Best Online Teaching Degrees
If you have a passion for knowledge and a drive to help students, pursuing a major in education can be a practical career choice. An online teaching program gives you the skills to teach K-12 students, including lesson planning, classroom management, and educational technology. Many programs lead to state licensure, preparing you to get into the classroom as quickly as possible.Learn more about the best online teaching degrees, including our ranking of top programs.
Why Earn Your Teaching Degree Online
- Convenience: An online teaching degree doesn’t require you to travel to campus, and you can complete your classwork during the week when it is convenient for you.
- Geared toward working teachers: Many programs allow you to complete required practicum hours at your current school.
- More affordable: An online degree can help you save on education-related expenses such as transportation and childcare.
Top Online Education Degrees
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
BVU's bachelor's in education provides online and on-campus options for students interested in teaching careers that do not require K-12 licensure. Coursework includes 30 credits in education, with 12 credits in core courses and 18 credits from various educational departments.
Graduates may pursue work as academic advisors, Peace Corps workers, or staff members at boys and girls clubs. Applicants who already hold associate degrees from Iowa community colleges can transfer all qualifying credits into their major.
- In-State$37,518
- Out-of-state$37,518
- In-State$9,936
- Out-of-state$9,936
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,290
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $394
Out-of-State | $394
Credits to Graduate: 120
K-State's educational studies bachelor's degree prepares graduates to pursue work in education policy, international education, or non-school youth work settings. This 100% online program requires 33-34 general education credits, 29-32 credits of professional coursework, and 36 credits in a self-designed area of emphasis.
Each student completes 18-22 credits of electives and an internship. Applicants first receive admission to the pre-professional program and, upon completing the necessary K-State requirements, are admitted to the professional education program.
- In-State$9,632
- Out-of-state$25,944
- In-State$10,294
- Out-of-state$23,018
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled19,722
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $299
Out-of-State | $299
Credits to Graduate: 120
MSU's bachelor of science in early childhood education equips graduates with the skills to pursue work with children from birth to age eight in settings that do not require teacher licensure. This online degree requires 38-40 credits in general education studies and a required specialization in special education.
Courses include curriculum and planning for early childhood, teaching diverse learners, and technology in teaching. Each enrollee also completes a one-credit pre-K practicum. Candidates should submit their high school transcripts with their applications, which includes a $35 fee.
- In-State$6,892
- Out-of-state$6,892
- In-State$8,992
- Out-of-state$8,992
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled2,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $409
Out-of-State | $409
Credits to Graduate: 121-122
WilmU's BS in education studies provides concentrations in early childhood education (pre-K), elementary education (K-6), middle-level education (6-8), and skilled and technical sciences. Each program prepares educators to pursue roles outside the public school system.
Courses include literature for children, introduction to trauma-informed approaches, and classroom culture and student behavior. Enrollees can study online or on campus, and transfer students generally take 30-33 credits to complete their degrees. Each applicant must submit transcripts, along with a $35 application fee.
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled13,129
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters for Teaching
Accreditation ensures that schools and programs meet high standards and prepare students for their careers. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the primary accrediting body for educator preparation programs.
CAEP accreditation ensures a program meets strict criteria, evaluated on curriculum, faculty, and resources. It’s possible that a degreeprogram accreditedby CAEP can add credibility to your resume. But, it’s not required for most teaching jobs.
How Do Online Teaching Programs Work?
Online teaching degrees allow you to earn a degree without visiting campus for classes. However, you’ll still need to complete some requirements in-person, like your student-teaching practicum. Some programs may also include occasional campus meetings where you’ll meet with faculty and complete in-person learning activities.
If you already work at a school, many programs allow you to complete your student teaching at your place of employment. Your program can also help connect you to other teaching opportunities in your own community. Some programs are specifically designed to serve working teachers and may require you to work at a K-12 school in order to apply.
The best online teaching programs should prepare you to earn a state-issued teaching credential. In some instances, you may be able to complete an online degree in one state to receive a teaching license in another. However, not all education licensing requirements transfer between all states, and you should always make sure your program meets state licensure standards.
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Special Education
An online special education program prepares you to work with students who experience behavior disorders, learning disabilities, and other challenges. In addition to general education requirements, you’ll take courses in effective learning environments, methods of inclusion, and instructional strategies for those with disabilities. You’ll also learn how to assess and determine a student’s eligibility for …
Is an Online Teaching Degree Worth It?
$43,570
Average starting salary for education majors
-1%
Projected job growth for K-12 teachers (2023-33)
Most teachers enter the field to serve students rather than to earn a large paycheck. Starting salaries for education majors aren’t quite as high as those in career fields like business administration or information technology. However, with more experience, teachers can see their earnings grow. According to Payscale data from February 2025, midcareer teachers earn an average annual salary of around $54,000, while late-career teachers make around $69,000.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for K-12 teachers to grow slower than average from 2023-2033, largely due to declining birth rates. However, school districts will always need to hire teachers, and earning one of the best online teaching degrees can make you more competitive for jobs. Attending grad school for a master’s in teaching or educational administration can also help you increase your job prospects in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to apply to any online bachelor’s in teaching program. Some schools also require a specific GPA and your SAT or ACT scores. More selective programs may ask for a personal statement and letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors
