Best Online Education & Teaching Programs in Texas (TX)
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Kick-start your journey toward an impactful education career in a state that’s booming with job opportunities and has a real need for teachers of all disciplines. Below, find top online and hybrid education and teaching programs in Texas that align with your goals.
Want to make a difference in the lives of the next generation? If so, pursuing a career in education is a great option for you.
Texas public schools currently employ more than 320,000 teachers — and employment opportunities are booming in the state, especially for those in education. With explosive population growth across metro areas like Dallas and Houston, there’s a greater need than ever for the next generation of teachers in all disciplines. Whether you want to pursue a role in K-12 education or more specialized roles like ESL and special education, a variety of careers awaits you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the vast landscape of Texas to unveil the best online education and teaching programs. Whether you’re a prospective student or a seasoned educator looking to advance in your career, you’ll find insights into cutting-edge programs, impactful learning outcomes, and the key factors that make these programs stand out.
Top Online Teaching & Education Degrees in TX
If you’re looking for a degree option that’s flexible and affordable, choosing an online teaching program in Texas is a great option. Maybe you want to work a job to fund your studies, or perhaps you’re already a teacher looking for an advanced degree: Online programs offer a great, convenient alternative to in-person education.
No matter the type of specialization you’re looking for, you’re likely to find a top online education and teaching program in Texas that can work for you.
In this section, we highlight today’s top schools to explore as you begin your search for the right online program for you.
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSFA
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate53%
- Retention Rate73%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online28%
- % Part. Online58%
Nelson University
Waxahachie, Texas
Private
- AccreditationSAGU
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate42%
- Retention Rate77%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
- Tuition$$$
- % Excl. Online49%
- % Part. Online21%
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate64%
- Retention Rate86%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online13%
- % Part. Online55%
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate48%
- Retention Rate73%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online42%
- % Part. Online36%
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate63%
- Retention Rate85%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online13%
- % Part. Online56%
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate40%
- Retention Rate66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online52%
- % Part. Online29%
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate38%
- Retention Rate59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online59%
- % Part. Online28%
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate46%
- Retention Rate70%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online45%
- % Part. Online36%
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate44%
- Retention Rate61%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online31%
- % Part. Online46%
University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate23%
- Retention Rate60%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
- Tuition$
- % Excl. Online62%
- % Part. Online30%
Grayson College
Denison, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate24%
- Retention Rate67%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
- Tuition$
- % Excl. Online30%
- % Part. Online61%
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate56%
- Retention Rate74%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online24%
- % Part. Online41%
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate59%
- Retention Rate80%
- Student/Faculty Ratio25/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online15%
- % Part. Online48%
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate43%
- Retention Rate65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online40%
- % Part. Online34%
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate47%
- Retention Rate75%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online16%
- % Part. Online47%
Sul Ross State University
Alpine, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate26%
- Retention Rate49%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online35%
- % Part. Online38%
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate44%
- Retention Rate64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online14%
- % Part. Online50%
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate41%
- Retention Rate63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online29%
- % Part. Online36%
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate53%
- Retention Rate70%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online20%
- % Part. Online34%
South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate26%
- Retention Rate63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio23/1
- Tuition$
- % Excl. Online40%
- % Part. Online18%
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, Texas
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate57%
- Retention Rate62%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online16%
- % Part. Online33%
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, Texas
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate19%
- Retention Rate39%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online38%
- % Part. Online31%
East Texas Baptist University
Marshall, Texas
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate42%
- Retention Rate66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online10%
- % Part. Online18%
Southwestern Adventist University
Keene, Texas
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate47%
- Retention Rate79%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online7%
- % Part. OnlineN/A
Base Methodology for STEP’s “Best Online College Rankings”
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Online learning metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by affordability and student outcomes/academic quality metrics.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs
- Percent of total students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses
- Percent of total students enrolled in some but not all distance education courses
Affordability
- Average amount of federal, state, local, or institutional grant aid awarded
- Tuition and fess
Student Outcomes
- Full-time retention rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Graduation rate
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2024.
