Curriculum and instruction runs through most of Louisiana's list. Louisiana State University Shreveport leads with its online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, followed by the University of Louisiana at Monroe's Master of Education in Educational Leadership, then LSU in Baton Rouge, Nicholls State in Thibodaux, Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond and Louisiana Tech in Ruston, which all offer the same field.
A few other degrees break the pattern: an adult learning master's at Northwestern State, a leadership degree at Louisiana Christian University, and a teaching and learning degree at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. The sections below compare the schools, explain what the Louisiana Department of Education adds, and describe what an online student at a home-state school should ask.
Source: IPEDS, read October 6, 2026. Tuition is the 2023-24 in-state rate.
top score, Louisiana State University-Shreveport
93.4
median in-state tuition and fees across the 9 listed, 2023-24
$8,830
schools in Louisiana with a ranked fully online master's in education
9
ranked programs in Louisiana that lead to a license
12
This list covers fully online master's programs at universities located in Louisiana, one per school.
The 9 Best Online Master's in Education Programs in Louisiana
The 9 programs below are at schools in Louisiana, scored at the in-state price and listed one per school.
1
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEDCI)
Shreveport, Louisiana
93.4- Public
- No license involved
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Degrees awarded
- 204 a year
- Yearly cost
- $7,349
- In-state rate
- $7,349, 2023-24
- Out-of-state rate
- $19,846
Shreveport is the home of Louisiana State University-Shreveport, whose online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction takes 30 credit hours and can be finished in as little as 12 months. Eight concentrations are available: General, Education Technology Leader, English as a Second Language, Reading and Literacy, STEM, Urban Education, Adult Education, and Special Education Leadership. SACSCOC and CAEP both appear among its accreditations.
The degree does not lead directly to teacher certification, so a candidate who still needs the Level 1 Professional Certificate from the Louisiana Department of Education is directed to the Master of Arts in Teaching or an alternative certification pathway. In-state tuition is $7,349 for 2023-24, against $19,846 for out-of-state students. The public university awarded 204 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
2
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Monroe, Louisiana
89.2- Public
- Leads to a license
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General
- Degrees awarded
- 58 a year
- Yearly cost
- $9,400
- In-state rate
- $9,400, 2023-24
- Out-of-state rate
- $21,500
Five start dates a year and eight-week courses define the Master of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The 36 credit hours can be completed in as few as 15 months and include supervised internships. It follows a single leadership track with no named concentrations, and CAEP accredits it.
The degree prepares candidates for Louisiana Educational Leadership certification, known as EDL1, for elementary and secondary schools, and students must pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment. Certification is handled by the Louisiana Department of Education. Louisiana residents pay $9,400 for 2023-24, against $21,500 for out-of-state students. The public university in Monroe awarded 58 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
3
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (General Concentration)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
79.5- Public
- No license involved
- Education, General
- Degrees awarded
- 72 a year
- Yearly cost
- $13,027
- In-state rate
- $13,027, 2023-24
- Out-of-state rate
- $29,962
LSU in Baton Rouge delivers its Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction asynchronously, with no live lecture times. The General concentration is one of several, alongside Education Technology Leader, English as a Second Language, Urban Education, Adult Education, STEM Education, Reading and Literacy, and Special Education Leadership. The 30 credit hours divide into 12 foundation credits and 18 specialization credits, and a GRE/GMAT waiver is available to qualified applicants.
The degree does not lead directly to teacher certification. Louisiana candidates who need the Level 1 Professional Certificate from the Louisiana Department of Education are pointed to LSU's Master of Arts in Teaching or to alternative certification pathways. Louisiana residents pay $13,027 for 2023-24, and out-of-state students pay $29,962. The public university awarded 72 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
4
Nicholls State University
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Thibodaux, Louisiana
75.7- Public
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Degrees awarded
- 22 a year
- Yearly cost
- $8,254
- In-state rate
- $8,254, 2023-24
- Out-of-state rate
- $9,347
Applicants to the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux must already hold a valid permanent-type teacher's certificate. Concentrations are Early Childhood Education, High Incidence Disabilities, Reading Specialist, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. High Incidence Disabilities carries Applied Behavior Analysis, Ed-Diagnostician, and Special Education options, and the ABA option prepares candidates for BCBA and Licensed Behavior Analyst credentials.
