Online Education & Teaching Degrees: Reviewing Top Programs

Where to Start

Taking your first step toward an online degree in education or teaching means asking the right questions. If would be easy if everyone wanted or needed the same things, but we don’t. Some aspiring teachers need a flexible program to balance work, family, and school. Others need the most affordable program available to make sure the degree path stays under budget. Others still want a mentor or faculty who understands where they want to go and how. Before choosing a program — even before researching programs — ask yourself a few questions, including:

• What is my end goal? Classroom teaching, administration, specialist? Define success before you take any steps. Answer this question will help you identify the degree and degree level you need.
• Am I ready to learn online? For newer students, online learning is already part of their school experience. For students who have been outside of college for years — or who have never been — it may be an unknown. Do you have the desire and drive to learn independently, and the tech skills to boot?
• Can I afford college? Am I ready to look for scholarships, apply for financial aid, and seek other sources of funding?
• How fast should I go? Should I learn part-time or full-time, at a standard pace or accelerated? It might be hard to tell at first. See what other students say about each of the options.

Education & Teaching Degrees by Level

Education and teaching degrees exist both partially and fully online, making it possible for you to find a program that works with your lifestyle and current career. These degrees can be found at every level as well, meaning you can go from an associate degree to a Ph.D. with minimal visits to campus. There are also certificates to help build your resume and begin work quickly.

Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates for Educators

Students have several options to earn early childhood certification to teach in support roles, including as a childcare worker, teaching assistant, or tutor. These programs usually take less time than the standard degree and cost less to complete. Undergraduate certificates are for roles in elementary or secondary schools and usually focus on a specific discipline. Certificates are ideal for students who want to get a taste for education before committing to earning a full degree. Some programs will apply credits from undergraduate certificate programs to a bachelor’s degree.

STEPS Pick: Online Teaching Undergraduate Certificate Program

IAP Career College’s Teaching Assistant Online Certificate Course

Students learn about educational support duties including how to manage classrooms, address behavior concerns, and help with instruction in this course that takes four and 12 weeks depending on your schedule. Graduates can receive an optional membership in the International Association of Professional Teaching Assistants.

Associate Degrees for Educators

Completing an online associate degree in education won’t qualify you to work as a licensed teacher, but it offers several tangible benefits. Completion usually requires two years of full-time study, allowing you to see what a career in education entails before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program. If you attend an accredited community college, credits typically transfer to a baccalaureate. Associate degrees qualify you for support roles as a teaching assistant, preschool teacher, or childcare worker.

STEPS Pick: Online Education Associate Degree Program

Purdue Global’s Online Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development

This associate degree in education with an emphasis on early childhood features 18 courses that can be completed in about two years. Among the courses are curriculum planning, child safety, creative activities for young children, and teaching children with special needs. Students must have a high school degree or GED to enroll.

Online Education & Teaching Bachelor’s Degrees

If you are hoping to work as a licensed teacher, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in education before you can run your own classroom. Students typically pick their grade level (early, elementary, or secondary education) to build skills in content delivery before moving into topics around classroom management techniques, instructional approaches, educational technology, classroom assessments, and working with exceptional and gifted learners. A semester-long student teaching experience is required to build classroom skills. Programs typically take about four years of full-time study or two years with an associate degree.

STEPS Pick: Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Teaching

Oregon State University’s Bachelor of Science in Teaching Program

This bachelor’s degree program features a blend of online and in-person coursework. Topics include English as a Second Language, linguistics for teachers, developmental reading, classroom management, and diverse teaching strategies. There is also a practicum and internship with partner school districts. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Graduate Certificate Programs for Educators

Graduate certificates in education and teaching usually focus on building specialized skills in a particular area. Earning a graduate certificate in education can boost employability and salary potential for roles inside or outside the classroom. Certificates are available in educational policy, special education, English language, reading and literacy, and college teaching. Most graduate certificate programs can be completed within one to two years, and financial aid is often available.

