By Education Team

How to Get a Teaching Degree Online: Best Online Teaching Schools, Fast Track Programs & More

Want to kick-start a career in teaching? Interested in learning how to get a higher salary as a teacher as quickly as possible?

online teaching degree

Below we’ve outlined a guide to the best schools for getting an online degree in teaching. Find fast track programs and schools with classes starting now.

Learning online gives us the freedom and flexibility to learn at our own pace. There are actually tons of courses and programs that are accessible online. And if you would like to enter the field of education, we are pleased to say that reputable schools and accredited institutions are now offering online teaching degree programs. Yes, you can now get a teaching degree online!

As we know it, the field of education is a never-ending in-demand career path. Having a teaching degree opens opportunities not only in the field of education and learning, but also in other fields such as psychology, social work, and more. But before entering the teaching industry, let’s take a look at the different types of teaching concentrations and what you can do with them.

Teaching Degrees Overview

Early Childhood Education

This will prepare you in teaching children that ranges from birth to toddlers, in a private or preschool setting. This program is important in laying a strong foundation that will help students develop their love for learning, arts, and other things. Potential careers: Preschool Teacher, Day Care Center Specialist, Kindergarten Teacher, Educational Assistant

Elementary Education

This will prepare you in teaching students from different age groups, from grade-schoolers to adolescents, in public and private elementary schools. Elementary teachers are trained to teach different subjects throughout the day. This program focuses on the fundamental subjects of mathematics, science, language, art, social studies, and music. Potential careers: Reading Specialist, Elementary School Teacher, Instructional Coordinator, Social Services Manager, Education Consultant

Special Education

This will prepare you in providing support for students with mental, physical, or learning disabilities. Special Education teachers provide hands-on support on learning with the mix of disciplinary techniques in order for these students to function independently outside school. Potential careers: Speech and Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, Early Intervention Specialist

Education

This program prepares you in the curriculum, instruction, and administrative careers. These opportunities are not just limited in the four corners of the classroom, but will also help expand your teaching expertise in your community and in the field of research. This is ideal for those who are interested in education as a field of study itself. Potential careers: Museum Educator, Distance Learning Coordinator, Educational Specialist

Now that we know which teaching path to take, let’s take a look at our list of state-accredited schools that offer online teaching degrees.

1 - Arizona State University

ASU is dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality online education to students from across the country and around the world. They pride in students learning to thrive as educators in schools and other learning environments while empowering leaders, including school principals, policymakers, and scholars through their graduate and professional programs.

Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: High School Diploma

Cost: starts at $637.00 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Educational Studies - Early Childhood Education - Early childhood education program provides students with experience in collaborative and reflective practice, develops leadership and critical thinking, and hones communication skills needed for working with children up to age five.

  • Total Credit Hours: 120
  • Related Career Opportunities: Education Professor, Kindergarten Teacher, Preschool Teacher

Online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Educational Studies - The educational studies degree will prepare its students to be an effective educator that will meet the unique needs of the child and adult learners throughout their community.

  • Total Credit Hours: 120
  • Related Career Opportunities: Corporate Trainer, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, GED Instructor, Instructional Designer, Instructional Specialist, Museum Educator, Recreation Coordinator, Resident Director, Social Services Director

Master’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in any field Cost: starts at $682 per credit hour per semester

Total Credit Hours: 30

Programs:

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education) - This program will equip professionals with specialized skills that are structured to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of children from birth through 8 years old.

  • Related Career Opportunities: Preschool Teacher, Child and Family Social Worker, School Psychologist, Education Administrator

Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Gifted Education) - This program is designed for educators, administrators, therapists, and family members who fill important roles in the lives of gifted children.

  • Related Career Opportunities: Gifted Educator, Elementary Education Administrator, Secondary Education Administrator, Special Education Teacher, Vocational Educational Teacher

Online Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) - This program prepares professionals to focus on the population of students with special learning and behavior needs using the principles of applied behavior analysis.

  • Related Career Opportunities: ABA Therapist, Behavior Specialist, Early Interventionist, Consultant, Educator

Online Master of Art in Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders) - This program will let professionals earn the experience and skills needed to meet in order to work effectively and compassionately with children and adults impacted by autism.

