When it comes to earning your education degree, the quality of the program makes all the difference. You’ll want to choose from among the best education and teaching programs in North Carolina since they offer flexible learning options, specialization opportunities, and practical preparation for a wide range of education-related careers. With some of the highest-ranking education programs in the country, North Carolina is one of the best places to advance in your education career. Whether you’re interested in fields like teaching, counseling, or school administration, North Carolina has a program for you. This guide highlights some of the top education and teaching programs in North Carolina, giving information on online options, degree choices, financial aid services, employment outlook, and student resources.
Best Colleges to Earn a Teaching Credential in North Carolina: Campus-based Programs
Whether you’re just beginning your higher education studies or you’re a professional looking for an advanced degree, the best education and teaching programs in North Carolina can help you achieve your goals. Keep reading to find some of the top programs based on curriculum, career outcomes, specialization opportunities, and student services.
East Carolina University
As the largest producer of new teachers in the state, East Carolina University is one of the top education and teaching programs in North Carolina. The school offers several subject-specific programs for both undergraduate and graduate students in flexible online and on-campus formats. In addition to general university scholarships, education students can earn up to $5,000/year in scholarships through the ECU’s College of Education.
Besides its comprehensive coursework, ECU’s programs are known for their practicum experiences and internships where students observe and practice teaching in North Carolina schools. Many graduates become nationally board-certified teachers and pursue graduate degrees. ECU is also known for its outstanding student services and active community, including the College of Education’s opportunities for education students to connect through social events and informational lectures.
Delivery:
- Online
- On Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Elementary Education, BS
- Secondary Education English, BS
- Secondary Education History, BS
- Secondary Education Mathematics, BS
- Middle Grades Education, BS
- Science Education, BS
- Special Education, BS
Graduate Programs:
- Adult Education, MAEd
- Art Education, MAEd
- Elementary Education, MAEd
- Counselor Education, MS
- Curriculum and Instruction, MAEd
- Family and Consumer Sciences, MAEd
- Instructional Technology, MAEd
- Library Science, MLS
- Mathematics Education, MAEd
- Middle Grades Education, MAEd
- Physical Education, MAEd
- Reading and Literacy Education, MAEd
- School Administration, MSA
- Science Education, MAEd
- Special Education, MAEd
- Education Administration and Supervision, EdS
- Educational Leadership, EdD
Specialization Options:
- Teacher Leadership
- Early Childhood Instructional Strategies
- Teaching Children in Poverty
- Content Pedagogy
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Ranked as the number one school of education in the state and 21 in the country, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill provides one of the best education and teaching programs in NC. Its School of Education forms new teachers, counselors, administrators, and researchers to initiate powerful transformation in communities and schools. With numerous undergraduate and graduate programs as well as specialization options, students can select a program that aligns with their personal and professional goals, whether it’s becoming a licensed teacher or earning an advanced degree in a specialty.
In addition to its impressive faculty and coursework, UNC Chapel Hill places a particular emphasis on research. Students can deepen their knowledge and stay up-to-date on emerging educational trends through the school’s research initiatives in areas like school safety, educational policy, human development, learning technologies, and more.
Delivery:
- Online
- On Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Human Development and Family Science, BAEd
- Human and Organizational Leadership Development, BA
Graduate Programs:
- Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, MA
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Master of Education for Experienced Teachers, MEd
- School Administration, MSA
- School Counseling, MEd
- Applied Developmental Science and Special Education, PhD
- Culture, Curriculum, and Teacher Education, PhD
- Education, PhD
- Educational Leadership, EdD
- Learning Sciences and Psychological Studies, PhD
- Policy, Leadership, and School Improvement, PhD
- School Psychology, PhD
Specialization Options:
- Child and Family Health
- Family Life Education
- Special Education
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) maintains some of the highest teacher placement rates in the state, making it one of the best education and teaching programs in North Carolina. WCU’s College of Education and Allied Professions (CEAP) is the primary hub for education-related programs and home to four departments: human services, psychology, teaching and learning, and student services. Teaching and learning is one of the most popular tracks for students pursuing careers in the classroom. In addition to rigorous coursework, the CEAP also provides support for students looking for hands-on practice in education through the Office of Field Experiences.
To further prepare aspiring teachers for their duties in the classroom, WCU’s education department includes the Call Me MISTER program (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) where chosen undergraduate students enrolled in elementary, inclusive, middle grades, health, music, or art education receive partial tuition funding, professional development support, internship opportunities, and more.
