Top Schools for Online Education & Teaching Degrees: 2024
Choosing the right online degree program is critical, particularly in the field of education and teaching. It is important to select a program that provides convenient online coursework and enables students to acquire vital face-to-face skills without compromising quality or cost. The following college rankings can assist in this process, with institutions on our list scoring high marks in essential areas such as accreditation, affordability, online degree options, and student support. Review each school below to determine if they offer the online education or teaching program that meets your requirements.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University offers a fully online, 30-credit Master of Arts in Education. Students choose a degree concentration in early childhood education, elementary education, or reading and literacy instruction, with further optional specializations in human growth and development, gifted and talented education, autism, and more. This nationally accredited program offers interactive online classes, with an average class size of 20 students and instructors who are experienced educators. Multiple start dates are offered throughout the year, and GRE scores aren't required. Ball State also offers doctoral programs in education for those wishing to continue their studies.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $451/credit (in-state); $676/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC, CAEP
2
Kalamazoo, Michigan
For those interested in a career as a special education teacher, Western Michigan University offers a Master of Arts in Special Education, which can be completed in person at the Kalamazoo campus or online. Students focus on working with those who have autism, emotional impairments, or learning disabilities, or they choose to become behavior intervention specialists. Students also have the opportunity to earn one of several educational endorsements or certifications through their graduate studies. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, prior professional experience in education, and three professional references. Online students are eligible for in-state tuition regardless of residency.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Special Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $764.76/credit (in-state or online); $1,147.14/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: In person, Online
- Accreditation: CAEP
3
Greenville, North Carolina
The Master of Arts in Education, Special Education degree at East Carolina University is available fully online with a variety of concentrations and specializations. Students focus on working with children who have learning disabilities, behavioral and emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or low-incidence disabilities. Students also participate in a two-semester, in-depth case study that incorporates knowledge of the field into a specific application. No GRE is required; students may apply online. Applicants must submit a statement of intent and three letters of recommendation. Applicants who currently hold a teaching license must include a copy with their application.
Program Highlights:
MAEd in Special Education
- Credits: 30-39
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $289.11/credit (in-state); $1,019.61/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Gainesville, Florida
5
Virginia Beach, Virginia
6
Natchitoches, Louisiana
7
Lynchburg, Virginia
8
Tampa, Florida
9
Jonesboro, Arkansas
10
Wheeling, West Virginia
11
Valley City, North Dakota
12
Silver City, New Mexico
13
Cincinnati, Ohio
14
Fresno, California
15
Mississippi State, Mississippi
16
Kent, Ohio
17
Columbus, Ohio
18
Athens, Ohio
19
Cincinnati, Ohio
20
Las Cruces, New Mexico
21
Springfield, Missouri
22
Pensacola, Florida
23
Concord, New Hampshire
24
Kearney, Nebraska
25
Norfolk, Virginia
26
Emporia, Kansas
27
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
28
Lake Charles, Louisiana
29
Jackson, Mississippi
30
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
31
Newark, Delaware
32
Grand Forks, North Dakota
33
Laramie, Wyoming
34
Tallahassee, Florida
35
Macomb, Illinois
36
Birmingham, Alabama
37
New York, New York
38
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
39
Champaign, Illinois
40
Oswego, New York
41
Stillwater, Oklahoma
42
Fairfax, Virginia
43
Chadron, Nebraska
44
Raleigh, North Carolina
45
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
46
California, Pennsylvania
47
Peru, Nebraska
48
Buffalo, New York
49
Jacksonville, Florida
50
Magnolia, Arkansas
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Fulton, Mississippi
Itawamba Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education Technology to prepare future educators for careers in preschools and daycares as childcare providers or teacher's aides. Students learn the fundamentals of child growth and development, how to encourage learning and creativity in young children, and health and safety, including nutrition and spotting signs of abuse and neglect. Students also learn how to develop and implement plans and programming suitable for young children. After the program, graduates may become nationally certified by taking the Pre-PAC exam.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education Technology
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $145/credit (in-state); $245/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Coos Bay, Oregon
Southwestern Oregon Community College's Associate of Science in Childhood Education and Family Studies is a program that can be taken online, in person, or in a hybrid format. This program prepares students to begin a career in early childhood education or, if they wish, transfer their credits to complete a bachelor's degree. Once enrolled learners take both practical and traditional courses, although they may transfer in some of the general education courses, such as the math requirement. Graduates of this program not only will be prepared to enter the workforce but also will be empowered to pursue a teaching degree through the Oregon Transfer Program. Scholarships and transfer support may be available.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science - Childhood Education and Family Studies
