Scholarships for Master's in Education: A Comprehensive Guide

The pursuit of a Master's degree in Education is a significant step for current and aspiring teachers looking to advance their careers. However, the financial strain of graduate school can be a major obstacle. Fortunately, numerous scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial assistance are available to help alleviate this burden by covering costs such as tuition, textbooks, equipment, and housing. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of scholarships and resources for education students pursuing a graduate degree, along with tips for creating a successful scholarship application.

The Growing Need for Educators and the Value of a Master’s Degree

The Learning Policy Institute reports a growing shortage of teachers. Data analysis from the 2015-16 school year indicates that if current trends continue, an additional 145,000 teachers will be needed by 2025. This shortage is further exacerbated by projected student enrollment growth of 3 million in the next decade, driven by higher birth rates and immigration.

Alabama is no exception to this trend. The Alabama Department of Education lists more than a dozen academic disciplines within the state that have shortage areas, including English, mathematics, science, history, and special education.

More teachers are needed, and a master’s degree can be a strategic move for both current and aspiring educators. A current teaching certification or degree isn’t always required to pursue a master’s. For example, the University of West Alabama (UWA) offers online alternative teaching certification options that allow students to earn a master’s-level certification and degree. These programs are ideal for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking a career change, or for educators looking to switch their teaching area. Furthermore, a master’s degree can lead to pay increases and advancement opportunities, such as administrative roles.

Scholarships Tailored for Master’s in Education Students

Several scholarships are specifically designed to make earning a master’s degree in teaching more affordable. Here are some notable examples:

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Teacher Connect Program at UWA

The Teacher Connect program at UWA partners with school systems to help teachers and aspiring teachers complete education degrees online. Participants may qualify for a tuition scholarship of up to $100 per credit hour. This scholarship is applicable to all 35 online education programs for certification (both undergraduate and graduate level) at UWA. All teaching degrees at UWA are relevant to this program.

ACS-Hach Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Scholarships

The ACS-Hach Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Scholarship is awarded to recent graduates and graduate students with limited work experience who are interested in becoming secondary chemistry teachers. Scholarship recipients must be pursuing a master’s degree in education or seeking certification as a chemistry or science teacher. Additional eligibility requirements apply. The award includes scholarship stipends of up to $6,000 for full-time study or up to $3,000 for part-time study toward the degree or certification, along with support and mentoring throughout the three-year teaching commitment. Relevant UWA degrees include Alternative A Biology 6-12 (MEd or MAT) and Alternative A General Science 6-12 (MEd or MAT).

James Madison Fellowships

The James Madison Graduate Fellowships are awarded to individuals who aspire to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Each year, one recipient in each state receives a maximum of $24,000. Relevant UWA degrees include Alternative A Social Science 6-12 (MEd or MAT).

AFCEA STEM Teacher Scholarships

AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) offers STEM Teacher Scholarships to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Relevant UWA degrees include Alternative A Mathematics 6-12 (MEd or MAT), Alternative A Biology 6-12 (MEd or MAT), and Alternative A General Science 6-12 (MEd or MAT).

NCTM Grants

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) provides various grants, awards, and scholarships for individuals pursuing mathematics teaching at different grade levels. Each offering has specific eligibility criteria and award limits. Relevant UWA degrees include Alternative A Mathematics 6-12 (MEd or MAT).

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program offers forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 on specific federal loans for teachers who meet certain qualifications. These qualifications include full-time teaching for five complete and consecutive academic years in designated elementary and secondary schools and educational service agencies that serve low-income families. Other eligibility requirements apply.

General Scholarships for Education Graduate Students

In addition to subject-specific scholarships, education students can also qualify for general scholarships. Here are some examples:

ACS-Hach Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Scholarship: Offered by the American Chemical Society, this scholarship provides $6,000 for full-time students and $3,000 for part-time students. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry or a related discipline and less than one year of work experience. The funds can be used toward a master’s degree in education or a secondary chemistry or science certification. The annual deadline is in May.
American Indian Education Fund: Provided by Partnership With Native Americans, this fund offers awards ranging from $500 to $2,000. Applicants must be American Indian, Alaska Native, and/or Native Hawaiian, attend an accredited university or college in person, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The annual deadline is between April and May.
Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship: Awarded by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), this scholarship provides $1,000 to health and physical education graduate students. Funds can be used at the recipient's discretion. The annual deadline is October 15.

