Master's in Education for Gifted, Talented, and Creative (MSE) Online
In this rigorous master’s in gifted education online program, you will learn to identify giftedness in students as you develop instructional models that meet their needs. Build your expertise in teacher training, research and service and gain the credentials required to become a gifted, talented and creative educator.
Program Overview
Advance your teaching career with A-State's M.S. in Education in Gifted, Talented and Creative
This online master's program in gifted education aligns with recommendations from the Council for Exceptional Children, CAEP and other professional and accrediting organizations. Learn to identify and assess gifted learners and respond to students’ social and emotional needs as you use data-driven decision-making to develop effective instructional practices. Coursework highlights current issues in gifted education as well as subjects such as innovative programming and philosophies of education.
This accelerated program is designed for working educators, with tightly integrated online courses and application-based curriculum. You will also complete an internship to incorporate skills in classroom organization, management, planning and teaching in a field-based setting. Gain the credentials needed to pursue gifted, talented and creative licensure while learning on your schedule.
Please refer to the Program Approval Map for eligibility information related to this program.
Additional documents
This program requires Student Learning & Licensure (SL&L).
Educators completing this master's program gain expertise in the following:
- Teacher training, research and service in the areas of identifying giftedness
- Characteristics and needs of gifted, talented and creative learners
- Educational procedures and materials for the gifted, talented and creative
- Assessment and programming in the classroom
- Developing models for serving the needs of the gifted learners
- Teacher training, research and service in the areas of identifying giftedness
- Characteristics and needs of gifted, talented and creative learners
- Educational procedures and materials for the gifted, talented and creative
- Assessment and programming in the classroom
- Developing models for serving the needs of the gifted learners
As a graduate of this online program, you will be prepared for roles specializing in gifted and talented services, including:
- Gifted Education Teacher
- Program Director
- Instructional Coordinator
- Training and Development Specialist
- Gifted Education Teacher
- Program Director
- Instructional Coordinator
- Training and Development Specialist
Also available:
A-State offers a variety of graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online graduate programs.
Mentorship Program
Mentorship is a key aspect of the online master's program that enables you to effectively apply educational theory in the classroom. The mentorship component helps you participate in collaborative activities with peers, colleagues, teachers and administrators, providing you with an opportunity to integrate your acquired skills under the guidance of an experienced literacy leader.
You are responsible for identifying a mentor with an advanced literacy degree who can support you and supervise your practicum/clinical experience. Please note, the mentor is NOT required to grade or formally assess master's candidates.
Mentoring support includes:
- Assisting as candidates complete site-based activities (facilitating access to school sites, data archives, resources and personnel, as needed)
- Offering feedback on key candidate assessments (papers or shorter assignments) as indicated by course professors
- Documenting mentorship terms and materials (papers/assignments) as indicated by course professors
- Communicating with candidates and A-State faculty, as needed
Accreditation
Licensure programs within A-State’s College of Education & Behavioral Science are accredited by CAEP.
Tuition
Find out how and when to pay your tuition
Our MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative online program offers the same affordable tuition to in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Application deadlines and class schedules for this online MSE program
Our master's in gifted education online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, with accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.
Please note Summer 1 and Summer 2 terms are 5 weeks in duration for this program.
| Term | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/12/26 | 12/15/25 | 12/15/25 | 1/8/26 | 1/9/26 | 2/27/26 |
| Spring 2 | 3/9/26 | 2/23/26 | 2/23/26 | 3/5/26 | 3/6/26 | 5/1/26 |
Now enrolling:
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Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?
Admissions
Read the details of our admission criteria
A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a valid teaching certificate. Make sure to review full admission requirements below.
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Bachelor's degree
- Valid teaching certificate
- A baccalaureate degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours, from an accredited institution
- A valid teaching certificate
- Commitment from an appropriate professional who will function as your mentor during the degree program. View acceptable mentors (PDF).
Application submission requirements
- Complete online application
- Pay the nonrefundable $30 fee
- Send official transcript(s) from the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
- Provide contact information for the supervisor who will function as your mentor
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
Additional information
For more information on state eligibility, please visit our State Authorization and Licensure Disclosures page.
Appeals process
- Email a written Letter of Appeal and GRE or GMAT scores (may be unofficial) to [email protected]
Transfer credits
Up to 9 graduate hours from A-State or other higher education institutions may be credited toward a program. No course can be older than six years by graduation time. Transfer credit will be evaluated by the Director of the Program. To request prior credit be evaluated, please complete the Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form.
I like the fact that A-State offers an accelerated program that is very affordable. I also like the quality of teaching. You don’t feel like it’s online. All of the staff is very personable, and you feel like you know them.
Katrina Cloird, A-State online MSE – Gifted, Talented & Creative graduate
Courses
The topics you'll study in our online Master of Science in Education classes
Students are required to complete 30 hours of coursework.
Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.
What are philosophies of education?
Philosophies of education examine foundational theories including progressivism, essentialism, perennialism, constructivism, and social reconstructionism. These perspectives shape curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and educational policy. Understanding them enables educators to articulate beliefs grounded in scholarly traditions and apply frameworks to contemporary challenges.
This course invites learners to critically examine the foundational presuppositions of various educational philosophies and their influence on educational theory and practice. Through thoughtful reflection and analysis, participants will explore how philosophical perspectives shape beliefs about teaching, learning and the purpose of schooling.
Designed for educators, administrators, counselors and higher education professionals, the course encourages:
Deep engagement with conceptual ideas surrounding education
Critical thinking about the values and assumptions embedded in different philosophical approaches
Reflection on how these philosophies inform real-world educational decisions and practices
By the end of the course, learners will be better equipped to articulate and evaluate their own educational beliefs within a broader philosophical context.