Regrettably, many gifted and talented students don’t get a full chance to meet their highest potential. They may not feel challenged in the classroom, and they often don’t get the specialized attention they need. With early intervention and unique coursework from experts in gifted education, these students are more likely to see professional and academic success. You can be a part of their success by completing an affordable master’s in gifted education online.
These programs enrich and improve the curriculum for gifted students. They show you how to identify gifted students, create advanced curriculum, and support a student’s success. From research-based strategies that address organizational flaws to implementing gifted classes in a school district, you’ll have the skills to become a highly-regarded education expert.
You can use a master’s in gifted education online to advance and improve a career as a classroom teacher. However, many graduates will move into roles like an instructional coordinator with a focus on AIG, short for Academically or Intellectually Gifted. We reviewed 33 degrees from 31 online schools to create this ranking. With this clear, useful information on AIG education programs and their estimated costs, you can make the best decision for your future.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$15,600
Least Expensive In-state: University of North Carolina at Charlotte ~$9,274
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Arkansas State University ~$10,015
Most Expensive: George Mason University ~$26,625
Our data-driven research creates a reliable system of scientific rankings. The rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the most affordable master’s degrees in gifted education online. All degrees above the gray dividing line are official “Best Buys” because they cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Master’s in Gifted Education Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | (NC) | $9,274.00 $17,226.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | University of North Carolina-Wilmington | (NC) | $9,745.00 $36,118.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $10,015.00 | All Students |
4 | Morningside College | (IA) | $10,540.00 | All Students |
5 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $10,748.00 | All Students |
6 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $11,296.00 $15,388.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | (AR) | $11,490.00 $9,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
8 | Lamar University | (TX) | $11,664.00 | All Students |
9 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $11,760.00 | All Students |
10 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $11,970.00 | All Students |
11 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $12,058.00 | All Students |
12 | Georgetown College | (KY) | $12,975.00 | All Students |
13 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 |  Purdue University | (IN) | $13,500.00 $20,100.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
17 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students | |
Converse College | (SC) | $15,770.00 | All Students | |
 Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Troy University | (AL) | $17,100.00 | All Students | |
Lindenwood University | (MO) | $17,970.00 | All Students | |
McNeese State University | (LA) | $18,016.00 $20,016.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students | |
Cleveland State University | (OH) | $18,462.00 $20,712.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $19,239.00 | All Students | |
Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $21,210.00 | All Students | |
Millersville University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $21,780.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $22,375.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $22,380.00 $22,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $26,625.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the affordable master’s in gifted education online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited master’s in gifted education online programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master’s in gifted education in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire master’s in gifted and talented education online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online master’s in gifted education that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest master’s in gifted education online may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the most affordable master’s in gifted education online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get an Affordable Master’s in Gifted Education Online?
Working in education is not for everyone, but there are clear advantages to completing an affordable master’s in gifted education online.
- Strong career field: Instructional coordinators have a median salary above $63,000, which is $15,000 more than the national median. Also, the career is expected to grow by 7%, outpacing the growth rate for all occupations.
- Important, rewarding work: Gifted students have special needs. They need advanced academic programs to keep them engaged, challenged, and interested, but they may need emotional and social support as well. With these degrees, you’ll be able to provide the support and instruction these children deserve. By helping students, you’ll enjoy one of the most rewarding professions.
Still interested? Then let’s take a closer look at the top master’s in gifted and talented education online programs.
Online Master’s in Gifted Education: The Program Cost
A master’s degree in gifted education can be surprisingly cheap or highly expensive. For the most part, it depends on what school you choose to attend. The affordable master’s in gifted education online programs in this database range from roughly $9,000 to over $26,000, so there is a large spread between the cheapest master’s in gifted education online and the most expensive.
The average price for these degrees is about $15,600. If a student completes a two-year, four-semester program, this means the average cost is $7,800 a year and $3,900 each semester.
The most affordable option comes from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In-state students attending the Master of Education in Special Education / Academically or Intellectually Gifted program only pay $9,274. (Out-of-state students will pay over $17,000.)
The most affordable online gifted education program for all students, regardless of their state, is the Master of Science in Education in Gifted, Talented & Creative from Arkansas State University, which charges $10,015 for the program.
The most expensive is the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, Advanced Studies in Teaching & Learning / Gifted Child Education from George Mason University. This program costs $26,625 for all students.
Let’s take a more detailed look at our top three most affordable master’s in gifted education online:
#1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Master of Education in Special Education / Academically or Intellectually Gifted
Our top university is the most affordable master’s in gifted education online for North Carolina residents. At $9,274, the M.Ed in Special Education / Academically or Intellectually Gifted from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an excellent value. Out-of-state students will, however, have to pay a premium for tuition, with a total cost of $17,226.
