Accredited Online Education Degrees

Online education degrees prepare students for careers in teaching, training, instructional design, and educational leadership. Whether you’re interested in working in K–12 schools, higher education, or corporate training environments, education degrees provide pathways to impactful and meaningful careers.

GetEducated’s online degree database allows students to compare over 5,600 accredited online education degree programs from colleges and universities across the United States. With a wide range of specializations and degree levels, students can find programs that align with their career goals and certification requirements.

What Is an Online Education Degree?

An online education degree focuses on teaching, learning theory, curriculum development, and student engagement. These programs prepare individuals to work in educational settings ranging from early childhood classrooms to universities and training organizations.

Students may study:

• Teaching methods and instructional strategies
• Curriculum development
• Classroom management
• Learning psychology
• Assessment and evaluation

Many programs are designed for aspiring teachers, while others support professionals seeking roles in administration, counseling, or instructional design.

Why Choose an Education Degree?

Education degrees are ideal for individuals who want to make a direct impact on student learning and development.

Students choose this field for:

• Opportunities to teach and mentor others
• Clear career pathways in education systems
• High demand for qualified educators
• Ability to specialize by subject, age group, or role

In addition to traditional teaching roles, education degrees can lead to careers in training, curriculum development, and educational leadership.

Types of Online Education Degrees

Education programs are offered at multiple academic levels depending on career goals.

Associate Degrees in Education

Associate degrees provide foundational knowledge and are often used as a pathway into teaching or childcare roles.

Students learn:

• Basic teaching principles
• Child development
• Classroom support skills

Bachelor’s Degrees in Education

A bachelor’s degree is the most common requirement for teaching positions in K–12 schools.

Students develop skills in:

• Instructional methods
• Classroom management
• Curriculum planning
• Student assessment

Many programs align with state teacher certification requirements.

Master’s Degrees in Education

Graduate programs allow educators to specialize or move into advanced roles.

Common paths include:

• Curriculum and instruction
• Educational leadership
• Instructional design
• School counseling

These degrees are often pursued by licensed teachers seeking advancement.

Education Degree Concentrations

Education is a highly specialized field, and students can focus on specific age groups, subjects, or roles.

Teaching & Classroom-Focused Fields

• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• General Education
• Teaching

Specialized Instruction Fields

• ESL
• Reading & Literacy
• Gifted & Special Education
• STEAM Education
• Physical Education & Coaching

Leadership & Administrative Fields

• Education Administration
• Teacher Leadership
• Higher Education

Curriculum & Learning Design Fields

• Curriculum & Instruction
• Instructional Design
• Educational Psychology

Support & Community-Focused Fields

• School Counseling
• Family & Consumer Science
• Library Science
• Adult Education

Each concentration supports a specific role within the broader education system.

What You’ll Learn in an Education Program

While coursework varies by specialization, most education programs include:

• Teaching methods and pedagogy
• Curriculum development
• Classroom management
• Student assessment techniques
• Learning theory and psychology

Students develop skills in communication, leadership, and instructional planning that are essential for effective teaching.

Career Paths in Education

Education graduates can pursue a wide range of careers depending on their specialization.

Common roles include:

• Teacher (elementary, middle, or high school)
• Instructional Coordinator
• School Counselor
• Education Administrator
• Corporate Trainer
• Curriculum Developer
• College Professor

Some roles require licensure or certification, particularly in K–12 teaching positions.

Students interested in specific roles may explore areas such as early childhood education, secondary education, or instructional design.

Salary Expectations for Education Careers

Salaries vary depending on role, location, and level of education. View the highest paying careers with a master's in education.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level roles: $40,000 to $55,000
• Mid-level roles: $55,000 to $80,000
• Advanced roles: $80,000+

Leadership positions and specialized roles may offer higher earning potential.

Compare your potential earnings with tuition cost using GetEducated’s rankings which emphasize true affordability, factoring in both tuition and mandatory fees.

Teacher Certification and Licensing

Many education careers, especially in K–12 schools, require state certification or licensure.

Requirements typically include:

• A bachelor’s degree in education or related field
• Completion of a teacher preparation program
• Passing state licensing exams
• Student teaching experience

Because requirements vary by state, students should verify that their chosen program meets local certification standards.

Benefits of Earning an Education Degree Online

Online education programs offer flexibility for students balancing work and personal commitments.

Benefits include:

• Flexible scheduling
• Access to programs nationwide
• Ability to continue working while studying
• Opportunities for career advancement

Many programs also include fieldwork or student teaching components that can be completed locally.

How to Choose the Right Online Education Degree

When comparing programs, consider:

• Accreditation
• Certification alignment
• Specialization options
• Cost and affordability
• Program flexibility

Students should also consider whether they want to work in classrooms, administration, or alternative education settings.

Compare Online Education Degrees

GetEducated’s database includes thousands of accredited education programs from U.S. institutions.

You can:

• Compare degree levels
• Explore specializations
• Evaluate costs
• Review program details

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Education Degrees

Can I become a teacher with an online degree?

Yes, as long as the program meets your state’s certification requirements.

What is the best online education degree?

It depends on your career goals. Elementary and secondary education are common paths for teaching careers.

Are online education degrees respected?

Yes, if earned from an accredited institution.

Do all education degrees require certification?

No. Certification is required for teaching roles, but not for all education-related careers.