- Credits: 98
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $109/credit
- Mode: Online, Hybrid, In person
- Accreditation: NWCCU
3
Flat Rock, North Carolina
The AAS Early Childhood Education degree program at Blue Ridge Community College is available through two tracks--the career track and the transfer track. The career track is designed for those who want to enter the workforce directly after graduation; the transfer track is for those who plan to go straight into a bachelor's degree program. Whichever pathway a student chooses, they'll be required to complete core general education requirements in writing, math, the humanities, and the sciences, as well as focused courses on child development, education, nutrition, and play and learning. This degree may be completed online or in person. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
Program Highlights:
AAS Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: 5 semesters
- Cost: $76/credit (in-state); $268/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: In person, Online
- Accreditation: NAEYC
4
Bronx, New York
5
Waco, Texas
6
Sioux City, Iowa
7
Sandersville, Georgia
8
Casper, Wyoming
9
Wesson, Mississippi
10
Norfolk, Nebraska
11
Hot Springs, Arkansas
12
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
13
Fayetteville, North Carolina
14
Lexington, Kentucky
15
Waco, Texas
16
Amarillo, Texas
17
Fennimore, Wisconsin
18
Wausau, Wisconsin
19
Ann Arbor, Michigan
20
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
21
Pearl City, Hawaii
22
Concord, New Hampshire
23
San Antonio, Texas
24
Batavia, New York
25
Hillsboro, Ohio
26
Waterloo, Iowa
27
Kansas City, Missouri
28
Houston, Texas
29
Corsicana, Texas
30
Gainesville, Texas
31
Canandaigua, New York
32
Kenosha, Wisconsin
33
Tucson, Arizona
34
Green Bay, Wisconsin
35
Media, Pennsylvania
36
Toms River, New Jersey
37
Newtown, Pennsylvania
38
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Online Education & Teaching Degrees By State
Online degree programs offer flexibility, breaking down geographical barriers and making higher education more accessible. However, for aspiring teachers, choosing a program from a school in your state can be particularly advantageous by getting an education that aligns with local licensing requirements, facilitating a smoother transition into the teaching profession where you intend to work. Use our guides below to find online and hybrid programs in your area:
How Does an Online Degree in Education Work?
Online degrees in education are becoming increasingly popular because they lend themselves well to distance learning formats. The vast majority of topics covered in these programs can be effectively taught through live and pre-recorded lectures, online forums and chat features, innovative assignments that harness educational technology, and papers that can be submitted and graded via email. Most online degrees in education can be completed entirely online, with the exception of any student teaching and internship requirements. While some associate, master’s, and doctoral programs may not require any in-person components, such requirements are more common at the bachelor’s level.
When researching a potential online education degree, there are several factors to consider. If you already have a busy personal or professional life, it’s important to determine whether the program offers asynchronous or synchronous delivery. Asynchronous programs enable you to watch pre-recorded lectures and complete assignments at your convenience, whereas synchronous degrees require you to log in at specific times. It’s also worth considering whether you prefer a part-time, full-time, or accelerated program. Part-time programs usually benefit working students, while accelerated paths appeal to learners who want to earn their degree and begin working more quickly.
And don’t forget about student teaching. While there may be an online component to it, you’ll need to log hours in the classroom, too. Read our Student Teaching Survival Guide to learn more about your final step from degree to career.
What You Learn: Online Education & Teaching Degrees
Because online education and teaching degrees covers a wide range of topics, what you learn depends largely on your degree level and concentration. Students enrolled in a general education associate degree will take different courses than the learner working towards an EdD in curriculum development and instruction. That being said, many education and teaching programs at all levels include courses on the following topics:
Teaching in a Diverse World
Credits
4
Type
Core
Delivery
Campus or Online
This class gives you the skills needed to teach students of diverse ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and personal backgrounds and create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment where each child feels safe and valued. You’ll consider questions around learning equity, differentiated experiences, and creating positive learning outcomes.
Education Technology
Credits
2
Type
Core
Delivery
Campus or Online
In addition to considering the various types of educational technology now available to teachers, this class gives you the practical knowledge needed to effectively implement them based on student needs. You’ll consider how educational technology can enhance classroom activities and assignments and participate in assignments that help you become more literate in available hardware and software.
Classroom Management
Credits
3
Type
Core
Delivery
Campus or Online
This course provides an overview of various theories and frameworks surrounding classroom management, with emphasis on behavior management, tools for student motivation, handling disruptive students effectively, the role of parents, and how to implement interventions. Many of these classes include a student teaching component to gain hands-on skills.
