Best Online Teaching Degrees
Updated February 12, 2024
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Online Teaching Degrees
An online teaching degree prepares students for rewarding, in-demand teaching careers. Online learning gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. Teachers with an online education degree can work with students of all ages, and they have a variety of options when it comes to work environments. They can work in public or private schools or at universities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that high school teachers earn a median salary of just over $60,000 per year. Professionals with postsecondary teaching credentials can expect higher wages, earning a median of 80,790 per year. Graduates of online teaching master's programs can work as elementary, middle, and high school principals, earning a median of $98,490 annually.
This guide aims to help students find the right programs for their needs and professional goals by considering cost, student outcomes, and school reputation to rank the best online teaching degrees.
Obtaining a Teaching License or Certificate
Certificates and licenses are not the same thing. Certification programs usually signify mastery of a specific career focus. Licensure is a professional requirement to practice. Typically, aspiring instructors need state licensure to teach public school at any level, though rules for private schools vary.
The traditional route to becoming a teacher is to complete a four-year bachelor's degree in education or a related specialization, followed by a teacher preparation/certification program. Some educators pursue master's degrees in education or teaching. All teachers must complete a practical classroom component, pass a certification test in the area they plan to teach, and apply for state licensure.
Applicants for some administrative need a master's degree and an appropriate specialization to obtain licensure. Postsecondary teachers typically need master's or doctorate degrees in their areas of expertise. It takes approximately 5-6 years to complete the education and training to become a teacher.
Featured Online Teaching Degrees
Alternative Paths to Teaching
Aspiring teachers can pursue alternative pathways as well. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 18% of public school teachers earned alternative teaching certifications after completing degrees unrelated to education.
Candidates can also pursue emergency teaching credentials, which allow them to teach in a classroom setting for a limited time until they receive the proper certification. While state requirements vary, most emergency credential applicants need bachelor's degrees. Similarly, some states do not require licensure for substitute teachers.
Other pathways include teaching at a private or charter school, for which some states and institutions do not require licensure. Many private schools, for example, value experience over an education or teaching degree. Students interested in this route should contact individual private schools to determine their qualifications.
Choosing an Online Teaching Program
Choosing the right teaching degree online requires careful consideration of your unique goals, needs, and circumstances. Our list is a good starting point, but you should also perform your own research to find the program that's right for you.
The Best Online Teaching Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Teaching Degrees
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $394
Out-of-State | $394
Credits to Graduate: 120
If you're seeking an alternative path to an education career, K-State's online bachelor's in educational studies might match your goals. The curriculum comprises pre-professional, professional, and educational studies classes. You'll also self-select a custom thematic learning emphasis as a specialization area.
K-State designed this 100% online program for learners planning to pursue careers that do not require licensure. However, you can transfer into K-State's licensure-track professional education program after completing 42-50 credits.
#2 Best Online Teaching Degrees
Minot State University
Minot, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $354
Out-of-State | $354
Credits to Graduate: 120
MSU's online early childhood education program blends theory and applied practice in its curriculum. Coursework prepares you to work with children up to age eight in learning settings such as preschools, daycares, and Head Start classrooms.
Subjects include infant and early childhood education and development, pre-kindergarten teaching methods, and assessment standards. Your required coursework also includes a built-in special education concentration and a strong focus on language and literacy.
This 100% online program features small class sizes and flexible scheduling, enabling you to earn your degree from anywhere. However, note that it does not lead directly to teacher licensure.
#3 Best Online Teaching Degrees
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $550
Out-of-State | $550
Credits to Graduate: 120
In FPU's BA in early childhood development, you'll follow a licensure-track curriculum aligned with NCATE standards. Classes primarily focus on theoretical and practical approaches to educational planning, program implementation, and student assessment. You'll also engage with specialized coursework in teaching exceptional students and educational technology innovation.
FPU delivers online coursework through a user-friendly system that promotes collaboration and interpersonal interaction. The program has an 18-month completion timeline with January and July start dates. To qualify for entry, you'll need at least two years of postsecondary work experience.
#4 Best Online Teaching Degrees
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $409
Out-of-State | $409
Credits to Graduate: 120-122
WilmU's online BS in education studies combines an interdisciplinary foundation with an education-focused core. You can specialize in early childhood education (preschool), elementary education (K-6), middle grades (6-8), or skilled and technical sciences. This program readies you for education careers that do not require licensure.
WilmU's flexible online learning model allows you to self-schedule your coursework. You'll emerge with job-ready skills held in high esteem among educators — among those surveyed, 100% of principals and supervisors agree that WilmU graduates are the most prepared to lead safe and inclusive learning environments that respect individual differences among students.
