16 Best Online Colleges for Teaching Degrees – Affordable Bachelor’s & Master’s Programs

Do you daydream about teaching in your own classroom but find yourself wondering how you could go back to college while juggling everything else? If so, take a look at this list of the best online colleges for teaching degrees.

An online education degree can attract people from a wide-range of backgrounds. Sometimes high school graduates know right away that they want to pursue a teaching career. Other times, adults are well into their careers in other industries but decide they want a change and want to answer the call to teach.

Regardless of where you find yourself on this spectrum, we’ve cultivated a special resource just for you. We’ll share all you need to know about going back to school for this season of life and some of the best online schools for teaching degrees that might be right for you.

Let’s dig in!

Article Navigation: Pursuing Online College to Become a Teacher | Which Online Degree in Teaching is Best for Me? | The 6 Best Online Bachelor Teaching Degree Programs Under $60,000 | Best Online Colleges for Teaching Degrees—Master’s Under $12,500 | Careers with a Teacher’s Degree Online | Find The Best Online Colleges for Teaching Degrees

Pursuing the Best Online Colleges for Teaching Degrees

What are online teacher education programs like? What should you expect in an online degree for teaching? Pursuing a degree in teaching online is a wonderful way to further your education and advance your career. There are a couple of different types of programs that benefit students in different phases of life.

• Licensure Path for First-Time Teachers: These are bachelor’s level programs that prepare students to become officially licensed teachers. These must be state-approved programs and will include student teaching practicums.
• Non-Licensure/Alternative Licensure Path for First-Time Teachers: These programs prepare students for the classroom but are not state-approved. They may receive approval by other accrediting bodies for specific types of education. But teachers who want licensure by the state will need to take additional qualifying steps after graduation.
• Graduate Education for Current Teachers: These graduate-level online degree programs for teachers help current educators advance their skills, learn new specializations, or prepare for career advancement as professors, curriculum designers, or administration.
• Graduate Education for First Time Teachers: These programs are for professionals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline but who want to make a career pivot into teaching through earning a master’s degree. Some of these programs will be licensure programs while others will not.

Related Article: The 61 Cheapest Online MAT Programs

Structure of an Online Teaching Degree

The structure of online schools for teaching depends on what kind of program it is. For example, while all the schools on our lists allow students to take courses 100% online, many of them have in-person requirements that students can complete wherever they live. Most programs designed for first-time teachers will require at least a semester of student teaching where the student has hands-on practice in a real classroom. However, if the program is designed for current teachers, there are usually no in-person requirements.

A bachelor’s in teaching online will generally be around 120 total credit hours and will take 4-5 years, depending on how many courses a student takes at one time. Master’s level programs typically hover around 30 credit hours and take around 2-3 years to complete.

As always, accreditation is very important. At the very least, you’ll want to attend a school that has some sort of national or regional accreditation. There are also additional departmental accreditations you can look for based on the type of teaching degree you’d like.

Beyond accreditation, a crucial thing to consider is whether or not a program is state-approved. You don’t necessarily need to attend a state-approved program or earn licensure in order to be a teacher. Some private schools do not require this. However, if you know you do want to pursue licensure, know that you will have to pursue additional steps if you choose to attend a program that is not state-approved.

Related Article: 15 Best Online Teacher Certification Programs for Licensure

Which Online Degree in Teaching is Best for Me?

Associate’s Online Teaching Degree

An associate’s degree in education is a good way to get your feet wet. You can earn general education credits and test the waters to see if you want to pursue a career in education. It could be a good fit for someone who wants to earn part of a degree at a community college before transferring to a university. It should be noted that students should not expect to be able to teach with only an associate’s degree. It’s a possibility, but certainly not the norm.

Bachelor’s Online Teaching Degree Programs

Speaking of norms, this is the typical starting degree for aspiring teachers. A full-time bachelor’s degree in education will typically involve around 3.5 years of coursework and then a full semester of student teaching. Students who attend a state-approved school may earn licensure after one of these programs. Graduates of a non-state approved program may still be able to teach in private schools.