  • Related Career Opportunities: Educator, Interventionist, Paraprofessional, Psychologist, Speech-language Pathologist

2 - University of Florida

The University of Florida prides itself as a national and world leader in online education. They offer U.S. News & World Report top-ranked online MBA programs and teaching degree programs that will allow students to experience life as a Gator and graduate with the same valued credential as their on-campus peers.

Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Competitive upper division applicants (students with 60 or more college credits earned) will require an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher and completion of EDF1005 with a grade of C or better.

Cost: starts at $129.18 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Education Sciences - This teaching degree program offers several specializations, as well as a General Studies track that gives students the ability to select coursework that is most applicable to their individual professional ambitions.

  • Total Credit Hours: 120
  • Related Career Opportunities: Policy Analyst, Technical Writer, Instructional Coordinator, Distance Learning Coordinator, Media Center Specialist

Master’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree

Cost: starts at $448.73 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology - This program is designed for those who are interested in a career as an instructional designer or educational technologist. Or those who are interested in developing technology-enhanced content.

  • Total Credit Hours: 36
  • Related Career Opportunities: Learning Curriculum Developer, Business, Technical Curriculum Manager, Business/Higher Education, Instructional Coordinator, Adult Education

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership - This program will provide its students with the prerequisite skills and knowledge to effectively lead a school. The competencies and proficiencies gained in this program will help in addressing and managing tasks, and responsibilities vital to teachers, community members, and the success of students.

  • Total Credit Hours: 36-39
  • Related Career Opportunities: Principal, District Administrator, Director Or Supervisor, University Registrar, Dean Of Students Or Faculty

Student Personnel in Higher Education M.Ed. Program - This program is designed to address the needs of a variety of student-centered positions across higher education, including academic advising, financial aid, and support services within the academic colleges.

  • Total Credit Hours: 39
  • Related Career Opportunities: Leadership Program Administrator, Student Services Dean, Admissions Administrator, Chief Academic Officer, Director Of Student Financial Aid

Notable educational master’s degree programs that you should consider: Master of Education in Reading (M.Ed.), Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI), and many more.

Doctorate Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Master’s Degree

Cost: starts at $448.73 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Leadership in Educational Administration Doctorate (LEAD) Ed.D. - This program provides a unique path for professionals interested in becoming educational leaders with a curriculum that links research with practice. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers and advancement as leaders at the school, district, state, and national level.

  • Total Credit Hours: 90
  • Related Career Opportunities: College President, Chief Learning Officer, Provost, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal, Academic Dean

Ed.D. (Doctorate in Education) in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Educational Technology - Designed for those aiming to be researching professionals: Professionals who conduct research related to educational technology in educational environments.

  • Total Credit Hours: 54-90
  • Related Career Opportunities: Counselor Education And Supervision, Educational Consultant, District Administrator

Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in Teachers, Schools, and Society (TSS) - This program is intended to prepare practicing educational professionals to draw on educational theory and research, and the expertise of colleagues and UF faculty, to address the pressing problems of practice facing educational leaders today.

  • Total Credit Hours: 90
  • Related Career Opportunities: Associate Director for Teaching and Teacher Education, Curriculum Specialist, College or University Dean
  • Another program that you should check out: Teach Well - fully online graduate program in special education designed to prepare teachers to serve students with disabilities in inclusive settings.

3 - University of Georgia

The University of Georgia provides degree opportunities online so that more people will pursue a quality education from the most respected higher education institution and educators in the state of Georgia. The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees.

Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: High School Diploma

Cost: starts at $326 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Bachelor of Science in Special Education - This program provides necessary skills to assess, plan, and monitor the progress of persons with high incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.

  • Total Credit Hours: 121
  • Related Career Opportunities: Special Education Teacher, Early Intervention Specialist, Special Education Advocate, Educational Audiologist, Speech, and Language Pathologist

Master’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Varies by program (see below)

Cost: Starts at $629 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Master of Education in Middle Grades Education - This program is centered on the education of young adolescents in middle grades (4-8). This centers on fostering meaningful evaluation and assessment for middle grades, strengthening content knowledge, meeting and supporting the needs of all students in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms.

