni success stories and networking opportunities are important factors to consider when choosing a free online master’s degree program. By providing students with the support they need to succeed, these programs help ensure that graduates are well-prepared to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Advanced Degrees and Continuing Education

For those looking to further their education beyond a master’s degree, many schools offer Ph.D./MBA dual degree programs. These programs are designed to provide students with a unique combination of business and academic skills, allowing them to excel in both the academic and business worlds. Some of the schools that offer these programs include Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to dual degree programs, many schools also offer doctoral degrees in a variety of fields. These degrees are designed for students who wish to pursue careers in research, academia, or other specialized fields. Some of the top schools for doctoral degrees include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.

For those who wish to continue their education without pursuing a doctoral degree, many schools offer lifelong learning opportunities. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields. Some of the top schools for continuing education include the Harvard Extension School, the University of California Los Angeles Extension, and the New York University School of Professional Studies.

Whether you are looking to pursue a Ph.D./MBA dual degree program or a doctoral degree, or simply want to continue your education through lifelong learning opportunities, there are many schools that offer free master’s degrees online. With the right program and the right school, you can take your education to the next level and achieve your career goals.

Navigating the Application Process

When considering a free online master’s degree program, it is essential to understand and navigate the application process. This section provides an overview of the application process, including application deadlines and materials and submitting the FAFSA.

Application Deadlines and Materials

Each school offering free master’s degree programs online has its own application deadlines and materials. It is crucial to research and understand these requirements before applying. Some schools may require transcripts, letters of recommendation, or other materials. Applicants should ensure that they have all the necessary materials ready before the application deadline.

It is also important to note that some schools may have rolling admissions, meaning that applications are accepted throughout the year. Other schools may have specific application deadlines, and applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered. Applicants should carefully review the application deadlines and materials for each school they are interested in.

Submitting the FAFSA

For those seeking federal student aid, submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step in the application process. The FAFSA determines an applicant’s eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Applicants should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to ensure that they receive the maximum amount of aid for which they are eligible. The FAFSA can be completed online and requires information about the applicant’s income, assets, and other financial information.

In summary, navigating the application process for free online master’s degree programs requires careful research and attention to detail. Applicants should review the application deadlines and materials for each school they are interested in and complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal student aid.

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Online Master of Education in Advanced Teaching

To increase the amount of highly skilled teachers across the world, the University of the People (UoPeople) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) have launched a tuition-free, online Master of Education (M.Ed.) program.

M.Ed. Student

Master of Education

Our M. Ed. degree is designed to prepare students to become highly-skilled teachers to serve as models, mentors, and contribute toward developing the next generation of teachers entering the profession. Our M. Ed. students will become globally-minded educators with an in-depth knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment to support interdisciplinary learning, intercultural competence, and critical thinking in their own students.

Common Questions Students Are Asking Us

Does uopeople accept international students.

Absolutely! UoPeople has students from over 200 countries and territories.

Are the programs accredited? 

University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. 

Will I get the academic support I need? 

Absolutely! Classes at UoPeople are small and highly qualified instructors are available to answer students’ questions and offer support. Additionally, each student is connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who remains with them until graduation. Program Advisors act as the students’ personal support system throughout their studies. The Program Advisor will answer any questions the student may have, offer academic advice, discuss course selection, and offer encouragement throughout the student’s studies.

What is asynchronous learning? 

Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your own schedule. You will have access via the UoPeople Online Campus to assignments, lectures, and other learning materials. There are no live lectures or set class times at UoPeople.  

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The 9 Best Free Master’s Degree Online Programs [2024]

Even though plenty of higher education programs offer financial aid, a graduate degree still saddles graduate students with loads of debt – and that’s after gaining a bachelor’s degree! Thankfully, many institutions provide options for a free master’s degree online!

To take control of your education, I’m walking you through everything you need to know about tuition-free online master’s degrees!

Table of Contents

9 Free Master’s Degree Online Programs in 2024

While the programs listed here are tuition-free graduate programs, you’ll need to consider other expenses (like books, rent, and various fees). Some tuition-free master’s programs here, however, provide scholarship options to cover these costs.

Related : How to Get a Master’s Without a Bachelor’s Degree

1. University of the People, School of Education

To make quality, graduate-level education accessible to everyone, the University of the People offers a range of programs with zero tuition. The application process involves a $60 fee and a $300 assessment fee (due at the end of each course).

The accredited institution collaborates with the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer its M.Ed. program in Advanced Teaching. Those studying this free online master’s can choose from two specializations: Elementary/Middle School Education and Secondary Education.

• Courses: Human development, teaching and learning theory, behavior management, and assessment of learning.
• Credits: 39
• Duration: 1.5 to 3 years
• Acceptance rate: 100%

Related : Easiest Master’s Programs

2 . University of the People , School of Computer Science

The University of the People also offers a free online master’s in information technology that covers the connections between information technology, communication, and business. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to solve the modern world’s challenges.

Eligible students must have a basic knowledge of databases, algorithms, and operating systems. Like other master’s programs offered by the University of the People, you must pay an initial $60 application fee and a $300 assessment fee at the end of each course.

• Courses: Databases, operating systems, and algorithms.
• Credits: 36
• Duration: Between 1 and 5 years

3. The University of Texas at Dallas, Naveen Jindal School of Management

The University of Texas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management was founded in 1975, thanks to a generous contribution from its namesake (Naveen Jindal). 

This program in business analytics focuses on data science and covers cutting-edge technologies such as Python, R, Hadoop, SAS, SAP, Spark, and AI.

The program offers scholarships of up to $15,000 (which covers almost all tuition fees). Best of all, a business analytics degree offers one of the highest-paying jobs for MBA graduates . That makes an excellent return on your investment!

• Courses: Database foundations, predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, programming for data science, and advanced statistics.
• Credit hours: 36
• Financial aid: Scholarships cover almost 100% of tuition.
• Acceptance rate: 78.6%

Related : Need to improve your GRE score? Magoosh is your secret weapon !

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MITx)

MIT’s micro master’s program helps professionals advance their careers in the manufacturing sector. The Mechanical Engineering department offers this program (ranked first in the world), and program credits can be applied toward a Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing and Design at MIT.

These graduate-level courses are delivered through the online learning platform edX , and the entire course is free . However, students must pay a course fee ($1,260 at the time of writing) to verify and receive a certificate. However, some students may be eligible for a 90% discount ).

• Courses: Manufacturing process control, the supply chain for manufacturing, manufacturing systems, and management in manufacturing.
• Duration: One semester
• Acceptance rate: 7.3%

Related : Discover the 10 Best Online Engineering Degree Programs

5. IICSE University

IICSE is a fully digital university that offers free online master’s programs to international students. Tuition, lectures, and study resources are provided at no cost, though there’s a one-time application fee of $45, as well as a $50 fee per exam.

This free master’s degree online in English encourages students to explore the connections between language and literature. It covers various periods in English literature, theoretical approaches, and research methodologies.

• Courses: History of literature, poetry, Shakespeare studies, and drama.
• Duration: 2 years
• Costs: Up to $1,200

6. The University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education

The University of Southern California  MA in Teaching program is designed for aspiring K-12 teachers. The program builds foundational knowledge on both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching, helping students master valuable instructional strategies. Single-subject teaching and multiple-subject teaching tracks are available.

While this program is not tuition-free, various scholarship options are available. For example, the James Madison Graduate Fellowship of $24,000 covers full tuition for aspiring secondary school educators.

• Courses: Applications of curriculum and pedagogy, educational equity, and literacy development.
• Credits: 28
• Duration: 1 to 3 years
• Acceptance rate: 16.1%
• Financial aid: Scholarships

7. University of Illinois

While the University of Illinois doesn’t provide free online master’s degrees, you can access multiple free (or low-cost) UofI graduate courses through Coursera . This Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) format allows students to study advanced courses while paying a low fee for the certificates.

Current University of Illinois students and faculty can access free courses through the Coursera for Illinois page . While you can’t get a master’s degree directly through this format, you can earn credits for various graduate schools. You’ll also get an Illinois/Coursera course completion certificate to enhance your resume.

• Courses: Master of Science in Management, Master of Computer Science, Master of Science in Accountancy, and Master of Business Administration.
• Credits: Vary, depending on the course
• Duration: Vary, depending on the course

8. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University’s mission is to provide affordable education to all. Although not entirely tuition-free, the school’s programs have some of the country’s lowest tuition rates . Its Master of Professional Studies helps students develop advanced professional skill sets through coursework and a major project.

Their Human Resource Management program is just one of several concentrations you can choose from, along with criminal justice, cybersecurity, organizational leadership, and social entrepreneurship. These can be completed remotely through FHSU Online.

• Courses: Research and practice in global HR, organizational leadership, employment law, and conflict management through communication.
• Credit hours: 30
• Acceptance rate: 91.1%

9. University of West Georgia    

Though not entirely tuition-free, the University of West Georgia’s low tuition rates make this one of the most affordable master’s programs in the US. Its Master of Science in Digital and Social Media Communication is delivered digitally, helping online learners develop critical thinking and strategic skills. It covers the strategies, analytics, and laws related to digital communications and social media.

• Courses: Content creation, analytics, and strategic communication.
• Duration: 1 to 2 years
• Acceptance rate: 59.5%

Factors Affecting Free Tuition Master’s Programs

Whether it’s free or thousands of dollars per semester, tuition is influenced by a wide range of factors:

• School reputation and rankings
• Course accreditations
• Opportunities for financial aid and/or scholarship
• Reputation and experience of faculty members
• Student-to-teacher ratio
• Size of the student body
• Whether the course is offered online on campus

The 6 Types of Free Master’s Students Programs

Even with rising higher education costs , there are multiple types of affordable graduate programs to consider. Some programs don’t charge college tuition, while others may have tuition fees covered by scholarships. 

Whatever the case, the majority of tuition-free master’s programs are made possible through endowments, donations from philanthropists, state grants, and scholarships.

1. Free Online University Programs

As we mentioned in this article, some universities offer free online programs. 

2. Tuition-Less Programs

100% tuition-free master’s degree programs are available but limited.

3. Scholarship-Based

For eligible students, some scholarships can completely cover their tuition fees.

4. Employer-Sponsored

Some companies (e.g., Bank of America , BP, Intel, and P&G) run partner programs that cover master’s program tuition fees for employees.

5. Military-Related Subsidies

VA education and training benefits can substantially lower costs for current/serving military members. In some cases, family members will also receive these benefits.

6. Foreign University Programs

For international students, some public universities in European countries (like Norway, France, and Germany) offer education for free or a nominal fee. 

Questions to Ask Before Applying to Free Online Master’s Courses

When looking to apply to free online master’s degree programs, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

1. Is Tuition Free for Everyone?

Does the institution offer free tuition for everyone? Is tuition only waived under certain circumstances? If so, what do you need to do to meet eligibility requirements? You may need to meet financial hardship criteria or show that you belong to a particularly disadvantaged group.

2. What Other Costs Will You Need to Pay?

Even if an online grad school offers free tuition, there are other expenses that you’ll need to pay (like application fees, assessment fees, and books). Determine whether you can afford the course by thoroughly researching – and budgeting for – these costs.

3. What Financial Aid and Scholarships Are Available?

Even if the program doesn’t offer free tuition, scholarships that cover tuition may be available. However, you’ll usually need to demonstrate excellence in a certain area (e.g., academia, sports, music). Some institutions also offer other types of financial assistance that cover mandatory fees.

4. Is the Program Worthwhile?

Finding tuition-free graduate programs is great, but cost isn’t the only important factor. Make sure that this institution is worth your time. To determine how valuable the qualification is, consider the school’s reputation and its faculty members, student-to-faculty ratio, and the type of accreditation.

5. What Do I Need to Do to Keep My Tuition-Free?

For some free online master’s programs, you may need to reapply for financial aid or renew your scholarship every year. You’ll need to keep on top of this to avoid paying tuition. There is, however, a risk that your free tuition status may not continue in subsequent years.

