[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Teaching Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online teaching degree prepares students for rewarding, in-demand teaching careers. Online learning gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. Teachers with an online education degree can work with students of all ages, and they have a variety of options when it comes to work environments. They can work in public or private schools or at universities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-1/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] reports that high school teachers earn a median salary of just over $60,000 per year. Professionals with postsecondary teaching credentials can expect higher wages, earning a median of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-1/”]80,790 per year[/hen-ui-link]. Graduates of online teaching master’s programs can work as elementary, middle, and high school principals, earning a median of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm#tab-1/”]$98,490 annually[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide aims to help students find the right programs for their needs and professional goals by considering cost, student outcomes, and school reputation to rank the best online teaching degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”obtaining”]Obtaining a Teaching License or Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certificates and licenses are not the same thing. Certification programs usually signify mastery of a specific career focus. Licensure is a professional requirement to practice. Typically, aspiring instructors need state licensure to teach public school at any level, though rules for private schools vary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The traditional route to becoming a teacher is to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in education or a related specialization, followed by a teacher preparation/certification program. Some educators pursue master’s degrees in education or teaching. All teachers must complete a practical classroom component, pass a certification test in the area they plan to teach, and apply for state licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants for some administrative need a master’s degree and an appropriate specialization to obtain licensure. Postsecondary teachers typically need master’s or doctorate degrees in their areas of expertise. It takes approximately 5-6 years to complete the education and training to become a teacher.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Explore Current Teaching Requirements by State” href=”/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-tertiary”]Featured Online Teaching Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Alternative Paths to Teaching[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring teachers can pursue alternative pathways as well. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_tlc.asp/” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (NCES), 18% of public school teachers earned alternative teaching certifications after completing degrees unrelated to education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates can also pursue emergency teaching credentials, which allow them to teach in a classroom setting for a limited time until they receive the proper certification. While state requirements vary, most emergency credential applicants need bachelor’s degrees. Similarly, some states do not require licensure for substitute teachers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other pathways include teaching at a private or charter school, for which some states and institutions do not require licensure. Many private schools, for example, value experience over an education or teaching degree. Students interested in this route should contact individual private schools to determine their qualifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Teaching Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the right teaching degree online requires careful consideration of your unique goals, needs, and circumstances. Our list is a good starting point, but you should also perform your own research to find the program that’s right for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Choose Your Major” href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”What to Look for in an Online College” href=”/resources/what-to-look-for-online-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Teaching Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]Read About Our Methodology Here[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accredited Online Teaching Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://caepnet.org/”]Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link] (CAEP) serves as an accreditation organization for teacher education programs in the United States. CAEP was established in 2013 through the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CAEP has received recognition from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the nation’s largest institutional higher education membership organization. CHEA provides quality assurance and oversight of accrediting agencies alongside the U.S. Department of Education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Teacher Loan Forgiveness[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Federal Student Aid Office of the U.S Department of Education mentions two types of loan forgiveness programs for teachers:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Under this program, teachers who teach full–time for five complete and consecutive academic years in specific elementary and secondary schools or in educational service agencies which serve low–income communities may qualify for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 on their Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans as well as their Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. If teachers have only PLUS loans, they are not eligible for this type of forgiveness.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]The Teacher Cancellation Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Teachers with a loan from the Federal Perkins Loan Program may qualify for loan cancellation for full–time teaching at a low–income school, or for teaching in specific subject areas. They can also qualify for deferment for these qualifying teaching services. Teachers should check with the school which made their Federal Perkins Loan for more information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Graduate Teaching Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”white”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Master of Education”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-education/”]Master of Education[/hen-ui-link] (M.Ed.) degree programs attract individuals who want specialty training in the educational field or who want to prepare for leadership positions, such as a school principal or an educational administrator. M.Ed. programs meet the academic and professional interests of professionals in the education field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some M.Ed. programs cater to educators who already have a teaching license and some cater to individuals seeking education employment outside of a traditional classroom. Some programs provide M.Ed. degrees to individuals without teaching experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master of Education programs typically cover the strategic and theoretical aspects of education as well as subjects related to human psychology and behavior which apply to the science of education and instruction. They cover instructional and professional subjects applicable to school and student performance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates can use this degree to advance careers as educators, but the leadership and organizational skills they’ve learned could also apply to a wide variety of industries unrelated to education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, students in Master of Education programs must gain practical experience through student teaching, a fellowship, internship, or formal observation hours. Programs generally take one to two years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Master of Education degree specializations include:”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Master of Arts in Teaching”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree programs attract current and prospective K-12 teachers who seek their teaching license or wish to obtain additional certification to advance in their careers. MAT degree programs attract individuals interested in improving teaching methods and style or enhancing their expertise in a specific content area.