K-12 educators play a vital role in children's emotional, social, and academic development. Teachers instruct students in academic subjects and function as a positive adult role model. Educators need not spend their entire career in the classroom. Opportunities for career advancement include careers as vice principal, principal, and district-level administrator. While teaching positions require only a bachelor's degree, most administrative openings ask that applicants earn a master's or doctorate.
The following page contains extensive resources for people considering an online teaching degree, including the top online teaching degrees, typical courses, and different professions. Readers can learn more about online learning requirements and how they benefit 21st-century professionals. Please use the embedded links to learn more about the education field.
Featured Online Schools
2017-2018 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| National University | |||
| Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | |||
| Thomas Edison State University | |||
| Eastern Washington University | |||
| University of Alaska Fairbanks |
Can You Get a Teaching Degree Online?
Aspiring educators often ask, "can you get a teaching degree online?" Students can earn a teaching degree online from one of multiple reputable colleges and universities. Many online education degrees allow learners to study in an asynchronous format. Asynchronous classes do not follow set meeting times, letting students to continue working full or part time while earning a degree. Many superb online degrees confer an initial teaching license.
The online learning experience varies somewhat among schools. It typically involves viewing recorded lectures, contributing to a discussion board, and working with peers on small-group projects. Popular learning management systems include Blackboard and Canvas. Students develop transferable skills important to K-12 teachers and administrators.
Graduation requirements include student teaching. Online teaching degree programs that simultaneously qualify graduates for licensure work with learners to find appropriate placement sites. Finally, before learners choose an out-of-state online teaching degree, they should determine whether coursework satisfies their home state's licensure requirements.
What Degree Do I Need to Be a Teacher?
All states require that prospective K-12 teachers earn a bachelor's degree in the academic subject they plan to teach. However, substitute teaching only requires learners to hold a high school diploma or associate degree in education.
Once teachers in training earn a bachelor's and initial licensure, they start instructing students at the primary or secondary level. However, some professional development requirements require educators to earn a master's degree. A master's degree often results in an automatic pay raise and qualifies educators for an administrative role, such as vice principal or principal. Lastly, some dedicated teachers who want to make a wider impact earn a doctorate, qualifying them to educate future teachers at a college or university.
What Teaching Degrees Are Available?
-
Associate
An associate in teaching program takes approximately two years to complete. Many degree-seekers use an associate degree as a bridge toward a bachelor's completion program. Typical coursework includes an introduction to the teaching profession, public speaking, and mathematics for teachers. The degree often requires one or more practicum or internship components where learners gain experience working with children of different ages. Finally, the degree qualifies graduates to work as a teaching assistant or in another unlicensed position.
-
Bachelor's
A four-year online education degree features general education requirements, major coursework, and electives that allow learners to specialize in one or more subjects they desire to teach after graduation. Possible courses include assessing student learning, the school as a community of care, and managing engaging learning environments. Student teaching lasts 12-20 weeks and often involves more than one school. Graduates apply for an initial teaching license immediately after graduation.
-
Master's
Another two-year degree, an online master's program offers degree-seekers one or more concentration options, such as English language learning, K-12 educational technology, or teacher leadership. Although some master's degrees prepare learners for an initial teaching license, these degrees also attract practicing educators who want to transition into a new role or meet their school or district's continuing education requirements. Graduates with teaching experience can receive an administration endorsement, qualifying them to work as a principal or superintendent.
-
Doctorate
A terminal degree, the Ed.D. in education trains experienced educators for senior-level management roles within a school or district. Learners need approximately three years to earn an Ed.D. Potential concentrations include educational leadership, K-12 education, and higher education leadership and policy. Instead of a dissertation typical to Ph.D. programs, Ed.D. programs conclude with one or more capstone experiences. Finally, like some master's programs, doctoral programs often use a cohort-based learning model.
Courses in Teaching Programs
In a teaching degree online program, major coursework covers pedagogy -- the practice of teaching effectively. Courses in an online teaching degree convey more than teaching best practices. They also promote analytical, research, and communication skills that graduates go on to use in their professions. Students hone these skills through analyzing case studies, writing research papers, and collaborating with peers.
