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With a growing teacher shortage, educators are needed now more than ever. Fortunately, you can easily jumpstart your teaching career with an online teaching degree.
The best online colleges for teaching degrees and certificates are affordable and customizable, allowing you to specialize in a particular discipline or student population. Many top online teaching programs are also accredited, ensuring quality and academic rigor.
We ranked the best online teaching degrees using objective data around cost, curricula, and graduate outcomes to help you find the best program for you.
Explore Our Featured Education Programs
Top Online Teaching Schools and Programs
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These rankings include
#1 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit
Private | $390-650
Degree Offered
Undergraduate Certificate
Liberty University's one-year, 100% online undergraduate preschool certificate program works well for those hoping to work at a daycare or preschool. Through hands-on courses, you'll learn how to manage a classroom and cater to individual students' learning needs.
The program provides instruction from a biblical perspective. Courses include the fundamentals of early childhood education, classroom management, and childhood wellness. To apply, you must submit an application, pay the application fee, and send in transcripts.
#2 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $520
Out-of-State | $660
Degree Offered
Graduate Certificate
The University of Florida offers a fully online graduate certificate in early childhood education. You'll study subjects like developmentally appropriate curricula, how to work with families of young children, and policy and transition in early childhood. The program culminates in the development of a portfolio of coursework.
To get in, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree. The program is open to both current UF graduate students and non-degree-seeking students. You must submit your application through the UF website and pay an application fee.
#3 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $230
Out-of-State | $350
Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Florida International University's online BS in early childhood education provides a strong foundation for a career in elementary teaching. Coursework emphasizes educational psychology, child development, and classroom management. You'll also get paired with an academic success coach.
Admission requirements include transcripts, an online application, and SAT or ACT scores. You must also have at least a 2.5 lower-division GPA, 60 hours of lower-division coursework, and completion of either an associate degree or university core requirements.
#4 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
None
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-County | $130
In-State and Select Out-of-State Counties | $140
Out-of-State | $250
Degree Offered
Associate
Eastern Gateway Community College's teacher education associate degree program prepares you to teach children of all ages. Once you finish the program, you may transfer to a bachelor's degree program to focus on the student population of your choice. All credits earned through the transfer programs can transfer to a four-year program at an Ohio state school.
Along with completing an application, prospective students must take a placement test or submit ACT or SAT scores.
#5 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
None
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $300
Out-of-State | $1,070
Degree Offered
Doctorate
Kennesaw State University's three-year, 100% online Ed.D. in teacher leadership program shows current teachers how to guide and shape the field of education.
Coursework focuses on curriculum development, assessment, and data-driven instruction. The program administers instruction in conjunction with the school district. All students must complete a thesis project.
Applications must include transcripts, a resume or CV, a personal essay, a mentor form, and proof of employment. You must also hold Georgia teaching certification and currently work as a teacher.
#6 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $550
Out-of-State | $560
Degree Offered
Bachelor's
The University of Cincinnati's flexible online BS in early childhood education program prepares teachers to educate children from birth through age 5. You can choose one of four concentrations: preschool, infant and toddler, nature-based early learning, or administration.
To apply, you must submit official transcripts. Students with previous college experience should have a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission.
#7 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
None
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $231
Out-of-State | $231
Degree Offered
Bachelor's
The University of Washington's online BA in early care and education program provides the same curriculum and support offered to in-person students. This program teaches critical subjects like equity, social policy, and family engagement through an intentional teaching framework. You'll also get opportunities for community-based learning.
Applicants must have completed at least 45 transferable quarter credits and earned a minimum 2.0 undergrad GPA. You must also submit a resume, transcripts, and a personal statement.
#8 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
South Texas College
McAllen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
None
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-District | $80
Out-of-District | $90
Out-of-State | $250
Degree Offered
Associate
South Texas College offers an online AA in teaching for students just beginning their career in education. You can choose a concentration based on the age range of students you wish to teach, such as middle school or grades 8-12.
Coursework balances the philosophy and practice of education. You'll get opportunities outside of class to participate in field observation of local public school classrooms. Applicants must submit transcripts and an online application through the ApplyTexas app.
#9 Best Online Teaching Degrees of 2023
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Tuition
In-State | $7,330
Out-of-State | $23,600
Degree Offered
Bachelor's
East Carolina University's online BS in birth through kindergarten teacher education prepares you to teach and care for the youngest age group. Coursework emphasizes hands-on learning and entails a yearlong student teaching experience at a local school or center.
To apply, you must have a passing score on the PRAXIS CORE, SAT, or ACT. You must also submit an essay and interview with the faculty. Note that the online program is only available to residents of North Carolina.