STEPS Pick: Online Education Graduate Certificate Program

University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign’s Graduate Certificate in Education

If you’re looking for professional development to boost your education career, consider this certificate program for education graduates. Two to five courses are required, depending on the specialization. Choose from 17 areas of study including cancer education and management, digital learning, early disability intervention, community college leadership, and human resource development.

Education & Teaching Online Master’s Programs

An online master’s degree in education can help advance your career and mean a higher salary for public or private schools. If you want to work as a school counselor, instructional coordinator, librarian, or principal, you’ll need at least a master’s degree. Master’s programs build skills in leadership, implementation of qualitative and quantitative research, curriculum design and assessment, and providing counseling to students from diverse backgrounds. Financial aid is available for most programs, and transfer credits from your bachelor’s degree can often lead to shorter completion times.

STEPS Pick: Online Master’s of Education (MEd) Program

University of Texas at Tyler’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Transfer credits for previous graduate courses in education are accepted as part of UT Tyler’s program. Core courses include research in learning sciences, curriculum foundations, diversity in education, applied learning theories, and assessment in educational settings. Most students of the master’s degree program at UT Tyler graduate within two years.

Online Doctoral Degrees for Educators

Students have two options to earn the highest degree for educators and teachers. Doctorates, like an EdD, emphasize program administration, leading organizational change, transformational leadership, and using cutting-edge research. PhD programs in education are for students who want advanced skills in research, policy development and implementation, curricular assessment and evaluation, and postsecondary teaching. Both options take between three and five years, and a dissertation is usually required for an education doctorate.

STEPS Pick: Online Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership

University of Alabama’s Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership Online

Research, critical thinking, and high-level problem-solving skills are taught in this PhD program. Courses include leadership core courses and electives, research only, and foundational theory and technology classes. Specific topics include curriculum leadership, psychometric theory, and advanced educational law.

Explore Additional Education/Teaching Resources by STEPS

Education/teaching is a big field, and there’s always more to discover. From degree breakdowns to career planning tips, these resources from STEPS are here to guide you as you work toward your goals.

Find Programs in Your State

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Degree Guides

• Accelerated Education/Teaching Degrees
• EdD Programs
• Early Childhood Education Degrees Programs
• Elementary Education Degree Programs
• Master’s in Education Degrees
• Most Affordable Master’s in Education Degrees
• PhD in Education Degrees
• Physical Education Degree Programs
• Secondary Education Degree Programs
• Special Education Degree Programs

Additional Reads for Students

• Resources for Students in Education
• Alternative Routes to Teaching
• First-Year Teacher Survival Guide
• Beginner’s Guide to the Praxis Exam
• Benefits of Increasing Teacher Diversity
• Student Teaching Survival Guide
• Teaching with a Chronic Illness: A Guide
• Troops to Teachers Program
• 100+ Resources for ESL/ELL Teachers
• Non-Teaching Education Careers
• Online Teaching Strategies
• Financial Aid for Education/Teaching Majors
• How to Become a Teacher
• How to Become a Substitute Teacher
• Essential Skills for Students in Education
• What Can You Do with an Education Degree?

Choosing the Right Online Education & Teaching Program

As you start your research, there are bound to be questions about choosing the right school or degree type and if an education and teaching degree is right for you. Here are some common questions that students ask when considering an education career.

Would I benefit more from an online-only course, and what are the differences in course delivery?

If you already have a busy personal or professional life, online is the way to go, but it’s important to research course delivery format. Asynchronous courses enable you to watch pre-recorded lectures and complete assignments at your convenience; synchronous classes require you to log in at specific times.

Should I pursue a program that offers in-person student teaching?

There’s a lot to be said for real-world experience, so a student teaching course may helpful. Consider establishing a relationship with a cooperative teacher and how you will balance coursework with teaching and other responsibilities.

Will I be able to meet the admissions requirements for an education degree online?

Admissions vary, but there are some definite musts. Some education departments also set degree-specific requirements, including minimum GPAs, completion of certain prerequisites, producing transcripts, and clearance of a background check for the live teaching portions of your hybrid degree.

Does it matter if my education program is accredited?