Texas State Technical College
Waco, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate37%
- Retention Rate55%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
- Tuition$$$$$
- % Excl. Online41%
- % Part. Online52%
Panola College
Carthage, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate37%
- Retention Rate66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online29%
- % Part. Online43%
Houston Community College
Houston, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate17%
- Retention Rate63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online49%
- % Part. Online28%
North Central Texas College
Gainesville, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate20%
- Retention Rate63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online43%
- % Part. Online24%
McLennan Community College
Waco, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate32%
- Retention Rate65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online36%
- % Part. Online21%
Amarillo College
Amarillo, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate28%
- Retention Rate66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online27%
- % Part. Online28%
Western Texas College
Snyder, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate43%
- Retention Rate67%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
- Tuition$$$
- % Excl. Online26%
- % Part. OnlineN/A
Palo Alto College
San Antonio, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate26%
- Retention Rate36%
- Student/Faculty Ratio32/1
- Tuition$$$
- % Excl. Online55%
- % Part. Online15%
Base Methodology for STEP’s “Best Online College Rankings”
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Online learning metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by affordability and student outcomes/academic quality metrics.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs
- Percent of total students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses
- Percent of total students enrolled in some but not all distance education courses
Affordability
- Average amount of federal, state, local, or institutional grant aid awarded
- Tuition and fess
Student Outcomes
- Full-time retention rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Graduation rate
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2024.
Types of Education & Teaching Degrees You Can Earn in Texas
Texas offers a variety of best-in-class online and on-campus education and teaching programs for students, so you can find a program that suits you at any point of your educational journey and career path. And as a reminder, pursuing an advanced degree is one of the surest ways you can earn more money in your career.
In this section, we highlight some attractive undergraduate, graduate, and certificate education programs in the state.
Undergraduate Teaching/Education Degrees in Texas
Associate Degrees in Education
This degree is designed for individuals aspiring to enter the field of education as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants. An Associate of Arts in Teaching degree provides foundational knowledge in educational theories, classroom management, and child development. This is ideal for those seeking a starting point in education before pursuing a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.
Accredited Texas Colleges with Associate Degrees in Education
- Alamo Colleges District, St. Philip’s College (Online or On-Campus)
- Lonestar College (On-Campus)
- South Texas College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
A Bachelor’s Degree in Education is the main stepping stone towards becoming a full-time teacher. A typical program will delve into specialized subjects such as mathematics, science, or literature education, providing a deep understanding of teaching methodologies and classroom management.
This degree is designed for aspiring educators seeking in-depth knowledge and skills to pursue a fulfilling career as licensed teachers in primary or secondary schools.
Accredited Texas Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
- Texas Tech University (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Texas at Austin (On-Campus)
- The University of Texas at El Paso (Online)
Graduate Education Degrees in Texas
Master’s Degrees in Education (MEd)
A Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) is an advanced program for experienced educators seeking professional development and career advancement. Focused on specialized areas such as educational leadership, curriculum design, or special education, it equips graduates with advanced teaching strategies and leadership skills. This degree is ideal for educators aiming for leadership roles or seeking expertise in a specific educational field, like literacy instruction or educational technology.
Accredited Texas Colleges with Master’s Degrees in Education
- Texas A&M University (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Texas (On-Campus)
- UT Tyler (Online)
Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs
A Doctor of Education program is an advanced degree catering to seasoned education professionals, including teachers, administrators, and policymakers. This rigorous program goes beyond classroom-focused research, emphasizing advanced methodologies, policy analysis, and organizational leadership.
Tailored for individuals committed to driving systemic improvements, the EdD equips candidates with the skills to enact meaningful change in educational institutions, making it an ideal choice for those aspiring to leadership roles and impactful contributions to the field.
Accredited Texas Colleges with Doctorate (EdD) Programs
- Texas Tech University (Online)
- Texas Lutheran University (Online)
- Texas A&M University (Online)
Education PhD Programs
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education program is designed for scholars and researchers aiming to contribute to the theoretical and empirical foundations of education. This rigorous and research-intensive program is ideal for individuals seeking to delve deeply into educational issues, conduct original research, and make significant scholarly contributions to the field of education.