Practicum experiences take place in candidates' own classrooms and lead to a clinical research project and portfolio. CAEP accredits the program. The degree does not replace the certificate from the Louisiana Department of Education, though Early Childhood graduates may pursue Early Interventionist Certification. Louisiana residents pay $8,254 for 2023-24, against $9,347 out of state. The public university awarded 22 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
5
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Development
Natchitoches, Louisiana
66.7- Public
- No license involved
- Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
- Degrees awarded
- 16 a year
- Yearly cost
- $9,758
- In-state rate
- $9,758, 2023-24
- Out-of-state rate
- $20,546
Natchitoches is home to Northwestern State University of Louisiana, whose M.A. in Adult Learning and Development speaks to anyone designing instruction for grown learners. Students pick E-learning or Adult and Workforce Development as an emphasis. The degree grants no license and leaves certification through the Louisiana Department of Education untouched.
Both emphases suit an educator in Louisiana moving toward training or workforce roles. To finish, a student takes a research course or a practicum that tests theory with adults in the field. SACSCOC provides institutional accreditation. Louisiana residents pay $9,758 for 2023-24, against $20,546 for others, and the public university awarded 16 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
6
Louisiana Christian University
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Pineville, Louisiana
63.2- Private nonprofit
- Leads to a license
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other
- Degrees awarded
- 12 a year
- Yearly cost
- $8,524
- In-state rate
- $8,524, 2023-24
Doctoral faculty who are active school administrators teach the courses in Louisiana Christian University's Master of Education in Educational Leadership in Pineville. Candidates prepare for the Praxis School Leaders Licensure Assessment and for eligibility for the Louisiana Educational Leader Level 1 License, though neither is required for the degree to be conferred. The Louisiana Department of Education handles the credential itself.
The standard degree is 36 hours and finishes in 18 months. A 24-hour add-on Educational Leadership Certification track serves those who already hold a master's, and add-on certifications in Early Childhood and Special Education are also offered. No more than two C grades may appear on a transcript. The private nonprofit university charges $8,524 for 2023-24, the same for all students, and SACSCOC accredits it.
7
Southeastern Louisiana University
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Hammond, Louisiana
60.7- Public
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Degrees awarded
- 11 a year
- Yearly cost
- $8,830
- In-state rate
- $8,830, 2023-24
- Out-of-state rate
- $21,308
A teaching certificate from any U.S. state opens the door to the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. The concentrations are Early Childhood Education (Grades PK-3), Elementary Education, Secondary School Education (Grades 6-12), Master Teacher Leader, and English as a Second Language. Some of them may add certifications to an existing Louisiana teaching certificate.
The curriculum takes a minimum of 36 semester hours and ends in a capstone action research project aligned with the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching. CAEP and SACS are named as accreditors. The degree itself carries no license, and the certificate comes from the Louisiana Department of Education. Louisiana residents pay $8,830 for 2023-24, and out-of-state students pay $21,308. The public university awarded 11 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
8
Louisiana Tech University
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (MEdCI)
Ruston, Louisiana
58.8- Public
- Leads to a license
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Degrees awarded
- 9 a year
- Yearly cost
- $7,995
- In-state rate
- $7,995, 2023-24
- Out-of-state rate
- $12,726
Louisiana Tech University in Ruston built its Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for certified teachers. Focus areas include Teacher Leader and Content Leader paths in English language arts, math, and science. Elective coursework in Reading Specialist or Technology Facilitator, plus a BloomBoard portfolio submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education, can add an endorsement to a teaching credential already held.
