10 Best Online Teaching Degrees 2026

An online teaching degree lets you prepare for a career in education without putting work, family, or other responsibilities on pause. Flexible online formats make it possible to complete coursework on your schedule, with programs available in areas like elementary education and subject-specific teaching paths.

Choosing the right online education degree involves more than flexibility. Accreditation, licensure alignment, and hands-on classroom preparation all matter when comparing programs. Below, we highlight some of the best online education programs, along with key details on coursework, cost, program length, and career outlook, so you can move forward with a clearer sense of what to expect.

What Is an Online Teaching Degree?

An online teaching degree prepares you for instructional roles in K–12 classrooms through flexible, web-based coursework that mirrors traditional academic standards. Instead of attending classes on campus, you complete lectures, assignments, and discussions online, making it easier to balance school with work or family responsibilities.

Program options vary based on your background, career goals, and the degree level. An online bachelor’s degree in education is often the starting point for new teachers, while master’s degree online education programs support licensed educators or career changers. Coursework blends teaching theory with practical skills, covering instructional methods, educational psychology, assessment, and inclusive classroom strategies. Many accredited online teaching degree programs also include supervised field experiences or student teaching in local schools to ensure hands-on preparation.

Best Online Teaching Degree Programs

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the strongest options for earning a teaching degree online, combining academic quality with flexibility and student support. 

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University, based in Tempe, Arizona, offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in education through its ASU online degrees, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The program follows a clinically embedded model, allowing students to begin classroom observations and internships early, even in an online format. 

Coursework in the online education programs emphasize collaborative teaching, student development, and practical instructional strategies for K–8 classrooms. A strong focus on technology integration helps future educators learn how to use digital tools effectively in daily instruction, preparing graduates to step confidently into modern, tech-supported learning environments.

2. Ball State University

Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, offers online education degrees and is accredited by the HLC. As one of the largest teacher preparation providers in the state, the university brings decades of experience and research-driven practice into its online programs, with a strong emphasis on community partnerships and classroom-ready instruction.

One standout feature is the option to pursue add-on licenses, including a Virtual and Distance Education Teaching certificate focused on teaching online in K–12 settings. This pathway emphasizes Universal Design for Learning, helping future educators develop inclusive, accessible digital lessons. Graduates leave well prepared to support diverse learners and deliver instruction effectively in both traditional and online classrooms.

3. Fort Hays State University

At Fort Hays State University, the online Bachelor of Science (BS) in elementary education is built for students who want practical classroom preparation with room to personalize their studies. Located in Hays, Kansas and accredited by the HLC, the program allows you to shape concentrations while still meeting Kansas State Department of Education requirements.

Coursework in the online elementary education degree places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and instructional leadership. Advanced leadership-focused classes help prepare graduates for classroom teaching while also laying the groundwork for future roles such as lead teacher or instructional specialist.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers one of the earliest fully online pathways to initial teacher licensure, giving adult learners a clear and flexible route into the classroom. The university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), delivers Bachelor of Education programs designed with working students in mind.

Multiple subject-area options are available, including business, English, physics, and special education, all grounded in core teaching methods and instructional technology. A structured Degree Completion Plan helps you visualize each step, from coursework through local practicum and student teaching requirements.

5. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, Virginia, offers an online BS in elementary education designed to help students move classroom theory into everyday practice. Accredited by the SACSCOC, the program focuses on instructional strategies that connect multiple subject areas into cohesive, student-centered lessons.

Coursework places a strong emphasis on culturally responsive teaching and effective classroom management for diverse learning environments. With preparation geared toward PreK–6 settings, the program is a strong fit for students who want to enter the classroom ready to support varied learners and adapt instruction to real-world teaching challenges.

6. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, Florida, offers an online Bachelor of Science in teacher education and is accredited by the SACSCOC. Students can choose from content-area tracks such as art education, physical education, and world languages, allowing for a more tailored academic experience.

A key focus of the program is preparation for teaching diverse learners, with required coursework in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) theory and practice. The curriculum also supports pathways beyond traditional K–12 classrooms, making it a strong option for students interested in broader instructional or education-focused roles.