Yes, it’s actually very important. Accreditation means a lot to potential employers, and it’s crucial for universities that accept undergraduate course credits for graduate degrees. Accreditation is a mark of quality education and a curriculum that prepares students for real-world situations.

Will the program teach me the skills needed to earn a teaching license?

Most programs create certain aspects of the curriculum directly to help you pass the questions on a licensing exam, either nationally or for specific states. Some programs, especially at the bachelor’s level, might even include the licensing text or qualification as part of the degree. Ask about this as you research the best program for you.

How Much Does a Degree in Education & Teaching Cost?

There’s a lot of focus on tuition in education or teaching program research, but tuition is just one part of actual education costs. Transfer credits, additional fees, and what you get for your money should also be considered – think about these areas as you get closer to choosing the right program for you.

Accelerated programs: Often, an online education program will have an option to finish coursework faster or at your own pace, meaning total credit cost savings.

Online vs. in-person: Not every college or university makes online courses cheaper, but a lot do. Plus, you’ll naturally save certain expenses, including travel to and from classes or housing costs.

Type of degree: The higher the degree level and number of required credits, the more likely costs will go up.

Public vs. private: Generally, public institutions are more affordable than private colleges; for-profit schools typically have higher rates.

Answering Common Education & Teaching Student Questions

Is there financial aid available for my education and teaching courses?

Yes, most college and university programs offer some kind of financial assistance for this degree. There are many scholarships for both need- or merit-based awards, especially for undergraduate courses. You can also check for student loan programs, employer tuition reimbursement, work-study placements, or research fellowships to help fund your education. One of the most important steps you can take is to fill out the FAFSA, which not only opens the door to federal aid but is often used to gauge need and qualifications for aid from universities and state programs.

Are there programs for education that offer a part-time option?

Absolutely. Due to the self-paced nature of most online courses, being a part-time student has never been easier. Students typically have the option of taking just one course per term, allowing them the time and flexibility to fulfill other personal or professional obligations. Keep in mind that this can significantly increase the length of time it will take to earn a degree. Full-time coursework for most students is three to five classes in a semester, so use that as a potential gauge.

Are there accelerated teaching and education degree or certificate programs?

Yes, you can find a quicker or more convenient route to a teaching degree or certificate through accelerated programs. Some are even available mostly online, although many require some in-person or classroom learning. Others may require student teaching hours and hands-on experience. Transferring credits is also nearly universal for an accelerated program.

What are some things to remember as I start my teaching career, to make sure that it’s successful?

There are many challenges to consider as you navigate your first year as a professional teacher, but most of the advice that resonates has to do with handling the planning aspects of the role. Find a balance between how you structure classroom rules and how you bring fun into the environment. Break down responsibilities into mini-tasks to stay on top of what’s required. Resist the temptation to take on too many outside roles beyond the classroom. Finally, make sure you book the time to plan your lessons.

What are some of the most common specializations I can earn with my degrees?

Some of the regular offerings include elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, and English as a Second Language. There are also many specializations that can be a part of a degree or separate certificate program. These include leadership, instructional design, educational psychology, math and science, or higher education administration.

Career Options for Education & Teaching Students

You may think becoming a classroom teacher is the primary focus for earning an education or teaching degree, but there are quite a few more options. Nonprofits, publishers, businesses, and government all have roles for grads with education degrees.

Teaching & Education Salary and Career Details

Making Your Decision

Although there is plenty of information on this page about education and teaching programs, it’s a good idea to keep searching for more. You can find additional info on the STEPS site, and also speak directly to colleges and universities during your search.

Then, ask two questions:

What school is right for me? The answer to this question is predicated on the curriculum, degree offerings, and costs that most fit your own goals as an educator.

Am I making the right choice with an education degree? In short, if you have communication skills and an interest in teaching, it can be a worthwhile profession.

STEPS Best Online Education & Teaching Degree Programs

Students seeking any kind of education degree or certificate can benefit by comparing schools and areas of importance. This list features rankings according to data from two-and four-year schools that volunteered for the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS. Data includes the number of online programs each school provides, tuition and fees associated with education programs, and the student-to-faculty ratio.