Best Online Education & Teaching Programs in Ohio (OH)

Author: Stephen Porritt

Editor: STEPS Staff

Est. Time: 5 mins

Updated: 10/15/2024

Kick-start or advance your career as an Ohio educator by earning your degree or certificate from one of the best education and teaching programs in Ohio today. Explore the wide range of undergraduate and graduate curriculum and specialization options, and learn about financial aid resources available to you.

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As an aspiring educator, there’s never been a better time to break into teaching. With a teacher shortage in Ohio and nationwide, the demand for competent and passionate educators has never been greater. Every educator’s path is different, but regardless of the journey the first step is always gaining a high-quality teaching education. Luckily, there are many top-ranked teaching programs in Ohio to help you launch your career.

To help you find the right program, we’ve ranked the best online options in the state. Plus, you’ll discover what degrees are best suited for your career goals.

Top Online Teaching/Education Degrees in OH

Thinking about a career in education but worry about balancing school, work, and personal commitments? Luckily, there are several excellent online education programs in Ohio to help you reach your career goals wherever and whenever it’s most convenient. In online teaching programs, you’ll complete coursework either asynchronously or through live, online classes. You will still be able to participate in fieldwork, like student teaching, by working with schools and districts in your local community. To help you find your ideal program, we’ve ranked the best online teaching degree programs in Ohio.

2-year Schools 4-year Schools

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

Public

Private

Mount Saint Joseph University

Cincinnati, Ohio

Private

2-year Schools 4-year Schools

Southern State Community College

Hillsboro, Ohio

Public

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

With a small faculty-to-student ratio and holistic curriculum, Mount Vernon Nazarene University provides a top-tier education in a student-focused environment. To help working adults easily fit education into their busy schedules, the university offers some of the top online education programs in Ohio. Plus, Mount Vernon Nazarene University partners with local community colleges to make it easier to transfer into one of their online programs.

Bowling Green State University

Founded as a teacher-training institution, Bowling Green State University brings its history to aspiring educators across the country with the best online teaching programs in Ohio. Bowling Green’s online education programs empower you to earn your degree faster through shorter courses that can be completed in as few as seven weeks.

Miami University

Miami University brings its world-class education to you with several of the top online teaching programs in Ohio. Led by the expert faculty who teach on campus, students in Miami University’s online teaching programs will receive the same high-quality education they would receive in Oxford, OH. However, what makes the university stand out among the best online teaching programs in Ohio is its commitment to providing comprehensive academic support students need to succeed and thrive in class and their teaching careers.

Types of Education and Teaching Degrees You Can Earn in Ohio

Many of the top education programs in Ohio offer undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate programs. How do you know which one is right for you? Below we’ve outline several of the most popular teaching degree programs in Ohio to help you decide which match your career goals.

Undergraduate Teaching/Education Degrees in Ohio

Associate Degrees in Education

If you’re looking to break into the education field quickly, then an associate degree in education is the right choice for you. While these two-year programs won’t allow you to become a teacher, they will help build a foundational understanding of key concepts in education. With an associate degree in education, you can work as a tutor, teacher’s aide, or childcare worker.

Accredited Ohio Colleges with Associate Degrees in Education

Bachelor’s Degrees in Education

Earning a bachelor’s degree in education is the first step to becoming a certified educator, and many top teaching programs in Ohio offer this degree. In these four-year programs, you’ll develop an understanding of curriculum development, assessment strategies, and classroom management. Bachelor’s degrees in education also provide a springboard for pursuing graduate study.

Accredited Ohio Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Education

Graduate Education Degrees in Ohio

Master’s Degrees in Education (MEd)

While a master’s degree in education is not required for initial licensure in Ohio, it may be a required if you want to teach in other states. Even if you’re not legally required to obtain a master’s degree, earning one can help you develop specialized skills that boost your resume and earning potential.

Accredited Ohio Colleges with Master’s Degrees in Education

Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs

For those looking to pursue a career as a superintendent or curriculum director, a Doctor of Education can help you get there. These advanced programs take four to six years to complete and prepare you to drive change within your school, district, and community.

Accredited Ohio Colleges with Doctorate (EdD) Programs

Youngstown State University (Online and On-Campus)
University of Dayton (On-Campus)
Bowling Green State University (On-Campus)

Education PhD Programs

While an EdD is geared toward professionals in leadership roles, a PhD in education is for individuals looking to make a difference in education through research. Education PhD programs will prepare you to identify research gaps, interpret literature, and develop new research that advances education.

Accredited Ohio Colleges with Education PhD Programs

Graduate Certificates

Already an educator but looking to level-up your skills? A graduate certificate can be a great way to gain knowledge in a specific area like educational technology or curriculum design, and can help expand your existing skills. Plus, with some graduate certificates, you can get a head start on a master’s degree if you choose to pursue one.

Accredited Ohio Colleges with Education Graduate Certificates

Miami University (Online and On-Campus)
Notre Dame College (Online)
Youngstown State University (On-Campus)

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Education Students in Ohio

You’ve decided on your program and are ready to apply, but how will you pay for your teaching education? From teaching scholarships to federal financial aid, there are many ways to fund your education. Since finances are personal, how you pay for your education will depend on your out-of-pocket contribution, the school and degree program you choose, financial aid eligibility, and your career and earning potential.

We know figuring out how to pay for school can be overwhelming, which is why we created a financial aid guide and a scholarships guide to help you learn more about ways you can fund your teaching degree.

Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Teachers in Ohio

In Ohio and nationwide there is a shortage of certified educators, which means your teaching abilities will be in great demand. In fact, the demand for teachers and instructors in Ohio is expected to grow 11% by 2030, compared to just 2% nationally, making now an ideal time to earn a teaching degree. There are many rewarding education careers to choose from including special education teachers, teaching assistants, and instructional coordinators. Take a look at the table below to gain deeper insight into teaching employment trends in Ohio.

	Job Growth Rate (2020-2030)	Average Annual Openings (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2023)
Teachers and Instructors	11%	1,080	$59,610
Elementary School Teachers	6%	4,030	$68,880
Special Education Teachers	17%	90	$64,560
Teaching Assistants	9%	4,260	$32,670
Instructional Coordinators	8%	500	$70,150

Sources: O*NET Online; Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ohio Teaching Professional and Student Resources

Ohio Department of Education The Ohio Department of Education’s mission is to enhance the quality of education for the state’s 1.7 million students. The department provides resources and support for teachers to help raise student achievement.
Ohio Education Association Representing 120,000 teachers, faculty members, and support professionals who work in Ohio schools, the Ohio Education Association aims to improve public education within the state. The organization provides professional development opportunities throughout Ohio.
Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education The mission of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education is to advocate for career-technical and adult education within the state. If you are interested in working adult or technical education, this association provides information and hosts events to help you become a better educator.
EdReports As an independent nonprofit, EdReports strives to improve K-12 education by providing educators with the highest quality instructional materials. Led by expert educators, EdReports conducts independent reviews to ensure teachers have access to quality instructional materials that enhance student learning.
Ohio Curriculum Support Guide Like EdReports, the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide also helps ensure teachers have access to effective instructional materials. Educators have access to a collection of insights, resources, and lessons that have proven to be effective.