The following list contains five courses that a student takes in a typical bachelor's program. Graduation requirements differ among colleges and universities. Contact schools directly to learn more about online teaching degree courses.
- Fundamentals of Diverse Learners
-
This introductory course introduces degree-seekers to physical and mental disabilities that impact children's learning. Fundamentals of diverse learners also covers 504s and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) -- legally mandated instructional and assessment modifications that help students with disabilities succeed in the general education classroom. The course also covers how to form relationships with parents of students with disabilities.
- Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning
-
Educational technology for teaching and learning prepares degree-seekers to use technology that promotes children's learning outcomes. Coursework covers using technology responsibly and ethically, providing assistive technology to children with disabilities, and evaluating new technology. Additionally, academic requirements often include observing K-12 teachers using different software and hardware to enhance instruction.
- Educational Psychology
-
Educational psychology analyzes how children's mental development affects learning and socialization. In class, students learn different cognitive development theories and case studies. Studying these and other theories help learners gain a deeper appreciation of and sensitivity for children's emotional states and learning styles. Also, educators in training use the knowledge and skills they gain in the course to develop accurate assessments.
- Assessing Impact on Student Learning
-
All K-12 educators need to know how to evaluate whether their instruction makes a positive impact on children's learning outcomes. Course topics include how to use ungraded formative assessments to judge what children retain at the end of the day. Educators then determine which children need remediation before the graded summative assessment.
- Student Teaching
-
Licensure candidates take this course after completing their online education degree's core curriculum. Student teaching involves spending approximately one semester teaching under a licensed educator. The educator acts as a mentor and helps degree-seekers apply their knowledge and skills in a classroom setting.
Career Outlook for Teaching Degree Graduates
Online teaching programs prepare students for a career as a K-12 educator. However, practicing teachers go on to qualify for more advanced positions by gaining a graduate degree, professional experience, or an endorsement on their teaching license. The following eight careers represent just a few types of professionals that schools need to facilitate positive learning outcomes. Please keep in mind that not every school offers all of the following positions. Job titles and responsibilities vary.
Kindergarten Teachers
Preschool teachers work with children ages five and younger. Their primary job responsibilities include conveying basic English, reading, and math skills. These educators also play an essential role in their students' social development, as they model appropriate behavior. Like K-12 teachers, they also create schedules, identify developmental disorders, and form relationships with parents.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Like preschool teachers, kindergarten and elementary school teachers introduce learners to different academic subjects and guide students' emotional and social development. Public school teachers use a state-mandated curriculum and assess students. Additionally, they modify instruction and assessment for students with disabilities based on IEPs and 504s.
Middle School Teachers
Middle school teachers specialize in one academic subject and take on additional responsibilities like coaching a team, advising a club, or supervising detention. Like all educators, they communicate with parents concerning their child's academic and social development. Middle school teachers work alongside special education teachers to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate services, as well.
High School Teachers
High school teachers share many of the same job responsibilities as middle school teachers. However, they often instruct more than one academic subject, requiring them to earn an additional endorsement on their teaching license. High school teachers also serve on school committees to discuss areas of improvement, disciplinary issues, and other topics.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals:
High school principals manage their school's day-to-day operations. Primary job responsibilities include hiring teachers and staff, evaluating teacher performance, and acting as a point of contact for community members and other stakeholders. At larger schools, principals often delegate some tasks to vice principals.
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work with learners with physical and mental disabilities in small groups or individually. They also write and maintain IEPs for students with disabilities. The IEP process involves a meeting with teachers, students, and parents to discuss academic progress, modifications, and goals for the following year.
Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers
Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers help adult learners prepare to take the GED or a similar high school diploma equivalency exam. These educators can also help recent immigrants and other individuals improve their English reading and writing skills. They also assist learners with learning academic skills necessary for career success.
Educational Consultant
Parents, teachers, and administrators hire educational consultants to improve student learning outcomes. Typical job duties include creating new curricula, providing feedback on instruction and assessment, and creating resources for educators or learners. They either work for a company or start an independent consulting business.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | ||
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | ||
| Middle School Teachers | ||
| High School Teachers | ||
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | ||
| Special Education Teachers | ||
| Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers | ||
| Educational Consultant |
Accreditation for Online Teaching Programs
Many colleges and universities offer online teaching degree programs, but reputable schools hold regional accreditation from one of the six agencies the U.S. Department of Education charters. These agencies review programs and grant accreditation to institutions that meet rigorous academic standards. Additionally, some employers do not consider applicants whose alma mater lacks regional accreditation.
