Best Online Teaching Degrees
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
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$9,489
- Out-of-state$25,560
- In-State$10,294
- Out-of-state$23,018
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled20,229
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$6,892
- Out-of-state$6,892
- In-State$8,992
- Out-of-state$8,992
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled2,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Fresno Pacific University
- Fresno, CA
- 4 year
- 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.
- In-State$32,954
- Out-of-state$32,954
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled3,524
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,129
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$37,518
- Out-of-state$37,518
- In-State$9,936
- Out-of-state$9,936
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled1,959
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Olathe, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$33,090
- Out-of-state$33,090
- In-State$12,404
- Out-of-state$12,404
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled1,584
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mount Olive
- Mount Olive, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$21,618
- Out-of-state$21,618
- In-State$18,000
- Out-of-state$18,000
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled2,288
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Franklin Pierce University
- Rindge, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$38,100
- Out-of-state$38,100
- In-State$36,150
- Out-of-state$36,150
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled1,777
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
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
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.
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.