  • Academic Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree from any institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association
  • Total Credit Hours: 36
  • Related Career Opportunities: Elementary Education Administrator, Middle School Administrator, Curriculum Designer

Master of Education in Educational Psychology— Gifted and Creative Education - This program is based on the philosophy that giftedness and creativity are expressed in diverse ways among diverse people; that creativity is a universal potential to be nurtured and enhanced; and that the best education is tailored to students’ specific needs and interests for talent development.

  • Academic Prerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from accredited college or university
  • Total Credit Hours: 37
  • Related Career Opportunities: Elementary School Teacher, High School Teacher, Instructional Coordinator, Training and Development Specialist

Master of Education in Educational Psychology— Applied Cognition and Development - This program explores the impact of human cognitive, motivational, and developmental processes in education and practice. This is designed with a secondary focus in either learning with technology, learning across the lifespan, qualitative approaches to education, or development of high intellectual capability, which depends on their point of interest.

  • Academic Prerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from accredited college or university
  • Total Credit Hours: 34
  • Related Career Opportunities: Educational Researcher, Educational Psychologist, College Counselor, College Professor, Social Worker

Notable educational master’s degree programs: M.Ed. in Learning, Design & Technology, Instructional Design & Development, Master of Education in Science Education, and more.

Specialized Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Master’s degree from accredited college or university

Cost: starts at $629 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Specialist of Education in Educational Psychology—Gifted and Creative Education - This program is based on the philosophy that giftedness and creativity are expressed in diverse ways among diverse people; this program helps professionals assess their student’s needs based on their social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. These philosophies will be expressed through a focus on instruction, research, and service.

  • Total Credit Hours: 31
  • Related Career Opportunities: College or University Professor, Classroom Teacher, Coordinator of School System Programs, Coordinator in State Departments of Education, or Educational Consultant.

4 - Ball State University

Ball State University’s talented faculty and staff are making discoveries that improve lives and change the world through meaningful research and scholarship. Ball State Online is the first higher education institution in the country to earn Learner Support Program Certification for its online degree programs.

Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university

Cost: starts at $334 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) - This program gives its students a distinct advantage within a variety of early childhood settings which will prepare them for a workplace where Head Start and pre-K teachers are required to hold advanced degrees, as this degree focuses on ages birth through age five.

  • Total Credit Hours:48
  • Related Career Opportunities: Pre-K or Preschool Teacher, Head Start Program Specialist, Early childhood Curriculum Specialist, Professional Development Coordinator, Early Childhood Administrator or Director

Master’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree

Cost: starts at $442 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Master’s Degree in Secondary Education - This program helps professionals gain intensive professional development in pedagogy, curriculum and foundations of education, educational technology, multicultural education, and educational research.

  • Total Credit Hours: 30-36
  • Related Career Opportunities: High School Teacher, High School Principal, Instructional Coordinator, Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teacher

Master’s Degree in Special Education - This program is part of nationally recognized Teachers College. This program will help professionals gain knowledge, skills, and experience to serve children and adults with disabilities.

  • Total Credit Hours: 30
  • Related Career Opportunities: Special Education Teacher, Educational Diagnostician, Special Education Specialist, Special Education Tester, Rehabilitation Counselor

Master’s Degree in Elementary Education - This program will help professionals master specific classroom skills that are critical to becoming an effective teacher, knowledge about the role of education in today’s diverse society, the importance of data-driven assessment, and how technology can support the teaching and learning experience. This program also offers different fields of concentration - early childhood education, elementary education, or reading/literacy instruction.

  • Total Credit Hours: 30
  • Related Career Opportunities: Principal or Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant, Instructional Coach, Academic Support Teacher

Notable educational master’s degree programs: Master’s Degree in Athletic Coaching Education, Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, and many more.

Doctorate Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Master’s Degree from an institution recognized by a regional accrediting association

Cost: starts at $442 per credit hour per semester

Program:

EdD in Special Education - This program will prepare professionals to serve in an exciting career in which they can lead the educational or behavioral professions through administration, scholarship, and entrepreneurship—from teacher educator to special education manager to curriculum specialist to the director of a treatment center.

