10 Fast-Track Teaching Degrees in 2026

Updated on 9/18/2025

If you're thinking of becoming a teacher, you may be wondering how to get a teaching degree online fast. Is it possible to speed up the education process for a teaching career, and if so, just how fast can you go?

Keep reading as we look at the fastest ways to become a teacher. We'll explore some top accelerated teaching programs in the U.S. and provide answers to questions you may be asking.

How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Degree?

The average time to earn an education degree varies by degree level. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, while a master's degree typically takes two years.

An accelerated teaching degree makes it possible for students to pursue licensure faster. Accelerated bachelor's degrees can be completed in three years or less, while accelerated master's degrees typically take 18 months or less to finish.

Top Accelerated Teaching Degree Programs

If you're ready to begin your fast-track teaching degree, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss some top schools with accelerated bachelor's and master's degrees in teaching and education.

1. Aurora University

Aurora University is a private school located in Aurora, IL. It offers a fast-track Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that students can complete in as little as one year.

The program is designed for students who have bachelor's degrees in science, mathematics, or humanities fields such as English, history, biology, or chemistry. Upon completing this full-time, on-campus program, learners can earn their state license to teach their chosen subject at the secondary level.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,250 per semester
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Edgewood University

Edgewood University is a private, Dominican school located in Madison, WI. Its flexible hybrid Master of Arts in Education program offers the following tracks:

• elementary and middle education
• secondary education
• cross-categorical special education

The program offers asynchronous, eight-week course sessions and allows learners to complete student teaching requirements concurrently with online classes. Those who study full-time and take heavy course loads can graduate in as little as 12 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $325 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 to 24 months
• Accreditation: HLC

3. George Fox University

George Fox University is a Christian school located in Newberg, OR. This private school offers a Bachelor of Science degree completion program for learners with an associate degree or significant college credits.

The program is designed for working adults, offering online classes one evening per week and on Saturdays and requiring about 15 to 18 hours of study time per week. Learners typically graduate within 16 to 20 months and can begin working as elementary, middle, or high school teachers in Oregon.

• Estimated tuition cost: $499 per credit hour
• Program length: 16 to 20 months
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

4. Carroll University

Carroll University is a private school in Waukesha, WI. It provides a hybrid MAT degree with the following specializations:

• elementary and special education
• secondary and special education

Students complete on-campus coursework on Friday evenings and Saturdays once a month; other courses are online and highly flexible. Students can graduate within 17 months and pursue dual certifications in elementary or secondary and special education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,148 per semester
• Program length: 17 months
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington is a public school belonging to the University of Texas System. It provides various accelerated online master's degrees in teaching, with majors including:

• curriculum and instruction
• special education
• educational leadership and policy

Many of these programs offer accelerated pathways, with the potential for students to earn their degrees in 18 months or less. Online courses are typically offered in five- to eight-week sessions, allowing students to progress at faster-than-average rates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,044 per year (average)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Bushnell University

Bushnell University is a private, Christian school in Eugene, OR. It offers an accelerated, hybrid bachelor's degree in teaching education with specializations in special and elementary education.

This degree completion program is designed for students who have completed at least 60 college credits, and learners can graduate within two years. Courses are offered online and on campus during the evening to fit the schedules of busy working adults.

• Estimated tuition cost: $495 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: NWCCU

7. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, online university headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It offers various flexible, self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees in education, including:

• elementary education
• mathematics education
• Earth science education

All programs are competency-based, and tuition is paid per term, encouraging students to complete their studies as quickly as possible. Most students complete their bachelor's degrees in three years or less.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,025 per term
• Program length: Three years or less
• Accreditation: NWCCU

8. Concordia University Ann Arbor

Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private school located in Michigan and belonging to the larger Concordia University System. It offers an online bachelor's degree in education that students can complete within three years.

This program prepares learners to get licensed and teach at the pre-K through sixth-grade levels. Self-paced eight-week courses and a generous transfer policy make it easy, even for busy learners, to graduate fast.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is another member of the Concordia University System and is closely associated with the Ann Arbor campus. Located in Mequon, WI, it provides accelerated bachelor's degrees in secondary education and elementary education.

