Top Online Education/Teaching Programs in North Carolina (NC)
The quality of the program makes a difference for students earning an online education and teaching degree. The best degree programs in North Carolina offer flexible learning options, opportunities for specialization, and practical preparation for a wide range of education- and teaching-related careers.
You might wonder where you fit in with the world of education and teaching. We understand that you might have other responsibilities or barriers to advancing your career. This STEPS guide emphasizes quality online and hybrid education and teaching degree programs in North Carolina to meet the ever-pressing need for qualified, dedicated educators.
Associate Degrees in North Carolina: Exploring Popular Options
An associate degree is the first level students can earn beyond a high school diploma. Most students complete an education and teaching associate degree program in two years. But, it might take longer, depending on the chosen program. This type of degree helps students learn marketable skills for entry-level education roles like teacher assistant, school administrator, tutor, and library assistant.
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education degree program. This program is offered in fully online, hybrid, or in-person formats. Students can choose between a professional degree track, a teacher transfer degree track, or a non-licensure degree transfer track. Each of these options allows students to decide how they want to apply an associate degree and determine whether they might seek a bachelor’s degree later.
CPCC has articulation agreements with 22 colleges and universities in North Carolina. These agreements allow students to enroll in a bachelor degree program if they transfer to one of those schools and continue their studies.
Location: Charlotte, NC
Mode: Online, Hybrid, In-Person
Cost: $247 per credit (tuition and fees for in-state students)/$439 (tuition and fees for out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- North Carolina residency (for in-state tuition)
- Placement tests (can be waived with appropriate transcripts/existing scores)
Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College offers an Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation degree program. It’s designed for students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and teaching. The program provides a sturdy foundation in designing appropriately challenging learning experiences and assessments plus engaging teaching practices to support positive outcomes for children.
This 60-credit program offers an array of options to fulfill requirements and gives students the power to choose what they learn. Students with a grade of C or better in each course can transfer as a junior to a North Carolina bachelor’s degree program with an articulation agreement.
Location: Flat Rock, Brevard, or Hendersonville, NC
Mode: Online, In-Person
Cost: $76 per credit hour (tuition for in-state students)/$268 per credit hour (tuition for out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts
- North Carolina residency (for in-state tuition)
Wake Tech
Wake Tech offers an Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation degree program. Students gain skills and knowledge needed to transfer to a bachelor degree program and obtain roles as licensed elementary, middle, high school, or special education teachers. This 60-credit program requires 45 credit hours of general education courses.
Students must complete teacher education courses like Foundations of Education, Literacy Development and Instruction, and Teacher Licensure Preparation. They can transfer as a junior to more than 15 universities in North Carolina to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Location: Raleigh and Morrisville, NC
Mode: Online, Hybrid, In-Person
Cost: $1,824 (tuition for full-time/in-state students)/$6,432 (tuition for full-time/out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts
- North Carolina residency (for in-state tuition)
North Carolina’s Bachelor’s Degree Programs
A bachelor’s degree in education and teaching is ideal for students who want to explore the theories, policies, and application of education at a more advanced level. These four-year programs expose students to topics such as education ethics, student development, classroom techniques, and subject expertise.
While most students who earn a bachelor’s degree in education become teachers, this type of degree also equips them for careers in library sciences, curriculum development, program coordination, and more.
Campbell University
Campbell University offers both a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education degree program and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree program. With these fully online programs, students take 124 credits in eight-week terms. This course format breaks down content and allows students to experience one knowledge area before moving on to the next.
All faculty members are licensed teachers in North Carolina. Students can complete their clinical field experience locally, as sites are available across the state. Livestream options are available to foster connection with other students and allow participation in discussions. Whether students choose the Elementary Education track or the Special Education track, they’ll be ready to take teacher licensure exams in North Carolina after graduation.
Location: Buies Creek, NC
Mode: Online
Cost: $465 per credit hour (tuition only)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma
- Official transcripts
- Initial entry assessment/counseling for first-time college students
- Additional requirements vary by type of student experience.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University’s College of Education offers an array of education and teaching bachelor’s degree programs through Partnership Teach. This online degree completion model is intended to increase the number of high-quality teachers in local communities. Options include degrees in elementary education, middle grades education, and special education, among others.
Though students’ coursework is offered online, they must complete a supervised, full-time internship in a public school in the local area during their senior year. Students can take specialized education classes (depending on their degree’s focus). Most students can complete the remaining required courses in two or three years.
