Pursue a Master's in Gifted and Talented Education
Graduates with a master's in gifted and talented education understand how to effectively work with students with high abilities, creativity, and unique learning styles. Most master's in gifted and talented education students already hold a teaching license and professional experience. Some programs accept applicants without a teaching background, allowing them to work toward licensure while pursuing their master's degree.
Some schools offer an MS/MA in gifted and talented education, but many offer the subject as a specialization of another master's program, such as a master's in education with a specialization in gifted and talented education or a master's in educational psychology with a concentration in gifted education.
What Can I Learn in an Online Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Program?
Students in master's in gifted and talented education online programs gain advanced knowledge and skills for working with exceptional children and young adults. Most programs build on a foundation of previous teaching experience and knowledge. Students learn about the history of gifted and talented education, as well as the field's major theories, principles, practices, and current problems.
Gifted and talented education majors learn to effectively create programs and teach, manage, and assess exceptional learners. Students also learn to advocate for exceptional children and work with their families.
Most online and on-campus master's in gifted and talented education programs offer the same curricula and courses. In some cases, on-campus and distance students receive instruction from the same teachers. On-campus programs may include more in-person internship or professional experience requirements, but many online programs allow students to complete these requirements in their own communities.
What Courses Are Offered in a Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Program?
Specific course offerings and titles for gifted and talented education master's programs vary. However, most master's in gifted and talented education programs cover common topics. See below for a sample curriculum.
Advanced Psychoeducational Assessment of Exceptional Students
This class explores various theories and techniques for assessing highly gifted and talented students. These include criterion-referenced, ecological, norm-referenced, psychoneurological, and curriculum-based assessments. Gifted and talented teachers must know how to assess exceptional students in the classroom.Management and Motivation of Gifted and Talented Students
Learners in this class look at classroom management and techniques for motivating exceptional students. The class explores topics such as psychoeducational approaches, applied behavior analysis techniques, and social skills training. Gifted and talented educators need these management and motivation skills to succeed on a daily basis.Instructional Approaches for Exceptional Populations
This course examines various instructional approaches known to work well with exceptional learners. Aspiring teachers learn how to use a variety of strategies and respect individual and cultural differences in learning. Students can use the skills and knowledge they gain from this class in careers working with gifted and talented learners, including as an instructor, curriculum designer, or instructional coordinator.Transitional Programming for the Adolescent Exceptional Student
In this class, students learn to create and implement programs for exceptional adolescents. The course covers educational programs, community resource coordination, advocacy, and career and occupational education. Students gain relevant skills for working with gifted and talented students in middle and high schools.Working with Families
This class provides an overview of effectively working with diverse families with exceptional learners. Students explore issues such as multicultural education, family systems theory, and education of at-risk children. This class provides a good foundation for any educator to better understand how to work with families.
What Exams or Projects Should I Expect?
Most master's in gifted and talented education online programs do not require students to pass a cumulative exam to graduate. The field does not require gifted and talented education professionals to pass a specific exam to find employment, though public school teachers in all states need to complete exams to obtain teaching licensure.
Gifted and talented education master's programs typically require a final capstone or practicum project or thesis. Students must typically complete an internship or professional experience in an educational setting where they work directly with gifted and talented children.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
How Much Can I Make With a Career in Gifted and Talented Education?
Salaries for master's in gifted and talented education jobs depend on several factors, such as type of job, employer, and experience level. Earning a master of gifted and talented education does not guarantee any specific wage, but the table below provides an overview of master's in gifted and talented education salary projections.