Prospective online degree-seekers should also ensure that their future school possesses national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC ensures that colleges and universities maintain the same academic requirements and learning outcomes for both online and on-campus programs.
Finally, both future and practicing teachers should only consider online education degrees that earned programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP professionals compare a program's curriculum against standards like pedagogical knowledge, candidate quality, and program impact. CAEP certification signifies that current and future teachers graduate with the skills necessary to improve K-12 student learning.
The Best Online Teaching Degrees
The following 25 colleges and universities offer the best online teaching degrees in the United States. Each features one or more programs that appeal to aspiring and current teachers, and some degrees confer an initial teaching license. Please click on the embedded links to learn more about each school's programs, courses, and graduation requirements.
| 1 |
National University La Jolla, CA |
NU's Sanford College of Education offers over 50 on-campus and online teaching degrees in early childhood education, applied behavioral analysis, and higher education administration. The university also features multiple degrees for aspiring and practicing California educators. All programs possess programmatic accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The NU Career Services (CS) department provides numerous resources to students and alumni, including career counseling, salary negotiation, and career fair advice. Advisors provide free reviews of students' resumes and cover letters. CS also hosts virtual workshops that cover topics such as interviewing skills and resume development. Admission requirements include a high school diploma that reflects a minimum 2.0 GPA. Each graduate degree uses unique requirements, such as a teaching license. Graduate degree-seekers pay approximately 30% more on tuition than undergraduate learners. |
Visit Site |
| 2 |
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA |
Experienced educators enroll in Penn State's online education degrees. The university offers master's degrees in educational leadership, higher education, and lifelong learning and adult education. Teachers who possess a bachelor's degree can also earn a postbaccalaureate certificate in areas like family literacy and adult basic education. Online learners gain access to the same career services as Penn State's on-campus students, including virtual career fairs, individualized counseling sessions, and summer internship opportunities. Students can also access the private Nittany Lion Careers job board. Penn State offers specialized resources for veterans, including priority registration and credit for military training. Postbaccalaureate certificate programs and master's degrees use the same graduate application. Application materials and requirements vary by program. Penn State's Graduate School awards over a dozen Student Recognition Awards each year. Learners may qualify for additional institutional aid programs that require a separate application. |
Visit Site |
| 3 |
Thomas Edison State University Trenton, NJ |
Prospective learners wondering if they can get a teaching degree online should research TESU's online options. The university offers two master's degrees in education leadership and educational technology. These programs prepare practicing educators to work as principals, superintendents, or technology coordinators. Career Resources (CR) advisors connect students with multiple software programs that can aid their job hunt, including LinkedIn, CareerOneStop, and ACP. Virtual career seminars cover the value of various degrees and workplace inclusion. CR also partners with numerous employers such as JetBlue, Study.com, and Waste Management to provide students and alumni with fulfilling job opportunities. Graduate degree applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Individuals with a lower GPA can apply, but they must submit a personal essay. TESU features many institutional aid programs, all of which require a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA. |
Visit Site |
| 4 |
Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA |
EWU's six online teaching degrees train the next generation of adult education, early childhood education, and curriculum and instruction educators. These master's programs require 49 credits, and learners can graduate in just 12 months. All teaching degrees include a two-part internship that require learners to spend 120 hours at an approved job site. The EWU Career Center (CC) provides online learners with various resources, including one-on-one appointments, practice interviews, and a mentorship program through the Eagle Career Network. CC blog posts cover virtual internships and scholarship information. The degrees feature seven start dates per year. Applicants do not need a teaching license and need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. EWU charges the same tuition to all students, regardless of where they live. |
Visit Site |
| 5 |
University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK |
