Best Online Education & Teaching Programs in Florida (FL)
If you’re exploring online education degrees in Florida, you’ve probably noticed the state is actively hiring educators. Florida’s current teacher shortage means attractive salaries, plenty of job openings, and numerous opportunities for advancement.
You might be considering an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or even doctoral degree, and each pathway offers distinct career advantages. This STEPS guide clearly explains costs, specializations, timelines, and what to expect from online education programs, making it easier to choose the program that fits your schedule and budget.
Florida’s Best Associate Degrees
Starting with an associate degree in education is an ideal way to enter the teaching field in Florida, especially if you’re new or want an affordable path to working with children. These two-year programs provide fundamental knowledge in educational theory, classroom management, and basic teaching strategies.
An associate degree won’t qualify you to teach K–12, but it lays a strong foundation and sets you up for a smooth transition into a bachelor’s program. It’s also an excellent stepping stone to careers such as preschool teaching, teacher assistance, or childcare. This approach offers flexibility, affordability, and practical experience, preparing you for further education and career growth.
College of Central Florida
CF’s associate program in Early Childhood Education sets you up perfectly if you’re looking to start a career in preschool teaching or childcare in Florida. It combines foundational child development theories with practical teaching methods, equipping you to support young learners from day one.
During the program’s duration of two years, you’ll participate in coursework alongside hands-on training at the college’s on-site preschool lab, giving you direct experience that makes transitioning into the workplace smooth and effective. By graduation, you’ll feel fully prepared to enter Florida’s in-demand education field, whether pursuing immediate employment or further studies at the bachelor’s level.
Locations: Ocala, Chiefland, & Lecanto
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $112 to $438/credit, residency-dependent
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed college application
- Placement test scores
- Official high school transcripts
Top Bachelor’s Degrees in Florida
A bachelor’s degree in education is your first step toward becoming a certified teacher in Florida. It typically takes four years to complete, providing you with foundational knowledge in lesson planning, classroom management, and effective teaching methods. You’ll also select a specialization, like elementary education, special education, or high school teaching, to prepare for specific roles.
These programs combine online coursework with real-world practice through student teaching placements at Florida schools, equipping you with practical experience in local classrooms. Completing your bachelor’s degree meets most state certification requirements, opening doors to teaching positions in Florida’s public and private schools, where educators are in high demand.
University of Florida (UF Online)
The University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education program tailored specifically for educators aiming to teach Pre-K through Grade 3. The degree is fully online, except for required in-person experiences available across Florida, ensuring flexibility alongside essential practical training.
You’ll study topics like child development, family engagement, and effective teaching strategies, preparing you thoroughly for state certification. In about four years, this program equips you with both theoretical understanding and practical skills, taught by experienced faculty from UF’s respected College of Education.
Location: Gainesville
Mode: Fully online, with required in-person training
Cost: $129 to $552/credit, residency-dependent
Admissions Requirements:
- UF Application with official transcripts
- High school diploma or equivalent
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Standardized test scores
- Completion of education prerequisite courses (e.g., Introduction to Education, Psychology)
- Associate degree or at least 60 credits for upper-division transfers
All About Florida Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree in education is perfect for educators in Florida who want to specialize, gain advanced skills, or step into leadership roles. These programs typically last one to two years, offering expertise in areas like curriculum design, instructional technology, or school administration. You’ll enhance your teaching methods, learn to implement innovative educational practices, and develop leadership skills that Florida schools highly value.
The state’s online master’s degrees conveniently allow you to balance coursework with your current job, making it easy to advance your career without sacrificing your existing commitments. Completing this degree positions you for higher pay, greater responsibility, and new career opportunities.
University of West Florida (UWF)
The University of West Florida offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction, ideal for educators aiming for leadership roles or specialized expertise. This program, which takes around two years to complete, focuses on strategies that directly impact student success, preparing you to improve curriculum quality and educational outcomes.
Even though classes are online, you’ll get plenty of support from professors and interact closely with your peers. Courses are structured around real-world projects and research you can apply directly in your current classroom, giving you tools to make immediate improvements in student learning.
Location: Pensacola
Mode: Online
Cost: $416/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits)
- Current or pursuing teacher certification (Professional Training Option available for temporary certification)
- Online application with $30 fee
- Official transcripts
- Letter of intent outlining professional goals
- Current résumé
- Three professional references
Exploring Florida’s PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs
For experienced Florida educators ready to deepen their impact, doctoral degrees—like an EdD or PhD—can elevate your career significantly. An EdD focuses on leadership, practical problem-solving, and applying research directly to Florida schools or educational administration roles. A PhD emphasizes academic research, ideal if your goal is a scholarly or university-level teaching career.
Alternatively, graduate certificates offer shorter, targeted programs designed to quickly build specialized skills in areas such as curriculum development or instructional technology. These credentials make you highly competitive for advanced roles, leadership positions, or specialized teaching opportunities throughout Florida’s growing education field.
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a professional Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction specializing in Teachers, Schools, and Society (TSS). This doctorate is perfect for experienced educators eager to become leaders who make meaningful, research-driven changes in their schools or organizations. UF’s innovative program — recognized nationally by the Carnegie Project — helps educators tackle real problems in their work environments through deep analysis, evidence-based research, and actionable solutions.
The online format lets you keep working full-time while studying within a supportive cohort, blending asynchronous coursework with engaging live Zoom sessions and annual summer institutes.
Location: Gainesville
Mode: Online
Cost: $449/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Master’s or specialist degree in education or related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (graduate-level coursework)
- At least three years of professional education experience
- Must be currently employed full-time in education
- UF graduate application with official transcripts
- Current résumé or CV
- Three recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose identifying a specific “problem of practice”
All You Need to Know: Florida Education Student FAQs
Are there scholarship or grant options specifically for aspiring teachers in Florida?