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master of Arts in Teaching programs have a focus on the act of teaching as well as the practical skills and knowledge teachers use to teach groups and individual students. MAT degree programs examine education theories, methods, philosophies, concepts and styles and develop skills in areas such as curriculum design and literacy. Enrollees learn how to improve student performance. Students also learn how to effectively integrate technology into instruction.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students study theoretical and practical educational research and conduct their own research. Students in a Master of Arts in Teaching degree program typically select a specialized subject in the education field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Master of Arts in Teaching specializations include:”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some MAT degree programs require students to complete a master’s thesis. Online MAT degree programs typically include a student teaching experience. Everyone seeking their initial teaching license must gain student teaching experience and teachers who seek to gain additional certification in a different grade and/or subject must gain teaching experience. Student teaching typically spans between one and two semesters.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program lengths vary, generally between one and two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Doctorate in Education”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in education (Ed.D.) focuses on applying foundational knowledge and research to real-world issues in education. Ed.D. programs prepare students for administrative, academic, professional, clinical or research positions in K-12 and higher education, public institutions, civil service, and private organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instead of focusing on developing new research (such as with a Ph.D. program), doctorate of education students utilize existing research to inform decisions about specific issues which can lead to improving practices within their specialization areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctorate in education programs prepare students for leadership positions such as school district executives, training supervisors, chief learning officers in large corporations, faculty at the university level and more.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctorate in education programs include specializations such as counseling, educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, postsecondary education, administration, special education and more.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Ph.D. in Education”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ph.D. in education programs prepare professionals to become education researchers, university faculty members, senior-level education leaders, policymakers, practitioners and scholars in many settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals with a Ph.D. in education can work in education research, practice, and policy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ph.D. in education programs typically emphasize producing new knowledge in the education field while improving research and analytical skills. Ph.D. students can specialize in areas such as education policy and program evaluation, education leadership, literacy studies, higher education administration and policy, education, special education, society and culture, human development, learning and teaching, and more.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]Featured Online Master’s in Teaching[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Teaching Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Teachers can pursue many different career opportunities based on their training, interests, and expertise. Below, you will find some of the most common teaching careers, along with the standard degree requirements and median salaries for each.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Preschool Teacher”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Required Degree: Associate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm/”]$31,930[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Preschool teachers take care of preschool children by teaching them, encouraging them, and keeping records of their habits and progress. These teachers may need to develop their own curricula, assess individual students, and support the development of basic skills, like movement and speech.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Required Degree: Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm/”]$60,660[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Kindergarten and elementary teachers help prepare students by developing their basic reading, math, and social skills. These teachers provide students with lesson plans that allow for creativity and practical exploration.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Middle School Teacher”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Required Degree: Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/” target=”_blank”] $62,870[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Middle school teachers prepare students for high school. They teach grades 6-8. Teachers develop curricula, foster productive learning environments, and evaluate students to identify their strengths and weaknesses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”High School Teacher”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Required Degree: Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/” target=”_blank”] $62,870[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school teachers educate students in a particular subject areae, preparing them for college or the workforce after high school. They create effective learning plans while accommodating each learner’s needs and abilities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Postsecondary Teacher”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Required Degree: Master’s or Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/” target=”_blank”] $80,790[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Postsecondary teachers instruct college and university students in specific disciplines while conducting research and publishing scholarly work. These teachers develop instructional plans based on their research and departmental needs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Other Education Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Required Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Childcare Center Director[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Required Degree”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm/” target=”_blank”]$49,160[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]School and Career Counselor[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Required Degree”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm/” target=”_blank”]$58,120[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Instructional Coordinator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Required Degree”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/” target=”_blank”]$66,970[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Postsecondary Education Administrator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Required Degree”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm/” target=”_blank”]$97,500[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Required Degree”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm/” target=”_blank”]$98,490[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Online Teaching Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Which Degree Is Best for Teaching?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most traditional way to become a teacher is to complete a bachelor’s degree in education. However, postsecondary teachers typically need master’s or doctoral degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a Master’s Worth It for Teaching?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s degrees can lead to various teaching careers, including roles in leadership and administration. Graduates can also pursue postsecondary teaching roles in some schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can You Get a Teaching Job With an Online Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Students who earn online degrees in teaching can pursue the same careers as on-campus learners. Most programs only differ in their method of delivery.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]