The curriculum is organized around nine core learning outcomes spanning pedagogy, curriculum design, leadership, and research. Online tuition is a flat rate with no additional fees: $7,995 for Louisiana residents in 2023-24, and $12,726 for out-of-state students. The public university awarded 9 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
9
University of Holy Cross
Master of Education in Teaching and Learning
New Orleans, Louisiana
39.9- Private nonprofit
- Leads to a license
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Degrees awarded
- 9 a year
- Yearly cost
- $15,350
- In-state rate
- $15,350, 2023-24
New Orleans is the base for the University of Holy Cross, where the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning does not ask for a teaching certification at admission. Concentrations are ESL, Reading Specialist, Instructional Leadership, Religious Education, Special Education, and Educational Diagnostician. Students can earn Louisiana Department of Education add-on endorsements in Educational Diagnostician, ESL, Mentor Teacher, Mild-Moderate (Elementary or Secondary), and Reading Specialist.
The 36 credit hours can be done in as few as 14 months, with rolling admissions and a 50% tuition discount for educators. The sticker figure for 2023-24 is $15,350 a year, the same for Louisiana residents and everyone else. This private nonprofit school awarded 9 master's degrees in the latest federal count.
How We Rank
Every eligible program is scored out of 100. Each figure becomes a percentile against the 1771 ranked programs, and the percentiles are weighted as below. The methodology page explains each choice.
- Degrees awarded: 50%. Master's degrees the program conferred in the latest reported year, counted up to 50. Past 50 a year a program is clearly established and more volume adds nothing.
- In-state tuition and fees: 50%. The university's graduate in-state tuition plus required fees for a full-time year, 2023-24, the price a Louisiana resident pays. Lower cost scores higher.
Reading the cards. The tuition figure is each school's in-state graduate rate for a full-time year, 2023-24, with its out-of-state rate beside it where the two differ.
Source: federal IPEDS records, read October 6, 2026. Tuition and fees are each school's graduate in-state rate for 2023-24. Scores are our own.
Which Online Master's Programs in Louisiana Lead to a License?
5 ranked programs at schools in Louisiana lead to a license, certificate or endorsement, scored the same way as the list above, one program per school. The Louisiana teacher licensure guide covers what the state asks for beyond the degree.
| Rank | School | Program | Credential the school names | In-state rate, 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | Master of Education in Educational Leadership | Louisiana educational leader (principal) certification | $7,349 |
| 2 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Master of Education in Educational Leadership | Louisiana Educational Leadership Certification (EDL 1) / school leader | $9,400 |
| 3 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Master of Education in Educational Leadership | Educator license | $13,027 |
| 4 | Louisiana Christian University | Master of Education in Educational Leadership | Educator license | $8,524 |
| 5 | Louisiana Tech University | Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (MEdCI) | Educator license | $7,995 |
What Does an Online Master's in Education Cost in Louisiana?
An online master's in education at a school in Louisiana costs a resident from $7,349 to $15,350 a year in graduate tuition and fees across these 9 programs, with a median of $8,830, for 2023-24. These are full-time yearly charges at the in-state rate, and many universities bill online students per credit instead, so the program's own figure may differ.
Which Louisiana Universities Offer the Best Online Master's in Education?
The Louisiana universities that offer the best online master's in education start with LSU Shreveport, whose online MEDCI program consists of 30 credit hours. The page states that the degree does not lead directly to teacher certification, so it fits practicing educators more than career changers.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe's educational leadership master's is 100 percent online, includes supervised internships in school settings and prepares students to sit for the EDL 1 certification. Louisiana Christian University's leadership degree and Louisiana Tech's curriculum degree also lead to Louisiana certification, as does the University of Holy Cross's teaching and learning degree, which adds endorsements such as ESL and Reading Specialist. Public campuses dominate the list, and the University of Holy Cross and Louisiana Christian are the private nonprofit options.