Location: Greenville, NC
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,516 (tuition and fees for in-state students)/$23,793 (tuition and fees for out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma
- Official transcripts
- Application for Partnership Teach
- General education credits and required courses are completed (for transfer students).
University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education degree program. This program features robust in-classroom learning that prepares students for careers as a teacher. It leads to licensure as a teacher in North Carolina for grades K-6.
Students can choose from 10 concentrations, including Behavioral Studies, Early Childhood, Math and Technology, Social Studies, Special Education, and Science and Heath, among others. They can also select a minor like Applied Behavioral Analysis, Leadership Studies, or Online Teaching and Learning.
Location: Wilmington, NC
Mode: Online, In-Person
Cost: $4,443 per year (tuition for full-time/in-state students)/$21,318 (tuition for full-time/out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Rigorous coursework in high school
- For education and teaching degree programs, separate admission to UNCW’s Watson College of Education is required (usually in students’ sophomore/junior year at UNCW, following completion of general education requirements).
Master’s Degrees in North Carolina: A Closer Look
Master’s degrees are designed for students who want to gain specialized skills or pursue advanced careers in education and teaching. These students explore educational theories and policies, curriculum models, and specialized areas of study like special education or adult education.
Some careers (e.g., school counselor) require at least a master’s degree, so students should carefully research requirements in North Carolina for the career they’re interested in. Earning a master’s degree allows students to negotiate higher wages, whether or not a job requires that level of education.
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) offers a variety of Master of Arts in Education degree programs, including programs in Literacy and STEM Education. In these two-year, full-time programs, students must complete 12 credit hours in WCU’s Professional Core curriculum and 18 hours in STEM Education.
These programs prepare students for Advanced Competencies licensure in North Carolina. Graduates are equipped to engage their newly acquired skills in elementary, middle, or secondary grades. So, these programs are great choices for teachers who have a broad interest in STEM or a specific interest in a particular grade level. WCU’s array of master’s degree programs offer three annual start dates and welcome transfer students by allowing transfer credit.
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Mode: Online
Cost: $7,931 per year (tuition and fees for in-state students)/$18,650 per year (tuition and fees for out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- NC Class A Teaching License
- Letter of intent
- Three letters of recommendation
University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing Principal or Assistant Principal licensure. This 33-credit program is offered fully online. It prepares graduates for roles as school leaders who are needed in public education now.
Students gain executive knowledge and insights beyond acting as an administrator. They must complete two 14-week internships after courses in technology, curriculum, law and ethics, human resources and finance, and educational leadership are completed.
Location: Mount Olive, NC
Mode: Online
Cost: $610 per credit hour (tuition only)
Admissions Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. or international college or university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Four years as licensed professional educator
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NCSU) offers a Master of Education (MEd) in Adult and Community College Education degree program. It allows graduates to contribute in a meaningful way by working in education and teaching across the lifespan. This program is offered fully online. Students can choose from three specializations – Adult and Continuing Professional Education, Community College Teaching, or Health Professions Teaching.
Students can be admitted to the program year-round and start in the next available term. This program is designed for working adults. It prepares educators to work as effective teachers for adult learners. They will learn about motivations, barriers, opportunities, and the role of technology and distance education in adult learning.
Location: Raleigh, NC
Mode: Online
Cost: $546.50 per credit hour (tuition for in-state students)/$1,700.56 (tuition for out-of-state students)/
Admissions Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. or international college or university (in any field)
- Review of work history, undergraduate GPA, and interest in the field
- International applicants must earn a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 100 or higher.
PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in North Carolina: Higher Education Options
Doctoral degrees in education and teaching (EdD) serve an array of purposes in career development. This type of degree prepares graduates for advanced career opportunities in educational leadership and teaching. Students gain specialized skills in policy and pedagogy that they can apply to roles such as college professor, district administrator, curriculum director, and more.
An EdD emphasizes educational leadership and advanced teaching roles. A PhD in education and teaching is focused on theory, research, and policymaking. This degree type is ideal for students who want to explore specialized areas of education through a theoretical lens and conduct research on educational best practices.
Graduate certificates are earned through short-term programs that are focused on a particular specialty. A certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete and is ideal for professionals who want to learn a new skill, make a slight career pivot, or stay up to date in their field.
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) offers a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Leadership degree program. This Carnegie-influenced program for working professionals can be completed in three years. Students must complete 53 credits. They participate in a cohort that meets for one weekend each month and continue discourse with online assignments and discussions.