Salary Potential and Growth Rate
| Career |
Median Annual Salary |
Projected Growth Rate (2018-2028) |
Description |
| High School Teachers |
$60,320 |
4% |
High school teachers teach academics and other skills to high school students. They help learners prepare for life after high school. High school teachers need at least a bachelor's degree, but those with master's degrees often earn more and qualify for more jobs. All states require public high school teachers to also earn teaching licensure. |
| Instructional Coordinators |
$64,450 |
6% |
Instructional coordinators, or curriculum specialists, oversee teaching standards and curricula for a school or district. They also create, implement, and assess instructional materials and programs. Some instructional coordinators train teachers, coordinate workshops, and make policy recommendations to school boards. These roles typically require a master's degree. |
| Middle School Teachers |
$58,600 |
3% |
Middle school teachers provide instruction to students in grades six through eight. They plan and deliver lessons, assess student learning, and provide mentorship to students. They need at least a bachelor's degree and a teaching license, but they can make higher salaries and qualify for more advanced career opportunities with a master's degree. |
Source: BLS
Online Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Program Accreditation
When selecting an online master's in gifted and talented education program, students should choose a school with programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP-accredited programs undergo rigorous evaluation to verify that they use an evidence-based curriculum that adequately prepares students to work as professional educators. Many states require prospective teachers to hold accredited education degrees to qualify for licensure.
How to Pay for a Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Degree
Students in gifted and talented education master's programs can pay for their degrees through many types of funding. These include student loans, grants, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and scholarships.
- Student Loans: Many online master's in gifted and talented education students take out loans to help fund their degrees. The federal government offers subsidized loans to eligible graduate students. Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify.
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many organizations, including school districts, offer tuition reimbursement to gifted and talented education master's students. In some cases, employers stipulate that their employees must continue working for their current organization for a certain number of years following graduation to qualify for tuition reimbursement.
- Grants: Federal and state governments, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities distribute grants to students pursuing master's degrees in gifted and talented education. Like scholarships, grants do not require repayment.
Scholarships for Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Students
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship |
Varies |
Teachers of K-12 students who demonstrate excellence in serving gifted students can apply for this scholarship from the National Association for Gifted Children. Applicants must submit a letter of nomination, two letters of recommendation, and evidence of acceptance into a program in gifted education. |
Inspire Our Future Scholarship |
$500 |
The website Teacher.org offers this scholarship to prospective teachers and teachers continuing their education. Applicants must submit an essay and demonstrate a minimum 3.5 GPA. |
AASA Educational Administration Scholarships |
Varies |
Applicants must enroll in a school of education and receive a recommendation from their department's chair. Applicants must intend to pursue careers in school superintendency. |
TEACH Grants |
Up to $4,000 |
Applicants must enroll in schools participating in the TEACH Grant Program. Candidates must typically demonstrate a minimum 3.25 GPA. Grant recipients must agree to teach for a certain length of time in high-need schools. |
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program |
Up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness |
Recipients must teach for five full-time years as a highly qualified teacher at schools serving low-income students. |
Professional Organizations and Resources
Professional organizations in the field of gifted and talented education offer many benefits, including networking, continuing education, and funding opportunities. Master's in gifted and talented education online students should take advantage of the professional resources below to learn about resources and news in the gifted and talented education community.
- Davidson Institute: The Davidson Institute serves profoundly gifted students ages 18 and younger. The institute offers scholarships to gifted youth, provides educator training, maintains a database of resources for gifted students, and runs a summer institute for gifted children.
- Institute for Educational Advancement: IEA advocates for the creative, intellectual, and personal growth of gifted children in the United States. The group organizes events, offers information, and provides a scholarship to gifted children.
- National Association for Gifted Children: NAGC participates in education, advocacy, research, and community-building to support gifted and talented children. The group offers professional learning opportunities, publications, and networking.
- National Society for the Gifted and Talented: A nonprofit organization advocating for the importance of gifted and talented education, NSGT offers educational resources to professionals and the public. The society also provides information about gifted and talented programs in the United States.
- World Council for Gifted and Talented Children: A worldwide nonprofit group, WCGTC supports and advocates for gifted children across the world. Researchers, educators, parents, and scholars make up the organization's membership. The group organizes conferences, collects educational resources, and puts out publications.