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

Based in Adelphi, Maryland, the University of Maryland Global Campus offers a BS in educational studies that’s accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Rather than focusing on licensure, the program emphasizes the social science foundations of education.

Students explore how people learn through coursework in psychology, sociology, and anthropology, culminating in a social science capstone project. This interdisciplinary approach is well-suited for those interested in education policy, training, or instructional roles outside traditional classroom teaching.

8. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota, located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, offers an online pathway accredited by the HLC that stands out for its accelerated structure. Students can work toward a Bachelor of Science in elementary education while simultaneously earning a Master of Science (MS) in reading education, creating a streamlined option for long-term advancement.

Coursework emphasizes literacy development, data-informed instruction, and student-centered teaching strategies. Live, synchronous class sessions help replicate a traditional classroom experience, allowing for real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and stronger academic engagement than many fully asynchronous programs.

9. Western Governors University

Western Governors University, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers a wide range of teaching and education degrees online through its Teachers College, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Programs are available in elementary, special, and secondary education, with both licensure and non-licensure options.

WGU’s competency-based model focuses on demonstrated mastery rather than seat time. Coursework centers on professional ethics, inclusive instruction, and personalized learning strategies, helping future educators build practical skills they can apply directly in real classroom settings.

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University, located in New Castle, Delaware, offers several online teaching pathways at the bachelor’s level, accredited by the MSCHE. The university provides licensure-aligned programs in early childhood education, elementary education, and middle grade education, all designed to support students preparing for classroom teaching roles.

These online education degrees focus on practical instruction, child development, and classroom management, with coursework structured to fit the needs of working adults. Required field experiences and student teaching are completed locally, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while completing their academic requirements online.

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.

Once we reviewed this data, we honed the list by focusing on:

• Accreditation: We prioritize regionally accredited schools and programs with recognized teaching approvals to ensure coursework meets licensure standards and is widely accepted by employers and graduate programs.
• Online availability: Top programs offer fully online coursework while allowing students to complete required student teaching locally, supporting flexibility without sacrificing hands-on classroom experience.
• Career alignment: We assess how well each program prepares students for licensure and in-demand teaching roles through relevant concentrations and modern instructional tools.
• Student outcomes: Rankings consider graduation rates, licensure success, and employment results to highlight programs that demonstrate strong support and real-world career value.

What Will You Learn in an Online Teaching Degree Program?

While every online program is a little bit different, most online education degree programs will cover topics like:

• Core pedagogy: Educational psychology, human development, and evidence-based instructional theory.
• Classroom management: Proven techniques for behavior intervention, conflict resolution, and creating inclusive learning environments.
• Specialized methods: Subject-specific strategies for literacy (Science of Reading), STEM, and social studies.
• Assessment and technology: Data-driven evaluation methods and the integration of digital learning tools.
• Diversity and inclusion: Strategies for supporting English Language Learners (ESOL) and special education students.
• Clinical experience: Immersive, hands-on student teaching and field observations in local school settings.

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

Most online bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, typically taking four years of full-time study. However, schools like Liberty and SNHU offer 8-week terms that can accelerate this timeline. Competency-based programs, such as Western Governors University, allow adult learners to finish in as little as two to three years by leveraging prior knowledge. Students with significant transfer credits may complete their degree in even less time, though the mandatory in-person student teaching semester usually adds a fixed 12–16 weeks at the end of the program.

How Much Does an Online Teaching Degree Cost?

Costs vary significantly based on residency and school type. Public options like UCF and Fort Hays State are highly affordable, ranging from $179 to $265 per credit. Private or larger public institutions like Liberty and ODU generally fall between $327 and $600 per credit. 

For a full 120-credit degree, total tuition typically ranges from $22,000 to $60,000. Many schools, like UMGC, further reduce costs by using open-source digital materials instead of textbooks, while WGU's flat-rate model rewards students who can complete their coursework more quickly.