Students take two courses per semester, including summers. This includes courses in their desired concentration area (higher education or PK-12). WCU’s program is designed for educators who strive for continuous improvement and commit to social justice and student-centered decision-making.
Location: Asheville, NC
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,931 per year (tuition and fees for in-state students)/$18,650 per year (tuition and fees for out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- Official transcripts for all graduate work
- 3.5 GPA (recommended)
- Application letter with objectives for completing an EdD
- Resume that highlights leadership experience
- Three references
- Interview and writing exercise
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Greensboro offers a PhD in Educational Studies degree program that features a concentration in Higher Education. This program is offered fully online. Students can complete the 60-credit program either full- or part-time, generally in three to five years. Full-time students can serve as graduate research assistants while enrolled in the program.
Online coursework allows maximum flexibility for working professionals. It lets students attend classes virtually, which increases variety in discussions and related experiences. In addition to core courses, students must complete courses in research methodology, courses in their specialty area, and dissertation credits.
Location: Greensboro, NC
Mode: Online
Cost: $8,614 per year (tuition and fees for in-state students)/$23,328 tuition and fees for out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
- Writing sample from graduate-level work
- Three letters of recommendation (one from a current or former professor)
- Interview and writing exercise
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University offers an Elementary Education Graduate Certificate program. It’s designed for students who earned a bachelor’s degree in an area of interest and want to pivot to a career in teaching. Students can complete coursework and other experiences to prepare for licensure as a teacher.
After taking courses part-time over 21 months, graduates earn an A-level teaching license in North Carolina. The program blends synchronous and asynchronous content that is delivered online. Students can learn at their own pace while connecting with others in their cohort to increase understanding of course materials.
Location: Boone, NC
Mode: Online (synchronous and asynchronous)
Cost: $327.11 per credit hour (tuition and fees for in-state students)/$1,253.28 per credit hour (tuition and fees for out-of-state students)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (in a discipline related to student’s chosen teaching area)
- Transcripts from previous schools
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Application to Graduate School
FAQs from Education and Teaching Students in North Carolina
Can I earn an education and teaching degree fully online in North Carolina?
You can complete coursework fully online for some of the degree programs highlighted above. However, any program that offers teaching certification will require an on-site teaching practicum, as well. You’ll need to work with your school to identify a suitable site and supervisor. You must complete the requisite number of student teaching hours to complete a degree and obtain teaching certification.
How do I get a license to become a teacher in North Carolina?
The standards for becoming a teacher in North Carolina are listed on the NC Department of Public Instruction website. You can earn a teaching certification at the bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level, if you’ve completed sufficient coursework that is specific to education and practicum teaching experience.
Teachers who are already licensed in another state can apply for a reciprocity license. This lets you verify previous experience and apply for a license in North Carolina. Check out more information about applying for an NC Educator License.
Can I teach in North Carolina without a teaching license?
While you might be able to obtain a position without credentials or with an emergency certification (if a school needs an educator immediately), you’ll eventually need a teaching license. Though the process of applying for licensure might feel tedious, it’s an important step. It ensures that students across the state receive an education that meets certain standards and that you are an effective teacher.
Private and parochial schools might have different licensure requirements. You should prioritize going through the licensure process to guarantee stability in your career.
Which types of teachers are most in-demand?
All types of teachers are in-demand. However, those with a passion for core areas like math, science, and English will likely experience the most stability in their career. Teachers with other interests – like foreign language, information technology, or other curriculum areas – might want to take more specialization courses so they can offer more experience to a school district.
Though you might want to teach only general education courses, you should consider taking some courses on special education to widen the variety of students you can support in a classroom.
How will I pay for an education and teaching degree? Can I apply for financial aid or scholarships?
Earning an education and teaching degree in North Carolina doesn’t have put you in debt. Many financial aid options and scholarships are available to students who are pursuing this type of degree. In addition to state funding, you might be eligible for financial aid through your university, like that offered by the College of Education at North Carolina State University.
You should always start the financial aid process by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Apply to as many funding opportunities – grants, scholarships, and work-study programs – as possible. You can also explore both need-based and merit-based scholarships.