Master’s Online Teaching Degrees

A master’s degree could be the right fit for two different groups of people:

• A current teacher
• Someone who’s making a career pivot

If you are making a career pivot and wanting to get into education, you’ll want to review programs extra carefully. Many master’s-level online schools for education degrees are not for transitions to teaching. Look for programs that include student teaching hours and that will equip you for a new profession.

Doctorate Online Teaching Degree Program

A doctorate degree is a terminal degree—meaning that there is not a higher degree one can earn after earning their doctorate. This would be a great degree option for teachers that already have their master’s degree and are interested in becoming college professors, education researchers, or high level administration.

The 6 Best Online Bachelor Teaching Degree Programs Under $60,000

1. Baptist University of Florida

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $51,560

   The Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies degree at Baptist University of Florida is a 124 credit program that prepares Christian educators. BUF views school as a mission field, and is one of the best online colleges for teaching degrees. Future teachers will learn how to be effective educators in public, private, and homeschool settings. All students will participate in a semester-long student teaching experience.

   Program content includes areas like “elementary reading methods, content area methods, educational assessment, classroom management, special education, and methods to teach speakers of other languages.” It should be noted that while certification may be obtained through other means, this is not a state-approved program that leads directly to certification.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies

    

2. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Education
   Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $52,255

   Shasta Bible College and Graduate School offers a BA in Education for students who specifically desire to teach in a private school setting. The program is a total of 129 credit hours and includes courses like: Children’s Literature, Curriculum Development, and Educational Psychology. The general education requirements are Bible and ministry-heavy which will ensure students are well prepared to teach in a Christian school setting.

   While Shasta’s BA does meet the standards of the Association of Christian School’s International, this is not a state-approved program.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Education

    

3. Regent University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies/Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies)
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $52,600

   The BS of Professional Studies/Teacher Education at Regent University is a non-licensure path for educators. Most of the courses within this program are aimed at professional studies while Teacher Education is a concentration within the broader major. Because it’s non-licensure, it’s not necessarily the best “one stop shop” program for aspiring teachers, but for those who want to go on to earn their master’s degree, this can be a great starting point.

   The program is around 120 total credit hours—depending on the electives chosen by students. This is a Christian program that will train future educators with a faith-based worldview.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies/Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies)

    

4. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Education (Pre-Professional)
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $54,200

   Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers a pre-professional BA in Education. This means that the program was designed for flexibility for transfer students or for future educators who are not going to pursue certification.

   SAGU prides itself on building character within students and strengthening their faith through integrated learning. The school also focuses on providing one-on-one attention within small classes and being more affordable than other Christian universities through generous scholarships and grants.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Education (Pre-Professional)

    

5. Maranatha Baptist University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $56,440

   Maranatha Baptist University offers a 128 credit flexible online degree in Educational Studies. Like the other programs on this list, it does not directly lead to certification or licensure, but it is “an excellent first step on the alternative certification pathway.” The program is also approved by both the American Association of Christian Schools as well as the Association of Christian Schools International.

   Overall, the degree has five different components:

   – 30 credit Education Core
   – 24 credit Educational Cognate
   – 31 credit Liberal Arts Core
   – 24 credit Bible Studies Core
   – 19 credits of open electives

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies

    

6. Hope International University

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation
   Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $57,600

   The BA in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation at Hope International University is designed for future educators who intend on proceeding to a graduate program after graduation. The program is comprised of 120 credits and is 5 semesters long.

   Hope’s program offers a unique incentive for students intending on earning their master’s degree. Juniors and seniors are able to enroll in a master’s program and use those master’s level credits toward the completion of this undergraduate degree. Taking advantage of this format can save students quite a bit of time and money.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation

    

Best Online Colleges for Teaching Degrees—Master’s Under $12,500

1. University of the People

   Degree: Master of Education in Advanced Teaching
   Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $2,400

   The University of the People is truly a unique institution at the top of our list of best online colleges for teaching degrees. They do not charge anything for tuition or books. Students only have to pay a $60 application fee and pay a $350 assessment fee for each course. Obviously this will result in huge cost savings.

