Easiest Online Teaching Programs 2026

Choosing one of the easiest teaching degrees can open the door to a meaningful education career without the barriers that often discourage adult learners. Many online programs are now designed with flexible admissions, transfer-friendly policies, and supportive pacing options that make earning a teaching or education degree feel far more manageable than traditional campus routes.

The easiest online teaching degree programs focus on accessibility without cutting corners on accreditation or licensure alignment. Below, we’ll break down what actually makes a program easier to complete, highlight schools known for flexible entry requirements, and help you compare options so you can choose a path that fits your schedule, experience, and long-term goals.

What Makes an Online Teaching Degree “Easier” To Earn?

What makes an online teaching degree “easier” often comes down to flexibility and program design. Fully online, asynchronous coursework lets you study on your own schedule, while self-paced or accelerated formats can help you move faster if you’re motivated or bringing in prior college credit. Transfer-friendly policies also reduce repetition and shorten the path to graduation.

Structure plays a big role as well. Many easy online teaching degrees avoid research-heavy requirements like dissertations or large capstone projects, instead focusing on practical coursework. Others simplify completion by limiting in-person labs or streamlining clinical requirements, particularly in non-licensure tracks. Together, these features make earning a teaching degree more manageable without sacrificing credibility.

Easiest Online Teaching Degree Programs

Several colleges and universities offer online teaching or education programs that are flexible and require little in-person work. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the easiest teaching degrees to get that are accredited and affordable.

1. Arizona State University

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in educational studies that’s well-suited for students who want to work in education without pursuing public school licensure. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ASU positions this degree for roles in areas like educational technology, nonprofit education, corporate training, and tutoring rather than traditional K–12 classrooms.

Because the program is non-licensure, there’s no requirement for a full semester of unpaid student teaching or state-mandated classroom observations. Courses run in accelerated 7.5-week terms with multiple start dates each year, allowing you to stay fully online and move through the curriculum without coordinating in-person placements.

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU) Global, located in Aurora, Colorado, takes a different approach by offering a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services with an emphasis in education. Accredited by the HLC, CSU Global frames education through a broader human services lens, making it a practical option for students interested in learning theory, instructional support, or community-based education roles rather than licensed teaching.

The program is fully asynchronous, with no required log-in times and monthly start dates designed around working adults. Courses are delivered in eight-week terms, and because the degree is not governed by state teacher licensure rules, it avoids high-stakes exams and clinical practicums. For students looking for an easier education degree that fits around a full-time job, CSU Global offers a notably manageable path.

3. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Drexel University offers a Bachelor of Science in educational studies and innovation that approaches education outside traditional classroom settings. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), this non-certification program is built for students interested in learning design, museums, nonprofits, or corporate training rather than licensed K–12 teaching.

As this program does not lead to teacher licensure, students are not required to complete extensive field placements or classroom observations. Coursework is delivered online in ten-week quarters and emphasizes creative projects over rigid, state-aligned curricula, allowing online learners to stay fully remote while receiving structured academic support.

4. Lamar University

Based in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in education with a non-certification track designed for students who want exposure to K–12 education without immediately pursuing licensure. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the program emphasizes topics like literacy development, education law, and instructional technology rather than the intensive student-teaching internships required for Texas certification.

The program’s structure also supports a more manageable path to completion. Courses are delivered in accelerated eight-week terms, allowing you to concentrate on fewer classes at a time instead of juggling a traditional semester schedule. For students already working in education support roles or balancing full-time responsibilities, this pacing can make earning an education degree feel far more achievable.

5. Liberty University

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a non-licensure track for students who want a teaching foundation without classroom placement requirements. The university holds regional accreditation from the SACSCOC, and the program covers core areas like literacy, math instruction, and child development while removing field experience and student teaching components.

That streamlined structure makes the degree more accessible for working adults, private school educators, or those planning to pursue alternative certification later. Courses are delivered in eight-week sub-terms, which helps keep workloads manageable, and the absence of in-person clinicals allows students to complete the program fully online.

6. National University

National University, headquartered in San Diego offers a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on education that’s built around simplicity and pace. The university holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC), and the program is designed for students who want an education-focused degree without the requirements tied to teacher licensure.

The standout feature is National University’s one-course-per-month format. Instead of juggling multiple classes, you focus on a single subject in four-week terms, which many students find far more manageable. Because the degree follows a non-licensure track, it removes the student-teaching semester, and with year-round enrollment and broad admissions access, it offers a steady, low-pressure path to graduation.

7. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU), based in Norfolk, Virginia, takes a flexible approach with its Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies offered online. Through a professional studies concentration, students can shape an education-focused path without enrolling in a traditional teacher preparation program. ODU is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.