Delivery:
- Online
- On Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Art Education, BS
- Elementary Education, BS
- English Education, BS
- Health & Physical Education, BS
- Inclusive Education Program, BS
- Mathematics Education, BS
- Music Education, BS
- Middle Grades Education, BS
- Science Education, BS
- Social Science Education, BS
Graduate Programs:
- Special Education MAEd
- Elementary or Middle School Education, MAEd
- English, MAEd
- Master of School Administration
- Education Leadership, EdD
Specialization Options:
- STEM
- TESOL
- Special Education
Top Online Education & Teaching Degree Programs in North Carolina
If you’re looking for flexible and affordable learning options for your education degree, you can find some of the best online teaching programs in North Carolina. Online learning saves money by eliminating some costs (e.g., transportation, course materials, etc.) associated with on-campus learning. Online learning is also an ideal option for students currently working or who simply want a more customized schedule. While many online classes are offered asynchronously, some programs have synchronous classes. Research these format options when searching for your education program, so you can choose one that aligns with your preferences.
University of North Carolina Charlotte
The University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte offers one of the best online teaching programs in North Carolina. UNC Charlotte offers a BA in elementary education along with numerous master’s degrees in subject expertise and school leadership. All classes are 100% online with both synchronous and asynchronous options. In addition to teaching courses, UNC also prepares students for other educational roles in curriculum design, technology, administration, and leadership. Students earning their master’s degree can choose from various specialties based on their current work and future goals.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Elementary Education, BA
Graduate Programs:
- Curriculum and Instruction, MEd
- Elementary Education, MAT, MEd
- Foreign Language Education, MAT
- Learning, Design and Technology, MEd
- Mathematics: Mathematics Education Concentration, MS
- Middle Grades and Secondary Education, MAT
- Reading Education, MEd
- School Administration, Master of School Administration
- Special Education, MAT
- Special Education and Child Development: Academically or Intellectually Gifted, MEd
- Special Education and Child Development: Applied Behavior Analysis, MEd
- Special Education and Child Development: Special Education, MEd
- Teaching English as a Second Language, MAT
- Urban Education, MEd
- Education Leadership: Learning, Design & Technology Concentration, EdD
- Educational Leadership: Superintendency Concentration, EdD
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
- Partially Online
Specializations Offered:
- Middle Grades Education
- Secondary Education
- TESL
- Mathematics Education
- Education Leadership
- Curriculum Leadership
University of North Carolina Wilmington
As one of the top online teaching programs in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers several degrees for teachers and educational leaders from subject-specific programs to advanced specialties. Undergraduate students in the elementary education program can choose from 10 concentrations according to their future goals as teachers. Most of the programs are offered at the graduate level, which is ideal for certified teachers looking to hone their skills in a particular area. Guided by a highly accomplished faculty, students can gain practical field experience in their program through full-time internships in the department’s partnership schools. The Watson College of Education places a particular emphasis on student support, which is why they maintain small class sizes and accessible tutoring options.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Elementary Education, BA
Graduate Programs:
- Art Education, MAT
- Elementary Education, MEd and MAT
- Middle Grades Education, MAT
- Physical Education & Health, MEd and MAT
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
- Partially Online
Specializations Offered:
- Behavioral Studies
- Early Childhood Education
- Fine Arts
- Math and Technology
- Special Education
- Language Arts
- International Studies
- Science and Health
- Social Studies
- Language & Literacy Education
- Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Leadership, Policy & Advocacy in Early Childhood
- TESL
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Students of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Greensboro are in one of the best online teaching programs in North Carolina. Receiving the same personal attention and quality instruction as on-campus learning, online students receive a high-quality education with the added benefits of online classes. Students access most of their course content asynchronously, which is helpful for working professionals or those with inflexible schedules. Some programs occasionally conduct courses at specific times, though most of these are held in the evenings.
Undergraduate programs prepare students for NC licensure and classroom-specific specialties in early child and family education. Graduate programs are geared towards licensed teachers looking to advance their skills in the classroom as well as educational leaders seeking non-teaching roles in instructional design and library sciences. UNC Greensboro also offers several graduate certificates tailored toward careers in early childhood education, school administration, ESL, special education, and more.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Early Childhood Development and Education, BS
Graduate Programs:
- Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development
- Instructional Technology and Design
- Library and Information Science
- Music Education
- Special Education
- Elementary Mathematics Concentration
- Elementary Science Concentration
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
- Elementary Mathematics
- Elementary Science
Types of Education & Teaching Degrees You Can Earn in North Carolina
Choosing the type of degree that’s right for you is based on your professional aspirations and job requirements. North Carolina offers several degree options through online and on-campus teaching programs. Read on to learn about the different types of education degrees you can earn as well as specific program and school options.