In this program, students will learn best practices in AIG teaching, learning, and program development through rigorous, writing-intensive courses. Students need to have access to a classroom with gifted or advanced students in order to complete field work requirements. The program prepares educators to enrich curriculum for gifted students and grow into collaborative educational leaders.
#2. University of North Carolina-Wilmington – Master of Education in Academically & Intellectually Gifted
The second most affordable master’s in gifted education online also comes from the state of North Carolina. Students living in this state can complete the M.Ed in Academically and Intellectually Gifted at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington for just $9,745. The out-of-state cost is significantly higher, at $36,118. (Budget-minded students outside of North Carolina may be interested in our third place school, which offers the same tuition rates to all students.)
With this master’s in gifted education online, experienced teachers can earn Academically or Intellectually Gifted Add-on Licensure. Coursework prepares participants to design AIG curriculum and programs, advocate for the needs of advanced learners, and effectively teach a broad range of gifted and talented students.
Some of the course titles available in this program include:
- Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Gifted Education
- Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of Gifted Learners
- Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning
- Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation in Gifted Education
#3. Arkansas State University – Master of Science in Education in Gifted, Talented & Creative
Arkansas State University offers one tuition rate to all online students, making the #3 most affordable master’s in gifted education also the #1 least expensive option for out-of-state students. The MS in Education with a concentration in Gifted, Talented, and Creative will cost students a total of $10,015.
Teachers will learn strategies and methods for identifying gifted students and best serving their educational needs to encourage their future success. Courses cover topics including creativity, effective programming, current issues, and assessment in gifted education. In as few as 18 months online, participants can earn their graduate degree and prepare for roles such as gifted education teachers, program directors, instructional coordinators, and training specialists.
Degree Program Types: Online Master’s in Gifted Education
All of these programs focus on the instruction and academic development of gifted, talented, and creative students. But, while similar, they come in many types, include a range of courses, and offer different concentrations, specializations, and subjects.
A master’s degree requires about two years of study. There will be at least 30 credit hours, although specific programs may have requirements of 36 hours or more. Usually students will complete about 15 credit hours per year, which is less than the typical bachelor’s degree. This is because each credit hour (roughly an hour of class time per week) requires far more study and project work.
These programs come in three basic types: a master of arts, a master of science, and a master of education. The differences can be hard to pinpoint, but usually a master of arts will include more theory and philosophy, while a master of science focuses on scientific data. For example, a master of arts may include courses on abstract ideas surrounding gifted students, while a master of science will include data-driven research into ways that teachers can get the most from gifted students.
Finally, a master’s of education will focus more on the organization and structures of the school system. A master’s of education in gifted education may include ways to thread gifted-student classes into the organization of a larger school.
You’ll also find a variety of concentrations. In these programs, you will find concentrations like curriculum development for talented students or supporting highly creative students.
Courses in an Online Master’s in Gifted Education
To better understand the programs found in an online master’s in gifted education, it helps to look at a few examples. Each program is different, but looking at a few specific programs will help you understand the structure, classes, and academic requirements.
Emporia State University – Master of Science in Special Education / Gifted, Talented & Creative
With 30 credit hours, this program includes 10 required classes that focus on gifted education, especially identifying and supporting gifted students. Classes include “Behavior Intervention,” “Education of the Gifted,” and “Creative Teaching and Learning.”
There are also four required classes under the “Supervised Practice” label. This requirement includes classes on gifted elementary and secondary students. In these courses, students gain direct experience in a school setting.
Concordia University - Chicago – Master of Arts in Gifted Education
This program is primarily for current educators, including teachers and administrators with an interest in high-achieving students. It prepares graduates for planning and implementing programs that address the specific needs of talented elementary and secondary students.
Also consisting of 30 credit hours, the program includes courses like “Gifted Research: Issues, Policy, and Research,” “Learning Environments for Gifted Education,” and “Curriculum Development for Gifted and Talented Learners.” There is also a practicum, which delivers an eight-week field experience in a school setting, which can range from preschool to high school.
Upper Iowa University – Master of Education in Talented & Gifted
To graduate from this program, students need to complete 36 credit hours of classwork. Students will study various topics, with a focus on curriculum development and teaching strategies.
Classes in this degree include “Introduction to Gifted Education,” “Teaching with Technology,” and “Teaching and Working in a Multicultural Setting.” Curriculum-focused classes include “Methods & Curriculum: Gifted Education PK – 12” and “Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs.”
Accreditation for Gifted Education Master’s Degrees
Accreditation acts as a form of quality control for the academic system. It’s essentially a review process, whereby independent organizations inspect colleges and universities to make sure they are delivering a high-quality education.
Accreditation comes from regional groups that approve entire schools. This is known as institutional accreditation. All of the programs in our database hold institutional accreditation. Organizations provide institutional accreditation across large sections of the country. For example, the Higher Learning Commission accredits schools throughout the middle section of the United States. It covers a vast region from West Virginia to North Dakota to Arizona and almost all areas in between.