UAF's teaching degree online programs include bachelor's degrees in elementary education and secondary education. Learners with a bachelor's degree can enroll in a postbaccalaureate licensure program that confers an initial Alaska teaching license. Throughout the country, 45 states accept educators and administrators with an Alaska teaching license. No matter where degree-seekers live, they can access multiple resources on the UAF Career Services (CS) website, including career exploration guides, Handshake, and virtual events. CS hosts industry-specific virtual recruitment fairs, and learners can sign up for personalized career appointments. UAF's bachelor's programs do not accept GED scores, and applicants should possess a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. Prospective students with a lower GPA can still apply, but they must meet the university's ACT or SAT score cutoff. UAF's Scholarship Application System curates more than 400 financial aid opportunities for degree-seekers regardless of residency. |
Visit Site |
| 6 |
Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH |
SNHU offers two online teaching degrees to experienced educators who want to pursue a master's degree: higher education administration and curriculum and instruction. The latter features three concentration options that include dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, educational leadership, and special education. Each 36-credit degree takes learners two years to complete. The SNHU Career Services (CS) website provides students and alumni with career assessments, personalized career coaching sessions, and internship opportunities. CS advisors network with employers throughout the nation to recruit SNHU alumni and teach degree-seekers job-hunting skills. Other CS services include experiential projects that convey transferable skills. SNHU admits new degree-seekers at five points throughout the year and does not require GRE or GMAT scores. All learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate. SNHU alumni, veterans, and other groups may qualify for an automatic merit-based scholarship if they maintain a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA. |
Visit Site |
| 7 |
Park University Parkville, MO |
At Park, master's students can earn an online teaching degree in organizational leadership and adult learning or teacher leadership. Both 30-credit degrees require learners to maintain a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA. Park also offers a single doctoral program in educational administration that aspiring principals or superintendents can earn in just 2.5 years. Park's Career Development (CD) advisors help learners perfect resumes, prepare for interviews, and explore additional educational programs. The CD website features numerous career guides, and students can download a cover letter template. Park's education degrees do not require standardized test scores. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Prospective learners with a lower GPA can still apply but must complete an interview. Financial aid opportunities include federally backed grants and loans, both of which require learners to complete the FAFSA. |
Visit Site |
| 8 |
Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WY |
LCCC online education degrees help aspiring Wyoming educators earn an associate degree in one of three areas: early childhood education, elementary education, or education. Early childhood education degree-seekers analyze the observation and guidance of young children, administration in early childhood education programs, and general psychology. Associate degrees require 60-61 credits and approximately two years to complete. The Career Center (CC) assists learners preparing to transfer to a bachelor's-completion program and those exploring potential first jobs. The CC Online Resource Library contains essential information regarding resume and cover letter best practices, networking, and the role of academic portfolios in the job-hunting process. LCCC uses a 10-step application process that includes creating an online account, applying for financial aid, and attending an advising session. New degree-seekers without ACT scores take a placement test to determine their first English and mathematics courses. LCCC offers over a dozen institutional scholarships and grants, some of which award full tuition. |
Visit Site |
| 9 |
Arizona State University-Skysong Scottsdale, AZ |
ASU's bachelor's degree-seekers can get a teaching degree online in three subjects, including early childhood studies and educational studies. Graduate learners can choose from more than a dozen options, including indigenous education and global education. Each degree offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Career and Professional Development Services advisors provide counseling sessions, resume reviews, and virtual career events through Handshake. These and other services help more than 90% of alumni find a job within 180 days of graduation. Undergraduate transfer degree-seekers login to MyPath2ASU to determine which credits transfer. ASU uses a minimum 2.5 GPA cutoff for transfer credit. Graduate programs use a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff and ask applicants to submit three recommendation letters. ASU's financial aid counselors help 80% of degree-seekers attain private, federal, or institutional aid. |
Visit Site |
| 10 |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University Waxahachie, TX |
SAGU online teaching degrees include two associate programs and four bachelor's degrees. The associate in early childhood education program trains degree-seekers to work as preschool teachers by using a Christian-centered education that emphasizes curriculum development and assessment. Learners earning a bachelor's in history and social studies education fulfill all requirements to become a licensed teacher in Texas. Career Development (CD) advisors help degree-seekers find a career by offering Handshake, a private job and internship board, and salary resources. Alumni can use these resources at no additional cost. The CD website features numerous career guides and resources for students with young children. Application steps include high school or GED transcripts and placement test scores. SAGU exempts transfer degree-seekers from placements tests. Applicants must also provide a Christian character reference from a pastor or other Christian religious figure. New learners can apply for all institutional aid programs by submitting one financial aid application. |
