Best Online Accelerated Education & Teaching Degrees

Accelerated Education/Teaching Associate’s Degrees Online

Accelerated associate degrees in education provide a fast path to entry-level, non-licensed teaching roles or bachelor’s degree transfer, typically completing in 12 to15 months vs. the traditional 24. These programs cover essential education fundamentals—child development, teaching methods, and classroom basics—through intensive 5 to 6 week courses rather than standard 16-week terms. While traditional programs require four semesters spread over two years, many accelerated formats run continuously, allowing students to complete the same 60 to 65 credits in half the time.

Accelerated Education/Teaching Bachelor’s Degrees Online

Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree in education can be earned in four years (eight semesters), by completing between 12 and 18 credit hours per semester. To accelerate a program, programs condense courses into shorter terms or allow learners to move at their own pace. With the right program and a robust pace, a four-year degree can be completed in less time.

Accelerated Education/Teaching Master’s Degrees Online

Master’s programs in education are common in part because many online undergraduate teaching degrees, especially accelerated programs, omit licensure to shorten the time to graduation. As a result, universities frequently offer masters programs specifically to offer a path to licensure to those with a bachelor’s in another field. A master’s degree doesn’t require as many credit hours as a bachelor’s, so even with licensure included, students can often complete an online master’s program in teaching or education in about 18 months.

Online Accelerated Education/Teaching Graduate Certificates

Graduate teaching certificates offer a rapid path to specialized teaching credentials or career advancement, typically completing in 12-18 months. Unlike full master’s programs, these focused credentials let you target specific areas like secondary education, special education, or early childhood teaching. Perfect for career changers with bachelor’s degrees or current teachers seeking new specializations, these programs combine flexible online coursework with practical teaching experience. Many programs offer competitive tuition rates and can be completed while working full-time.

FAQs for Accelerated Education/Teaching Students

Do I have to student teach in an accelerated program?

If you are working toward licensure, you’ll need to participate in student teaching. Every state licensing board includes student teaching hours and hands-on experience to qualify for licensure. For those who don’t intend to earn a teaching license or who already have one, you likely won’t need to complete student teaching. If student teaching sounds a bit scary or overwhelming, explore the STEPS student teaching survival guide.

What kind of financial aid options exist for accelerated programs?

Multiple financial aid options are available, though they vary by school and specialization. Options include standard financial aid for educators, which is available to all eligible students. Additionally, given the huge demand for teachers, most institutions are heavily incentivized to offer scholarships and other resources for future educators.

Do accelerated teaching programs lead to the same certification as traditional programs?

Some do, but each program is different. A significant number of accelerated programs are designed to prepare you for licensure. Others will have state limitations on where you’ll be able to apply for licensure. Still others will explicitly state that the program is in no way tied to licensure requirements.

Can I work while pursuing an accelerated degree?

That’s up to you. As mentioned earlier, an accelerated program offers the opportunity to complete the degree faster. If you need to earn a steady paycheck while you’re completing courses, the majority of online and accelerated programs will facilitate that, but you’ll have to adjust your schedule and timelines accordingly.

Can I transfer credits to accelerate my teaching degree?

Yes, transferring credits can significantly accelerate your teaching degree completion time, though it’s important to understand that policies vary by institution and program. Many teaching programs are specifically designed to maximize transfer credit acceptance, often preferring students with an associate degree or substantial previous college credits. Most programs require a minimum GPA threshold for transfer students, and you can earn additional credits through year-round study across fall, winter, and summer semesters. To maximize your transfer potential, research program-specific transfer rules carefully, utilize credit transfer evaluation tools, and consider programs specifically designed for degree completion. Many institutions will also evaluate previous education and work experience for potential credit, making it essential to work closely with admissions offices for personalized guidance on your specific situation.

Ranking the Best Online Accelerated Programs for Future Educators

To help future educators find the right accelerated program for them, we ranked current programs based on degree flexibility, affordability, and the curriculum. To do so, our team looked at metrics like the percentage of coursework that could be completed online, the curriculum’s rigor, and the percentage of students awarded financial aid. You can learn more about how these rankings were determined by clicking the “About the Rankings” button below.