  • Total Credit Hours: 91
  • Related Career Opportunities: School Principal, Professor of Special Education, Special Education Administrator

Notable educational doctorate degree programs: Doctor of Education (EdD) in Adult and Community Education, Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Administration and Supervision, Specialist in Education (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Supervision

Other programs and services offered that you should check out: Online Transition to Teaching Programs - Elementary and Secondary Education Online Licenses Programs - Special Education: Mild Interventions (K-12), Special Education: Intense Interventions (K-12) Principal’s License, and many more.

5 - Daytona State College

Daytona State has been recognized as a leader in higher education numerous times, most recently by U.S. News & World Report. Daytona State College has designed its curriculum to provide students with sufficient knowledge which will permit them to be a more responsible, articulate, and informed citizen.

Associate Degree

Academic Prerequisites: High School Diploma

Cost: starts at $79.22 per credit hour per semester

Program:

Early Childhood Education, A.S. Degree - This program provides students with supplementary training focusing on early childhood development and education.

  • Total Credit Hours: 18
  • Related Career Opportunities: Child Development Center Teachers, Child Development Center Curriculum Coordinators, Preschool Teacher, Child Development Center Managers

Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Associate of Arts degree from a regionally accredited institution

Cost: starts at $91.79 per credit hour per semester

Total Credit Hours: 60-120

Programs:

Education - Elementary Education, B.S. Degree - This program embraces diversity, promotes ethics in education, focuses on student excellence, and enhances teaching and learning through innovative instructional practices. The program includes endorsements for Reading and ESOL.

  • Related Career Opportunities: Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Preschool Teacher, Preschool and Childcare Center Director

Education - Exceptional Education, B.S. Degree - This program provides ESOL and Reading infused instructional programs that will produce highly qualified, State certified teachers ready for entry in a K-12 environment.

  • Related Career Opportunities: Special Education Teacher, Early Intervention Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Educational Audiologist

Notable educational bachelor’s degree programs: Secondary Physics Education, Secondary Earth/Space Science Education, Secondary Chemistry Education, Secondary Biology Education, and many more.

Another program that you should check out: Educator Preparation Institute - alternate route to teacher certification for mid-career professionals and college graduates who are not education majors.

6 - University of West Florida

The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees on-campus and online. As an online student with the University of West Florida, students receive a quality education at a flexible rate and time.

Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all previously attempted college work

Cost: starts at $218.98 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Exceptional Student Education, B.A. - this program is designed to help students create and manage an inclusive learning environment that facilitates positive social interactions and makes content accessible and developmentally appropriate for all learners.

  • Total Credit Hours: 132
  • Related Career Opportunities: Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Teachers, High School Teacher

Master’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution

Cost: Starts at $384.60 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed. - This program will help professionals gain a deeper understanding of education and prepare for an instructional or leadership role.

  • Total Credit Hours: 33
  • Related Career Opportunities: Instructional Coordinator, Elementary School Teacher, High School Teacher

Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education - This program will help professionals systematically evaluate research-based approaches and strategies and apply reflective practices to demonstrate a commitment to learning from experience.

  • Total Credit Hours: 30-42
  • Related Career Opportunities: Special Education Teacher, Behavior Analyst

Notable educational master’s degree programs: Educational Leadership, M.Ed., M.Ed. Technology Leadership, M.Ed. in Reading

Doctorate Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Master’s degree from an accredited institution

Cost: Starts at $384.60 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction, Curriculum and Assessment Specialization - This program will help professionals gain familiarity with the professional literature and understand issues in education, assessment, data-driven decision making, and accountability measures.

  • Total Credit Hours: 63
  • Related Career Opportunities: Principal, School Superintendent, Curriculum Developer, Instructional Coordinators

Ed.D. Instructional Design and Technology - this program is designed for professionals who want to effectively apply research and theory to achieve educational goals and improve performance in a variety of settings.

  • Total Credit Hours: 66
  • Related Career Opportunities: Training and Development Specialist, Instructional Designer or Coordinator, Curriculum Developer

7 - Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers online teaching degree and certificate programs that are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. They pride themselves in today’s higher education landscape as the Midwest’s leading state institution with highly accessible, award-winning programs and an extensive global reach.