What Does Louisiana Certification Add to an Online Master's in Education?
Louisiana certification adds exams and a department decision to any online master's in education. The Louisiana Department of Education publishes a score chart for its Praxis exams, listed by certification area, with the School Leaders Licensure Assessment for administrators. Early childhood and elementary candidates also face a Teaching of Reading exam on that chart, which matters to anyone weighing a teaching or curriculum degree for those grade bands.
Several programs here do not start a teaching career, and the department's pathways to teaching page is the place for that. A teacher who already holds a certificate can see a degree count toward advancement, because a graduate degree plus years of experience reaches the highest level. Our Louisiana licensure guide covers the exams and the rules for educators arriving from other states.
How Does a Louisiana Online Master's in Educational Leadership Lead to Certification?
A Louisiana online master's in educational leadership leads to certification through the Educational Leader Level 1 credential, which is the one the Monroe program prepares students to sit for. The department's EDL information sheet shows several pathways, among them a Graduate Degree Path for certified teachers with a graduate degree in educational leadership.
Every path calls for a leadership assessment, and no certificate is issued until a Louisiana school hires you as a leader. Louisiana Christian University's leadership master's and Monroe's are therefore best chosen by people who already teach in the state and expect to move up in their own district.
What Does Studying Online at a Louisiana University Mean for Residents?
Studying online at a Louisiana university means the in-state rate and internships or practicum hours in schools near you, supervised by the university. At Monroe, internships take place in real school settings with mentors, so ask how your placement is approved.
Louisiana belongs to NC-SARA, but SARA does not address professional licensing board approval, and the department certifies on its own conditions. A resident who moves finds that the next state's board decides how the degree counts. Under 34 CFR 668.43, a school advertising licensure must publish where it qualifies, so request the statement before you commit.
Questions About Online Master's in Education Programs in Louisiana
What Is the Cheapest Online Master's in Education in Louisiana?
How Are Online Master's in Education Programs in Louisiana Ranked?
Does LSU Shreveport's Online Master's in Education Lead to Teacher Certification?
LSU Shreveport's online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction does not lead directly to teacher certification, according to its program page. Candidates who want certification are pointed toward a Master of Arts in Teaching or an alternative certification pathway.
Which Louisiana Online Master's in Education Prepares School Principals?
The University of Louisiana at Monroe's online Master of Education in Educational Leadership is the Louisiana program here that prepares students for the EDL 1 certification and a school leader role. Louisiana Christian University's leadership master's also leads to Louisiana certification.
Why Do so Many Louisiana Online Master's in Education Programs Share One Field?
Many Louisiana online master's in education programs share curriculum and instruction because it is the standard graduate degree for working teachers, and LSU Shreveport, LSU, Nicholls, Southeastern and Louisiana Tech all offer it. Compare their price, cohort size and format on the cards to pick between them.
Can a Louisiana Teacher With a Master's Reach a Higher Certificate Level?
A Louisiana teacher with a master's can reach a higher certificate level when experience also counts: the department's help center describes Level 3 as five years of teaching plus a graduate degree.
Where Do the Figures for Louisiana Come From?
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
- IPEDS Institutional Characteristics, 2023-24
- LSU Shreveport, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- University of Louisiana at Monroe, Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Louisiana Department of Education, certification exams and required scores
- Louisiana Department of Education, pathways to teaching
- Louisiana Department of Education, Educational Leader certification
- Louisiana Department of Education help center, out-of-state certification
- NC-SARA, professional licensure
- eCFR, 34 CFR 668.43
Tuition and degree counts come from federal records each college reports about itself.
Show the federal record for all 9 colleges ranked, in 1 state
Louisiana State University-Shreveport University of Louisiana at Monroe Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Nicholls State University Northwestern State University of Louisiana Louisiana Christian University Southeastern Louisiana University Louisiana Tech University University of Holy Cross