Related : If you want to continue your studies after completing your master’s (without accumulating student loan debt), you might consider applying to a fully-funded Ph.D. program .

When Is the Best Time to Pursue a Master’s Degree?

There isn’t an answer that applies to everyone. I recommend considering the following factors before applying to schools: 

• What are you planning to use your degree for? Do you need it for your career further down the road or sooner? 
• Does your program of choice require work experience first? 
• Can you afford a master’s degree? Even if you don’t need to pay tuition, you’ll need to cover living expenses, books, and more. 
• Are you in the right headspace to take on a graduate degree? Should you consider a part-time or full-time position?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to get a free master’s degree online.

Several higher education institutions aim to provide free online master’s degrees. Either look for universities offering tuition-free master’s programs or those that give out scholarships that cover 100% of tuition.

Are There Any Free Master’s Programs?

Various universities provide many free master’s degree programs. However, the term “free” typically refers to “zero tuition.” You’ll probably need to cover other study expenses like books and assessment/technology fees.

How Can I Get a Free Master’s Degree?

There are two main ways you can get a free degree:

• Gaining admission to a tuition-free program/free online course
• Receiving a scholarship or financial aid that will cover 100% of your tuition

Getting a free degree online is generally easier, especially because you won’t need to worry about expenses like transportation and accommodation. Some companies also have programs that cover the cost of employees’ further education (including master’s programs).

How Can I Get a Free Master’s Degree in the USA?

Several US universities provide free master’s degrees (especially online programs) for graduates who meet their eligibility criteria. Some free courses aren’t complete graduate programs, though students might be able to apply their credits toward a full master’s degree.

Related Reading : Cheapest Online Master’s Degrees in the US

How Can I Get a Tuition-Free Degree?

Just like any other master’s degree, once you’ve decided which program you want to pursue, you’ll need to turn in an application. The exact requirements vary, but you’ll likely need to complete an online application form and submit supporting documents (such as academic transcripts, an academic resume, and letters of recommendation ).

Free online master’s programs can be pretty competitive, so take your time to prepare the strongest application possible. 

Are Free Degrees Completely Free? Will I Need Financial Aid?

A “free master’s degree” means the program doesn’t charge any tuition. However, some so-called “tuition-free online master’s degrees” are only free if you obtain a scholarship or other financial aid to cover costs. Even if you don’t need to pay tuition, you may need financial aid to help you pay for study expenses, especially for on-campus programs.

Are Free Master’s Degree Online Programs Valued by Employers?

Your free master’s degree doesn’t guarantee that potential future employers will value it. This depends on the school’s reputation, accreditation, faculty, and other factors. That said, many free online master’s degrees are offered by reputable institutions and are just as valuable to employers .

What Are the Admission Requirements for Tuition-Free Online Master’s Degree Programs?

Every free master’s degree online has its own admissions requirements. You’ll typically need to have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field and – depending on how competitive the admission process is – may also need to meet other criteria.

If free tuition is available through financial aid or a scholarship, you must demonstrate financial hardship or merit in a particular area. Carefully check the admission requirements before applying, and contact the school’s admissions office with any questions.

Final Thoughts

As I’ve shown you, there are plenty of free master’s degrees online that will encourage you to further your education and build a successful career – without incurring serious debt! However, it’s important to remember that the number of free programs can be pretty competitive.

You can also consider signing up for free courses through educational platforms like Coursera and edX. While they might not provide a master’s qualification, they’re still a great way to:

• build your skills in new sectors
• further your education
• demonstrate a desire to learn
• Decide whether to pursue a degree in the field
• generate credits that can be put towards certain master’s courses
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Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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20 Schools That Offer Free Master’s Degrees Online

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: April 23, 2024 , Reading time: 33 minutes

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Data Points

• On average, a master’s degree costs * $48,690 in public schools and $64,440 in private schools.
• Different master’s degrees ** are conferred by the country’s top schools. Many of them are offered with certain forms of financial aid.
• The three most common fields of study for a master’s degree are business (31%), education (23%) and health/medicine (22%)
• Master’s degree holders earn about $230 more per week *** than Bachelor’s degree holders.
• Master’s degree holders have an ultra-low unemployment rate of only 1.9%.

Earning a master’s degree brings a wide range of benefits, from increased earning potential to improved quality of life! Fortunately, some schools offer free tuition or nearly free tuition master’s degree programs, thanks to scholarships, tuition waivers, and federal aid, among other forms of financial aid.

Keep in mind, too, that students in master’s degree programs are less likely to be the recipients of fellowships, grants, and tuition waivers in comparison with their undergraduate and postgraduate counterparts.

Let’s take a look at the master’s degree programs with the most number of graduates:

Audio Summary

Earning a master’s degree for free – or at least, as near to free as you can get on the tuition and mandatory fees –  means that you won’t be neck-deep in student loans.

But remember, too, that free tuition doesn’t automatically mean without terms and conditions (there really isn’t any such thing as “completely free tuition”), neither does it mean without spending a single penny during your time in the master’s degree program!

Demonstrated need, academic performance, and even work-for-tuition conditions are usually required.

20 Best Schools with Online Free Tuition Master’s Degree Programs

University of the people.

UofPeople was the first fully online university to offer free tuition for all its students without the typical conditions of demonstrated need and academic performance. Students, however, pay a $60 application fee and $300 per course as an assessment fee upon course completion.

Scholarships can also cover these minimal fees for students with demonstrated needs, and it must be said that the requirements are favorable, too. 

Graduate students don’t have to pay tuition, annual enrollment fees, and technology fees. The free tuition arrangement is possible because UoPeople has generous donors and partners , many of which are large companies and organizations. Their donations and other arrangements shoulder the cost of tuition and other waived fees. 

• The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has a 15-month completion time with an expected payment of $3,660 for its entirety.
• The Master of Education (MEd) in Advanced Teaching degree can be earned in 17 months, with each student shouldering its $3,960 total fees.

Curtis Institute of Music

Every student receives full-tuition, merit-based scholarships regardless of their financial need, and thus, there is no separate financial aid application needed. Graduate students received $60,291 of free tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year, which covered their educational expenses.

These merit-based scholarships are renewable every year upon the student’s matriculation in graduate programs. 

Curtis also offers students with a demonstrated need for financial aid to cover their living expenses. The need-based financial aid has a separate application form, and it’s intended to replace the loans program. Recipient students then have a lower risk of getting into debt through student loans, with most students (92%) receiving said need-based financial aid. 

With only 175 students, Curtis can sustain its generous scholarship policy , but it also means that admission into its graduate programs is highly selective. Students thrive with the hands-on instruction and one-on-one attention provided by faculty and staff members.

The online, two-year, ten-semester-hour Master of Music program attracts highly gifted musicians with diversified training, intensive coaching, and studio classes.

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Earning a master’s degree from MIT can be expensive – current full regular tuition is $57,590 for the nine-month term in the 2022-2023 academic year – but it’s still possible to achieve your dream! MIT provides students from families earning less than $90,000 in annual income to earn their degrees virtually for free, thanks to scholarships, grants, and work-study arrangements. 

Students in master’s programs in science and engineering can apply for teaching fellowships, research grants and scholarships, meaning their degrees are tuition-free! The tuition and other applicable fees are charged to these financial aid forms.

Note that MBA students at Sloan School pay the full tuition. But getting their money back is possible through management consultation jobs, even from signing bonuses intended for tuition payments. 

Master’s degree programs covered by financial aid include:

• Nuclear Science and Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Aeronautics and Astronautics

Every department has its financial aid guidelines, so check first.

Stanford University

Stanford’s graduate tuition is among the more expensive  – regular graduate tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is $58,746 for 11-18 units, but it’s higher at $62,580 for School of Engineering graduate students – that must be earned within five years after your first registration.

But Stanford also makes it possible for deserving students to earn an advanced degree without paying for the full tuition! Fellowships, grants and scholarships are among the “free money” that the university provides to ensure deserving students graduate without crippling student loans. 

Students are well-advised to first consult with their respective academic departments regarding the range of financial aid options offered. Enough funds may be sourced to cover nearly all, if not all, their educational expenses. But if this isn’t the case, students can consult with the Financial Aid Office for possible education loans. 

Stanford’s master’s degree programs offered online include:

• Applied Physics
• Biomedical Informatics
• Civil and Environmental Engineering

Columbia University

Columbia offers online master’s degree programs in various fields, from African-American Studies, Anthropology, and Art History and Archaeology to Biotechnology and Climate and Society.

Full-time graduate students pay between $33,932 and $43,602 for 20 points or less, plus $2,276 per point for every additional point beyond 20 points, meaning it can be challenging for students with modest means to sustain their graduate studies. 

Fortunately, it’s still possible to finance their education without overwhelming student loans through external fellowships, research matching funds, and work-study opportunities resulting in free tuition. Federal and private loans may also be considered to fill in the gap.

Some programs only have restricted fellowships and merit-based awards, but these are still useful in getting significant tuition reductions.

Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences

The Ph.D./MBA Dual Degree Program is a joint partnership between Weill Cornell and Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management. Students must first comply with the Ph.D. degree requirements by April 30 and then transfer to The Johnson School of Management by May.

The accelerated MBA program has a 12-month time-to-completion, and graduates of the dual degree program assume leadership roles in medical science-related companies. 

The best thing about it is that it’s possible to earn it for free! Every other year (alternating years), two graduate students will be awarded a full-tuition scholarship , resulting in free tuition for those students. Recipient students will have their tuition in the accelerated MBA covered by the scholarship, thanks to the Charles R. Lee and the Lee Family Foundation.

A 500-word essay is required of applicants, and the essay must highlight the reasons for enrollment in the dual degree program and the applicant’s aspirations after completion.

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Emphasis must be placed on the fact that UNC doesn’t have a zero-tuition program, but graduate students will enjoy substantial tuition reductions with the wide range of financial aid available. Plus, Chapel Hill is considered among the most livable college towns where the cost of living is concerned! 

Graduate students can also apply for a stipend from assistantships and fellowships aside from scholarships and grants. Financial aid has terms and conditions, such as faculty recommendations, academic performance, and demonstrated financial need.

There are two types of stipends offered and administered separately – first, the service stipends require recipients to put in commensurate work, and second, the non-service stipend without work requirements. Qualified students may receive both types, too. 

UNC’s impressive range of fellowship and scholarship programs includes:

• Royster Society of Fellows
• Weiss Urban Livability Fellowship Program
• Master’s Merit Fellowship/Assistantship

Check out the North Carolina Excellence Fellowship and Native American Incentive Fellowship. More information can be found at the Graduate Funding Information Center.

Areas of study in its master’s programs include:

• City and Regional Planning
• Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Arizona State University

Arizona residents enjoy a significantly lower graduate tuition fee ($12,376) than non-residents ($34,290) in ASU’s master’s degree programs. Furthermore, these tuition rates are affordable yet deliver an outstanding quality of advanced education!

However, ASU still offers its graduate students opportunities for tuition reduction, even to the point that they can earn their degrees virtually for free. 

Students must be nominated for the fellowships, scholarships, and grants awarded by the graduate programs (i.e., students cannot directly apply). These financial aid options cover both need-based and merit-based free money that the Graduate College runs and funds. 

Students may apply for external funding, such as the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) and the Gastwirth Graduate Student Loan Fellowship Program.

Other options are the ASU’s Distinguished Graduate Fellowships, AAUW American Fellowships ($20,000 for a year), and Ford Foundation Fellowships (tuition waiver and $24,000 annual stipend for three years). 

ASU has online master’s degree programs in:

• Architecture and Construction
• Engineering and Technology
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Texas A&M University

TAMU is recognized as among the Best in Texas by Money Magazine and the Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly. Indeed, with affordable costs, outstanding academics, and strong career potential for its graduates, TAMU’s inclusion in the list is justified!

TAMU also strives to provide graduate students with financial aid options that remove the monetary barrier of advanced education. 

These financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and work-study arrangements that make earning a master’s degree virtually tuition-free. The Federal TEACH Grant, Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), and Texas Aggie Graduate Grant (TAGG) are among the most popular since these have generous award amounts.