Bachelor’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree or completed General Education Courses & Pre-Professional Courses with a grade of “C” or better

Cost: starts at $218.67 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

  • Bachelor of Science in Education (Early Childhood Unified) - This program will allow students to seek licensure that can be used to enter into education-related occupations serving children and families from birth to age 8 (third grade).

  • Total Credit Hours: 71-126
  • Related Career Opportunities: Preschool Teacher, Childcare Center Director, Home-Based Service Provider, Family Support Specialist, Consultant

Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education - The education department offers a minor in Special Education to students who are majoring in Elementary Education. Adding a minor to a major in elementary education allows students to better serve all the students under their care, and make themselves more attractive on the job market.

  • Total Credit Hours: 72-127
  • Related Career Opportunities: Reading Specialist, Para Educator, Student Teacher
  • Minor: Special Education

Master’s Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree

Cost: starts at $287.75 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

M.S.E in Higher Education-Student Affairs (HESA) - This program is designed for candidates currently working in student affairs positions and those desiring to work in higher education student affairs.

  • Total Credit Hours: 36
  • Related Career Opportunities: Academic Retention Advisor, Admissions Counselor, Student Conduct Coordinator, Coordinator Of Pre-college Programs, Student Success Coach

M.S. in High-Incidence Special Education - This program concentrates on the practical needs and challenges faced by today’s educators of special needs students.

  • Total Credit Hours: 36
  • Related Career Opportunities: Intervention Specialist And Special Education Coordinator

Master of Science in Education (MSE) with an Emphasis in Elementary Education - This program is designed for candidates to seek licensure in elementary education (kindergarten through 6th grade).

  • Total Credit Hours: 36
  • Related Career Opportunities: Principal or Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant, Instructional Coach, Academic Support Teacher

M.S. in Special Education - This offers teacher preparation programs that provide an appropriate education for exceptional children and youth and concentrates on the practical needs and challenges faced by today’s facilitators of gifted students.

  • Total Credit Hours: 36
  • Related Career Opportunities: Special Education Teacher, Educational Diagnostician, Special Education Specialist, Special Education Tester, Rehabilitation Counselor

Notable educational master’s degree programs: M.S.in Education, Library Media Specialist, English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement, Non-Degree District Leadership (Superintendent) Endorsement, and many more.

Doctorate Degree

Academic Prerequisites: Master’s degree

Cost: starts at $287.75 per credit hour per semester

Programs:

Specialist in Education Degree, Leadership in Reading Program - This program designed for teachers with a master’s degree to continue their education and obtain a reading specialist endorsement.

  • Total Credit Hours: 33
  • Related Career Opportunities: Reading Specialist, Instructional Coordinator, School Superintendent, Reading Intervention Teacher/Specialist

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in Education Administration - This program helps teachers satisfy state licensure requirements for school district leadership and qualifies them to serve as superintendent.

  • Total Credit Hours: 30
  • Related Career Opportunities: Educational Specialist, School Psychology, Public School Administrators, Researchers And Writers, Higher Education Administrators

Ed. S. in Counseling - This program is centered on leadership and advanced practices in the counseling profession. This is designed for those who may be interested in seeking a specialization leading to leadership positions in school and clinical agencies and may lead to new career options.

  • Total Credit Hours: 30
  • Related Career Opportunities: Private And Public School Counselors, Mental Health Professionals, Behavioral Health Specialists, Youth and Family Counselors

Notable educational doctorate degree programs: Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Digital Leadership Program, Specialist in Education Degree in Education Innovation and Leadership Program, and many more.

Another program that you should check out: Transition to Teaching Program - provides an opportunity for individuals outside the field of education who have a bachelor’s, master’s degree, or equivalent coursework to have immediate access to start teaching under a restricted license while completing professional education pedagogy coursework to become fully licensed.

Key Takeaway

There are a lot of programs online that you can enroll in to get a teaching degree and will help you transition from zero to teacher even if you only have a high school diploma. But remember, not all programs are created equal. So we recommend that you check out each school’s curriculum to see what will fit your schedule and load.

When applying for an education program, you have to make sure that the school you’re applying to is well-credited and is state-approved. And if you still don’t know which path to take, identifying which type of students you would like to engage with will help. So be sure to check out our list of schools that offer online teaching degrees, and who knows? You might be one of the unsung heroes of our generation!