Read also: Scholarship Guide
Beinecke Scholarship: Offered by the Sperry Fund, this scholarship provides $35,000. Applicants must attend one of 135 participating universities and be nominated by their school. The annual deadline is the last Friday in March.
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund: This need-based scholarship provides up to $15,000 for candidates involved in movements for progressive social change. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or already accepted to an accredited university, college, trade school, or technical program awarding college credits. The annual deadline is April 1.
Donald L. Landry Graduate Scholarship: Awarded by the Massachusetts Reading Association (MRA), this scholarship provides $1,000. Applicants must attend an accredited college in Massachusetts, be a member of the MRA, and participate in the annual MRA conference. The application requires a 350-word essay. The annual deadline is in February.
Dr. Marc Hull Special Education Leadership Scholarship: Offered by the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators, this scholarship provides $1,500. Applicants must be residents of Vermont seeking a license in special education with demonstrated community involvement and service. A minimum 3.0 GPA at an accredited school is required. The annual deadline is in February.
Educational Administration Scholarship: Provided by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, this scholarship offers $2,500. Applicants must be recommended by the chair of their school of education. Only one application per college or university campus is considered. The annual deadline is September 30.
Elementary Mathematics Specialist Scholarship: Awarded by The Math Learning Center, this scholarship provides $2,000. Applicants must have three years of full-time teaching experience and plan to become elementary mathematics specialists. The annual deadline is June 15.
Ferrell Scholarship: Offered by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, this award provides $1,000 to those studying for a career in services to persons who are blind or visually impaired. The scholarship is awarded every other year, in even years. The annual deadline is in the spring.
George Bornoff Memorial Scholarship: Provided by the Foundation for the Advancement of String Education and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), this scholarship offers $1,000. Applicants must be ASTA members and actively working as string teachers for no more than eight years. Graduate students returning to school for a music education degree are eligible. Funds are used toward registration at the annual ASTA National Conference. The annual deadline is in October.
Isabel M. Zeta Phi Beta Scholarship: Zeta Phi Beta members should be enrolled in a graduate degree program in either elementary or secondary education.
Leon Bradley Scholarship Program: Offered by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators, this program provides $3,500. Up to two scholarships are awarded to assist candidates seeking their teaching certification endorsements. Applicants must be in their final year of completing certification/endorsement requirements, which can include student teaching. The annual deadline is in May.
National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Foundation Graduate Scholarships: Offered by NACA, the amount varies. Scholarships cover various regions; applicants should designate which region they are in when applying. The annual deadline is March 31.
Pi Lambda Theta Graduate Student Scholar Award: Offered by Phi Delta Kappa International, this award ranges from $500 to $4,000. Applicants must be members of Pi Lambda Theta and be full-time graduate education students at a university or four-year college. Candidates apply for multiple scholarships with a single application. The annual deadline is in April.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: Offered by AmeriCorps, the amount varies. AmeriCorps alumni can use the award to pay current educational expenses at eligible schools and veterans’ programs. You have seven years after completion of your AmeriCorps term to apply.
State University Grant (SUG) Program: Offered by The California State University, this grant provides $3,588 per semester. California residents are eligible to receive this need-based grant. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or California Dream Act application to be considered. The annual deadline is in March.
TEACH Grant: Offered by the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) program, this grant provides up to $4,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a program eligible to accept the TEACH Grant and maintain a 3.25 GPA. Grantees agree to serve as a full-time teacher for four years at an elementary or secondary school or educational service agency serving low-income students. The annual deadline varies.
Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship: Offered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), this scholarship provides $24,000. Applicants should be members of a varsity team and hold a 3.5 GPA. Applicants must be graduating seniors or enrolled full-time in graduate study at an NCAA member institution. The annual deadline is in January.