Online Master's in Gifted and Talented Education Programs 2022
#1 Online Master’s Programs in Gifted and Talented Education
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of South Florida offers an online education program for distance learners. The school enrolls 18,367 students in its online classes. The college's online options include a master's degree in exceptional student education. The accredited curriculum ensures that learners receive a rigorous education that employers value. The degree offers the chance for students to develop advanced skills and training for gifted and talented education careers. The school reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 23-to-1, giving students one-on-one time with faculty.
The institution's website provides more information about support services and student organizations. The college charges affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid. These options help master's students pay for their degree with less debt. The institution reports a 75% graduation rate for its programs.
University of South Florida Facts:
Total Online Enrollment: 24,241
Number of Online Master’s Programs: 27
Average Cost Per Credit: $907
Graduate Tuition: $8,350/year in-state; $19,048/year out-of-state
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $11,181
Average Net Price: $9,787
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Master’s Programs in Gifted and Talented Education
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arkansas State University is a leader in online learning. The master's degree in gifted, talented, and creative education uses a rigorous curriculum taught by experts in the field. The program educates learners through video lectures, assignments, and class discussions. Distance learners can expect to complete their degree in about two years. A part-time enrollment option gives students more time to finish the program.
Students can apply for grants and scholarships to reduce the financial burden of earning a degree. The institution reports that 97% of degree-seekers receive financial aid and 50% take out loans. In addition to this online gifted and talented education program, Arkansas State University offers 18 other master's degrees.
Arkansas State University Fast Facts:
Number of Distance Learners: 7,939
Online Master's Offered: 19
Graduate School Tuition Rate: $4,986 in-state; $9,972 out-of-state
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,383
Average Price With Financial Aid: $13,281
The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Master’s Programs in Gifted and Talented Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte can choose from top-ranked online master's programs in many fields, including gifted and talented education. With 8,713 distance students, the public institution also delivers programs on campus. Online programs' scheduling flexibility is ideal for learners balancing academics with personal and professional obligations.
Degree-seekers enrolled in the master's in special education program develop transferable skills and gain field-specific knowledge. The master's program features electives, allowing students to tailor the curriculum to their professional goals. The flexible program emphasizes field-specific knowledge. Graduates often benefit from increased gifted and talented education career opportunities after earning their master's degree. Current and former students work closely with career services to transition from the program into the workforce.
The school delivers support services including career advising and financial aid counseling for graduate students. Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Private scholarships and institutional fellowships can also help learners fund their master's studies.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Master’s Programs in Gifted and Talented Education
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate degrees at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock prepare enrollees for new career opportunities and advancement. This institution offers online and on-campus graduate degree options. The online gifted, creative, and talented education program incorporates video lectures, assignments, and class discussions throughout the curriculum. Full-time students earn their degree in about two years. A part-time enrollment option gives students more time to complete the program.
According to the school, 95% of learners receive financial aid and 43% take out loans. The admission rate is 66% for incoming students across all programs.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Numbers:
Total Online Student Enrollment: 5,209
Number of Online Master’s Programs: 12
Graduate School Tuition Rate: $5,760 in-state; $13,050 out-of-state
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,972
Average Price After Aid: $13,751
The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Master’s Programs in Gifted and Talented Education
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Among Liberty University's academic offerings is a respected gifted and talented education master's program. The private institution's student population includes on-campus degree-seekers and 78,511 online students. Learners with personal or professional obligations often benefit from online programs' flexible scheduling options.
The master's in gifted education's rigorous curriculum helps degree-seekers develop transferable career skills while gaining advanced knowledge in gifted and talented education. Students pursuing the master's degree can choose electives that align with their interests and professional goals. While pursuing the master's degree, online learners develop field-specific skills and knowledge. After earning the master's degree in gifted and talented education, graduates can apply for positions in the field or advance their current career. Current and former students work closely with career services to transition from the program into the workforce.
In addition to online support services and career advising, the school offers financial aid counseling. Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Learners often apply for fellowships to fund their graduate education. Degree-seekers at the school pay a per-credit tuition rate averaging $750.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Reviewed by