   The Master of Education in Advanced Teaching degree prepares students for careers as a teacher, specialist, principal, or curriculum developer. It is a 39 credit program comprised of 30 core credits, 6 specialization credits, and 3 elective credits. It is a completely online and completely asynchronous program for maximum flexibility.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education in Advanced Teaching

    

2. Fort Hays State University

   Degree: Master of Science in Education/Transition to Teaching
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $10,748

   Fort Hays State University offers their Transition to Teaching program that is specifically designed for college grads who did not begin as teachers. Most of their students have backgrounds in other academic and professional disciplines but have decided to return to school to make a pivot in their careers. Their Transition to Teaching program offers two different paths: a non-degree program and a degree program. Both of these programs do lead to licensure. This unique transition program makes FHSU one of the best  online colleges for teaching degrees.

   Their Master of Science in Education degree within this transition program includes 27 hours worth of coursework, field experience, and a semester of full time teaching. The coursework can be completed entirely online and the in-person experiences can be completed in any approved classroom across the country.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Education/Transition to Teaching

    

3. University of the Cumberlands

   Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching/All Grades; Master of Arts in Teaching/Business & Marketing
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $10,795-$11,740

   University of the Cumberlands offers a couple of different specialization options for their Master of Arts in Teaching. Students can choose to specialize in one of the following areas: Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, All Grades Art, Health, Integrated Music, & Physical Education, Business & Marketing, and Special Education Learning & Behavior Disorders.

   Depending on the specialization chosen, required credits and time to completion will vary. In general, the program is completely online and will be around 33-42 total credit hours. It can be completed in as little as 18 months but can also be completed at a much slower pace for busy professionals.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Teaching / All Grades
   Master of Arts in Teaching / Business & Marketing

    

4. Northwestern College Iowa

   Degree: Master of Education in Master Teacher
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $10,800

   The Master of Education degree from Northwestern College Iowa offers 30-33 total credits and can be completed in less than two total years. The program is 100% online and made up of a series of 8- week courses.

   Students will take 18 core credits in classes like Teaching & Learning with Technology & Trends and Issues in 21st Century Education. The Master Teacher Emphasis has 12-15 credits that students can choose based on their individual teaching interests. Prospective students should note that this program does include a final Capstone course.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education in Master Teacher

    

5. University of North Texas

   Degree: Master of Education in Teaching
   Accreditation: Texas Education Agency
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $11,068

   The University of North Texas offers a Master of Education in Teaching. The degree begins with 12 credit hours worth of common core courses, followed by 12 hours of specialization courses, followed by 6 credit hours of either student teaching or an internship. This makes for a total requirement of 30 credits.

   Students who wish to apply for this program will go through a two step process. First, they must be admitted into the university’s graduate school in general. Once granted admission as a graduate student, their application will go to the Education Department for admission into this accelerated online program. Because of the two-step process, interested students are encouraged to apply early and give themselves plenty of time.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education in Teaching

    

6. Campbellsville University

   Degree: Master of Education in Montessori Teacher Education
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $11,364

   Campbellsville University presents an exciting master’s degree option to future teachers specifically interested in Montessori education. Montessori is a child-centered educational model that “fosters rigorous, self-motivated growth for children and adolescents in all areas of their development.”

   The degree at CU is a total of 36-42 credit hours and takes a little over a year to complete. Please note that this program includes a four week summer institute that can be completed either on the main campus or online. Other requirements include passing written and oral exams, completing a professional portfolio, and completing a nine month continuous practicum.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education in Montessori Teacher Education

    

7. Southern Utah University

   Degree: Master of Education
   Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $11,715

   The Master of Education program at SUU is specifically for those who are already in the teaching profession and looking to further their education. While the program comes entirely online, it should be noted that it is not asynchronous! Classes must be completed at a certain time and in the order laid out by the university.