The degree is highly customizable, allowing students to choose coursework in areas like instructional technology or educational psychology while avoiding state-supervised internships and licensure exams. Combined with asynchronous delivery and well-established online support for working adults and military learners, ODU offers a manageable route to an education-related degree.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a BA in educational studies that centers on how people learn and how instruction is designed across different settings. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and the program follows a non-licensure track that removes classroom observations and clinical hour requirements, which are often the most difficult parts of completing a teaching degree online.

SNHU strives to make college accessible; it does not charge an application fee and does not require SAT or ACT scores, lowering the barrier to entry. Courses are fully asynchronous and delivered in eight-week terms, with no required live sessions, creating a streamlined, low-pressure experience for students balancing school with work or family responsibilities.

9. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU), headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies built for speed and flexibility. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the program follows a non-licensure track that removes the demonstration teaching requirement found in traditional teacher preparation degrees.

What makes WGU especially accessible for motivated students is its competency-based learning model. Instead of progressing through fixed-length semesters, you advance by demonstrating mastery of each subject. If you already know the material, you can complete assessments quickly and move on to the next course. This self-paced structure allows some students to finish significantly faster than at traditional universities, particularly those bringing prior knowledge or professional experience.

10. Wilmington University

Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University offers a BS in Education Studies for students pursuing education-related roles that do not require state licensure. The university is accredited by the MSCHE, and the program allows students to choose concentrations such as early childhood or elementary education without committing to a traditional teacher preparation pathway.

Wilmington University is another school dedicated to accessibility: admission is guaranteed for students with a high school diploma or GED, removing common entry barriers. Courses are offered in seven-week modular blocks, and instead of full-time student teaching, students complete simulated or observation-based assignments. This structure makes it easier to move steadily through the degree while avoiding the time and scheduling challenges of in-person clinicals.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

In order tokeep this list practical and student-focused, we evaluated each school using the following criteria, with an emphasis on accessibility, flexibility, and long-term value:

• Accreditation: We prioritize regionally accredited institutions to ensure the degree is widely recognized, eligible for federal financial aid, and transferable if you pursue further education.
• Program requirements: To focus on the easiest programs, we prioritized schools with education degrees that reduced or removed barriers like student teaching, clinical hours, high-stakes exams, or research-heavy capstone projects.
• Online availability: Programs must offer fully online, asynchronous coursework that allows students to complete requirements without on-campus visits or rigid scheduling.
• Student outcomes: We consider indicators such as graduation rates, career relevance, and student feedback to gauge whether programs support completion and post-degree opportunities.

What is the Easiest Teaching Degree to Get?

The easiest teaching degree to get is usually a non-licensure education or teaching studies degree. These programs focus on learning theory, curriculum design, and instructional methods without requiring student teaching, clinical hours, or state certification exams. By removing those barriers, they are often more accessible for working adults, career changers, or students who want education-related roles outside traditional public schools.

Many of the easiest online teaching degrees also feature flexible admissions, transfer-friendly credit policies, and fully online coursework. While they do not lead directly to K–12 licensure, they can support careers in private schools, tutoring, training, or serve as a foundation for licensure later.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Teaching Degree Online?

Most online teaching degrees at the bachelor’s level take about four years to complete if you start with no prior college credit. However, online formats often allow for faster completion through accelerated terms, year-round enrollment, or self-paced coursework. Programs offering eight-week or four-week courses can significantly shorten the timeline for motivated students.

If you transfer credits or enroll in a competency-based program, you may be able to finish in two to three years, or even sooner in some cases. Ultimately, your completion time depends on prior credits, pacing, and how many courses you take at once.

Are Online Teaching Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

Online teaching degrees can feel easier than on-campus programs because they offer more flexibility, not because the coursework is less rigorous. Asynchronous classes let you study on your own schedule, avoid commuting, and balance school with work or family responsibilities. That flexibility alone can make a big difference for adult learners.

It’s important to note, however, that licensure-track teaching degrees—whether online or on campus—still require in-person student teaching. Those clinical placements are mandated by state boards and cannot be completed remotely. Non-licensure online programs tend to feel easier because they remove or reduce these in-person requirements altogether.

How Much Does an Online Teaching Degree Cost?

The cost of an online teaching degree varies widely based on the school, program type, and how many credits you transfer. Many public and nonprofit universities offer online education degrees that fall within a more affordable range than private, campus-based options, especially when you factor in savings on housing and transportation.

Non-licensure programs are often less expensive overall because they do not include extended clinical placements or associated fees. Students who transfer credits, enroll in accelerated programs, or qualify for financial aid may further reduce their total cost, making an online teaching degree a more budget-friendly path to completion.