TAMU only has a single scholarship application, so students’ applications are automatically reviewed for all financial aid options. 

Fellowship packages may include funds for tuition, fees, and insurance and vary between $1,000 and $30,000+ with other perks. Graduate and teaching assistantships are also available, with salaries paid either bi-weekly or monthly, aside from fringe benefits. 

TAMU’s master’s degree programs cover areas in:

• Agricultural Development
• Biological and Agricultural Engineering
• Recreation and Youth Development

Rice University

Rice Online Learning is a global leader in post-secondary online education, emphasizing academic excellence, hands-on experiential learning, and innovative approaches. Its current master’s degree program lineup offered online is in:

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Business Administration
• Engineering Management and Leadership

These programs have the same curriculum, degree requirements, and faculty members as their on-campus counterparts. 

The Master of Science in Computer Science program is notable for its merit-based scholarship with awards of up to $10,000 per recipient. Students also benefit from the flexible self-paced coursework with weekly live sessions and lectures. 

Qualified graduate students can also apply for stipends of up to $40,000 per year, which can be used for living expenses and other non-educational costs of attendance expenses. Recipients also receive a full-tuition scholarship, meaning their graduate education is nearly free!  

Continuing students who have completed ten semesters will receive tuition reductions. Active military personnel and veterans can apply for military benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides tuition support and book and supplies allowance.

The University of Iowa

The Graduate College offers assistantships and scholarships intended for substantial tuition reductions . Assistantships are available for both in-state and out-of-state students, and these consist of tuition remission, health benefits and salary benefits.

Scholarships further reduce the cost of attendance, with the American College Testing (ACT) scholarship being the most popular – its $23,000 per year stipend and full-tuition waiver is intended for full-time students from underrepresented populations. 

Iowa allows its online students to enroll in four semester hours of on-campus courses. Master’s degree programs offered online are in:

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Educational Leadership
• Library and Information Science

Boston University

BU’s competitive tuition rate is made even more affordable through its inclusive financial aid policies. Every BU student will be provided with financial aid, although it’s in varying amounts. Many master’s degree programs offer partial scholarships, and tuition remission is a perk that BU employees enjoy. 

Students must complete the FAFSA and other forms that the financial aid office may recommend. Doing so can open the doors for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences has merit-based scholarships for first-year master’s students and on-campus employment opportunities . The  Office of Graduate Affairs maintains a database of BU fellowships and external funding sources. 

Of these fellowships, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship is the most sought-after because it covers full-time tuition and provides a $25,134 annual stipend and primary health insurance. The Clare Boothe Luce Fellowship, William V. Shannon Memorial Fellowship, and African Studies Fellowship are other fellowships. 

Some of BU’s master’s degree programs available online are in:

• Applied Business Analytics
• Applied Data Analytics
• Curriculum & Teaching

University at Buffalo

The Graduate School of Education offers qualified students generous financial aid options, including scholarships that cover tuition and transportation allowances and stipends. Graduate students must first fill out the FAFSA for their financial aid applications to be considered.

This is because the FAFSA collects personal information, including family income, used to determine eligibility for federal aid, and it’s also used for institutional aid applications. 

Fellowship and assistantship programs are available, too, and these welcome high-performing students who want to finance their graduate education with little to no debts. Examples include the Arthur A. Schomburg Graduate Fellowship Program, the Master’s in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program, and the Taher and Myra Razik International Fellowship.

There are also funding opportunities for veterans, active military personnel, and students in the information science program. 

Some of UB’s online master’s degree programs include:

• Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods
• Information and Library Science
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• School Librarianship

University of Minnesota

Funding packages for graduate students are mostly sourced from research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, grants, and loans. The graduate assistantships may cover most of the tuition and mandatory fees, but assistants must work at least 98 hours every semester. 

Graduate students who want generous tuition support should look into the Diversity of Views and Experiences program. Recipients get tuition support for up to 14 credit hours per semester aside from the $25,000 (maximum) stipend.

Health and dental insurance and travel support are also part of the package. Only 15 fellowships are offered. 

Online students receive the same quality of instruction as their on-campus counterparts, and their degrees don’t indicate the online platform. Master’s degree programs can be offered fully online, partially online, or primarily.

The number of credits ranges from 31 to 52 credits, and programs are in:

• Public Health Administration
• Applied Child and Adolescent Development

Loyola University of Chicago

LUC’s commitment to upholding social justice and values is reflected in its graduate students’ competitive financial aid packages. Since financial aid largely removes the financial burden , graduate students enjoy a better educational experience, particularly with LUC’s extensive student support services. 

Graduate assistantships are sought-after because of their competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, stipends, and travel awards. The total value for a full graduate assistantship is about $50,000 per year; the University supplements grant-funded graduate assistantships at differing amounts (i.e., $24,000 for 12 months or $18,000 for nine months)!

Graduate assistants also thrive, thanks to the professional development opportunities initiated by LUC. Fellowships also provide tuition coverage, stipends, and health insurance without the service component.

Among the fields of study in its online master’s degree program options are:

• Information Technology
• Pastoral Studies
• Bioethics and Health Policy
• Public Service Leadership

University of Miami

UOnline ensures that none of its students pay the full price , with 50% discounts being common owing to the wide range of financial assistance programs. Every graduate student qualifies for merit-based scholarships, too, with their matriculation being the foremost requirement for eligibility.

The FAFSA is a must for every student, too, since it’s the basis for federal aid and state and institutional aid. 

Students choose from several master’s degree programs with tuition reductions ranging from 27% to 50%, including:

• Applied Learning Sciences
• Education Sports Administration
• Live Entertainment Management

University employees and alumni can also apply for affinity-based scholarships that further reduce their tuition payments. 

UOnline also welcomes active military personnel and veterans with its military-specific financial aid options. The Yellow Ribbon Program awards veterans with scholarships that will be matched by the Veterans’ Affairs, aside from the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance programs. 

Students may also apply for fellowships with financial aid between $23,000 and $40,000 for two years. UOnline makes it easier for students to pay their tuition via easy installment plans.

University of Georgia

Most online programs offered at UGA have the same tuition structure for in-state and out-of-state students, not to mention that UGA’s tuition is among the most affordable in the state. Students may have limited institutional graduate scholarships that external scholarships and grants can augment. 

UGA welcomes corporate assistance for tuition payments, such as tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement. Active duty military personnel and veterans and their qualified spouses and dependents can get military tuition assistance. Check with your employer. Federal aid is also a large part of why a UGA master’s degree can be earned virtually for free! 

UGA’s online master’s degree programs are in Business Administration with concentrations in:

• Agriculture Business
• Supply Chain Management
• Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Management
• Early Childhood Education

University of North Dakota

UND’s Scholarship Central is the hub for scholarship opportunities offered and accepted by the university. Filling in the General Application with your complete and accurate personal information will result in automatic scholarship matching.

UND has a “pool and match” system where students are matched with scholarship programs based on the latter’s intent and applicable laws. 

Students should also file for federal aid via FAFSA, which will be used to determine eligibility for state education aid programs. Scholarship programs may also use the FAFSA but will likely require other documents and impose conditions, such as satisfactory academic progress. 

UND also provides limited financial support through the Angel Fund, an emergency fund for students in crisis and emergencies. The Open Door Scholarship program awards a one-time financial aid to students undergoing difficulties due to unforeseen dire circumstances. UND also provides its employees and their family members with tuition waivers. 

Among the fields of study covered in UND’s online master’s degree programs are

• Accountancy
• Applied Statistics
• Athletic Training

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU works with students to achieve academic success, mainly in earning their degrees. The online master’s degree programs are in:

• Applied Economics
• Criminal Justice
• Curriculum & Instruction

While SNHU is a nonprofit, private university, its budget-friendly cost of attendance results from its decade-long tuition freeze. 

Students can save on their tuition by applying for federal aid via FAFSA and applying for external scholarships . SNHU also accepts the transfer of credits, a way to save money on tuition by applying your previous knowledge.

Up to 12 credits can be transferred, meaning $7,000+ in tuition savings. Up to 30% in tuition discounts are also provided for military personnel and their spouses.

The University of Texas at Austin

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid maximizes students’ options to finance their graduate-level education at the University of Texas. Of course, UT Austin has one of the most affordable tuition rates among the public universities in Texas, not to mention a competitive tuition rate among flagship public universities across the country.

When the affordable tuition and financial aid options are combined, you may earn your master’s degree nearly for free!  

FAFSA is the first resort since federal aid is usually the easiest to receive. Students fill in the gaps through scholarships and grants, such as the Texas Public Education Grant and the UT Grant .

The individual awards vary, but they can be as high as $10,000 for an entire year. Waivers and exemptions for fellowship recipients and graduate assistants are also common. 

UT Austin’s online master’s degree programs are in:

• Creative Writing
• Nursing Administration
• Spanish Translation and Interpreting
• Kinesiology

Master’s Degrees are the New Entry-level Degrees

In a survey , most employers increased their educational requirements for entry-level positions because of their experience with employees with graduate training being more productive, proficient, and passionate about lifelong learning.

These employers report that employees with master’s degrees contribute to organizational growth through innovative ideas, increased revenues, and improved customer loyalty.

Indeed, several well-paid occupations require at least a master’s degree for entry-level positions, such as education administrators, family therapists, and nurse practitioners.

Best Reasons for Pursuing a Master’s Degree

The free tuition part isn’t the only great thing about earning a master’s degree in these prestigious universities either!

• Increase Your Income Potential

In the best and worst economic times, workers with higher educational levels typically enjoy higher pay and lower unemployment rates than individuals with less education.

Master’s degree holders earn $1,661 in median weekly wage, a higher amount than the $1,432 median weekly wage of bachelor’s degree holders. The former also has a lower unemployment rate at 1.9% than the latter at 2.2%, not to mention that a master’s degree is the minimum for many well-paying jobs. 

Once you earn a master’s degree in a field you’ve worked in for a few years, you’re more likely to be hired for supervisory or managerial positions. The higher your rank, the better your compensation package can be.

• Boost Your Career Advancement Opportunities 

Employers acknowledge the value of master’s degrees in their organizations’ bottom line, whether net profits or public advocacies. However, the level of recognition differs depending on whether a master’s degree is a prerequisite or a preference for leadership positions.

Either way, you will stand out from a crowd of individuals with a bachelor’s degree and similar work experiences as yours! You can even be justified in highlighting your master’s degree from a prestigious university in your resume.

• Switch Careers

Career change is defined as moving from one specific occupation to another, usually unrelated, such as from a computer science major to a doctor. The reasons vary widely, from wanting a new challenge to following a passion, but the career change typically requires new education and training.

A master’s degree can be useful, particularly when your bachelor’s degree has zero training in the new career you’re planning on pursuing.

• Gain Specialized Knowledge

Earning a master’s degree means that you’re passionate about lifelong learning, which employers look for in their employees. Doing so also means that you will gain specialist knowledge, which is a huge plus when applying for specialist occupations.

Even when you already have specialist knowledge in your area, you will find that a master’s degree will further develop it. You may also use it as a consultant, and it usually pays better, too.

• Feed Your Passion for Lifelong Learning 

Pursuing a master’s degree isn’t a walk in the park, whether for free or not, on-campus or online, because students are expected to have graduate-level knowledge and skills. There will be plenty of papers to read, evaluate and write, and a thesis that demands excellent communication skills.

However, you will also feed your passion for lifelong learning, and the challenges that come your way are well worth it. Even when you think that you’ve read every book in your field of study, there is always something new you can learn.

• Be Updated About Your Field of Study 

Every industry and its fields of study are always in flux, meaning new ideas, innovations and inventions are constantly introduced. This is all too true in medicine, computer science and technology, accountancy and law, among other fields with high obsolescence.

Pursuing a master’s degree means being updated about your field of study while developing your specialist knowledge and research skills.

• Expand Your Personal and Professional Contacts 

Even if you never meet your classmates in your online master’s degree program, you can still make them part of your network! Your LinkedIn and social media accounts will not only be more extensive , but you can also request referrals that can boost your career advancement opportunities.

