Best Online Education & Teaching Degree Programs

As a current or aspiring educator, you know the impact a great teacher can have on students’ lives—and maybe you’re ready to take that impact further. Whether you’re drawn to lead a classroom, work in curriculum development, or support students in new ways, an online education or teaching degree can help you get there. These programs offer the flexibility to deepen your expertise while you continue inspiring young minds. The journey to becoming an even more effective educator starts with choosing the right program, and we’re here to help you find one that aligns with your goals, passion, and schedule.

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:

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.

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.