Visit Site |
| 11 |
Liberty University Lynchburg, VA |
Liberty's numerous teaching degree online programs feature associate degrees in early childhood education and education. Bachelor's students can select from eight degrees, all of which confer an initial Virginia teaching license in areas such as English education, social studies education, and special education. Graduate learners can choose from multiple options, including a doctor of education specialist degree. Online learners can find career coaching appointments, workshops, and resume and cover letter critiques on Liberty's Career Services website. Resources available 24/7 include career exploration and interview preparation guides. Academically gifted learners can apply for the Washington, D.C., or New York City Fellowship. Applicants to online associate and bachelor's programs provide a high school transcript self-verification. Prospective graduate degree-seekers submit official undergraduate transcripts. The application process also involves providing FAFSA results. One of the many aid programs available to in-state undergraduate and graduate learners includes the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant. |
Visit Site |
| 12 |
SUNY Empire State College Saratoga Springs, NY |
ESC's educational studies online teaching degrees include associate and bachelor's programs that train degree-seekers for education positions that do not require licensure. Students interested in initial New York state licensure enroll in the MA program. Graduate concentrations include adult education, early childhood studies, and family education. Career Services resources such as self-assessments, a job board, and resume writing worksheet train degree-seekers and alumni for a competitive job market. Virtual guides help learners identify transferable skills. Learners can also download materials relating to resume and cover letter writing, LinkedIn, and networking. ESC enrolls new degree-seekers in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Undergraduate applicants submit a personal essay along with high school or GED transcripts. Prospective graduate students provide undergraduate transcripts and two recommendation letters. ESC provides in-depth financial aid guides that cover institutional, federal, and private aid opportunities. |
Visit Site |
| 13 |
Regis University Denver, CO |
Regis online teaching degrees feature three master's programs that qualify graduates for an initial Colorado teaching license. Master's programs qualify degree-seekers for an endorsement in one of five areas, including reading teacher, literacy, and special education. The university offers two bachelor's programs that also lead to licensure. The Regis Career Center (CC) helps learners apply their Christ-centered education toward a fulfilling teaching career by offering virtual appointments, practice interviews, and self-assessments on Handshake. The CC website also offers a calendar of upcoming events, such as virtual career fairs. Prospective bachelor's degree-seekers need a high school diploma and must submit one recommendation letter. Graduate admission requirements vary by degree and can include an active teaching license, resume, and interview. Applying for institutional financial aid involves submitting FAFSA results and some tax forms from the prior year. |
Visit Site |
| 14 |
University of Alaska Southeast Juneau, AK |
Both practicing and aspiring education professionals enroll in UAS' online education degrees. Teacher-preparation programs include bachelor's and master's programs in elementary education and special education. Licensed teachers can earn a master's in reading specialist, special education, or educational leadership. The UAS Career Services (CS) website offers career tests, virtual job fairs, and volunteer opportunities. CS advisors work one on one with online learners to help them perfect their resumes and refine career goals. Specialized resources for alumni include salary negotiation tactics. UAS accepts new degree-seekers in the spring and fall semesters. Freshmen application requirements include high school or GED transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Learners who graduated from an Alaska high school in the top 10% of their class qualify for an automatic $12,000 scholarship. Other learners can use AcademicWorks to apply for institutional aid. |
Visit Site |
| 15 |
Webster University Saint Louis, MO |
Degree-seekers can get a teaching degree online at Webster. Program options include one non-licensure bachelor's program in educational studies and five master's degrees that confer an initial Missouri teaching license. Education professionals working toward an administrative position can earn an Ed.S. degree in educational leadership in just two years. The Career Planning and Development Center (CPDC) offers numerous resources to online degree-seekers, including links to top career exploration resources, networking advice, and resume and cover letter guides. CPDC runs Webster's alumni association, an excellent service that allows graduates to network. These and other resources result in a 93% alumni success rate. Prospective freshmen can submit the Common Application. Webster does not require standardized test scores. Graduate program applicants need a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Additionally, Webster alumni who enroll in a master's or doctoral program may qualify for the $2,000 Grad to Grad Scholarship. |