Your professors are also great sources for letters of recommendation, job referrals, and other useful career information with their established connections.

• Use It as an Educational Stepping Stone 

While doctorate programs don’t require a master’s degree, it’s usually either a prerequisite or a preferred credential. A master’s degree is also an excellent preparation for a doctorate program due to its intensive research requirements. Your master-level research skills will make your doctorate research easier.

• Be a Smarter You 

Aside from gaining specialist knowledge, you will be surprised at the depth and breadth of the new knowledge you can develop in a master’s degree program! You will also further develop your key cognitive skills, such as critical and analytical thinking skills, which are transferable to any industry.

Your ability for self-study will also be developed beyond what you learned in college – there’s no spoon-feeding in graduate study!

• Dive Into Research Opportunities 

Participating in faculty-led research at a professional level is too good to pass up for students in master’s degree programs. Your curiosity about a particular area can be satisfied but also deepened so you can engage in more research in the future. 

Of course, your personal growth will also get a boost! Whatever professional knowledge and skills you acquired in earning a master’s degree will translate into your personal growth, from making new friends to making more discoveries about yourself.

The Best Time to Pursue a Master’s Degree

Should you enroll in a master’s degree program straight from college or wait until you have gained relevant work experience?

When You Should Go Right After College

If you register for a master’s degree college the year after your graduation, you’re more likely to make a smoother transition with a summer break in between. You’re leveraging your momentum with your effective study habits still going strong, meaning you won’t find it difficult to transition from college-level to graduate-level life. 

• Taking a Break May Help You To Lose Momentum

If you take a break, your study habits may not be as effective, and your transition from a working life to a working and studying life can be extremely challenging for the first semester. Your life may also undergo significant changes that will make it more difficult to balance work, studies, and personal responsibilities, such as getting married and raising children.

Your decision to pursue a master’s degree without these additional responsibilities may be the best thing! 

• That Pesky Student Loan Debt

There’s also the matter of repaying your federal student loan as an undergraduate student being postponed since you’re continuing your education. But remember that you may also rack up more student debt for your graduate studies, and you must still repay your undergraduate loans after earning your master’s degree. 

Note that if you want to avail yourself of federal aid as a graduate student, you’re still going to file for FAFSA, but this time, you are an independent student. You are eligible for the Direct PLUS and direct unsubsidized loans only and the paid federal work-study program.

You can also apply for state, institutional, and private scholarship programs, perhaps even avail of your employer’s tuition support program. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Going to grad school right after college has its disadvantages, too. You may not have the maturity, life and work experiences, and time management skills yet! You may not be equipped to meet the admission requirements of programs that require relevant real-world experience for a minimum number of years (e.g., executive MBA programs).

When It’s Better to Wait

If you wait for a few years before pursuing a master’s degree, you will enjoy several benefits, too. You will get a break from the all-nighters, hours-long exams and cold pizzas that characterized your college life. You can establish your career first, perhaps settle down in a specific place or travel extensively, and find your place under the sun. 

• Working in Your Field of Study and Building Personal Experience

While at it, you will build your professional experience and develop your skills to contribute to your success in graduate school. Your work and life experiences will enhance, if not change, your opinions and perspectives as a college student, which will contribute to a more enriching graduate experience.

• Make Time for Personal Enrichment

You will also have more time to complete creative projects, volunteer in community work and build a portfolio, which results in personal enrichment and looks good on your resume, without the extra burden of graduate studies. 

Your interests and ambitions may also evolve in your work, and thus, your plans for a specific master’s degree may also change. You may want to discover your true calling before making plans for a master’s degree or risk making a substantial investment in a graduate degree in a field you’re not interested in. Besides, graduate schools will be there whether you wait for a year or ten years! 

• Paying Off Your Existing School Debt

And then there’s also the matter of finances! You can first pay your undergraduate student loans, stabilize your finances, and save for graduate school if you wait. Even if you don’t pay 100% of your undergraduate student loans, making a significant dent in it can mean fewer graduate loans.

You’re better positioned to finance your graduate education through scholarships, assistantships and tuition support from your employer. 

Pursue your master’s degree when you’re ripe and ready for it! You must have effective time management skills, possess the emotional maturity for adulting responsibilities, and be as financially stable as possible. You should also be committed to completing the program, and it can be a challenge in itself.

Planning Tips For Grad School Success

Regardless of your decision regarding when to plunge into the life of a graduate student, you will benefit from keeping these tips in mind. 

• Determine Your Goals 

You must have clear goals, including your reasons and motivations for pursuing a master’s degree. What do you want to achieve with an advanced degree? What are your expectations for graduate school, including its didactic and research components? What are your aspirations for your career with a master’s degree? 

The clearer your goals, the greater your chances of earning a master’s degree in your chosen field! You don’t have to write everything down, but a list can become a good source of motivation. Your goals don’t have to mirror everybody else’s either because they have to be your own!

You may, for example, make it your goal to earn an MBA because you want to make your private medical practice more results-effective, cost-efficient and patient-responsive.

• Get Your Dollars in Line  

While there are numerous personal and professional benefits to earning a master’s degree, the costs are daunting! If you’re patient and persistent – and with a little bit of luck – you can finance your education with scholarships, grants, and fellowships. However, there are living costs and other unexpected expenses that must be planned. 

If you have a family, you must also consider the impact of your advanced studies on your family’s financial health. Even with full coverage for tuition and other educational expenses, the additional costs can be a challenge to overcome. You have to factor in technology costs, such as your laptop or computer and Internet setup, among other possible expenses. 

So, before you look into master’s degree programs, you must look at your current finances and future cash flow. You should also discuss your plans with family members and perhaps ask for emotional and financial support.

Ask yourself, “Can we afford my master’s studies? Can’t we afford not to pursue it, considering its numerous benefits and the tight job market?”

• Understand the Difference Between Undergraduate and Graduate Studies 

If you’ve sailed through your undergraduate studies because you’re an overachiever, you will likely find a different environment in your graduate studies! A difficulty that most graduate students will experience is imposter syndrome .

It is the strong feeling of being a fraud and doubting your abilities. Your self-confidence will be tested more times than you care to count, and thus, it’s important to be your own strongest cheerleader and have a supportive network. 

You should also expect more personal initiative and less guidance from your professors and other staff members during your graduate studies. While there are exceptional student support services in graduate school, spoon-feeding isn’t a thing here.

• Develop the Traits Toward Becoming an Effective Graduate Student 

Due to the greater flexibility in graduate school, you must possess maturity and its associated traits to thrive. Aside from effective time management skills, you must also possess the following traits: 

• Being motivated starts from within, and it’s important to sustain your motivation levels even when it fluctuates from time to time. Having clear goals is also part of staying motivated even when things go wrong, if only temporarily. 
• Optimism is the ability to focus on the bright side while maintaining realistic expectations and setting SMART goals. Positive thinking must be accompanied by meaningful decisions that result in productive actions. 
• Persistence comes hand in hand with patience since these are crucial in achieving goals despite the odds. Pushing through one more draft, one more book, or one more research will be your ticket to success. 
• A strong work ethic is crucial to your success because it means sticking to your schedule, even when it seems nearly impossible. 

But be sure to take good care of your mind and body, too! These are your best assets toward earning your master’s degree and enjoying career success.

You must plan far ahead when you’re planning to pursue graduate studies. If you’re enrolling right after college, you should plan while still in your junior year of college. You will have ample time to decide on your field of specialization, comply with the admission requirements, and become a competitive applicant.

Your decision to enroll in a bachelor-to-doctorate program also means you have to hit the ground running as early as your junior year!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a two-year master’s program.

According t o EDI , a master’s degree in a public school costs $48,690 on average. Private schools, meanwhile, charge an average of $64,440 for their master’s programs.

Each year, a master’s student spends an average of $39,460.

Note, however, that costs vary depending on the graduate school, the major, and the length of the master’s program.

Be sure to add other college-related costs, too, such as books and supplies, traveling and living costs, and Internet connection and costs for computer setup and maintenance, in case of online master’s degree programs.

What are the legitimate ways to get a free online master’s degree?

Look for scholarships, fellowships and grants that offer free tuition for graduate students! While there’s a more limited number of these programs for master’s degree students than for undergraduate and doctorate students, there are still several.

You will also find audience-specific free money, such as those for military personnel and veterans, aspiring teachers, and underrepresented groups. Ask about industry and employer benefits, too, and work-for-education programs.

Is a free online master’s degree acceptable among employers and industries? 

Generally speaking, employers are more likely to consider whether an accredited institution issued a master’s degree. Of course, the field of study, specialization, and coursework contributing to the organization’s bottom line will also be considered a priority. Ultimately, what you bring will matter more than where you acquired it. 

You may even highlight that you earned your master’s degree for free through merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. This is an indication of your persistence, passion, patience, and leadership skills that will be valuable to the organization if you’re hired.

Do universities with tuition-free online master’s degree programs have high academic standards? 

Not every school, but if you choose from one of the 20 universities featured, you have a 100% guarantee that these are among the best in the country! But even if you don’t, you can do your research about the accreditation, academic track record, and graduate outcomes of whatever universities you’re considering.

Are there negative aspects to a tuition-free online master’s degree program? 

None that we know of that earning an on-campus, paid-for-tuition master’s degree doesn’t have! You must choose a field of specialization that addresses your aspirations and professional goals.

It would be best if you also chose an accredited university with a master’s degree program known for its academic excellence, among other factors. In this way, you can maximize your advanced studies and enjoy its benefits.

Is it necessary to match your master’s degree with your bachelor’s degree? 

No, it isn’t necessary! Consult with an academic advisor about course prerequisites and work experiences when not matching your master’s and bachelor’s degrees. You may have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and decide to get your master’s in Accounting.

Key Takeaways

• Undergraduate and graduate students earning an online master’s degree for free – or nearly for free – is possible with scholarships, grants, and fellowships. 
• Be sure to plan your graduate studies because of the financial cost and the physical and mental demands that it requires for success. 
• A free online master’s degree is a valuable credential, but be sure to make the right choice in a program.

Related Rankings:

• Free Online Resources for Graduate Students
• Free Graduate Courses You Can Take Online

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

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Master of Science

Educational Leadership Master's

Make an impact on the future of education by becoming a school principal.

Are you an experienced, licensed teacher eager to take on new challenges? Perhaps it’s time you prepared to lead an institution of your own. Becoming a principal or educational administrator with this online educational license program will prepare you to change the future of education and impact students, teachers, and communities alike.

This online master's degree program is designed to enhance your expertise in educational governance, finance, law, leadership, and strategic planning. The program will give you the skills you need to manage a modern educational institution, including overseeing teachers, developing and implementing curriculum standards, and improving how your staff helps students achieve established academic goals. You'll also learn about school administration, how to manage educational budgets, ensure proper security, and better interact with parents, the public, and district administrators.

The Master's in Educational Leadership degree program (alternatively "Master's in Educational Administration") is aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards and Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). Although it adheres to national educational standards, due to state-specific programming and licensure requirements,  this program is not accepted in Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

60% of graduates finish within 

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less! 

Average salary increase

 Graduates of this program report an average salary increase of $12,314 after completing their WGU degree.

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COURSES & COMPETENCIES

Educational leadership courses, curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the skills you’ll need as a leader among students and staff..

Program consists of 13 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

This online Master of Education program provides the essential skills, knowledge, and field experience you need to successfully manage a modern educational institution, be it public or private. It will prepare you to be certified as a principal or educational administrator.

The WGU M.S. Educational Leadership program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council . These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to lead a staff of educators, administrators, and support personnel in a modern educational setting.