#5 Best Online Teaching Degrees
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Iowa Department of Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
BVU's online educational studies degree will help prepare you for careers that do not require a teaching license. The program uses a convenient, feature-rich, and user-friendly 100% online format to explore coursework in human development, educational psychology, instructional technology, and more. You can also create your own specialization through electives.
As you move through the program, you'll develop a well-rounded skill set with the flexibility to pursue non-licensure career tracks. BVU's generous transfer credit policy can accelerate your graduation timeline if you've already completed college courses at an accredited institution.
#6 Best Online Teaching Degrees
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Kansas State Department of Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $320
Out-of-State | $320
Credits to Graduate: 60
MNU's online BS in elementary education covers an integrated and comprehensive curriculum combining practical and theoretical elements. This 60-credit, 100% online degree-completion program can lead to K-6 Kansas teaching licensure in just 21-24 months. You'll study teaching methods, classroom management, and instructional technologies, among other topics.
To enroll, you'll need an associate degree or at least 60 college credits that overlap with MNU's general education requirements. If you already hold a BA, you can instead opt for an MS program leading to an advanced education degree.
#7 Best Online Teaching Degrees
University of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: North Carolina State Board of Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $455
Out-of-State | $455
Credits to Graduate: 120
If you're seeking a versatile online education degree, UMO's BS in early childhood education might align with your needs. You can follow your choice of licensure or non-licensure tracks to pursue the degree that best matches your career goals.
UMO built multiple practicums into the curriculum, giving you many opportunities to apply your skills in real-world settings. Following 36 credits of major coursework, your learning will culminate in a nine-credit capstone project. Capstone components include a case study, senior research project, and integration unit.
#8 Best Online Teaching Degrees
Franklin Pierce University
Rindge, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: New Hampshire State Department of Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $400
Out-of-State | $400
Credits to Graduate: 120-122
Franklin Pierce's online education programs include BA degrees in elementary, secondary, and special education. You'll combine online coursework with field learning components, including practice teaching and classroom observation. Multiple concentrations lead directly to licensure-track careers, making them ideal if you're looking to become a classroom teacher.
Concentration options include special education, elementary education, language arts, social studies, and life sciences. Some of these paths require dual enrollment in the relevant primary major subject area.
You can also pursue a non-licensure BA program leading to career paths in education policy, curriculum development, and alternative educational settings.
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Accredited Online Teaching Degree Programs
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) serves as an accreditation organization for teacher education programs in the United States. CAEP was established in 2013 through the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
CAEP has received recognition from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the nation’s largest institutional higher education membership organization. CHEA provides quality assurance and oversight of accrediting agencies alongside the U.S. Department of Education.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The Federal Student Aid Office of the U.S Department of Education mentions two types of loan forgiveness programs for teachers:
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
Under this program, teachers who teach full–time for five complete and consecutive academic years in specific elementary and secondary schools or in educational service agencies which serve low–income communities may qualify for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 on their Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans as well as their Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. If teachers have only PLUS loans, they are not eligible for this type of forgiveness.
The Teacher Cancellation Program
Teachers with a loan from the Federal Perkins Loan Program may qualify for loan cancellation for full–time teaching at a low–income school, or for teaching in specific subject areas. They can also qualify for deferment for these qualifying teaching services. Teachers should check with the school which made their Federal Perkins Loan for more information.
Graduate Teaching Degrees
Master of Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree programs attract individuals who want specialty training in the educational field or who want to prepare for leadership positions, such as a school principal or an educational administrator. M.Ed. programs meet the academic and professional interests of professionals in the education field.
Some M.Ed. programs cater to educators who already have a teaching license and some cater to individuals seeking education employment outside of a traditional classroom. Some programs provide M.Ed. degrees to individuals without teaching experience.
Master of Education programs typically cover the strategic and theoretical aspects of education as well as subjects related to human psychology and behavior which apply to the science of education and instruction. They cover instructional and professional subjects applicable to school and student performance.
Graduates can use this degree to advance careers as educators, but the leadership and organizational skills they've learned could also apply to a wide variety of industries unrelated to education.
Typically, students in Master of Education programs must gain practical experience through student teaching, a fellowship, internship, or formal observation hours. Programs generally take one to two years to complete.
Master of Education degree specializations include:
- School counseling.
- Curriculum and instruction.
- Adult education.
- Museum education.
- Classroom technology.
- Economics and policy.
- Reading and literacy.
- Leadership.
- Instructional design.
- Curriculum development.
- School psychology.