Why You Should Get Your Teaching Degree Online
- You'll get to perform meaningful work and help students succeed.
- You may benefit from union advocacy and generous time off, especially during summers.
- You'll usually receive a pension retirement with an employer match.
- Online teaching programs let you earn your degree on your own schedule.
- You can gain work experience while going to school online.
- An online teaching degree is often more affordable than an in-person degree.
Did You Know?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth for all education, training, and library jobs from 2021-2031. You typically only need a bachelor's degree to become a teacher — no advanced degree necessary. 44% of public schools reported teaching vacancies in 2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The average working week for teachers is about 54 hours.
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Teaching Programs?
Accreditation is essential for online teaching programs. In order to get your teaching license, you must earn your online education degree from an accredited college or university.
Many online schools for teaching are also programmatically accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accrediting agency, which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, ensures aspiring teachers receive a high-quality education.
Milton Paredes, an online teaching student at Reach University, explained how accreditation played an important role in deciding what school to attend online for his online teaching degree.
"Academic excellence is the reputation that I was looking for in an online [teaching] program, and knowing I chose one that was accredited made my decision easier," said Paredes.
What Degree in Teaching Should You Get?
| Associate Degree |
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| Bachelor's Degree |
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| Master's Degree |
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| Doctoral Degree |
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The path to becoming a teacher has many roads — quite a few education degrees can lead to a career in teaching.
With an associate degree in education, you can become a paraeducator, substitute teacher, preschool teacher, or teaching aide. This degree can be a quick start for those eager to jump into the field.
However, you'll need a bachelor's degree to earn a teaching license. You can choose from a bachelor of education (B.Ed.), a BA in education, and a BS in education. You could also get a bachelor's degree in the subject you wish to teach.
A master's degree in education will increase your expertise and can qualify you for higher-paying administrative and leadership positions.
Finally, with a doctorate in education — either a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. — you can teach at the college level, develop curricula, and conduct research.
How Much Does an Online Teaching Degree Cost?
In general, expect to pay anywhere from $9,000-$38,000 each year in tuition and fees. The total cost of an online teaching degree will depend on your school, your degree type, and how much financial aid you get.
In addition to tuition and fees, education students should budget for professional clothing to wear while student teaching.
As an online learner, you'll likely avoid common campus fees, but you may still need to pay technology fees. These typically cover tech assistance and virtual learning platforms.
You'll also need a laptop and high-speed internet access. And don't forget the cost of getting a teaching license after you graduate!
How Much Money Can You Make With a Teaching Degree?
Many teachers make around $60,000 a year, according to the BLS.
Your earning potential after getting a teaching degree online will depend on your degree level and chosen career. For example, most school districts offer higher salaries to teachers who have master's degrees.
Your location can also affect your salary potential. According to BLS data from 2021, middle school and high school teachers in California earned an average annual salary of $94,600. In Mississippi, teachers earned a much lower average salary of just $48,030 per year.
Here's a quick look at the median salaries and minimum education requirements for popular teaching jobs.
| Job | Minimum Education Requirement | Median Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Assistant | Some college, no degree | $29,360 | 5% |
| Preschool Teacher | Some college, no degree | $29,360 | 5% |
| Kindergarten Teacher | Bachelor's | $60,900 | 4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | Bachelor's | $61,400 | 4% |
| Middle School Teacher | Bachelor's | $61,320 | 4% |
| High School Teacher | Bachelor's | $61,820 | 5% |
| Special Education Teacher | Bachelor's | $61,820 | 4% |
| Career and Technical Education Teacher | Bachelor's | $61,160 | 2% |
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teacher | Bachelor's | $59,720 | -6% |
| Postsecondary Teacher | Master's or doctorate | $79,640 | 12% |
Source: BLS
How to Become a Teacher in 6 Steps
Not everyone's career path to becoming a teacher will look the same, but there are some key steps that can get you there.
1 Determine Your Career Goals
As you begin your journey to becoming a teacher, consider what you'll want to teach, where you'd like to teach, and how you want to get qualified.
For a career in teaching, you'll need to choose what grade level you want to teach and usually a subject to specialize in, such as math or social studies. The career path for a college history professor will look pretty different from that of a kindergarten teacher.
Outlining your goals for your teaching career will guide your choice of where to go to school and what degrees you wish to pursue.
2 Choose a Specialization
A lot of your teaching education will focus on a chosen specialization. You may opt to teach a specific age group or subject area.
Specializations can also cater to administration and leadership roles in education, such as dean and principal.