This program comprises the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Leadership of Curriculum Design and Instruction prepares candidates to evaluate and implement curricular programs and instructional methods observed at the school level. Candidates focus on the knowledge and skills needed to develop, align, and implement cohesive systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Importance is placed on responding to student needs, embodying high expectations for student learning, aligning with academic and non-academic standards within and across grade levels, and promoting students' academic and non-academic success and social and emotional well-being. This course also explores the use of data from formative and summative assessments to make recommendations to improve instruction and promote student learning and well-being. Candidates are prepared to build a professional culture of trust and collaboration to ensure they are able to work with school personnel in creating curricular programs and instructional methods that are engaging, challenging, and relevant to student needs, experiences, and interests. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D632: Cultural Competency and Social-Emotional Learning.

Leadership Foundations and Ethics presents candidates with a variety of leadership theories and strategies used by PK–12 educational leaders to develop, sustain, and evaluate a coherent system of academic and social supports that meet the full range of students' needs. Foundational knowledge addresses the importance of developing mission, vision, and core values in collaboration with faculty, staff, and the school community to advocate for student success. The course also covers communication strategies, interpersonal skills, and using data to build community, influence school culture, and manage change for continuous improvement. In addition, candidates are introduced to the significance of following professional ethical codes and the importance of modeling and advocating ethical behavior with all stakeholders.

School Law prepares candidates to understand the appropriate application of laws, rights, policies, and regulations to promote student success. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of and relationship between federal and state laws, legal decisions, local education policies, and practices at the local school level to ensure compliance. The course further focuses on understanding the legal rights and protections provided for all students, including those with disabilities, as well as school staff. It also addresses curriculum and instruction that help stakeholders understand the possible effects these rights may have on administrative decisions. Candidates are also provided the opportunity to demonstrate their capability to evaluate legal consequences of administrative decisions.

People and Talent in Educational Leadership prepares candidates to understand and implement practices used to recruit, hire, and prepare school personnel to provide students with an optimal learning environment. Various school professional development practices, such as professional learning communities, collaborative learning communities, beginning teacher induction, and mentor programs, will be covered. Additionally the course covers methods to evaluate school personnel appropriately based on data-driven decisions; providing realistic and actionable feedback to school personnel to continuously drive improvement; engaging all school personnel in the use and evaluation of competing school-wide initiatives; creating and sustaining a professional culture of engagement and commitment by developing workplace conditions that promote employee development, well-being, and professional growth; and continuously supporting school personnel to improve their instructional practices through ongoing professional development. The candidate will also reflect on leadership standards in order to develop a personal professional growth plan. A prerequisite for this course is D017: School Law.

School Financial Leadership focuses on financial policies, practices, and issues connected to PK–12 school operations. The course describes various sources of school funding, the impact these sources can have on managing school budgets, and the challenges connected to finances that are often encountered by school leaders to ensure equitable financial support for all students. Candidates learn how to analyze different types of school budgets and understand the principal's role in the budgetary process to ensure alignment to the school's mission, vision, and values. This course also identifies and explains various types of commonly used accounting regulations, rules, and professional ethical principles used to create, maintain, and evaluate school budgets to ensure the equitable and ethical use of financial resources. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D017: School Law.

Practicum in Educational Leadership - Focus on Professional Practices provides candidates with an authentic, real-world work experience as an educational leader in a K–12 school environment. This is the first of a two-part experience designed to take place under the leadership and supervision of a practicing school principal or assistant principal at an approved practicum school site (K–12). This course includes an emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to areas directly or indirectly affecting students. Collaboration within the school and local community is a focal point for this course. The course also includes the completion of assigned administrative duties in a K–12 setting, as defined by the candidate's state of residence, under the supervision of the cooperating administrator of the candidate's approved practicum site. Prior to enrolling in this practicum course, the candidate must complete a minimum of 18 CUs.

Systems management and school operations instruct candidates on the operational aspects of school leadership that are essential to developing, monitoring, and evaluating school management, school systems, and services that address and support the needs of students and school personnel. Topics presented in this course include systems thinking; development, implementation, and evaluation of data-based strategic planning; and school improvement processes. Candidates will evaluate the use of appropriate operational technology and the development of communications systems that provide actionable information to internal and external stakeholders for use in classroom and school improvement and community engagement. Each of these topics emphasizes the importance of efficiently and effectively managing school resources to build, maintain, and evaluate a cohesive system of academic and organizational supports, services, extracurricular activities, and accommodations to meet the full range of needs for each student. Prerequisites for this course: Leadership Foundations and Ethics and School Law.

Practicum in Educational Leadership - Focus on Instruction and Operations provides candidates with an authentic, real-world work experience as an educational leader in a K–12 school environment. This is the second of a two-part experience designed to take place under the leadership and supervision of a practicing school principal or assistant principal at an approved practicum school site (K–12). This course includes an emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to areas affecting school operations and school personnel. The course also includes the completion of assigned administrative duties in a K–12 setting, as defined by the candidate's state of residence, under the supervision of the cooperating administrator of the candidate's approved practicum site. Prior to enrolling in this practicum course, the candidate must complete a minimum of 18 CUs.

Educational Leadership Capstone serves as the culminating experience of this degree program, uniting content area knowledge with the execution of a problem-based learning project. Under the guidance of program faculty, candidates will apply their data literacy and research skills authentically and to topics appropriate to the candidate's degree program and future career goals. Projects will include action research or program evaluation and the qualitative or quantitative research methods necessitated by the project's purpose. Prerequisites include Data Literacy and Educational Inquiry, as well as all content area courses and field experiences prescribed in one's area of study. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of all courses with the exception of Educational Inquiry, which may be taken concurrently.

Leading Inclusive Schools covers a variety of topics that directly affect students who have been assessed and determined to need additional support or services to ensure their academic success and well-being. The course prepares candidates to understand and comply with applicable laws, rights, policies, and regulations as appropriate to address matters of equity, fairness, and student marginalization based on culture and language, disability, or giftedness. These include types of special education classifications and their significance, working with English learners (ELs), working with gifted and talented students, and using Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks to ensure optimum learning environments for diverse learners. This course will guide candidates in building a strong repertoire of skills and knowledge related to exceptional students. It will help them ensure that each student has equitable access to effective teachers; learning opportunities; academic, social, and behavioral support; and other resources necessary for success. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the School Law course.

Cultural Competency and Social-Emotional Learning focuses on empowering educational leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster cultural competency, deepen their understanding of diverse learner populations, and apply culturally responsive pedagogy. This course places a strong emphasis on promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity within educational contexts. Students in this course will engage in immersive learning experiences aimed at equipping them with the capacity to lead social-emotional learning initiatives that cater to the social and emotional needs of all learners. The course also empowers students with advocacy strategies to influence positive change in local and global educational environments, ensuring that educational leaders are well prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of today's diverse educational landscape. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D019: Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices.

Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices focuses on the development of data literacy skills educators need to improve the learning and development opportunities of K–12 students. Candidates will practice identifying educational problems and data types, generating data, analyzing data, making inferences and drawing conclusions, and creating action plans within their educational settings. Candidates will also learn best practices for data literacy, including continuous improvement planning, approaches to professional learning communities, and instructional decision-making processes. This course has no prerequisites.

Educational Inquiry focuses on practical problem solving. This course teaches candidates to use scholarly literature to inform their own practice. It also teaches candidates to engage in their own action research processes, which empowers educators to recognize opportunities for improvement and to systematically implement and evaluate changes. This course prepares candidates to conduct research for the capstone. Prerequisites for this course: Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

WGU's online master's degree program in educational leadership requires the successful completion of a capstone project. You'll take what you've learned during your studies and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you're likely to face in a professional academic environment. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Presentations: Created tailored presentations that effectively address the unique needs and interests of specific audiences.
• Budgeting: Skillfully evaluated funding requests for various activities, ensuring they align with pre-authorized budget expenditures, promoting financial responsibility.
• Leadership: Established open lines of communication between leaders and team members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Educational Leadership: Collaborated with stakeholders to identify and establish educational goals for school improvement plans.
• Ethical Standards And Conduct: Demonstrated the consistent use of responsible practices and principles, reflecting a commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
• Operations: Successfully identified key personnel and processes within organizations, leading to streamlined operations and efficient decision-making processes.

“After years of putting off getting my master's degree, I finally decided that it was time. While working a full-time teaching job and having a husband and two toddlers at home, WGU's program allowed me the flexibility of working at my own pace. I was able to earn my Educational Leadership degree in an accelerated time frame with the support of my course instructors and mentor. WGU allowed me to achieve my goals, and I love them so much that I registered for a second master's!”

—Sylvia M.S. Educational Leadership

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

When We Say Affordable We Mean It

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A Master's Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.  

* WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused principal preparation program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"My experience at WGU was excellent. My mentors and professors where there when I needed them. There ability to keep me on track and to answer questions in a timely matter allowed me to get my master's faster than I thought possible.”

—Jerry Nielson M.S. Educational Leadership

CAREER OUTLOOK

Pave the Way to the Next Step in Your Career as an Educational Administrator

If you're a licensed classroom teacher with at least three years of experience under your belt, and you have a passion for positive influence in an academic setting, you are ready to advance in your career by becoming an instruction-based principal, vice principal, assistant principal or school administrator. As an educational leader, you'll have an opportunity to shape the school that you run by creating an inspiring and safe environment for educators and the students they teach.

With the deep, comprehensive education you'll receive at WGU, you will be ready to be certified and become a school principal. This position allows you to impact the overall learning environment of an institution and lead students toward a better academic future. Consider this program an investment in yourself, in your professional growth, and in the future of your students.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

Employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

• Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
• Middle/junior high schools
• High schools
• Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

• Gates Millennium Scholars
• Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
• Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
• Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
• Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

Master of Education Admission Requirements

Prior to entry into the M.S. Educational Leadership degree program, you will be required to complete a candidate interview and provide the following:

• Evidence of an undergraduate bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Proof of a state issued, valid, and unexpired standard professional license
• A resume showing three years of licensed professional experience in a P-12 setting (excluding probationary, temporary, and substitute teaching experience)
• A confidential recommendation
• Recent annual summative performance evaluation

Additionally, you will complete and submit a Practicum Site Agreement . Use the version for your state of residence.

• For students in Washington.
• For students in Missouri.
• For students in North Carolina.
• For students in Kentucky.
• For students from all other states.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

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More About the M.S. in Educational Leadership

• More About This Degree

What is a master's in educational leadership?

A master's degree in educational leadership is a graduate program that prepares you for certification as a school principal or administrator. It gives you important skills and credentials to understand how to run the school in an efficient way. 

How long does it take to earn a master's in educational leadership?

Typical master's of educational leadership programs take 2 years to complete, but at some schools you may be able to accelerate and finish faster. For example, most WGU educational leadership students finish in just 18 months or less.

What can you do with an educational leadership degree?

An educational leadership degree can prepare you to become a vice principal, assistant principal, principal, or other administrator in education.

What can I expect from an online master's in educational leadership program?

What are the types of educational leadership.

Most educational leaders fall into a few categories of leadership including: servant leaders, transactional leaders, emotional leaders, and transformational leaders.

What are the functions of educational leadership?

Educational leadership is implemented to ensure that the entire school and system runs smoothly. Educational leaders are in place to create effective and robust places of teaching and learning where students feel safe and welcome. They ensure that the business end of a school runs well, while also ensuring that students and teachers feel confident as individuals.

What is educational leadership theory?

Educational leadership theory evaluates the different approaches to running schools and classrooms in ways that are effective for students and teachers alike.

What is meant by educational leadership?

Educational leadership is a joint effort utilizing the talents and expertise of educators, students, policy makers and the public at large to enhance public K-12 educational quality and systems. These enhancements are typically executed through improvements to training regiments, pedagogy, epistemology, and developmental psychology. A degree in educational leadership will focus on helping current teachers advance their knowledge and skills, giving them greater opportunities to influence policy and move into education careers that impact the future of learning.

What are the key qualities of educational leadership?

There are many qualities that an educational leader should exhibit. Qualities such as positivity, honesty, deep reflection, authenticity, integrity, passion, inclusivity, and a strong focus on community building and collaboration on educational issues are key to being a transformational educational leader. In an educational leadership degree program, you will focus on developing and honing these skills.

Should I get an online masters degree, or a graduate certificate?