There is another important form of accreditation for these degrees: programmatic. This covers specific programs and is granted by degree-focused groups. For example, degrees in psychology can apply for approval from the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA).
Master’s degrees in advanced education may have accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group, which accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs, grants accreditation that lasts for seven years. After the seven years is complete, a school will need to reapply.
CAEP-accredited programs in our database include:
- University of North Carolina-Wilmington – Master of Education in Academically & Intellectually Gifted
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Master of Education in Gifted, Creative & Talented Education (K-12)
- Troy University – Master of Science in Education / Gifted Education
- William Carey University – Master of Education in Gifted Education
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Gifted Education
A master’s degree is one of the most advanced degrees you can achieve, second only to a doctorate, which represents the highest level of education. Because these degrees require vigorous study and research, you need to be prepared for the challenge. To ensure you are prepared, a master’s in gifted and talented education online will have a long list of requirements.
The basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree. All of these master’s programs will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in teaching, curriculum, or a similar subject. Many require a minimum GPA from previous studies, typically between 2.5 and 3.0.
The Master of Education in Gifted, Creative & Talented Education (K-12) from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, for example, has numerous requirements. These include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better. You’ll need a favorable recommendation from faculty in the program, and you’ll have to complete a College of Education Biographical Data Sheet. In addition, you’ll need a valid teacher’s license, although there may be exceptions to this requirement.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has similar requirements for their Master of Education in Special Education / Academically or Intellectually Gifted. This program requires transcripts from all previous college work, a GRE or MAT score in the top 30%, three letters of recommendation from professional educators, and a statement describing why you want to complete an AIG master’s degree.
The requirements are high, but they ensure you have the preparation necessary for the rigors of a master’s program.
Licensing and Certification for Instructional Coordinators
When you graduate with a master’s in gifted and talented education online, you’ll have various career options in education, instruction, and curriculum development. The most common, or at least the most direct career, is an AIG instructional coordinator, which may require a license if you work for a public school. This career may require either a teaching license or a license to work as an education administrator.
Some states have AIG-specific licensing or license add-ons for instructional coordinators. North Carolina, for example, mandates that all public schools have programs for identifying and serving gifted children. They have the “NC AIG Program Standard,” which acts as a guide for these programs. Teachers in this state can pursue the “Academically Gifted” add-on to their license through either coursework or a competency-based assessment.
Salary and Career Outlook for Instructional Coordinators
While you can use these degrees to build a career in teaching, or even become a school principal, the most direct career is an instructional coordinator with a focus on gifted students. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide information on AIG instructional coordinators exactly, they do provide data on instructional coordinators as a whole. This information allows us to create a glimpse of the salary and overall outlook for this profession.
According to their data, the median annual salary for instructional coordinators (again, all coordinators, not just AIG experts) is $63,740. While the career requires a master’s degree, the median salary is roughly $18,000 more than the median for all occupations ($45,760) and roughly $33,000 more than the median for all library and education professions ($30,460).
The top 10% of all instructional coordinators earn over $101,000 a year, so there is plenty of hope for advanced earnings.
The best-paid instructional coordinators appear to be in coastal regions. Instructional coordinators in the District of Columbia have a median salary of $98,930, which makes it the top-paying area, according to the BLS. California is second with $92,940. Maryland ($85,170), Connecticut ($84,080), and Washington ($83,500) round out the top five.
This career should see strong growth, although the total job pool may be limited. The BLS says that instructional coordinators will grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031, outpacing the national growth of 5%. However, this growth will result in only 220,000 jobs, and this number includes all instructional coordinators, not just ones that focus on gifted education. (For perspective, the BLS expects 1.1 million high school teachers and nearly 300,000 high school principals by 2031.)
The Next Step in Gifted Education?
A master’s degree shows a notable level of academic achievement, but you can continue your formal education with a doctorate program. These degrees take a detailed look at curriculum development, strategies for teaching gifted children, and providing for the unique social and emotional needs of gifted students. The challenging programs will make you an expert in AIG education, but they require vigorous study into some of the most complex issues of curriculum and teaching. Many will include independent research, advanced coursework, and a doctoral thesis.
You may also need continuing education, especially if your job requires a teaching license. Most states have continuing education requirements. For example, you may have to complete 15 continuing education units (CEU) every five years. You can earn these credits through formal classes, online instruction, seminars, and more.
Start Your Career in Gifted Education Today!
Gifted, creative, and talented students need motivated teachers like you! Use the resources on GetEducated.com to get more information on the best master’s in gifted education online for your specific needs. Submit your information, and we’ll help you find the cheapest master’s in gifted education online to fit your career goals!