Yes. The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, TEACH Grant, and various university-specific scholarships can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
For example, the TEACH Grant provides up to several thousand dollars a year to students who agree to teach in a high-need field at a Title I school for at least four years.
Additionally, many institutions maintain databases for scholarships—ensuring that scholarships and financial aid opportunities are accessible. Some programs even offer dedicated options for online students.
Some state programs like Bright Futures help cover tuition for qualifying in-state undergraduates. Always check whether your institution has dedicated teacher-education awards, and if you’re currently employed in a school district, explore employer tuition reimbursement plans. Taking advantage of these funding sources can make a big difference in managing degree costs.
Can I specialize in a particular subject area within a Florida online teaching degree?
Yes. Many Florida schools allow you to focus on subjects like math, science, reading, or special education. For instance, at Seminole State College, students pursuing an A.A. in Education can choose electives aligned with specific teaching interests.
At the graduate level, programs like the University of West Florida’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction offer specialty tracks like Instructional Technology and Middle/Secondary Education.
By tailoring electives and fieldwork, you can build expertise in a niche that matches your professional goals.
Is accreditation important for Florida teaching programs?
Accreditation is crucial because it affects licensure, job prospects, and the transfer of credits. Most reputable Florida schools, like UF, FIU, and UWF, hold regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Professional accreditations, such as CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), further validate a program’s rigor. Attending an accredited program ensures that your degree meets the state’s teacher certification requirements.
Can I pursue a Florida teaching degree online if I live out of state?
Yes. Most Florida institutions welcome out-of-state applicants to their online programs, provided they meet admission requirements. Schools like Florida International University (FIU Online) often provide the same curriculum and faculty support to non-residents, though tuition is typically higher for those living outside Florida.
How do field experiences work for online teacher preparation programs?
Most online education programs partner with local schools so you can complete practicum or student teaching in your own community. For example, UF Online’s B.S. in Education Sciences coordinates practical placements across Florida, ensuring you gain hands-on classroom experience without needing to relocate or make long commutes.
Salary & Career Outlook for Education Graduates in Florida
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Elementary School Teachers | $48,370 | $79,420 | $56,850 |
| Florida | Kindergarten Teachers | $48,080 | $79,870 | $55,120 |
| Florida | Middle School Teachers | $47,910 | $78,620 | $52,090 |
| Florida | Postsecondary Teachers | $37,870 | $106,930 | $63,990 |
| Florida | Secondary School Teachers | $49,830 | $84,120 | $62,550 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Elementary School Teachers | 66,500 | 74,600 | 8,100 | 12.20% |
| Florida | Kindergarten Teachers | 9,350 | 10,410 | 1,060 | 11.30% |
| Florida | Middle School Teachers | 34,070 | 38,250 | 4,180 | 12.30% |
| Florida | Postsecondary Teachers | 6,850 | 7,390 | 540 | 7.90% |
| Florida | Secondary School Teachers | 49,250 | 55,240 | 5,990 | 12.20% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best-Ranked Online Education & Teaching Programs in Florida
It can be hard to drop everything for a degree; though online education can help with that, it also opens a new issue: an abundance of choices. To help you narrow things down, we’ve compiled and ranked the best education programs online in Florida. We rank schools by qualities like their consistency of online education, affordability of tuition, and student-to-faculty ratio. Discover whether or not the school you’ve been eyeing made its way onto our list as one of the best program options in the state.
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Public
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Public
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Albizu University-Miami
Miami, Florida
Private
Ana G. Mendez University
Orlando, Florida
Private
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, Florida
Private
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Public
St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, Florida
Private
Lynn University
Boca Raton, Florida
Private
Barry University
Miami, Florida
Private
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, Florida
Public
Resources for Florida’s Educators
Starting your teaching career or growing professionally in Florida is easier with the right support. Whether you’re seeking scholarships, test prep, teaching resources, or career guidance, Florida has tailored resources to help you succeed. Below are some of the best resources for Florida’s educators:
- Association of American Educators (AAE) Florida – The AAE is a national professional organization for teachers and other education professionals. The Florida chapter partners with various educational organizations in the state and elsewhere.
- Bright Futures Scholarship Program – Offers merit-based scholarships for Florida residents, helping students reduce tuition costs and access undergraduate education at public institutions through multiple award tiers based on GPA, test scores, and service hours.
- CPALMS – CPALMS stands for Collaborate, Plan, Align, Learn, Motivate, and Share. It is the official home of source standards for courses in Florida, offering interactive tools to help meet teaching standards.
- Florida Center for Reading Research Resources – An initiative of FSU, this online hub provides teacher resources for literacy education. Resources are categorized by grade, ranging from Pre-K through fifth grade.
- Florida Department of Education – Educator Certification – Guides aspiring and active teachers through Florida’s certification requirements, providing application assistance, fee information, and updates on evolving state rules and regulations in K-12 education.
- Florida Education Association (FEA) – The FEA is the largest professional organizing association for Florida teachers. It comprises multiple teachers’ unions in Florida and collectively advocates for improving the educational system and teachers’ rights.
- Florida Fund for Minority Teachers – Offers scholarships to underrepresented students seeking teaching degrees in Florida, helping reduce financial barriers and expand diversity in the state’s classrooms and school leadership roles.
- Florida School Counselor Association (FSCA) – Provides professional development events, advocacy, and a strong community for school counselors in Florida, helping them address the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of students.
- UF Digital Collections Teacher Resources – The University of Florida’s online library houses a vast digital collection accessible from anywhere, including a database of teacher resources for classroom use, lesson planning, and more.