Understanding your post bachelor educational possibilities is crucial if you have a specific goal in mind. For some, a post-graduate certificate can fulfill the requirements that are needed to teach a specific course or courses, by fulfilling a state or national licensing requirement, but a certificate is what is considered a non-degree award. As a result, if you have career goals that include additional advancements for your career beyond the classroom, you may need to consider if a certificate will provide you the ability to pursue those goals. 

A master’s degree in education can open the doors to school leadership roles as a principal or assistant principal, and in some states is even sufficient to be considered for roles as part of the superintendency. This is not typically true of a graduate certificate. Check your state guidelines to see your specific state’s educational requirements for leadership roles. 

Does WGU offer financial aid?

WGU is approved to offer  federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.  This video shows more  about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

• How to apply
• Eligibility requirements
• Examples of scholarships
• What happens after you apply
• Other financial aid options

How does tuition work at WGU?

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

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4 tuition-free universities in the US for master’s degrees

The US is arguably one of the most expensive study abroad destinations in the world, but did you know that there are tuition-free universities in the US? This can greatly curb the stress that comes with funding your education abroad so that you can focus on your studies as well as other aspects of being abroad, such as exploring the Golden Gate Bridge, Yellowstone National Park and Niagara Falls.

Tuition fees for a master’s degree vary from as little as US$8,000 to US$120,000 a year. That’s not including your living expenses, utilities, rent, and other expenses you will spend as an international student. If the idea of a free (or nearly free) master’s or micro master’s entices you, consider these tuition-free universities in the US that offer great postgraduate programmes:

With an average monthly living cost of US$3,189 , it’s not surprising to see international students looking for more affordable options to pursue their master’s. Source: Philippe Lopez/AFP

4 tuition-free universities in the US for your master’s

1. university of the people.

Founded in 2009 and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission in February 2014 , the University of the People (UoPeople) is the first non-profit, online tuition-free university in the US.

It offers three master’s degree programmes in Business Administration, Information Technology and Education.

You only need to pay a one-off application fee of US$60  and a  US$300 course assessment fee. It will cost approximately US$3,660 to study for a Master of Business Administration or Master in Information Technology, and US$3,960 for a Master of Education.

2. Curtis Institute of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music’s Master of Music programme will provide students with comprehensive musical training covering composition, orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, organ and opera. They learn with distinguished artist-teachers in private lessons and studio lessons.

All students receive  full-tuition scholarships , regardless of their financial situation. For the 2022-23 academic term, the annual value of this scholarship is US$60,291 for graduate students.

Princeton University is one of the US’s premier university and is often listed among the world’s top 100 universities by multiple ranking tables. Source: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

3. Princeton University

While the Graduate School does not provide central funding for master’s candidates, it offers full or partial funding opportunities for specific master’s degree programmes.

The School of Public and International Affairs will cover 100% of tuition and required fees for students pursuing their Master in Public Affairs Master in Public Policy.  Assistantship  (where graduate students are involved in classroom teaching, laboratory supervision and grading in undergraduate courses) is another way to fund your master’s at Princeton University.

4. Columbia University

Columbia University is a suitable choice for you. Located in New York City, New York, Columbia University is a prestigious research-intensive institute that offers tuition-free online programmes for international students.

Through its partnership with  edX , Columbia University has many online courses and micro masters , from Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Animation, Corporate Finance and Robotics.  The best part is that these programmes are available for free. You can also choose to receive a verified certificate for a small fee.

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Master's programs.

Master's programs are full-time, intensive programs that integrate educational theory and practice. The small cohort sizes provide an intimate setting for academic inquiry and foster individual contact with faculty and fellow students.

Education Data Science (EDS)

Sep 15, 2023

Sep 23, 2024

The EDS program combines modern data science analyses and computational methods with a deep understanding of learning, schools, and education policy. With rigorous academics and real-world experience, the program prepares the first generation of education data science leaders.

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Individually Designed MA (for current Stanford doctoral students)

The Individually Designed MA in Education is intended for doctoral students at Stanford who would like to earn a master's in education while studying for their PhD outside of the GSE. Students develop their individual program of study in consultation with a GSE advisor and must finish in three years. 

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International Comparative Education / International Education Policy Analysis (ICE/IEPA)

ICE/IEPA addresses educational practice in a rapidly changing global context, in both less-developed and industrialized countries. Students examine such problems as the political economy of underdevelopment and educational planning in comparative perspective. The major research project requirement provides students the opportunity to develop excellent research skills.

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Learning Design and Technology (LDT)

Sep 15, 2023

LDT integrates powerful contemporary ideas about learning with emergent technologies to design and evaluate learning environments, products, and programs. LDT graduates bring their skills to bear in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, research institutions, and educational technology companies.

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June 24, 2024

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STEP offers both an elementary and secondary route. Both programs lead to teacher certification in the state of California, and both require intensive, supervised practice at school sites as well as academic course work that focuses on cutting-edge, school-based research.

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CTE is an individualized, research-intensive program intended for students with prior professional experience in education. 

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The joint MA/JD degree combines study for the JD degree in law with an individualized program in education.

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The joint MA/MBA allows students to pursue an MA in education at the GSE and an MBA at the Graduate School of Business. Students complete both degrees in two years.

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The MA/MPP joint degree allows students in the POLS program to simultaneously pursue a master's in public policy from the School of Humanities and Sciences. Students complete both degrees in two years.

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Best Should Teach Ceremony on May 2 to honor outstanding educators

Free and open to the public, the event will feature Kevin Gannon, director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence and professor of history at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gannon will deliver his keynote "Is It Time to Change Your Mind?" on how might we (re)connect with our agency, and use it to anchor our practices in an ethic of hope. 

Kevin Gannon is the author of Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto (West Virginia University Press, 2020), and his writing has also appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Vox, CNN, and The Washington Post. In 2016, he appeared in the Oscar-nominated documentary 13th, directed by Ava DuVernay. He is currently co-editing a volume of essays on campuses in crisis, as well as writing a book on “Zombie Ideas” in higher education.

The event, co-hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning , School of Educatio n, and College of Arts and Sciences , will honor six CU Boulder faculty members, three K-12 teachers from the School of Education’s partner school districts and lead graduate teachers in the Graduate Teacher Program with Best Should Teach Gold and Silver Awards.

The 2023-2024 Best Should Teach Gold Award Recipients include:

• Nabilah Carlon, Chemistry
• Alex Dietrich, Lockheed Martin Engineering Management Program
• Deena Gumina, School of Education
• Eyal Rivlin, Hebrew Language
• Annjeanette Wiese, Humanities

Teacher honorees from partner school districts include:

• Lori Hattendorf, Boulder Valley School District
• Karen Mancusi, St. Vrain School District
• Vickie Salazar, Adams 12 Five Star Schools

The Best Should Teach awardees were selected for their embodiment of the beliefs, behaviors, and skills of exemplary teachers. The call for nominations for CU Boulder faculty also include nominations from students from all colleges and schools across campus.

The late, lifelong educator Lindley Stiles and his wife Marguerite Stiles established the Best Should Teach Initiative in 1996 to celebrate excellence in teaching, and Stiles’ inspiring motto is inscribed on the Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Building:

“To those who come, I leave the flame! Hold it as high as you can reach. If a better world is your aim, all must agree: The Best Should Teach.”

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Best Should Teach Lecture & Awards

Monday, May 2, 6 p.m.

University Memorial Center Glenn Miller Ballroom

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Campus protests over the Gaza war

Columbia university shifts classes to remote-only after a wave of protests on campus.

Juliana Kim

Students occupy the campus Columbia University on Friday, calling for the school to divest from companies with ties to Israel. Alex Kent/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Students occupy the campus Columbia University on Friday, calling for the school to divest from companies with ties to Israel.

Columbia University announced that all classes will be remote on Monday in an attempt to "deescalate the rancor" amid growing tensions on campus over Israel's war in Gaza.

"The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days," school president Minouche Shafik said in a statement . "We need a reset."

The switch to virtual learning comes just days after dozens of Columbia students were suspended and arrested over a protest encampment on the school's lawn, which called for the university to divest from companies with ties to Israel.

Meanwhile, at Yale University on Monday morning, officers arrested students who had similarly set up tents on campus urging the university to divest. The Yale Police Department told NPR that 40 to 45 people were arrested.

The more than 300 protesters continue to block the intersection. There were more than 40 officers on the scene; they have now almost all entered the Schwarzman Center rotunda and are not allowing students inside. pic.twitter.com/DcS22fqqrs — Yale Daily News (@yaledailynews) April 22, 2024

These flashpoints are the latest in what has been a months-long streak of turmoil on college campuses since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Attackers killed 1,200 people and took another roughly 250 hostage, Israel said.

Israel's subsequent invasion of Gaza has killed over 34,000 Palestinians — two-thirds of whom were women and children, according to local health officials. Israel says around 100 hostages remain in Gaza.

Middle East crisis — explained

Nypd breaks up pro-palestinian protest at columbia university, a columbia university rabbi advises jewish students to stay home.

On Wednesday, Columbia students against Israel's war and blockade in Gaza set up camp on the school's south lawn in what was called the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment." It occurred the same day that Shafik testified in Congress that antisemitism was a serious problem on campus and that it would not be tolerated.

The next day, Shafik called in the New York Police Department. In a statement, she said that the demonstration posed "a clear and present danger to the substantial functioning of the University." She added that students received multiple warnings that they were violating campus protocol. More than 100 people were taken into custody.

At antisemitism hearing, Columbia official tells lawmakers, 'We have a moral crisis'

Tensions remained heated on campus over the weekend. On Sunday, Elie Buechler, a rabbi who works at Columbia, advised Jewish students to return home and stay home citing safety concerns. His message came a day before the start of the Jewish holiday Passover.

"It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved," Buechler wrote in a group chat with students.

He also expressed disappointment over the administration's response to antisemitism on campus. According to the Spectator , as students played Israeli music and waved the Israeli flag in a demonstration Saturday night, one individual approached with a sign that read "Al Qasam's next targets." ( Al-Qassam Brigades is Hamas' military wing, responsible for numerous attacks against Israel.)

Columbia University did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment.

Students from schools across the U.S. stage encampments in solidarity

The arrests themselves garnered swift criticism on and off campus.

The editorial board of the student newspaper, the Columbia Daily Spectator , wrote that the university had ignored "countless pleas to engage meaningfully with students, opting instead to continue down a path of surveillance, oppression, and authoritarian policies."

The American Association of University Professors chapter at Columbia and Barnard College said it condemned the arrest of students engaging in peaceful protest.

"We demand that all Barnard College and Columbia University suspensions and charges be dismissed immediately," the chapter said in a statement Saturday.

Over the past few days, students from other schools set up their own protest encampment, largely in solidarity with the Columbia students who were arrested. They also called for divestment from Israel.

According to news reports and social media posts, encampments have been staged at Yale, New York University, MIT, Tufts University, Emerson College and The New School based in New York City.

Developing: Dozens of students gathered in the 2B alleyway at 6:30 p.m. to set up encampments in solidarity with the more than 100 Columbia University students who were arrested at a pro-Palestine protest encampment on Thursday. https://t.co/EEt1f1cDmD pic.twitter.com/bEYuhnW4Wp — The Berkeley Beacon (@BeaconUpdate) April 22, 2024

At Yale, some 40 tents and hundreds of protesters occupied Beinecke Plaza at the center of campus starting Friday night, according to the Yale Daily News . The student newspaper also reported Sunday night that the demonstration "remained peaceful."

On Sunday, Yale President Peter Salovey said in a statement that before the police were called, he told the protestors they had until the end of the weekend to leave the plaza, and warned students that they could be arrested or suspended. He additionally reiterated campus policies regarding free speech and the public's access to the campus, according to the Associated Press.

On Monday morning, a Yale spokesperson told YDN , "The university made the decision to arrest those individuals who would not leave the Plaza with the safety and security of the entire Yale community in mind and to allow access to university facilities by all members of our community."

Hundreds of protesters descended upon NYU Monday. The school called police to the scene for disorderly conduct and said it received reports of "intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents," according to the Associated Press.