Fellowships for Education Grad Students

Fellowships offer another avenue for funding graduate studies in education. Here are some examples:

American Fellowship-Dissertation Fellowship: Offered by the American Association of University Women, this fellowship provides $25,000. Funds are available to female students in all fields of study who have completed all coursework, passed all preliminary exemptions, and received approval for their research proposals. The annual deadline is November 15.
Future Immersion Teacher Fellowship: Offered by the French Dual Language Fund, this fellowship provides up to $10,000. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with an intent to pursue a master’s degree and teaching credential to become a teacher in the French dual language program. Alternatively, current French teachers pursuing specialized certification to become trained in dual language and immersion pedagogy may also apply. The annual deadline is in June.
Humane Studies Fellowship Graduate Sabbatical Grants: Offered by the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University, these grants provide up to $15,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD or post-doctoral program and are expected to complete a significant milestone, such as finishing large portions of a dissertation, completing and submitting material for publication, or presenting at a major conference. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and should be submitted at least three months before the semester begins.
James Madison Graduate Fellowship: Offered by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, this fellowship provides up to $24,000. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in 12 credits of Constitutional study per semester. Recipients must be willing to teach American history in a secondary school for at least one academic year. The annual deadline is in March.
Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) Texas Relay Residency: Offered by Relay Graduate School of Education and KIPP Public Schools, this fully paid two-year residency leads to a master of arts in teaching. Residents are placed in elementary or secondary math, science, social studies, and/or English classes in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio.
Knowles Teaching Fellows Program: Offered by the Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles Foundation, this program provides up to $150,000. Applicants should have a degree in a major related to mathematics or science that they intend to use to teach in grades 9-12. Candidates should also be in their first, second, or third year of teaching. The annual deadline is in January.
Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship: Offered by Math for America (MƒA), this fellowship provides $60,000. Applicants should have at least three years of math or science teaching experience and be teaching math or science for at least 60% of their schedule in a New York City public school. The annual deadline is in April.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

TEACH Grant: This federal student aid program awards up to $4,000 per year to students who meet the qualifying criteria after completing their FAFSA form.
James Madison Graduate Fellowship: This prestigious teaching grant awards up to $24,000 to qualified teachers who intend to work at the secondary level and plan to focus their careers on civics, government, or history. Note that this grant cannot be applied directly to a graduate degree program but can be used for professional development.
Fund for Teachers: This versatile grant is available to any teacher interested in professional development. Teachers awarded the grant receive a one-time payment of up to $5,000. Two teachers can apply as a team and receive a payout of $10,000.
Program of Mathematics Study & Active Professionalism Grants: This grant is available to National Council of Teachers of Mathematics members and will award up to $24,000 to qualified teachers interested in pursuing a graduate degree to further their mathematics teaching careers.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: This award is available to teachers who have completed an AmeriCorps term of service and can be used to repay qualified student loans or to pursue a graduate degree.
Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study: This fellowship awards $1,500 to one teacher annually who intends to pursue a career teaching English as a second language.
AFCEA STEM Scholarships: AFCEA offers a variety of STEM scholarships to undergraduate students that can help them finance their bachelor’s degree while saving for their master’s.
National Council for Teachers of Mathematics Scholarships: The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics offers secondary teacher coursework scholarships that are valued at up to $10,000.
PDK Prospective Educator Scholarships: The PDK Prospective Educator Scholarships are available to students interested in earning a master’s degree in education to teach in public education. More than 100 scholarships are available, some of which are one-time payouts, while others are renewable.
American Montessori Society Teacher Education Scholarship Program: The American Montessori Society offers a teacher education scholarship program for teachers who specialize in the Montessori approach and are interested in professional development opportunities.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund: The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is available to students of Hispanic heritage interested in a higher education degree program.
Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship: The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship available to Black or African American NAACP members under the age of 25 who intend to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program.

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