Online Education & Teaching Degrees: Reviewing Top Programs

Where to Start

Before choosing an online education or teaching degree, ask yourself a few key questions. Everyone’s goals and needs are different, and identifying yours will help you find the right fit.

• What is my end goal? Classroom teaching, administration, or a specialist role? Defining success early helps guide your degree choice.
• Am I ready to learn online? Online programs demand self-motivation and tech skills, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while.
• Can I afford college? Consider scholarships, financial aid, and other funding options before enrolling.
• How fast should I go? Decide whether part-time, full-time, or accelerated pacing makes the most sense for you.

Online Education & Teaching Degrees by Level

Online degrees in education are offered at every level, from associate to doctorate. Many are flexible, with minimal on-campus requirements. Certificates are also available to quickly build your resume or test the field before committing to a longer program.

Online Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificates prepare students for roles like childcare worker, teaching assistant, or tutor. These programs are shorter and less expensive than degrees, and can often be applied toward a bachelor’s degree later on.

STEPS Pick: IAP Career College’s Teaching Assistant Online Certificate Course

• Learn classroom management, behavior support, and instructional skills.
• Program length: 4-12 weeks, depending on schedule.
• Optional membership in the International Association of Professional Teaching Assistants.

Online Associate Degrees

Online associate degrees take about two years and prepare you for support roles like preschool teacher or childcare worker. These programs also serve as a pathway to bachelor’s degrees through credit transfer.

STEPS Pick: Purdue Global’s Online Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development

• Focus on early childhood development with 18 courses.
• Covers curriculum planning, child safety, creative activities, and teaching children with special needs.
• Requires a high school diploma or GED for admission.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for running your own classroom. These programs usually take four years (two with an associate degree). Students build classroom skills through student teaching and courses on classroom management, assessments, and instructional technology.

STEPS Pick: Oregon State University’s Bachelor of Science in Teaching Program

• Blend of online and in-person coursework.
• Topics include English as a Second Language, linguistics, reading, and diverse teaching strategies.
• Includes a practicum and internship with school districts.

Online Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates help licensed teachers or education professionals build specialized skills and improve employability. Programs typically require 1-2 years and financial aid is often available.

Specialties may include:

• Educational policy
• Special education
• Reading & literacy
• College teaching
• English language instruction

STEPS Pick: University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign’s Graduate Certificate in Education

• Choose from 17 areas of study, including digital learning, disability intervention, and leadership.
• Requires 2-5 courses, depending on specialization.

Online Master’s Programs

An online master’s degree opens doors to roles like school counselor, instructional coordinator, librarian, or principal. Programs focus on leadership, curriculum design, research methods, and counseling skills. Transfer credits can shorten completion time.

STEPS Pick: University of Texas at Tyler’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

• Includes research in learning sciences, curriculum foundations, diversity, and applied learning theories.
• Transfer credits from prior graduate work are accepted.
• Typical completion: under two years.

Online Doctoral Degrees

Doctorates (EdD or PhD) are for educators seeking advanced roles in policy, leadership, and higher education. Programs take 3-5 years and usually require a dissertation.

STEPS Pick: University of Alabama’s Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership Online

• Emphasizes critical thinking, research, and leadership skills.
• Courses include curriculum leadership, psychometric theory, and educational law.

Explore Additional Education/Teaching Resources by STEPS

Education/teaching is a big field, and there’s always more to discover. From degree breakdowns to career planning tips, these resources from STEPS are here to guide you as you work toward your goals.

Find Programs in Your State

• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Michigan
• New York City
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Texas
• Washington

Degree Guides

• Accelerated Education/Teaching Degrees
• EdD Programs
• Early Childhood Education Degrees Programs
• Elementary Education Degree Programs
• Master’s in Education Degrees
• Most Affordable Master’s in Education Degrees
• PhD in Education Degrees
• Physical Education Degree Programs
• Secondary Education Degree Programs
• Special Education Degree Programs

Additional Reads for Students

• Resources for Students in Education
• Alternative Routes to Teaching
• First-Year Teacher Survival Guide
• Beginner’s Guide to the Praxis Exam
• Benefits of Increasing Teacher Diversity
• Student Teaching Survival Guide
• Teaching with a Chronic Illness: A Guide
• Troops to Teachers Program
• 100+ Resources for ESL/ELL Teachers
• Non-Teaching Education Careers
• Online Teaching Strategies
• Financial Aid for Education/Teaching Majors
• How to Become a Teacher
• How to Become a Substitute Teacher
• Essential Skills for Students in Education
• What Can You Do with an Education Degree?

