Best Online Education & Teaching Programs in California (CA)

Thanks to high salaries and a plethora of open positions, California is easily one of the best states for educators. Teachers in California make $20,000 more than the national average, and there is an abundance of open roles because the state is facing a teacher shortage. To become a licensed educator, the first step is to apply to teaching degree programs in California.

Fortunately, you’ve found the right guide to determine the top education and teaching programs in California, discover financial aid options, and more. Continue reading to learn about the top on-campus and online education and teaching programs in California along with everything you need to know before applying.

Top Online Teaching Degree Programs in California

Let’s say you want to get your education degree but don’t have the time to commute to campus. Maybe you find it hard to sit still for in-person classes or want to cut costs. In any of these scenarios, online teaching degree programs in California may work better for you. There are many advantages to online learning, including added convenience, lower student fees, and flexibility with when and where you learn.

These benefits don’t mean all online education programs are created equal, though. You want to ensure you apply to the best online teaching programs in California for you. The best schools provide accredited, high-quality education and have experience with online learning formats.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University offers an online master of education and a hybrid doctorate of education. The master’s program provides student-teaching experiences and meets California licensure requirements because it was designed for those who have undergraduate degrees in a different field and aren’t licensed teachers. While all coursework is hosted online, students must complete two weekend orientations on-campus and a student teaching experience in person.

Santa Clara University works with students to find local schools for their teaching experiences, so students don’t need to live near campus to complete in-person requirements. For added flexibility, some courses are asynchronous while most are hosted at set class times in the evening. Students can also choose between getting their master’s or doctorate on a full-time or part-time basis. The part-time option makes balancing coursework with a full-time degree much easier.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is commonly considered among the best education and teaching programs in California. While the school does offer some fully in-person degrees, its online offerings are where the school shines. Online learners can enroll in a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership or one of its six online master’s in education. Licensed teachers can apply for a master’s specializing in teaching English to speakers of other languages, enrollment management and policy, learning design and technology, postsecondary administration, and school counseling.

USC also has a general master’s in teaching for those seeking licensure. While program formats differ slightly, most graduate degrees are offered in synchronous class sessions. Almost all degrees can be completed part-time or full-time, making them easy to balance with other commitments.

Types of Education & Teaching Degrees You Can Earn in California

California offers a variety of online and on-campus teaching programs for students at different points in their careers. To help you determine which program is right for you, the six most popular types are described below along with a list of some of the best online teaching programs in California for each.

Undergraduate Teaching/Education Degrees in California

Graduate Education Degrees in California

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Education & Teaching Students in California

The average cost for a degree during the 2021-2022 school year was $15,000 to $26,000 per year, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. That’s a significant cost, which is why one of the criteria for being one of the best education and teaching programs in California is ample financial aid options. When looking at financial aid options, consider:

• Scholarships and grants
• Fellowships
• Student loans
• Assistantships
• Work-study programs

There are specific financial aid opportunities for education students in California. Three to consider are:

• Golden State Teacher Grant with awards of up to $20,000
• Scholarships from the California Teachers Association
• University-funded programs like that at California State University

Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Education & Teaching Grads in California

Teachers in California make well above the national average and are in demand because of the state’s teacher shortage, and higher cost of living in the state. While being a classroom teacher is the most common career path for those with an education degree, it’s not the only one.

Education graduates can also work as school administrators in principal or superintendent positions. Learn more about salaries and job growth for different California educator roles in the table below.

Sources: ONET OnLine; Bureau of Labor Statistics

California Teaching Professional and Student Resources

• California Teachers Association (CTA) The CTA provides educators with networking opportunities, free resources, and educational seminars. It also offers generous scholarships and grants for students in teaching degree programs in California.
• California Federation of Teachers (CFT) The CFT fights for the rights of educators. This union lobbies on behalf of educators, provides free resources for teachers, and offers scholarships to students enrolled in the top education and teaching programs in California.
• Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) If becoming a school administrator is your goal, consider joining the ACSA. It provides administrators with free resources, networking events, and a mentorship program. The ACSA’s website also provides information on different credentials and career paths.
• California School Employees Association (CSEA) The CSEA provides resources, continuing education webinars, and discounted tax and insurance services for many types of school employees. It also acts as a space where different types of school employees (e.g., including teachers, staff, and administrators) can come together and collaborate.
• TEACH California To help more Californians enter the education field, the California Department of Education created TEACH California. This organization helps you understand licensure requirements, promotions within education, and financial aid for the best education and teaching programs in California.