   This degree hosts 33 total credit hours. Students will begin with 12 credits-worth of core requirements followed by 12 credits-worth of electives. Electives may represent a wide range of options, so students can pursue their interests. The program finishes with a 9 credit capstone sequence that involves original research and writing and presenting a thesis.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education

    

8. Concordia University-Saint Paul

   Degree: Master of Arts in Education/Differentiated Instruction
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $11,850

   Concordia University’s Master of Arts in Education is a 30 credit online program that takes as little as two years to complete. The University offers a couple of different MA of Education options including: literacy, technology, ESL, Early Childhood, and General Education.

   This Differentiated Instruction specialization is a unique offering that emphasizes learning about family systems and mental health needs and how to educate effectively in complex environments. It “prepares educators to be professional decision-makers, reflective practitioners, and adaptive experts and to apply

   purposeful and dynamic strategies that empower all learners.” This is a wonderful option for students who are passionate about educating and caring for those who are often left behind.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Education/Differentiated Instruction

    

9. California State University-Fresno

   Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching
   Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $12,237

   The Master of Arts in Teaching from the California State University-Fresno is for students who already have an undergraduate degree in teaching. Students who earn this degree graduate able to:

   – Perform research
   – Become a curriculum consultant
   – Begin a career as a professor at a community college

   This degree comprises 30 total credits and will take students a total of three semesters. All students will take a core sequence of 17 credits and choose 9 elective credits. At the conclusion of the program, students choose one of three different Culminating Experiences: a comprehensive exam, a final project, or a master’s thesis.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Teaching

    

10. Texas Woman’s University

    Degree: Master of Education in Teaching, Leadership, and Collaboration
    Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $12,292

    The Teaching, Leadership, and Collaboration Master’s degree from TWU allows current teachers to narrow in on their specific areas of interest to advance their careers.

    This degree is a total of 30 credits. Half of those credits are dedicated to a core sequence that includes classes like: Diversity in the Classroom, Assessment in the Classroom, and Curriculum Studies. After that, students can dedicate the rest of the 15 credits toward one or more specializations or certifications that they would like to attain.

    And yes, men—you are welcome to apply here as well! Though TWU has a long history of educating women, they have been admitting men for several decades now.

    Find Out More:
    Master of Education in Teaching, Leadership, & Collaboration

     

Careers with a Teacher’s Degree Online

Bachelor’s Degree

While not all schools require state-approved teachers, let’s briefly look at how a teacher would become licensed. After graduating from a state-approved online bachelor’s degree in teaching, a student would take the tests required by the state, and then apply for certification. There are also alternate routes available for those who did not attend a state-approved school.

The salary for a new teacher can vary quite dramatically depending on the school and the state. On a national level, the average salary for a first year teacher is around $58,000.

Related Article: How to Become a Teacher: Steps, Education, & Requirements

Master’s Degree

Teachers who go on to earn a master’s in order to hone their skills, gain teacher licensure, and pick up a specialization or two can expect to earn a decent raise in pay. The salary range for a master’s-level teacher is $68,000-$126,000 with an average of around $90,000 per year.

While it is definitely possible to continue to advance teaching careers through additional degrees and specializations, many classroom educators are content with a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.

Related Article: MAT vs MEd: Which Online Education Degree is Right for You?

Find the Best Online Colleges for Teaching Degrees

So what about you? Are you ready to start an education degree online?

Overall, there is a huge variety of programs available, designed to fit a wide variety of goals and needs. There has truly never been a better time to get a teaching degree online!

No matter if you are brand new to the teaching world or looking to advance your skills, we hope these lists of the best online colleges for teaching degrees has you feeling inspired and encouraged. Your next step could be a huge, life-changing one, and we want you to know that we believe in you!

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you!