Salary and Career Potential for Education and Teaching Graduates: North Carolina Edition
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Elementary School Teachers | $39,400 | $62,970 | $50,200 |
| North Carolina | Kindergarten Teachers | $38,280 | $64,100 | $50,040 |
| North Carolina | Middle School Teachers | $39,640 | $63,780 | $50,820 |
| North Carolina | Secondary School Teachers | $40,370 | $64,120 | $51,060 |
| North Carolina | Teachers and Instructors | $33,900 | $98,700 | $54,040 |
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Elementary School Teachers | 40,780 | 43,970 | 3,190 | 7.80% |
| North Carolina | Kindergarten Teachers | 3,040 | 3,260 | 220 | 7.20% |
| North Carolina | Middle School Teachers | 18,750 | 20,250 | 1,500 | 8.00% |
| North Carolina | Postsecondary Teachers | 2,790 | 3,140 | 350 | 12.50% |
| North Carolina | Secondary School Teachers | 27,300 | 29,520 | 2,220 | 8.10% |
| North Carolina | Teachers and Instructors | 1,860 | 2,010 | 150 | 8.10% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking North Carolina’s Top Education and Teaching Schools
Some great online education and teaching degree programs are available in North Carolina, including flexible and affordable learning options. Online learning saves students money by eliminating costs (e.g., transportation, course materials, etc.) associated with on-campus learning.
Online learning is an ideal option for students who are currently working or want a more customized schedule. While many online classes are offered asynchronously, some programs feature synchronous classes. Students should research these formats when searching for an education and teaching degree program, so they can choose one that aligns with their preferences.
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
Public
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
North Carolina Central University
Durham, North Carolina
Public
Campbell University
Buies Creek, North Carolina
Private
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Public
Carolina University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Private
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Public
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Public
University of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, North Carolina
Private
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, North Carolina
Private
Barton College
Wilson, North Carolina
Private
St. Andrews University
Laurinburg, North Carolina
Private
Mars Hill University
Mars Hill, North Carolina
Private
Lees-McRae College
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Private
Catawba College
Salisbury, North Carolina
Private
Meredith College
Raleigh, North Carolina
Private
Blue Ridge Community College
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Public
Tri-County Community College
Murphy, North Carolina
Public
Stanly Community College
Albemarle, North Carolina
Public
Southwestern Community College
Sylva, North Carolina
Public
Haywood Community College
Clyde, North Carolina
Public
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
Richmond Community College
Hamlet, North Carolina
Public
More Ways to Succeed: Resources for Education and Teaching Students and Professionals
The state of North Carolina offers many resources for education and teaching students and graduates. The resources listed below include professional organizations, supplemental curricula, licensing guides, and research materials to help you become the most effective teacher you can be.
- Friday Institute – Online Professional Learning for Educators: The Friday Institute provides free courses for North Carolina educators to help improve classroom instruction and professional development. Certificates are available to those who complete their courses.
- NC Environmental Education: Not all education takes place in the classroom. Check out these resources for supporting environmental education in a variety of settings. Included is advice for field trips, curricula, and lesson plans, plus a program about the River Basin and its impact on North Carolina.
- NC LIVE: This is an education database for teacher resources. It features a robust eLibrary; the ability to search for articles, e-books, and videos for K-12 instruction; plus ProQuest research tools and access to open textbooks for North Carolina’s most frequently taught courses in colleges and universities.
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Check out these classroom resources from the state of North Carolina, including curriculum and learning areas plus relevant professional publications and textbooks.
- North Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow: This is a teaching licensure program that equips participants with personalized licensing options, pre-classroom training, personal coaching, and other helpful resources for future teachers in North Carolina.
- Professional Educators of North Carolina (PENC): Members of PENC have access to important resources regarding legal rights for teachers, retirement planning, salary guides, and practical tips for solving common classroom challenges. Members can also partake in policy-making initiatives.
- State Library of North Carolina: Students and educators can take advantage of NCPedia, a free online encyclopedia about North Carolina, and ANCHOR for students, a culmination of primary and secondary source documents.
- Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE): As the state’s largest advocacy organization for public school educators, the NCAE supports its members by providing professional development opportunities, legal assistance, financial planning, and more.
- Teach NC: This organization aims to simplify the process for becoming a teacher in North Carolina by providing a one-stop shop for teaching resources. Aspiring educators can easily find information on licenses, financial aid, coaching, job opportunities, and more.
- Tools4NCTeachers: This website offers supplemental resources that meet North Carolina standards. Resources for students in grades K-8 are compiled by a group of industry professionals to ensure their value and relevance in the classroom.