Undergraduate Teaching/Education Degrees in North Carolina
Associate Degrees in Education
An associate degree is the first level you can earn beyond a high school diploma. Most students complete their education associate degree in about two years, though it may take more or less depending on your chosen program. This type of degree helps you learn marketable skills for entry-level education roles like a teacher assistant, school administrator, tutor, or library assistant.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Associate Degrees in Education
- South Piedmont Community College (On Campus)
- AB Tech Community College (On Campus)
- Wayne Community College (On Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
A bachelor’s degree is ideal for someone who wants to explore the theories, policies, and application of education at a more advanced level. The four-year program exposes students to topics surrounding student development, education ethics, classroom techniques, and subject expertise. While most students who earn their bachelor’s in education become teachers, a bachelor’s also equips them for careers in library sciences, curriculum development, program coordinators, and more.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
- NC Central University (On Campus)
- St. Andrews University (On Campus)
- Elon University (On Campus)
Graduate Education Degrees in North Carolina
Master’s Degrees in Education (MEd)
If you’re looking to gain specialized skills or pursue advanced careers in education, a master’s degree can help you get there. Students earning their master’s degrees explore educational theories and policies, curriculum models, and specialized areas of study such as special education or adult education. Some careers (e.g., school counselor) require a minimum of a master’s degree, so students should carefully research North Carolina’s requirements for the careers they’re interested in. Even if your job doesn’t require a master’s, earning your degree allows you to negotiate higher wages.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Master’s Degrees in Education
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Online or On Campus)
- Fayetteville State University (On Campus)
- University of Mount Olive (Online)
Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs
As one of the highest degrees in education, an EdD opens advanced career opportunities in educational leadership and teaching. Those who earn their EdD have specialized skills surrounding policy and pedagogy, which they can apply to a variety of roles such as a college professor, district administrator, curriculum director, and more.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Doctorate (EdD) Programs
- NC State University (On Campus)
- Western Carolina University (Hybrid)
- UNCW Wilmington (Hybrid)
Education PhD Programs
While an EdD emphasizes educational leadership and advanced teaching roles, a PhD in education is focused on theory, research, and policy-making. This degree is ideal for students who want to explore specialized areas of education through a theoretical lens and conduct research on educational best practices.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Education PhD Programs
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (On Campus)
- NC State University (On Campus)
- UNC Greensboro (On Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates are short-term programs focused on a particular specialty. A certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and is ideal for professionals who want to learn a new skill or stay up to date in their fields.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Education Graduate Certificates
- Queens University of Charlotte (Online and On Campus)
- App State (Online)
- UNC Charlotte (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Education & Teaching Students in North Carolina
Earning your degree at one of the top education and teaching programs in North Carolina doesn’t have to be out of your financial reach. There are many financial aid services and scholarships available to students pursuing education degrees. In addition to state funding, you may be eligible for financial aid through your university, much like that offered by the College of Education at North Carolina State University. Always start your financial aid process by completing your FAFSA, so you can apply to as many funding opportunities – grants, scholarships, and work-study programs – as possible. Also explore both need-based and merit-based scholarships.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Teachers in North Carolina
The job outlook for teaching and education careers in North Carolina is positive, especially in highly populated areas. As more schools open up and others continue to experience turnover, teachers are in high demand, making it an opportune time to earn your degree and pursue a teaching career.
The average annual earnings for teachers fall in the middle range of the national average with postsecondary and higher education teaching roles receiving the highest wages. Aside from teaching roles, other education careers have a positive employment outlook as well, including curriculum development, library sciences, and school and district leadership.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Teacher | 7% | 670 | $49,560 |
| Secondary Teacher | 7% | 2,340 | $51,570 |
| Instructional Coordinators | 11% | 650 | $61,550 |
| School Librarian | 9% | 270 | $58,360 |
| School Administrator | 7% | 880 | $79,850 |
Sources: ONET OnLine, 2022; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
North Carolina Teaching Professional and Student Resources
- Teach NC TeachNC aims to simplify the process of becoming a teacher in North Carolina by providing a one-stop shop for teaching resources. Aspiring educators can easily find information on licenses, financial aid, coaching, job opportunities, and more.
- Friday Institute Online Professional Learning for Educators The Friday Institute provides free courses for North Carolina educators to help improve classroom instruction and professional development. Certificates are available to those who complete their courses.
- North Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow North Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow is a teaching licensure program that equips participants with personalized licensing options, pre-classroom training, personal coaching, and other helpful resources for future North Carolina teachers.
- North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) As the state’s largest advocacy organization for public school educators, the NCAE supports its members by providing professional development opportunities, legal assistance, financial planning, and more.
- Professional Educators of North Carolina (PENC) Members of PENC have access to important resources regarding legal rights for teachers, retirement planning, salary guides, and practical tips for solving common classroom challenges. Members can also partake in policy-making initiatives.
