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Master's in Education for Gifted, Talented, and Creative (MSE) Online

Arkansas State University's online M.S. in Education in Gifted, Talented and Creative is a CAEP-accredited, 30-credit-hour program completed in as few as 18 months through accelerated online courses (7 weeks in fall and spring, 5 weeks in summer). Built for licensed teachers, it prepares graduates to identify and serve gifted learners in roles such as gifted education teacher, gifted and talented coordinator and program director, and supports eligibility for Gifted, Talented and Creative K-12 licensure.

Next Apply Date: 9/28/26
Next Class Start Date: 10/12/26
Apply Now
Next Apply Date: 9/28/26
Next Class Start Date: 10/12/26

Program Overview

What does A-State's online MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative offer?

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.

For state program approvals, please refer to our State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures page.

Additional documents

Textbook Information (.PDF)

This program requires Watermark – 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
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

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 and Talented Coordinator
  • Enrichment Program Specialist
  • Gifted Intervention Specialist
  • Curriculum Specialist – Gifted Education
  • District Gifted Education Coordinator
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 and Talented Coordinator
  • Enrichment Program Specialist
  • Gifted Intervention Specialist
  • Curriculum Specialist – Gifted Education
  • District Gifted Education Coordinator
+

Also available:

A-State's online MSE in Gifted, Talented & Creative is one of several credential paths in gifted education. If you're weighing your options, explore the related programs below:

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
Total Tuition: $10,500
Program Duration: As few as 18 months
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation

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Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

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Best Online Master's in Education

Recognized among the “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” by U.S. News & World Report (2026)

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION DEGREE

Tuition

How much does the online MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative program cost?

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:

Per Credit Hour: $350
Total Tuition: $10,500

Calendar

When can you start the online MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative 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.

View full calendar +

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Fall 18/19/268/5/268/5/268/17/268/17/2610/2/26
Fall 210/12/269/28/269/28/2610/8/2610/9/2612/4/26
Spring 11/11/2712/28/2612/28/261/7/271/8/272/26/27
Spring 23/8/273/4/272/22/273/4/273/5/274/30/27

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 9/28/26
Start Class 10/12/26

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

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Admissions

What are the admission requirements for the online MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative program?

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
View all admission requirements +

  • 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 Online
P.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.

Katrina Cloird
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

What courses are in the online MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative curriculum?

Students are required to complete 30 hours of coursework.

You can view your schedule of courses for this degree through the Course Smartsheet:

View the AOS Course Smartsheet

How to Use the Course Smartsheet

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A com­prehensive study of gifted, talented and creative learners including characteristics, identification procedures, appropriate educational services, and social needs of this population in a variety of educational settings.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus is on current theory and practice in planning educational programs for gifted, talented, and creative students.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of research and theory re­lated to giftedness and an analysis of data-driven decision-making for effective classroom practice for gifted students.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth study of the social and emotional needs of children who have diverse learning needs.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth examination of creativity as a meaningful curriculum effort for the education of creative students. Emphasis is on the theoretical aspects of creative process, creative product, and practical application of theory to foster creativity in the classroom.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Review and administration of assessment instruments for the purpose of preliminary screening, identification, and differentiating programming for the gifted, talented, and creative.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Presuppositions of various philosophies with emphasis on the implications of these presuppositions on educational theory and practice.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Learning experiences are provided which incorporate skills in classroom organization, management, planning, and teaching in a field setting for gifted, talented, creative. Permission required by program director.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A focus on innovative teaching, research, program evaluation, and collaboration with stakeholders to meet the needs of gifted, talented, and creative students. Permission of program director required. This course is a culmination of the entire secondary education curriculum for speech and theatre. The course involves application of all materials and methods previously learned in major coursework and professional education preparatory classes.

Built for Arkansas Educators

Arkansas State University's MSE in Gifted, Talented & Creative is designed for Arkansas-licensed teachers ready to earn Gifted, Talented and Creative K-12 licensure. The program is completed entirely online, with accelerated terms and an embedded internship you can complete in your own classroom, letting you keep teaching while you earn your degree. For state authorization and Arkansas-specific licensure approval details, visit the State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures page.

FAQ

MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative Online FAQs

Intro copy

A-State's MSE in Gifted, Talented & Creative is recognized among the "Best Online Master's in Education Programs" by U.S. News & World Report (2026) and is a CAEP-accredited, 30-credit-hour program built specifically around identifying and serving gifted learners, a distinguishing feature next to more generalized education master's programs.
Requirements vary by state and role, but the credential ladder generally runs from a gifted education endorsement or certificate (an add-on to an existing license, no new degree required), to a certificate-level director credential, up to a full master's degree like this MSE. Teachers who want the full master's-level credential and the broadest career options should consider this program; those who only want the K-12 GTC endorsement without a new degree should see A-State's Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate.
This MSE is a 30-credit-hour master's degree for teachers who want the full credential, deeper coursework in assessment and program development, and eligibility for program-leadership roles. A-State's Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate is a shorter, 15-credit-hour path for already-licensed teachers who want the GT&C K-12 endorsement without completing a new master's degree.
A-State's MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative costs $350 per credit hour, or $10,500 total for the 30-credit-hour program, the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students, with all fees included.
Students can complete the 30-credit-hour MSE in Gifted, Talented and Creative in as few as 18 months through accelerated online courses.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as gifted education teacher, program director, instructional coordinator, gifted and talented coordinator and training and development specialist, positions found in K-12 schools and districts as gifted programming continues to expand nationally.
For elementary teachers who want to formally identify and serve gifted learners, lead a gifted program or move into a coordinator role, the full master's builds the assessment, programming and leadership expertise those roles require. Teachers who only want the classroom-level GT&C endorsement, without pursuing a program-leadership role, may find the certificate-only path a faster, lower-cost fit.

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