Financial Aid for Online Teaching Degrees

Paying for an online teaching degree often feels more manageable than expected, especially since most accredited programs qualify for federal and institutional aid. Whether you’re pursuing licensure or a non-licensure education degree, several financial aid options can help reduce upfront costs and long-term debt.

• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for most students. Eligible online teaching programs can qualify for federal grants, subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, and work-study opportunities, depending on your financial need and enrollment status.
• TEACH Grant: The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is specifically designed for future educators. It provides funding to students who commit to teaching in a high-need field or low-income school for a set number of years, though it comes with service requirements that should be reviewed carefully.
• School-based scholarships and grants: Many universities offer internal scholarships for education majors, online learners, or adult students returning to college. These awards may be based on financial need, academic performance, or professional background and do not need to be repaid.
• Employer tuition assistance: Students already working in schools, childcare centers, or education support roles may qualify for employer-sponsored tuition assistance. These programs can reimburse part of your tuition in exchange for continued employment or service commitments.
• Loan forgiveness programs: Graduates who go on to teach in public schools or qualifying nonprofit organizations may be eligible for programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. While not guaranteed, these options can reduce remaining federal loan balances after meeting employment and payment requirements.

How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree

Choosing the right teaching degree comes down to matching the program to your career goals, schedule, and comfort level with in-person requirements. With so many online options available, focusing on a few key criteria can help you narrow your choices and avoid surprises later.

• Licensure vs. non-licensure: Decide whether you want to pursue teacher certification now or prefer a non-licensure education degree. Licensure programs include student teaching and state requirements, while non-licensure tracks are often easier to complete and more flexible.
• Program format and pacing: Look for fully online, asynchronous programs if you need flexibility. Accelerated terms, self-paced learning, or competency-based models can significantly affect how manageable the workload feels.
• Transfer credit policies: If you have prior college coursework or professional training, choose a transfer-friendly school. Applying existing credits can shorten your timeline and reduce overall cost.
• Accreditation and recognition: Make sure the school holds regional accreditation so your degree is widely recognized and eligible for federal financial aid. This also matters if you plan to pursue licensure or graduate study later.
• Career alignment: Consider how the curriculum supports your intended role, whether that’s classroom teaching, educational support, training, or advancement in a current education-related position.

Career Outlook With an Online Teaching Degree

Career opportunities for graduates with an online teaching or education degree remain steady, even outside traditional K–12 classrooms. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the broader education, training, and library sector is expected to see hundreds of thousands of job openings each year, largely driven by retirements and career transitions rather than rapid growth.

For students completing non-licensure education degrees, demand is especially consistent in roles that do not require state certification. Areas such as preschool education, postsecondary administration, instructional coordination, and training and development continue to need qualified professionals. These roles are commonly found in private schools, nonprofits, higher education, and corporate settings, offering graduates flexible pathways without the requirement of a traditional teaching license.

FAQs About the Easiest Online Teaching Degree Programs

Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about the easiest online teaching and education degree programs.

Is an Online Teaching Degree Worth It?

An online teaching degree can be worth it if it fits your career goals and lifestyle. These programs offer flexibility, lower costs, and access to education-related roles in schools, training, and support settings. For many students, the value comes from earning a recognized degree while continuing to work or manage other responsibilities.

Is an Online Teaching Degree Respected by Employers?

Most employers care more about accreditation than delivery format. An online teaching degree from a regionally accredited institution is generally viewed as credible and legitimate. Relevant experience and skills often matter just as much as where or how the degree was earned.

What’s the Difference Between Licensure and Non-Licensure Teaching Degrees?

Licensure teaching degrees are designed for students who plan to become certified K–12 public school teachers and include required student teaching, clinical hours, and state exams. Non-licensure teaching degrees focus on education theory, instructional methods, and learning design without those requirements. As a result, non-licensure programs are often easier to complete and more flexible, especially for working adults or career changers.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Non-Licensure Teaching Degree?

A non-licensure teaching degree can support roles outside traditional public school classrooms. Common career paths include private or charter school teaching, tutoring, instructional support, training and development, education coordination, and roles within nonprofits or community programs. These degrees are also useful for professionals already working in education who need a bachelor’s degree for advancement.

Can You Still Become a Teacher With a Non-Licensure Teaching Degree?

Yes, in some cases. While a non-licensure teaching degree does not lead directly to certification, many graduates later pursue alternative certification programs or post-baccalaureate licensure pathways. Requirements vary by state, so it’s important to research local rules, but a non-licensure degree can serve as a flexible starting point toward a teaching career.

Explore Online Teaching Degrees

Choosing one of the easiest education degrees or teacher programs can help you reach your career goals while balancing a busy life. Start your journey by exploring these easy degrees on Learn.org or reach out to the schools above to learn more about their online teaching and education programs.