Visit Site |
| 16 |
Trinity Valley Community College Athens, TX |
TVCC features multiple introductory online teaching degrees that include associate programs in primary special education, secondary education, and early childhood development. Associate degrees require four semesters to complete and can include coursework in introduction to teaching, introduction to special populations, and learning framework. Degrees provide some academic flexibility, as students choose 1-2 content area electives. The Career Center (CC) recommends that all new learners take a 60-question career assessment before speaking with an advisor. CC advisors offer virtual advising sessions over the phone or Zoom. Additionally, CC provides resume examples that students and alumni can follow as they prepare for a job hunt. TVCC requires applicants to submit high school or GED transcripts, complete the FAFSA, and take placement tests. All new degree-seekers also meet with an academic advisor. Texas residents who maintain a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA may qualify for a full-tuition scholarship. |
Visit Site |
| 17 |
Saint Leo University Saint Leo, FL |
Saint Leo's 12 teaching degree online programs include bachelor's degrees in early childhood development and elementary education. Master's degree-seekers can specialize in instructional leadership or educational leadership for Catholic school leaders. Saint Leo also offers a doctoral program in educational leadership. The Saint Leo Career Services (CS) team provides learners and alumni with salary negotiation advice, graduate school preparation skills, and resume reviews. CS advisors lead workshops covering how to use academic and transferable skills in a career. Additionally, learners can find 24/7 resources on Handshake. Prospective degree-seekers can apply for one of six annual start dates. Saint Leo accepts GED scores from freshman applicants. All new online learners complete the Starting Point tutorial series to acclimate to virtual learning. Incoming first-year students may automatically qualify for the $13,000 Presidential Award. Transfer degree-seekers can receive up to $12,000. |
Visit Site |
| 18 |
Wilmington University New Castle, DE |
Both undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can enroll in one of WilmU's 14 online teaching degrees. Undergraduates earn a Delaware teaching license, while master's students concentrate in applied technology, higher education, or special education. The university's doctoral programs train learners for top positions in K-12 and higher education. Learners approaching graduation can create a Handshake account to research Career Center resources such as virtual events. These events cover transitioning to a job and individualized counseling appointments over Zoom. Resources that learners can use include Focus 2 Career, a software suite that helps users identify potential career paths. WilmU accepts new online learners every other month. Undergraduate application requirements include high school or GED transcripts. Master's and doctoral applicants need not submit GRE or GMAT scores, and WilmU does not use an undergraduate GPA cutoff. Degree-seekers submit a single application to apply for all institutional aid programs. |
Visit Site |
| 19 |
City University of Seattle Seattle, WA |
CityU's online teaching degrees help experienced educators earn a master's in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or special education. These programs require 37-45 credits and take approximately two years to complete. CityU also offers a doctorate in educational leadership that features three specialization areas and requires degree-seekers to write and defend a dissertation. Each degree website includes information about relevant career paths. Students can prepare for a job hunt using Career Services' (CS) alumni association, networking guides, and career seminars. CS also offers the Washington Career Bridge, an excellent resource for alumni who experience an unexpected job loss. Transfer degree-seekers can apply up to 12 outside credits toward a master's or doctoral degree. For credits to transfer, learners need at least a 3.0 graduate GPA. Active-duty service members and veterans receive automatic tuition assistance through the Yellow Ribbon Program. |
Visit Site |
| 20 |
California Baptist University Riverside, CA |
CBU's Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education offers undergraduate online education degrees in early childhood studies and other topics. Master's degree-seekers select from five options, including curriculum and instruction, leadership, and transitional kindergarten. Learners can complete a master's degree in just one year. Virtual tools on the CBU Career Center website feature an internship board, a four-year roadmap, and a career fair preparation guide. Both current students and alumni can access these and other resources at no charge. International degree-seekers can access Interstride, a career platform that displays each position's visa requirements. Undergraduate applicants must submit a personal essay containing 3-5 paragraphs. CBU no longer requires standardized test scores. Prospective master's students submit an essay and academic or professional references. The Lancer Loyalty Graduate School Grant awards $500-$3,000 to graduate learners who earned a bachelor's at CBU. |
Visit Site |
| 21 |
Fort Hays State University Hays, KS |