Accredited Texas Colleges with Education PhD Programs
- University of North Texas (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Texas (On-Campus)
- Texas Tech University (Online)
Graduate Certificates
A graduate certificate in education is tailored for educators and professionals in the field seeking specialized knowledge without pursuing a full master’s degree.
Ideal for those aiming to enhance their teaching skills, these certificates cover focused areas such as educational leadership, curriculum development, or specialized teaching methodologies. Geared toward current educators or those considering a career shift into education, these programs provide targeted expertise to advance careers and impact student learning.
Accredited Texas Colleges with Education Graduate Certificates
- Texas Woman’s University (Online or On-Campus)
- University of Texas (On-Campus)
- A&M Commerce (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Education Students in Texas
No matter your specialization, you have a range of financial aid options that can help fund your online or on-campus education and teaching programs in Texas. State-specific opportunities include the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Loan Repayment Program, aimed at educators, the Texas College Work-Study Program, and the Work-Study Student Mentorship Program (WSMP).
Here are some other programs and resources to explore:
- College for All Texans – This is a directory of financial resources for students in Texas.
- State of Texas Financial Aid — The comptroller’s website shares state-sponsored scholarships that are only available to students attending community colleges, technical colleges and universities in Texas.
- Texas Association of Future Educators — Here you’ll find a curated range of scholarships that are available to education students in Texas.
- Charles Butt Foundation Scholarship — This scholarship provides up to $8,000 – $10,000 per year, depending on program, for up to four years at 16 university-based educator preparation programs across the state.
This is just a small glimpse of some options that are available to you. To learn more, be sure to check out our financial aid guide and scholarships guide, where you can learn more about ways to fund your teaching degree.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Teachers in Texas
Employment opportunities are on a rapid rise in Texas. In fact, overall employment is projected to grow 18.3% between now and 2030 — more than double the national average. The job market for education graduates in the state is robust, especially in major metro areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Teaching jobs are in high demand, driven by population growth and retirements across the state.
Out of the top 10 highest growth areas for those with a bachelor’s degree, teaching roles take four of the top spots, according to the Texas Wage Commission.
Salaries vary across regions, with urban areas generally offering higher pay to attract qualified educators. According to TWC, the average wage for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers is around $60,000, while the average wage for substitute teachers is just over $30,000.
To learn more about the latest trends in job growth, new job openings, and wages, check out the latest employment trends in Texas in the table below.
Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) | |
---|---|---|---|
Elementary School Teachers | 13% | 11,710 | $59,790 |
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | 13% | 1,400 | $60,870 |
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | 13% | 11,710 | $84,815 |
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors | -2% | 4,200 | $58,590 |
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 10.9% | 42,200 | $61,810 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics; O*Net;Texas Workforce Commission
Texas Teaching Professional and Student Resources
Navigating the educational landscape can be complex, but we’ve gathered five key resources that can help as you research your future teaching and education program in Texas. Explore these resources for legal support, professional development, and a community of like-minded professionals — and much more. Also be sure to look for Facebook Groups, Reddit communities, and other social media resources to learn more.
- Texas AFT Texas AFT is a robust statewide union, uniting 66,000 members and advocating for the rights of educators, support staff, and retirees across K-12 and community college settings. Committed to fostering a fair and just educational system, Texas AFT addresses key issues such as classroom conditions, fair wages, and employee benefits.
- Texas Association of Teacher Educators Texas Association of Teacher Educators (TxATE) helps to promote teacher education goals and ideals in Texas. Membership is open to professionals who are concerned with improving the education of teachers.
- Texas Classroom Teachers Association The TCTA’s mission is to protect the rights and benefits of Texas teachers and instructional staff. They offer legal protection for teachers in the state, with staff attorneys that can help you with job-related questions or concerns.
- Texas Education Agency As the state’s primary authority on education, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) plays a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and practices. Serving as a comprehensive resource for educators, students, and parents, TEA offers a plethora of tools and information — from curriculum guidelines and standardized testing information to professional development resources.
- Texas State Teachers Association The Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) is a part of the National Education Association (NEA). The member organization offers many benefits to educators, including legal assistance and member advocacy, business and technology services, affiliate and leadership development, and more.