- Administration.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree programs attract current and prospective K-12 teachers who seek their teaching license or wish to obtain additional certification to advance in their careers. MAT degree programs attract individuals interested in improving teaching methods and style or enhancing their expertise in a specific content area.
Master of Arts in Teaching programs have a focus on the act of teaching as well as the practical skills and knowledge teachers use to teach groups and individual students. MAT degree programs examine education theories, methods, philosophies, concepts and styles and develop skills in areas such as curriculum design and literacy. Enrollees learn how to improve student performance. Students also learn how to effectively integrate technology into instruction.
Students study theoretical and practical educational research and conduct their own research. Students in a Master of Arts in Teaching degree program typically select a specialized subject in the education field.
Master of Arts in Teaching specializations include:
- Specific subject area such as English or mathematics.
- Elementary education.
- Special education.
- Secondary education.
- Teaching English as a second language (ESL).
- Gifted education.
Some MAT degree programs require students to complete a master's thesis. Online MAT degree programs typically include a student teaching experience. Everyone seeking their initial teaching license must gain student teaching experience and teachers who seek to gain additional certification in a different grade and/or subject must gain teaching experience. Student teaching typically spans between one and two semesters.
Program lengths vary, generally between one and two years.
Doctorate in Education
A doctorate in education (Ed.D.) focuses on applying foundational knowledge and research to real-world issues in education. Ed.D. programs prepare students for administrative, academic, professional, clinical or research positions in K-12 and higher education, public institutions, civil service, and private organizations.
Instead of focusing on developing new research (such as with a Ph.D. program), doctorate of education students utilize existing research to inform decisions about specific issues which can lead to improving practices within their specialization areas.
Doctorate in education programs prepare students for leadership positions such as school district executives, training supervisors, chief learning officers in large corporations, faculty at the university level and more.
Doctorate in education programs include specializations such as counseling, educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, postsecondary education, administration, special education and more.
Ph.D. in Education
Ph.D. in education programs prepare professionals to become education researchers, university faculty members, senior-level education leaders, policymakers, practitioners and scholars in many settings.
Professionals with a Ph.D. in education can work in education research, practice, and policy.
Ph.D. in education programs typically emphasize producing new knowledge in the education field while improving research and analytical skills. Ph.D. students can specialize in areas such as education policy and program evaluation, education leadership, literacy studies, higher education administration and policy, education, special education, society and culture, human development, learning and teaching, and more.
Featured Online Master's in Teaching
Teaching Careers
Teachers can pursue many different career opportunities based on their training, interests, and expertise. Below, you will find some of the most common teaching careers, along with the standard degree requirements and median salaries for each.
Preschool Teacher
| Required Degree: Associate | Median Annual Salary: $31,930 |
Preschool teachers take care of preschool children by teaching them, encouraging them, and keeping records of their habits and progress. These teachers may need to develop their own curricula, assess individual students, and support the development of basic skills, like movement and speech.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
| Required Degree: Bachelor's | Median Annual Salary: $60,660 |
Kindergarten and elementary teachers help prepare students by developing their basic reading, math, and social skills. These teachers provide students with lesson plans that allow for creativity and practical exploration.
Middle School Teacher
| Required Degree: Bachelor's | Median Annual Salary: $62,870 |
Middle school teachers prepare students for high school. They teach grades 6-8. Teachers develop curricula, foster productive learning environments, and evaluate students to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
High School Teacher
| Required Degree: Bachelor's | Median Annual Salary: $62,870 |
High school teachers educate students in a particular subject areae, preparing them for college or the workforce after high school. They create effective learning plans while accommodating each learner's needs and abilities.
Postsecondary Teacher
| Required Degree: Master's or Doctorate | Median Annual Salary: $80,790 |
Postsecondary teachers instruct college and university students in specific disciplines while conducting research and publishing scholarly work. These teachers develop instructional plans based on their research and departmental needs.
Other Education Careers
| Career | Required Degree | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director | Bachelor's | $49,160 |
| School and Career Counselor | Master's | $58,120 |
| Instructional Coordinator | Master's | $66,970 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | Master's | $97,500 |
| Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal | Master's | $98,490 |
Common Questions About Online Teaching Degrees
Which Degree Is Best for Teaching?
The most traditional way to become a teacher is to complete a bachelor's degree in education. However, postsecondary teachers typically need master's or doctoral degrees.
Is a Master's Worth It for Teaching?
Master's degrees can lead to various teaching careers, including roles in leadership and administration. Graduates can also pursue postsecondary teaching roles in some schools.
Can You Get a Teaching Job With an Online Degree?
Yes. Students who earn online degrees in teaching can pursue the same careers as on-campus learners. Most programs only differ in their method of delivery.
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