Universities clamp down on student activists

Columbia and Yale are not the only schools where leaders are taking action against student protesters on their campuses.

The war in Gaza is a big story on campus. These student reporters aren't shying away

Earlier this month, three students from Vanderbilt University were expelled after a group of student protesters stormed into the university president's office, injuring a campus security guard, according to the Vanderbilt Hustler student newspaper.

Last week, the University of Southern California canceled its valedictorian's commencement speech due to unspecified safety concerns. At the time, the valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, a first-generation Muslim American, stirred controversy with her social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"Over the past several days, discussion relating to the selection of our valedictorian has taken on an alarming tenor," said Andrew T. Guzmam, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at USC, in a statement on Monday.

On Saturday, the University of Pennsylvania announced that it shut down the student group Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine over failure to "comply with policies that govern student organizations at Penn." UPenn did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment.

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US has long history of college protests: Here's what happened in the past

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have taken over parts of college campuses across the U.S., the latest in a decades-long string of protests ignited by political activism — some of which have spiraled into violence amid police crackdowns .

In the past, free speech sit-ins quickly escalated into massive rallies, Vietnam War college demonstrations turned deadly and U.S. civil rights protests ended in mass arrests.

The circumstances of each protest were different, but the story is familiar: Young people demanded changes on their campuses or in the world — and their impassioned demonstrations often escalated amid clashes with authorities.

Columbia , the university at the center of the current wave of protests, has even seen similar protests before, including during the Vietnam War in 1968. Demonstrations led the university to end classified war research and stop military recruitment, among other changes, wrote Rosalind Rosenberg, a professor of history at Barnard College, for Barnard Magazine .

Today's demonstrators also have specific changes in mind, often involving divestment from Israel , citing the deaths of more than 34,000 Palestinian people who died in Gaza amid Israel's bombardment and ground assault. That military campaign was triggered by Hamas' incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7, when about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and more than 240 people were taken hostage.

But as campus authorities react swiftly, citing safety concerns and calling in police to break up encampents, it's unclear if or how the current protests will influence the Israel-Hamas war.

USA TODAY revisited four monumental campus protests to explain how college protests have become a staple of American life and often influence the outcomes of political strife. Here's a look at how previous campus protests unfolded — and whether they were successful in their causes.

University of California, Berkeley: Free Speech in 1960s

At the University of California Berkeley starting in 1964, students protested the university's limits on political activities and free speech during the civil rights movement and Vietnam-war era.

"In the wake of  McCarthyism’s  anti-Communist sentiments during the 1950s, public universities in California had enacted numerous regulations limiting  students’ political activities ," wrote Karen Aichinger for the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee University. "At the University of California, Berkeley, student groups taking part in any on- or off-campus political activities were banned from campus."

What transpired were "small sit-ins and demonstrations" that "escalated into a series of large-scale rallies and protests demanding full constitutional rights on campus," reads the UC Berkeley website.

Nearly 800 students were arrested by local police as a result.

The students' protest ultimately worked in their favor. The university eventually overturned policies that would restrict the content of speech or advocacy, according to the college.

"Today, the Movement stands as a symbol of the importance of protecting and preserving free speech and academic freedom," reads the UC Berkeley website.

Kent State University in Ohio: Vietnam War in 1970

The most prolific university protest of the Vietnam War happened at Kent State University in Ohio in May 1970. Students started protesting the Vietnam War and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia on their campus on May 2. Two days later, the National Guard opened fire into a sea of antiwar protesters and passerbys. The soldiers killed four young people – Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer, and William Knox Schroeder – and injured several others with their violence.

"The impact of the shootings was dramatic," wrote Jerry Lewis and Thomas Hensley in an article for Kent State University. "The event triggered a nationwide student strike that forced hundreds of colleges and universities to close."

The shootings also influenced national politics, Lewis and Hensley wrote.

"In The Ends of Power, (H.R.) Haldeman, (a top aide to President Richard Nixon), states that the shootings at Kent State began the slide into Watergate, eventually destroying the Nixon administration," the article reads.

Today, the protest and shootings "certainly come to symbolize the deep political and social divisions that so sharply divided the country during the Vietnam War era," Lewis and Hensley wrote.

Jackson State College in Mississippi: Racial Injustice in 1970

Days after the shootings at Kent State, police opened gunfire at a college dormitory Jackson State College in Mississippi, a school with a predominantly Black student population.

Black students there were protesting racial injustice, including how they were treated by white drivers speeding on campus, according to the university .

Police received a call that Black young people were throwing rocks at white drivers near the campus. Police arrived at the scene and shot hundreds of bullets into Alexander Hall, according to an FBI report, NPR reported . Police killed two students – Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green – and injured 12 others. The college also canceled its graduation due to the killings and unrest.

At a 2021 commencement ceremony, the university honored 74 of the students who were unable to walk the stage in 1970, NBC reported . At the commencement ceremony, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said police “unjustly gunned down two innocent young Black men, terrorized and traumatized a community of Black students and committed one of the gravest sins in our city’s history," NBC reported .

The killings at Jackson State College and Kent State University national sparked outrage. College students across the nation protested on their campuses, according to the Zinn Education Project , a collaboration of historical content from the groups  Rethinking Schools  and  Teaching for Change .

"The spring of 1970 saw the first general student strike in the history of the United States, students from over four hundred colleges and universities calling off classes to protest the invasion of Cambodia, the Kent State affair, the killing of two black students at Jackson State College in Mississippi, and the continuation of the war," wrote Howard Zinn in the book "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train ."

Angus Johnston, an adjunct assistant professor at Hostos Community College of the City University of New York and a historian of student activism, said after both events: "There was a period of about 30 years or so where it tended to be fairly unlikely that campuses would respond with mass arrests even in the case of admin building occupations."

Nationwide: South Africa anti-Apartheid protests in 1985

Another form of popular college campus protest occurred in the 1980's. Students across the country wanted their colleges to cut ties with groups that supported from the South African apartheid.

"Under apartheid, race restricted every aspect of life for South Africans who were Black, Indian and colored — a multiracial classification created by the government," The New York Times reported . "There were strict limits on where they could live, attend school, work and travel.

Columbia University was at the center of the movement. Students led by the Coalition for a Free South Africa at Columbia University "blockaded Hamilton Hall, the university’s administrative building, leading to the first successful divestiture campaign at the university," reads a summary of the events from the Zinn Education Project .

There was less pushback for protesters during this time, due to a “certain embarrassment among elites in the United States that there was complicity with South Africa’s white government,” said Daniel Farber, a history professor at the University of Kansas who has studied American activism, reports Vox Media .

Columbia University was one of the first colleges to divest from doing business with South Africa and 155 universities followed suit. U.S. Congress also passed the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act in 1986, which aimed to prevent new trade and investment between the nation and South Africa.

What is the future of college protests in America?

Free speech experts told USA TODAY that students should continue to peacefully protest in open campus spaces to avoid conflict.

Alex Morey, the director of campus rights advocacy for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, encourages universities to remain neutral in times of unrest and not to call in authorities unless a demonstration turns violent. The national nonprofit defends Americans rights to free speech and thought.

"Peaceful protest is a hallmark of a healthy speech climate on American college campuses and it has been for decades – whether it's the Berkeley free speech movement, or students protesting the Vietnam War era or civil rights," Morey said. "Generations of students have felt passionately about certain issues and the open air places on campuses are great places to support their views."

Contact Kayla Jimenez at [email protected] .  Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.

'Free Palestine': AISD high school students stage walk out to protest Israel-Hamas war

As protesters gathered at the University of Texas on Monday in a continuation of pro-Palestinian demonstrations from last week, students at some Austin high schools walked out of class to show their own frustration with the Israel-Hamas war, which has reportedly left more than 30,000 people dead in Gaza.

About 100 students walked out of class Monday afternoon at McCallum High School and marched about a mile around the campus perimeter chanting, “Students together can make the world better.”

The McCallum High students were among those at some Austin district high schools who held demonstrations Monday afternoon in support of Palestinian people caught in the Middle East conflict as Israel continues bombarding Gaza in response to a surprise deadly attack by Hamas, a militant Palestinian group, against the Jewish state on Oct. 7.

McCallum High students gathered under a massive oak tree in front of the school and chanted while other students held signs and wove a green, red, black and white Palestinian flag.

“Free, free Palestine,” chanted several dozen students in a tight circle near the oak’s trunk. Several others stood farther back, sheltering in the shade from the warm sun.

Some of the students who protested did so because they disagree with the United States' financial backing of Israel's war effort, said McCallum High senior Zephan Mayeda, who helped organize the demonstration.

“A lot of us feel immense empathy for the people that are suffering in Palestine,” Mayeda said, adding that he also wanted to show solidarity with student protesters at UT.

“People are getting assaulted for showing their rights,” Mayeda said.

Police on Monday arrested at least 100 people at UT after protesters set up an encampment on the campus' South Mall, according to three Travis County officials who were briefed on the situation by university leaders. George Lobb, an attorney with the Austin Lawyers Guild, told the American-Statesman that at least 43 protesters had been arrested as of 5 p.m. , though that number was expected to grow. 

It was not immediately clear what charges were filed against the protesters, but the Travis County officials said the charges could include resisting arrest and assault.

At a protest at UT on Wednesday, police arrested 57 protesters, all of whom were charged with criminal trespass. Travis County Attorney Delia Garza’s office, however, dropped all those charges after finding the probable cause affidavits were deficient.

Pia Ibsen, a McCallum High senior, participated in the high school rally Monday to show her support for the children and families harmed by the fighting in Israel and Gaza, she said.

“We just want to make our voices heard,” Ibsen said.

Ibsen attended a pro-Palestine rally at UT on Thursday, which remained peaceful and had far less police present than the demonstration a day earlier. People at that protest gathered and chanted for a couple of hours before dispersing.

Ibsen has participated in protests for years, she said, because it’s important to her that people hear her voice.

“I’m 18,” Ibsen said. “I’m old enough to vote. I’ve been doing protests for a long time. I’m the future. I’m going off to college. I can make a difference.”

Many of the UT students gathered Monday on the college campus were there to demand the university divest from Israeli weapons manufacturers and to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Some UT students, who are part of an on-campus Jewish student group, attended the protest at UT to speak in opposition to the pro-Palestine demonstrators. Those students said they felt threatened by language they heard at Wednesday's protest, which they said was antisemitic.

At McCallum High on Monday, it was important to Mayeda that people didn’t associate the high school students' protest with antisemitism, he said.

One high school student speaker addressed this concern when speaking to the other students gathered and called for peace.

In a message to parents ahead of the Monday demonstrations, Superintendent Matias Segura wrote that the events were not sponsored by the district and were entirely organized by students.

“We are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that values diversity and condemns all forms of discrimination,” Segura said in the letter.

The district also had counselors on campus during and after the protests to provide support to students who needed it during or after the demonstrations.

“We recognize that our students may have a variety of emotions and perspectives around these sensitive issues,” Segura said in the letter.

As Israel-Hamas war sparks campus protests, Oklahoma education officials take free speech training

A  traveling campus preacher  at the University of Central Oklahoma wearing a hate-filled sign and yelling at students. Competing protests about  Palestine and Israel  at the University of Oklahoma. Hecklers trying to shout down an appearance by  State Superintendent Ryan Walters  at Oklahoma State University. 

Those are just a few examples of recent events on Oklahoma college campuses covered by free speech laws. But as social media amplifies political polarization, making sure campuses continue to be centers of robust discussion and peaceful protests without trampling on individual rights remains a tricky balancing act for those in academia. 

Oklahoma in 2022 established one of the first free speech committees in the nation for its public higher education institutions. The  Free Speech Committee , an advisory body under the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, came from  House Bill 3543  by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid. 

The nine-member committee reviews campus free speech policies, develops training programs and serves as a clearinghouse for  free speech complaints . It meets quarterly and held its first training session this month at UCO. About 300 deans, associate deans and department heads from across the state attended. 

