Online Teaching Degree Programs

Undergraduate and graduate teaching programs by distance learning

An online teaching degree will put you in the classroom of your dreams, where you can make a difference in young people’s lives.

You will learn the knowledge and skills needed to become a certified elementary, middle, or high school teacher.

Teachers take on many duties. They plan lessons prior to each class, teach students in groups or one-on-one settings, assess students to ensure that they are learning the required information, and prepare students for standardized tests.

In addition, teachers communicate frequently with parents, other teachers, and school administrative staff. At most schools, teachers also participate in extracurricular school activities, and are an integral part of the school community.

What to know about earning an online teaching degree?

• A bachelor degree in teaching is ideal for unlicensed substitute teachers, retired military personnel, mid-career changers, or school aids interested in teaching young people. The program is flexible and adaptable to your schedule, which enables you to learn online at your convenience.
• A graduate teaching degree online, such as a master’s degree, is also suitable for people new to teaching, as long as it includes a path for earning your teacher certification. Experienced teachers who are interested in advancing their career or conducting educational research can pursue a graduate teaching degree online, without having to take time away from job or family.
• Look for schools or programs that are accredited by a reputable regional or national organization, such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This ensures that you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to help your students learn effectively.
• Teaching programs offered via distance learning cover certain key areas, including effective teaching practices, foundations of teaching, and practice teaching. Graduate programs also cover other topics more in depth, such as student assessment, research methods, and educational administration.

Featured Colleges offering Online Teaching Degrees & Programs

Grand Canyon University

• B.S. in Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major)
• B.S. in Elementary Education: English
• B.S. in Elementary Education: Math (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• B.S. in Elementary Education: Science (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading - Secondary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)

University of Phoenix

• Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Teacher Education
• Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Education/English Language Arts
• Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Education/Mathematics
• Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Education/Science
• Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Education/Social Studies
• Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
• Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Middle Level Generalist
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Middle Level Mathematics
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Middle Level Science
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Secondary Mathematics
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Secondary Science
• Transition to Teaching Certificate/Secondary Teacher Education

Walden University

• M.S. in Higher Education
• M.S. in Higher Education - College Teaching & Learning
• M.S. in Higher Education - Enrollment Mgmt & Institutional Management
• M.S. in Higher Education - Global Higher Education
• M.S. in Higher Education - Leadership for Student Success
• M.S. in Higher Education - Online & Distance Learning
• M.S.Ed - Adolescent Literacy and Technology (Grades 6-12)
• M.S.Ed - Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12)
• M.S.Ed - Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
• M.S.Ed - Mathematics (Grades K-5)
• M.S.Ed - Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8)
• M.S.Ed - Professional Development (Grades PreK-12)
• M.S.Ed - Science (Grades K-8)
• M.S.Ed - Teacher Leadership (Grades K-12)
• M.S.Ed - Teaching English Language Learners
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Higher Education
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Higher Education
• Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based - Early Childhood and Primary Education
• Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching - Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3)
• Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education, Learning Disabilities (K-12)

Argosy University Online

• Higher and Postsecondary Education (M.A.Ed)
• Teaching and Learning (Ed.D)
• Doctorate in Education(Ed.D) - Higher and Post-Secondary Education

What to expect from an online program?

Public school teachers need to be licensed by the state in which they are teaching. Licensure, also known as certification, allows teachers to work in specific grades and subject areas. Before obtaining licensure, teachers must complete an approved teacher education program, and generally pass one or more teacher certification tests. Private schools may not have the same requirements for teachers as public schools, but generally require at least a bachelor’s degree.

A teaching degree that is offered online would be incomplete without hands-on student teaching. This is also required for teacher certification. Make sure the program that you choose includes this critical component in the curriculum. Student teaching involves supervised, in-classroom experiences. During this time, you will have the opportunity to put into practice the educational theories you have learned during your studies.

Some states may offer alternate pathways to certification, which allow you to begin teaching even before you have completed your online teaching degree. This path is designed for people with bachelor’s degrees in a subject area, such as chemistry, physics, or mathematics.

Career opportunities

The most obvious career path for graduates with teaching degree programs is becoming a teacher in a public or private Elementary, middle, or high school. Schools, however, vary widely, from the traditional public school format, to smaller magnet or charter schools. It’s helpful to visit several types of schools during your course of study in order to get a better idea of where you would like to teach after graduation.

Related degrees

Education or Instruction degree: An education or instruction degree is almost interchangeable with a teaching degree. Graduates of these types of programs are also eligible to apply for state teaching licensure.

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