Education Psychology
Credits
4
Type
Core
Delivery
Campus or Online
Students in this class learn about the major frameworks and methodologies surrounding childhood development from birth through adolescence. Topics include theories in education, assessing different learning styles and ability levels, creating positive and impactful learning spaces, and developing management and discipline styles.
Educating Exceptional Learners
Credits
3
Type
Core
Delivery
Campus or Online
Designed to help learners develop skills related to special education, this course takes a look at the variety of support services available to both teachers and exceptional students. You’ll learn about laws surrounding special education alongside the use of special educational technologies, accommodations, and emerging trends in exceptional learning methodologies.
Teaching Social Studies
Credits
3
Type
Specialization
Delivery
Campus or Online
Designed for individuals interested in teaching social studies at the elementary or secondary level, this course introduces them to common social studies curricula, standard implementation methods, common issues and trends in the classroom, and expectations around common core curriculum standards and testing.
Creating Change
Credits
3
Type
Core
Delivery
Campus or Online
After learning about some of the current issues in education, this course aims to give students the tools needed to create change. Learners consider their role as change-makers as they explore the politics and laws surrounding education. They’ll also use a historical lens to better understand how the field has shifted over time.
Effectively Teaching About Race
Credits
3
Type
Core
Delivery
Campus or Online
This course gives you the tools and competencies needed to thoughtfully teach students about race from historical, scientific, and lived perspectives. You’ll build skills in talking about the roles of inequality, privilege, bias, and unfair treatment as you help students better understand how they can create a more equitable experience for all.
Learn more about student and teacher diversity in the classroom.
FAQs for Earning Teaching & Education Degrees Online
Earning an education or teaching degree online requires significant preparation prior to entering the program, a commitment to academic excellence while enrolled, and a solid plan for pursuing a career after graduation. With so many factors contributing to success, you may have numerous general or specific questions about the journey from matriculation to graduation. Rest assured that you are not alone. We consulted with students to determine what they want to know about the process, and our experts provided informed answers to their inquiries.
Which Education or Teaching Degrees Can I Earn Online?
Education and teaching degrees exist both partially and fully online, making it possible for you to find a program that works with your life. 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. Keep reading to learn about the variety of programs available.
Online early childhood education degrees are attractive to students who wish to utilize their teaching skills to assist the youngest learners as they take their initial steps in education. Most programs prepare graduates to work with Pre-K students in both academic and child care settings. These programs are available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels and cater to a diverse range of professional objectives. Coursework typically covers developmental changes from birth to eight years old, educational pedagogy, and creating engaging learning environments.
Elementary education programs online help students fulfill their goals of working with children enrolled in Kindergarten through middle school. These programs give you an understanding of developmentally-appropriate teaching practices, effective lesson planning tools, strategies for teaching students of differing ability levels, and an awareness of how education policy plays into educational goals and outcomes. You must seek licensure and certification to teach after completing this program.
Students who enroll in online secondary education degree programs want to work with high school students to prepare them for college and professional endeavors. Programs focused on this area of education provide you with the subject knowledge needed to teach standard and specialized topics and the skills required to work with students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. You must seek licensure and grade level certification after graduating to qualify for teaching roles.
Special education online degrees appeal to students who want to work with exceptional learners to meet their full potential. In addition to covering subject area materials, you’ll also develop specialized skills in understanding various types of learning disabilities and creating lesson plans that cater to individual needs. Both public and private schools providing campus-based and distance learning programs offer these degrees. You’ll need to meet licensure and certification requirements to teach with this qualification.
An online physical education degree is an excellent choice if you aspire to teach students of all ages how to lead healthy and active lifestyles. These programs prioritize fitness for all ability levels and educate students on how to design inclusive programs based on the most recent health and biomedical research. Students gain expertise in curriculum development, equipment maintenance, teaching proper sports movements, and overseeing athletic programs.
Online Certificate in Education & Teaching
Certificates in education and teaching exist for undergraduate and graduate students alike, though learning outcomes tend to vary. An undergraduate certificate in education qualifies you for support roles as a teaching aide or tutor, while a graduate certificate usually focuses on building specialized skills in a particular specialty area of the discipline. The undergraduate path can be a great option if you want to get a taste for education before committing to a full degree, while the graduate certificate can help boost employability, and, possibly, salary potential.
Online Associate Degree in Education
Completing an online associate degree in education won’t qualify you to work as a licensed teacher, but it still offers several tangible benefits. These programs, which usually require two years of full-time study, allow you to get a sense of what a career in education may entail before jumping fully into a bachelor’s program. If you attend an accredited community college or vocational school, these credits typically transfer to a baccalaureate degree if you decide to progress your studies after graduating. Associate degrees qualify you for support roles as a teaching assistant, preschool teacher, or child care worker.