Common education and teaching degree specializations include:
- Specific subject area (e.g., math, science, English, music)
- Early childhood education
- Special education
- Adult education
- Educational leadership
- Educational administration
- Instructional design
- English as a second language
3 Earn a Bachelor's Degree
For most teaching positions, you'll need a bachelor's degree.
If you're interested in a position that doesn't require a bachelor's degree, it's still a good idea to consider getting this degree for future career opportunities.
When choosing an online education degree, take time to vet the program for several features. Make sure the program is accredited, offers your desired specialization, and fits within your budget and schedule.
4 Enroll in an Educator Preparation Program
An educator preparation program is a state-approved program that covers the training requirements you'll need for your state's teaching license or certification.
Most bachelor's degrees in education and teaching will include the teacher preparation program within the curriculum.
Your bachelor's program will also likely include student teaching opportunities. This way, once you've graduated, you can apply for your teaching license right away.
You can also take an alternative route and complete an educator preparation program through a university or a state-sponsored program.
For example, if you earned a bachelor's in history and wish to become a teacher, you can participate in Teach for America and earn the same educator preparation requirements for certification.
5 Get State Licensure
Online teaching programs prepare you for state licensure (sometimes called certification), which you'll need in order to teach in the U.S.
Licensure requirements vary by state. Make sure your online teaching program meets the requirements for the state you plan to teach in.
In most states, you'll need to do the following before you can qualify for a teaching license:
Earn a bachelor's degree in education or your subject area from an accredited institution. Complete a certain number of hours of student teaching. Complete a teacher preparation program. Pass a background check. Pass your state's teacher certification exam and, if applicable, a subject exam.
Once you've met your state's requirements, you can apply for a teaching license. This license allows you to legally teach in that state.
Learn more about teaching licensure requirements for aspiring teachers in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
6 (Optional) Pursue a Graduate Teaching Degree
There are many reasons to continue your education as a teacher. A graduate degree can unlock new opportunities, increase your salary potential, and broaden your expertise.
You can get a master's in education and choose a concentration in the subject you teach. You can also specialize in administration and learn to become a school administrator or principal.
A doctorate can qualify you to teach at the university level. With a Ph.D. in education, you can transition into pedagogy, teaching students how to become teachers.
This highest level of education also unlocks research opportunities and respected credentials.
Milton Paredes serves as distance facilitator for the Ouachita School District in Donaldson, Arkansas. He finds fulfillment in helping students succeed academically in an online environment and when students realize their academic potential. He also works in ministry at his local church as a college and career pastor.
Milton is currently an online student at Reach University, where he is pursuing a bachelor's in global education in order to work as a history teacher.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue an online teaching degree?
Honestly, I feel like teaching is a calling. I had many teachers throughout my school years who were a great influence and played a small part in molding me into the person I am. It will bring me great satisfaction to see students succeed. … The affordability of an online [education] degree and lack of travel expenses proved to be the best value and opportunity for me to reach my goal of becoming an educator.
Q: Should students worry about how employers may view online degrees?
There may have been some apprehension years ago, but now online programs have established themselves academically while filling the needs of schools searching for teachers.
Q: What is something that surprised you about online learning?
I think the thing that most surprised me about online learning is how helpful and willing instructors are in guiding students through the course. I was worried about not having the support one would normally find in an in-class program, but that is certainly not the case.
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice to students considering an online teaching college?
Do not be discouraged if you feel like you are not initially successful in navigating through courses. With a little time, it will become familiar to you and when it does, remember why you started your journey and keep working toward your goal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Programs
To become a certified teacher, you'll need an accredited bachelor's degree. All public schools will require you to have a bachelor's degree in order to hold a full-time teaching position. You'll also need a bachelor's to earn state licensure.
You can typically earn a teaching bachelor's degree within four years. If you pursue an online teaching degree, you may be able to expedite the timeline through an accelerated program.
Students who already hold an associate degree may be able to complete an undergraduate teaching degree in around two years.
If you have an associate degree, you can be a teacher assistant or educational aide but not a full-time teacher at a public school. All states require you to have a bachelor's degree in order to be eligible for a teaching license.
You can often transfer course credits from an accredited associate degree in teaching to a bachelor's degree program.
State teaching credentials require at least a bachelor's degree.
There are a few potential exceptions. Educators at homeschooling co-ops may not need licensure or a degree. The same goes for private, not-for-profit, and charter schools.
Yes, you can become a teacher with an online degree. Earning a teaching degree online is no different than earning one on campus. In fact, your diploma won't have any indication that you earned your degree online.
Online colleges offer the same curricula and quality as on-campus colleges do, largely thanks to the rigorous accreditation standards they must meet.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.