Financial Aid for Online Teaching Degrees

Funding an online teaching degree involves a strategic mix of federal grants, specialized educator incentives, and institutional aid. For adult learners, these resources are essential to minimizing out-of-pocket costs while preparing for a new career. Financial aid options include:

• FAFSA: Filing the FAFSA is the first step to access Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2025–2026) and other need-based federal aid.
• TEACH grant: Provides up to $4,000 annually for students who commit to teaching in high-need fields or low-income schools for four years.
• Scholarships: Adult learners should target "reentry" awards like the Osher Reentry Scholarship or institutional merit aid.
• Student loans: Federal Direct Loans offer lower interest rates; Subsidized Loans are ideal as the government pays interest during enrollment.
• Loan forgiveness: Programs like PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness can cancel debt after five to ten years of qualifying service.

How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree

Choosing the best online education program for you can feel overwhelming. Below, we’ve broken down some key factors to consider when choosing a degree program.

Accreditation and Licensure 

Always prioritize programs with regional accreditation and specialized CAEP or AAQEP approval. Critically, ensure the curriculum aligns with your home state’s specific licensure requirements, as certification rules vary and degrees must meet local standards for you to practice.

Specialization and Career Alignment 

Select a concentration that matches your passion and current job market trends. High-demand areas like Special Education, STEM, or ESL often offer greater job security, higher starting salaries, and expanded eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs.

Adult-Learner Support Systems 

For those returning to school later in life, flexibility is non-negotiable. Look for asynchronous course formats, generous transfer credit policies, and dedicated success coaches who understand the unique challenges of balancing a degree with full-time work and family obligations. 

Clinical Placement Logistics 

Since you must complete in-person student teaching, choose a school with a dedicated placement coordinator. They should actively assist online learners in securing clinical hours at accredited schools within their own local community to prevent unnecessary travel or relocation. 

Career Outlook With an Online Teaching Degree

The career outlook for educators remains steady, driven by the ongoing need to replace retiring teachers and those entering other fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2024 median annual wages were $62,310 for elementary teachers, $62,970 for middle school, and $64,580 for high school teachers. 

Despite slight projected declines in total employment through 2034, over 210,000 annual openings are expected across these levels. Opportunities are strongest for those specializing in high-demand areas like special education or STEM.

FAQs About the Best Online Teaching Degree Programs

Below, we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions about online teaching degree programs and online colleges for education.

Is an Online Teaching Degree Worth It?

Accredited online teaching degrees offer a high return on investment by providing a flexible path to state licensure for teaching careers and higher earning potential. With job placement rates for qualified graduates often exceeding 85%, the long-term career stability and significant tuition savings make it a strategic choice for modern educators.

Is an Online Teaching Degree Respected by Employers?

Most school districts now view online degrees from regionally accredited institutions as equivalent to traditional ones. Recent data shows that 78% of employers consider these programs equally credible, particularly when candidates demonstrate strong digital literacy and complete high-quality, in-person student teaching experiences within their local communities. If you’re concerned, verify that your school offers a state-approved educator preparation program.

Who Should Consider an Online Teaching Degree Program?

These programs are ideal for self-motivated adult learners, working professionals, and parents who require schedule flexibility. Candidates who are comfortable with technology and possess strong time-management skills will thrive in this format, as it allows them to balance rigorous academic requirements with existing career and family responsibilities.

Can I Student-Teach While Working Full Time?

Student teaching is a full-time, typically unpaid commitment lasting 12 to 16 weeks. Most adult learners must take a leave of absence or use saved time off. However, some programs allow "on-the-job" placements if you are already employed as a paraprofessional or long-term substitute in a qualified classroom.

Are Background Checks Required for Online Teaching Students?

Before entering any classroom for observations or student teaching, you must pass a comprehensive screening. This typically includes FBI fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Your university’s placement coordinator will facilitate this process to ensure you meet all legal safety requirements for your district.

Discover Online Teaching Degrees

Earning your teaching degree is a marathon, not a sprint—especially when you’re balancing it with a busy schedule. Check out these programs on our website and visit the individual school pages to learn more about teacher certification programs, tuition rates, and financial aid.