Both programs are available in a flexible online format that enables students to graduate within three years. Students can transfer in up to 84 credits and begin new courses anytime, giving them full control over their education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475-$500 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: HLC

10. DeSales University

DeSales University is a Catholic school in Center Valley, PA. This private institution provides an accelerated Bachelor of Arts in education with the following concentrations:

• early childhood and elementary education, pre-K through 4
• special education: pre-K through 12

Students complete the program online or in a hybrid format. The program provides rolling admissions and enables students to begin their studies whenever it's convenient for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $595 per credit hour
• Program length: Three to four years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to select the best in-person and online programs when creating our rank lists. We considered the following criteria when choosing the education programs featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is regionally accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Program length: All of the programs can be completed in shorter than average timeframes.
• Affordability: Each school features affordable tuition rates and/or strong financial aid options to help learners afford their education.

How To Become a Teacher Fast

If you're still wondering how you can get a teaching degree online fast, we've got you covered. Let's look at some top tips aspiring teachers can follow to pursue their dreams quickly.

• 1: Earn a bachelor's degree: Nearly all states require teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree. You can enroll in a flexible or accelerated program or apply transfer credits to get your degree more quickly.
• 2: Research state certification requirements: Each state has slightly different requirements for teachers. By exploring licensing requirements in your state ahead of time, you can avoid delays when it's time to earn your teacher certification.
• 3: Enroll in an alternative or accelerated certification program: If you already have a bachelor's or master's degree, you may be able to enroll in a short-term certificate program instead of a full degree. These alternative teacher preparation programs allow you to fulfill state teaching requirements in as little as a year or less and help you save both time and money.
• 4: Complete required coursework and student teaching or internship: All teaching programs require students to complete specific courses and gain teaching experience in the classroom. Make sure to fulfill these requirements in a timely manner to avoid delays in graduation.
• 5: Apply for provisional or emergency teaching license: In some states, you may be able to start teaching on a provisional or emergency basis before earning a teaching degree. This can help you gain experience working with students and may count as transfer credit toward some programs, ultimately helping you graduate sooner.
• 6: Begin teaching while completing certification requirements: Some states allow students to begin teaching under supervision before they've earned their full teaching license. Applying for an initial teaching license in these states can help you get into the classroom faster as you work toward getting fully certified.

FAQs About Fast-Track Teaching Degrees

If you still have questions about completing a fast-track teaching degree online or on-campus, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some common questions you may have.

How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Degree Online?

The timeframe in which you can earn a degree in any subject, including teaching, will depend on various factors. Enrolling in an accelerated or flexible program can help you complete your degree faster, regardless of other factors. However, if you also have transfer credits and/or a previous degree, you could finish even more quickly. With sufficient transfer credits, it is theoretically possible to finish a bachelor's degree in a year and a master's degree in even less time.

Are There Any Fast-Track Teaching Certification Programs?

Yes, many schools offer teaching programs with fast-track options. Some top degree programs are featured above. Many other schools offer accelerated, short-term certificate programs to help those with existing bachelor's or master's degrees begin their teaching careers even sooner.

What Is the Shortest Teaching Degree?

The shortest teaching degree you can get is typically an accelerated master's degree in teaching, as this type of program can be completed within a year, even if you have no transfer credits. Some bachelor's degrees in teaching can be completed in one to two years with transfer credits, and associate degrees in teaching (which transfer to bachelor's programs) typically take about two years.

Can I Get a Full Teaching Degree Online?

It is possible to complete coursework for a teaching degree entirely online, and many schools offer online learning opportunities for future teachers. However, even with online programs, you will need to complete in-person student teaching experiences. Some programs may also require in-person internships and practicums.

Discover Education Programs

If you're ready to start your in-person or online teaching degree program, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges today for more information about their teaching programs and to find the right one for you.