' I'm not interested in being the free speech police'

Caldwell said the law left the composition of the committee up to the regents, who themselves are appointed by the governor to  nine-year terms . That’s a departure from most legislatively created boards or commissions, which typically have at least some appointees from the House and Senate leaders. 

“It’s not a heavy-handed approach,” said Caldwell, who is one of two lawmakers appointed by regents to the Free Speech Committee along with Democratic Sen. Kay Floyd of Oklahoma City. “I’m not interested in being the free speech police. The government and the Legislature should not have that role for obvious reasons.” 

Caldwell said it’s always a challenge to deal with offensive but protected speech, especially on college campuses. 

“People want free speech when it agrees with their own viewpoint, but with someone of the opposing view, people aren’t always so quick to support that free speech right,” he said in an interview. “If you’re not willing to stand up and protect the speech of the people you don’t agree with, you can’t really expect that protection for your own speech, because then it will just depend on who is in charge at that time.” 

Opinion: Some college campuses have been restricting speech. Oklahoma schools intend to protect it

Attorney Andy Lester, chairman of the Free Speech Committee and a former regent, said free expression is enshrined in both the U.S. and state constitutions. Encouraging critical thinking is a key component of higher education, he said. 

“Critical thinking comes about not by avoiding challenges or disagreements, but by encouraging free inquiry, free debate and free thought,” Lester said at the April 11 training session. “Yet many on contemporary college campuses around the country appear to be turning their backs on freedom of expression, which I find to be quite tragic. We can, and we must, make our campuses welcoming places for the civil, respectful discussion of ideas.” 

Lester said colleges and universities retain the power to restrict the time, place and manner of speech on campus to ensure it doesn’t interrupt ordinary educational activities. They also can restrict speech that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment or falsely defames a person. 

“To put it plainly, classes must go on,” Lester said. “But these are narrow exceptions to the general policies of freedom of expression.” 

Regent and former House Speaker Jeff Hickman told attendees the goal of the free speech training was to make sure Oklahoma colleges and universities are making news for the right reasons, not because they botched a response to a free speech issue or a campus protest.

“When you have 18-year-olds make different judgment calls than we would hope, those things are going to end up in the news,” Hickman said. “Our hope is the institution is not the news because you are equipped with what you need to follow the law.”  

How faculty at Oklahoma schools are impacted

James Davenport , associate dean for social sciences in the Liberal Arts & Sciences division at Rose State College, said he hasn’t seen any efforts on his campus in Midwest City to restrict student or faculty speech. 

“I’ve expressed my viewpoints on a lot of stuff, very publicly, and I’ve never had administration or other faculty come and say, ‘Hey, we think you shouldn’t say that,’ or try to block me professionally in some way because of it,” Davenport said. 

Davenport, who is a member of the Libertarian Party, said he has seen a broader leftward shift politically among faculty in the past few decades. But he said it’s impossible to  mandate ideological diversity  among faculty, an effort being tried in states like Indiana. 

“Any time you develop any type of monoculture, you’re leaving out points of view that can better inform students, faculty and the community at large about issues,” Davenport said. “It’s basically a type of groupthink where we all see things the same way and we never ask questions that somebody from another perspective might ask to better inform us. It’s really a cultural issue within academia itself.” 

Davenport said junior academics in Oklahoma who haven’t yet earned tenure are getting hit by both sides in the broader culture wars. Some may be afraid to say anything controversial out of fear of how it might affect their academic career or draw attention from lawmakers or others looking for the next professor to  brand as a communist or socialist or terrorist . 

“It’s not fair to those folks, and it’s also not fair to the mission of the university of generating knowledge and the widespread views of multiple perspectives,” Davenport said. “It’s easy to be pro-free speech when the speech being uttered is speech you agree with or the speech being censored is speech you agree with. It’s a lot harder to be pro-free speech when the speech is something you absolutely oppose.” 

Campus protests have long history 

College campuses have been at the frontlines of free speech debates, protests and activism for decades, from the Civil Rights movement and  Vietnam War protests  to calls to end apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s and the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. In the past six months, numerous college campuses across the country have been  roiled by protests  over the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas. 

Recent controversies in Oklahoma include a  video of racist chants  by members of an OU fraternity on a bus and two OU students  posting blackface videos  on social media. Two fraternity members in the bus video withdrew from the university, although  multiple reports  at the time said they were expelled. The students involved in the blackface video  voluntarily withdrew , and the university did not take any punitive action. 

More: College protests over Israel's war in Gaza continue following hundreds of arrests

In 2022, Oklahoma Christian University fired a tenured professor after he hosted a guest speaker in class who used explicit language. The private university said some students complained about the language, which it said went against its policies and values. The professor sued OC, and the case is now before the  Oklahoma Supreme Court  on a narrow issue of whether his termination for gross misconduct was covered by the arbitration terms of his employment contract. The university’s attorneys said the case is not about academic freedom but is instead an employment dispute. 

In February, OU campus police responded to a suspicious package and nearby buildings were evacuated for several hours as police investigated. It was later discovered to be a protest sign over the Israel-Hamas war along with a trash bag of rotten meat and other objects. Police said it was an example of  protected speech involving “protest art”  and didn’t pursue charges against the person who admitted placing it on campus. 

In Stillwater, Oklahoma State University this month  settled a lawsuit  over its harassment and computer-use policies, which some students said chilled conservative speech. As part of a settlement in federal court, OSU must also shut its bias-response team. A group called Speech First sued the university in January 2023 over its policies, alleging they constituted vague and overbroad restrictions on constitutionally protected speech. 

“We are excited to announce that OSU will be eliminating their insidious bias reporting system that told students to anonymously report on one another for ‘bias,’ they will have to rewrite their harassment policy to include important speech protections so that students can no longer be punished for merely expressing their views, and we have secured a change to their computer policy so that it no longer targets the protected political speech of students,” Speech First Executive Director Cherise Trump said in a press release. 

Ensuring civil discourse 

Caldwell said colleges and universities should not be echo chambers. Ensuring civil discourse on campus will help students navigate the transition between young adulthood and becoming an adult, he said. 

“As a student, you should go to college expecting your ideas to be challenged,” Caldwell said. “Unfortunately, some in our society, and in higher ed, enforce this idea that words are violence and you have the right never to be offended. An important part of free speech is respecting the viewpoints of others enough to hear them and be heard.” 

Joseph Thai , a constitutional law expert and presidential professor at OU’s College of Law, said the law guarantees freedom of speech, but students, faculty, staff and administrators have different rules and levels of protection on campus. 

“The protection varies depending on the context and on the position,” said Thai, who was the keynote speaker at the training session at UCO. “The First Amendment does not restrain private actors like private universities. But most large private universities have adopted free speech principles.” 

Restrictions on the content or viewpoint of speech would likely fall afoul of the First Amendment, Thai said. But universities can impose reasonable restrictions to safeguard typical campus activities in classrooms or offices if they apply evenly to all groups and are content-neutral. 

“Speech can be curated to make sure it doesn’t devolve into chaos,” Thai said. “But viewpoint-based restrictions, even in classrooms, are typically invalid.”

Thai said hate speech, including racist speech, is protected by the First Amendment unless it includes incitement, true threats or words that in context would immediately provoke a physical response. 

“Hate speech sometimes is a form of fighting words, a true threat or incitement, and can be disciplined without violating the First Amendment,” he said. “Racial slurs hurled at someone else in a face-to-face debate would not be protected speech in that context because it would be a fighting word. On the other hand, racial slurs in rap music played at a party or on your iPhone are probably protected speech in most contexts.” 

Hickman said he hopes the Free Speech Committee will be a resource for everyone at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities. So far, the committee has not received any  complaints . 

“Ultimately, the Free Speech Committee is a pressure-relief valve for the institutions,” Hickman said. “If someone on your campus doesn’t feel like they were heard or got the result they needed through your process, that’s why this entity exists.”

Paul Monies has been a reporter with Oklahoma Watch since 2017 and covers state agencies and public health. Contact him at (571) 319-3289 or  [email protected] .   Follow him on Twitter @pmonies. 

Oklahoma Watch, at  oklahomawatch.org , is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

Rutgers students set up encampment on campus to protest Israel's campaign in Gaza

Rutgers students are the latest to set up an encampment to protest Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

The tents were set up in the heart of Rutgers-New Brunswick on Monday afternoon during a protest march announced by the university's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, a political organization involved in student-led protests demanding a cease-fire on college campuses across the nation.

The students are part of a growing movement of college students occupying campus spaces and asking university leadership to divest from Israeli corporate and cultural interests.

The Rutgers encampment took place peacefully and without interference from university administration on the greens on Voorhees Mall, a member of the group and junior on campus who did not want to be identified said in an interview.

"We will not leave Voorhees Mall the same way Palestinians in Gaza refuse to leave their homes until our demands are met," the Rutgers-SJP group said in a press release, referring to university administrators' "not acknowledging" Palestinian students.

Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway said in a statement that the university respects the students’ opinions and right to protest.

“Our students want to make a difference in a struggle that has cost far too many innocent lives and that threatens so many more,” Holloway’s statement said. “I respect their right to protest in ways that do not interfere with university operations or with the ability of their fellow students to learn.”

Rutgers leadership appears to have taken a tack different from that of Princeton University, which warned students against setting up encampments last week in an email. Two Princeton graduate students were arrested and evicted from their campus Friday morning, when protesters set up camp near the chapel; 145 faculty members wrote an open letter opposing the arrests.

War is taking a toll, and students are speaking out

Israel's military began bombarding Gaza and sending troops in response to the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, which left more than 1,200 dead, and hostages taken in a surprise attack widely condemned for its barbarism. In turn, the war in Gaza has left more than 34,000 dead, 70% of them women and children, reported U.N. Women, a United Nations organization, in what is now widely considered a disproportionate counterattack.

The main demand from the Rutgers encampment, as well as those at other campuses, is that their universities stop investing in several Israeli partnerships and companies, as part of the "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions" movement SJP has championed since its establishment in the 1990s.

A majority of student assembly members participating in a referendum voted in favor of this in April, including canceling the school’s partnership with Tel Aviv University. The Rutgers University Student Assembly announced online that 6,538 students at the New Brunswick campus — 80% of those who voted — agreed that the school should divest its endowment fund from companies that profit from, engage in or contribute to the Israeli government's human rights violations. Rutgers-SJP is waiting for a response on the request for divestment from Holloway, who they said was ignoring the group, said a student member leading the protest Monday.

Protesting students want divestment

The university was reviewing a request, received on April 2, 2024, from the Endowment Justice Collective to divest from companies doing business in Israel, it said in a comment provided by email to northjersey.com.

It was doing so according to the process outlined in the university’s investment policy. The EJC has also demanded that Rutgers sever its relationship with Tel Aviv University, it said. The Endowment Justice Collective at Rutgers is a coalition of students, faculty members and community groups across the three campuses.

The university considers the following principles when evaluating divestment recommendations, a spokesperson said:

• The divestment is consistent with the fiduciary obligation of the Joint Committee on Investments and the university’s governing boards.
• The behavior, action or product in question is antithetical to the core mission or values of the university.
• The organization, industry or entity to be divested has sole or shared responsibility for the concerns identified.
• The concern reflects the consensus of the university community.

"Although President Holloway has no direct role in the investment process, he has made clear his personal opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and his support for the relationship with Tel Aviv University," the university said.

“I believe that enlightenment comes from involvement and that lasting progress and peace are the outcomes of diplomacy and discussion," Holloway said in a message to students earlier in April.

Rutgers’ endowment funds totaling $1.8 billion are invested to provide a stable revenue stream to support the university’s teaching, research and service missions. Rutgers manages its endowment pursuant to the Rutgers University Investment Policy and adheres to all applicable laws and regulations governing public university endowments.  The university’s investments are fully disclosed on the university’s website, the statement said.

SJP has asked that in addition to divesting from Israel, the university sever its ties from Tel Aviv University but establish new ones with Birzeit University in the West Bank, issue a statement calling for a cease-fire and invite 10 displaced Gazans to study at Rutgers.