FHSU's College of Education allows learners to get a teaching degree online at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The BS in elementary education program confers an initial Kansas teaching license. Aspiring principals can earn a master's in educational administration. This rigorous program features practicum experiences and coursework in cultural diversity, educational leadership, and data analysis and assessment. Whether online degree-seekers plan to look for a job or enter another academic program after graduation, they can use Career Services' self-assessments, academic advising sessions, and a four-year plan to make an informed decision. Other resources include GoinGlobal, a job board that features international career opportunities. Prospective learners ages 21 and over applying to a bachelor's program need not submit standardized test scores. Each graduate program uses different application requirements. All online degree-seekers pay the same per-credit tuition rate at this public university. Students submit FAFSA results to apply for all institutional aid programs. |
Visit Site |
| 22 |
Pima Community College Tucson, AZ |
PCC offers online teaching associate degrees in early childhood education, early childhood studies, and elementary education. These 60-credit programs include coursework in positive child guidance, child growth and development, and human development and relations. Additionally, the early childhood education degree allows degree-seekers to customize the educational experience by selecting electives. The PCC Careers and Internships website features links to resume guides, internship opportunities, and job boards. Career counselors provide online learners with virtual advising sessions. Students and alumni can also sign up for mock interviews and submit a resume for review. PCC's seven-step application process involves taking placement tests, completing orientation, and registering for courses. Out-of-state degree-seekers pay nearly three times the in-state tuition rate. Pima County residents who excelled in high school may qualify for the full-tuition Pima's Merit Tuition Award. Most merit scholarships award funding only to Pima County and Arizona residents. |
Visit Site |
| 23 |
University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND |
UND's teaching degree online programs allow learners to earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate in subjects that include early childhood education, educational leadership, and instructional design and technology. The latter features a 34-credit curriculum and takes just over two years to complete. Learners gain skills in instructional design, adult education, and educational technologies. The UND Career Services (CS) website allows learners and alumni to make a virtual counseling appointment, download informational handouts, and learn more about the university's career mentor program. Visitors can also explore virtual internship opportunities. CS' dedication to students' needs results in a 95% alumni success rate. UND accepts new online learners in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Online and on-campus applicants must meet identical admission requirements. UND charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all online learners. |
Visit Site |
| 24 |
Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA |
CWU's School of Education offers online teaching degrees in higher education, master teacher, school administration, and special education. These programs confer a master's. Academic requirements can include an internship and coursework in principalship, public school finance, and school law. Learners choose between a master's thesis and a culminating project, depending on the degree. Career Services (CS) provides various student resources, including the Wildcat Career Network, mock interviews, and virtual job counseling sessions. CS also provides 24/7 career resources, such as cover letter advice and a career guide. Learners who live near CWU's Ellensburg, Washington, campus can visit the Career Closet to borrow professional interviewing clothes. Graduate admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, and a statement of objectives. CWU charges all learners the same tuition. The university's Scholarship Central website curates over 300 institutional awards. |
Visit Site |
| 25 |
University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS |
USM's online teaching degrees include a bachelor's in elementary education for teacher assistants that prepares learners for an initial Mississippi teaching license. Coursework includes world literature, biology, and ethics and good living. Master's and doctoral programs train the next generation of K-12 and postsecondary administrators. Additionally, educational administration Ed.S. degree-seekers complete two practicums to practice new skills in a school setting. Students and alumni can use USM Career Services' (CS) resume and cover letter assistance, career guides, and interview preparations to prepare for a job hunt or career advancement. Visitors to the CS website can find these and other resources by creating a Handshake account. Prospective doctoral and master's students submit GRE scores, three recommendation letters, and a copy of their teaching license. Bachelor's degree-seeking applicants should take the SAT or ACT and pass a criminal background check. USM waives out-of-state tuition for all learners who earn a degree entirely online. |
Visit Site |
*The schools listed above are sponsored. Sponsored school listings are distinct paid advertisements and are clearly marked with a "SPONSORED" or "FEATURED" tag to distinguish them from editorially ranked schools. Learn more about how we rank schools or contact us with questions.
Methodology
To determine the best online Teaching degrees, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the 5 best online Teaching programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.