Coursework tends to introduce foundational topics such as trends in education, use of technology in teaching, subject area education fundamentals, and theories of childhood development. These degrees also include some general education courses, which, again, count towards a bachelor’s degree.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education
If hoping to work as a licensed teacher, you’ll need at minimum a bachelor’s degree in education. Whether you want to teach students just starting out in kindergarten or those entering high school, education programs exist to give you the subject area knowledge and educational skills needed to lead classrooms. These degrees also prepare you for jobs outside the classroom, including positions as camp directors, daycare administrators, educational program managers, and textbook authors.
Students typically pick their grade level (e.g., early education, elementary education, 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. You must also participate in a semester-long student teaching experience to build classroom skills. These programs typically require four years of full-time study or two years after completing an associate degree.
Discover the essential skills for education students that will help you succeed both in the classroom while you’re enrolled and leading the classroom upon your graduation.
While an online master’s degree in education likely won’t qualify you for a university position, it can help advance your career and earn a higher salary. If wanting to work as a school counselor, instructional coordinator, librarian, or principal, you’ll need at minimum a master’s degree. These programs build skills in leadership, implementation of qualitative and quantitative research, curriculum design and assessment, and providing counseling to students from diverse backgrounds.
These programs exist for individuals who want to work in the highest tiers of education as a practitioner. Degrees emphasize training in areas of program administration, leading organizational change, transformational leadership, and using cutting-edge research to inform new ways of progressing the field forward. Rather than focusing on skills-building in conducting research, these programs teach students how to implement findings in innovative ways. They usually require three years of full-time study or five years of part-time study.
Ph.D. programs in education exist for students who want to build advanced skills in areas of research, policy development and implementation, curricular assessment and evaluation, and postsecondary teaching. These degrees tend to be more theoretical in nature than EdD pathways and give you the skills needed to contribute unique research, findings, and best practices to the discipline. They also provide the skills you need to lead college-level classes that prepare the next generation of educators.
Thinking of entering the teaching profession a different way? Learn more about alternative routes to becoming a teacher.
The Online Bachelor’s in Education: Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for online bachelor’s in education programs depend entirely on the university to which you plan to apply. Some programs exist as full, four-year programs while others are designed to serve learners who already completed an associate degree and need a degree completion program. Those falling into the latter category typically set general education requirements that must be met before a letter of admission is extended.
In addition to general university admission mandates, some education departments also set degree-specific requirements, including minimum GPAs, completion of certain prerequisites, clearance of a background check (required to participate in student teaching experiences), and a passing score on the PRAXIS core examination. General admission requirements typically include official transcripts from any high school or university previously attended, two to three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, answers to any essay questions posed, a completed application and payment of fees, and SAT/ACT scores.
What’s the Cost of an Online Bachelor’s in Education?
Costs for online bachelor’s in education programs vary significantly based on the type of institution you attend. Public schools offering in-state tuition tend to provide the best value for money, while private institutions usually charge significantly more. Check out the table below to get a sense of what to expect, but remember these figures do not include any additional fees.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | 180 quarter credits | $513 | $92,340 |
| Ashford University | 120 | $485 | $58,200 |
| Florida International University | 120 | $229 (in-state); $346 (out-of-state) | $27,460 (in-state); $41,520 (out-of-state) |
| University of Missouri | 120 | $299 (in-state); $900 (out-of-state) | $35,880 (in-state); $108,000 (out-of-state) |
| University of the Cumberlands | 128 | $199 | $25,472 |
25 Resources for Education & Teaching Students
Whether you’re just starting to look for a degree program, are in the midst of completing educational requirements, or are about to begin the job search, plenty of resources exist to help make the process easier. We’ve rounded up 25 of the best support tools that can help provide answers, give insight, and help you feel more knowledgeable and confident about the topic at hand.
- What Can You Do with an Education Degree
- Alternatives to Classroom Teaching
- Common Teacher Interview Questions and Best Answers
- 25 Questions to Ask at a Teaching Interview
- Can You Be a Principal and Still Have a Life?
- The Life of a First-Year Science Teacher
- Teaching English: A Day in the Life of a Teacher in China
- Early EDventures YouTube Channel
- Smithsonian Learning Lab
- Discovery Education
- Open Educational Resources Commons
- TED Ed
- Ed Shelf
- Teacher Certification Requirements by State
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- The National Council of Teachers
- National Association for Bilingual Education
- American Federation of Teachers
- National Education Association
- Association of Teacher Educators
- National Science Teachers Association
- National Council for the Social Studies
- National Association of Special Education Teachers
- National Council of Teachers of English
- Society of Health and Physical Educators