How to Choose the Right Online Program

As you start your research, there are bound to be questions about which program is the right one for you.

Here are some common questions that students should ask themselves when vetting different schools and programs.

Would I benefit more from an online-only course, and what are the differences in course delivery?

If you already have a busy personal or professional life, online is the way to go, but it’s important to research course delivery format. Asynchronous courses enable you to watch pre-recorded lectures and complete assignments at your convenience; synchronous classes require you to log in at specific times.

Should I pursue a program that offers in-person student teaching?

There’s a lot to be said for real-world experience, so a student teaching course may helpful. Consider establishing a relationship with a cooperative teacher and how you will balance coursework with teaching and other responsibilities.

Will I be able to meet the admissions requirements for an education degree online?

Admissions vary, but there are some definite musts. Some education departments also set degree-specific requirements, including minimum GPAs, completion of certain prerequisites, producing transcripts, and clearance of a background check for the live teaching portions of your hybrid degree.

Does it matter if my education program is accredited?

Yes, it’s actually very important. Accreditation means a lot to potential employers, and it’s crucial for universities that accept undergraduate course credits for graduate degrees. Accreditation is a mark of quality education and a curriculum that prepares students for real-world situations.

Will the program teach me the skills needed to earn a teaching license?

Most programs create certain aspects of the curriculum directly to help you pass the questions on a licensing exam, either nationally or for specific states. Some programs, especially at the bachelor’s level, might even include the licensing text or qualification as part of the degree. Ask about this as you research the best program for you.

Answering Common Education & Teaching Student Questions

Is there financial aid available for my education and teaching courses?

Yes, most colleges and universities offer financial aid and scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate education programs.

• Aid options include need- and merit-based awards, student loans, tuition reimbursement, work-study, and fellowships.
• Completing the FAFSA is often the first step to access federal and state support.

Are there programs for education that offer a part-time option?

Yes, many online education programs allow you to study part-time by taking one course per term.

• This flexibility helps balance school with work and personal obligations.
• Keep in mind that part-time enrollment can lengthen the total time to graduation.
• Full-time students usually take 3-5 classes per semester as a comparison.

Are there accelerated teaching and education degree or certificate programs?

Yes, you can find accelerated programs that shorten the time it takes to earn a degree or certificate.

• Some are available entirely online, while others include in-person teaching hours.
• Accelerated tracks often rely on credit transfers to speed up completion.

What are some things to remember as I start my teaching career, to make sure that it’s successful?

A successful start often comes down to planning, classroom management, and balance.

• Break responsibilities into smaller tasks to stay organized.
• Avoid overcommitting to outside roles during your first year.
• Plan and book time to prepare lessons consistently.

What are some of the most common specializations I can earn with my degrees?

Education degrees often include specializations such as elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

• Other options include leadership, instructional design, educational psychology, math and science, and higher education administration.

How Much Will My Degree Cost?

When college planning, there’s a lot of focus on tuition, but that’s just one part of the equation. Transfer credits, additional fees, and even ROI should also be considered.

Some other factors that can impact the cost of your education:

Accelerated programs: Often, an online education program will have an option to finish coursework faster or at your own pace, meaning total credit cost savings.

Online vs. in-person: Not every college or university makes online courses cheaper, but a lot do. Plus, you’ll naturally save certain expenses, including travel to and from classes or housing costs.

Type of degree: The higher the degree level and number of required credits, the more likely costs will go up.

Public vs. private: Generally, public institutions are more affordable than private colleges; for-profit schools typically have higher rates.

Career Options for Education & Teaching Students

You may think becoming a classroom teacher is the primary focus for earning an education or teaching degree, but there are quite a few more options. Nonprofits, publishers, businesses, and government all have roles for grads with education degrees.

Teaching & Education Salary and Career Details

Making Your Decision

Although there is plenty of information on this page about education and teaching programs, it’s a good idea to keep searching for more. You can find additional info on the STEPS site, and also speak directly to colleges and universities during your search.

Then, ask two questions:

What school is right for me? The answer to this question is predicated on the curriculum, degree offerings, and costs that most fit your own goals as an educator.

Am I making the right choice with an education degree? In short, if you have communication skills and an interest in teaching, it can be a worthwhile profession.

STEPS Best Online Education & Teaching Degree Programs

Students seeking any kind of education degree or certificate can benefit by comparing schools and areas of importance. This list features rankings according to data from two-and four-year schools that volunteered for the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS. Data includes the number of online programs each school provides, tuition and fees associated with education programs, and the student-to-faculty ratio.