List of Teaching Degrees at Cleveland State University 2026

If you're considering a career in education in Ohio, Cleveland State University offers a range of teaching degree programs designed to prepare you for the classroom and beyond. Whether you're starting your first degree or returning for graduate study, you’ll find programs that align with state licensure requirements and professional goals.

Below, we’ll go over Cleveland State University teaching degrees, admissions requirements, career paths, and what to expect from the program’s accreditation and quality standards.

Does Cleveland State University Offer Teaching Degrees?

Cleveland State University offers multiple teaching degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, along with additional education-related programs. These degrees are structured to meet Ohio teacher licensure requirements and prepare candidates for roles in early childhood, elementary, middle childhood, adolescent, and special education settings.

Programs typically include coursework in education theory, classroom management, curriculum development, and supervised field experience. If you're planning to become a licensed teacher in Ohio, these programs are built to help you meet the state’s academic and practical training requirements.

List of Teaching Degrees at Cleveland State University by Degree Level

The teaching degrees below are all designed to lead to teacher licensure in Ohio. Each program combines coursework, field experiences, and student teaching to help you meet state requirements and prepare for classroom instruction at your chosen grade level or subject area.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Teaching

Cleveland State University offers several undergraduate teaching degrees that prepare you for initial licensure in Ohio. These programs focus on content knowledge, instructional methods, and supervised classroom experience. Depending on the program, you may prepare to teach in early childhood, elementary, middle grades, secondary subject areas, or special education settings. Teaching programs include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Education in Foreign Language Education, French
• Bachelor of Arts in Education in Foreign Language Education, Spanish
• Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Science in Education in P-5 Education
• Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Mild to Moderate Educational Needs)
• Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Moderate to Intensive Educational Needs)

Master’s Degrees in Teaching

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue teacher licensure or expand your credentials, Cleveland State University offers several Master of Education (MEd) programs. These graduate degrees are designed for individuals seeking initial licensure in a new teaching area or for licensed educators who want to deepen their expertise in specific grade levels, subject areas, or special education:

• Master of Education in Adolescent/Young Adult
• Master of Education in P-5 Education
• Master of Education in Intervention Specialist
• Master of Education in Multi-Age Chinese and Spanish
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Education in Urban Secondary Teaching

Other Education Degrees at Cleveland State University

In addition to its initial licensure programs, Cleveland State University offers advanced education degrees, graduate certificates, and endorsement programs for current educators. These options are designed for licensed teachers who want to expand their credentials, add a new licensure area, move into leadership roles, or strengthen expertise in a specialized field. Whether you're looking to broaden your teaching scope or advance professionally, these programs provide structured pathways to build on your existing license and experience.

Education master’s degrees:

• Master of Education in Educational Technology
• Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary Education (Advanced & Applied Teacher)
• Master of Education in Gifted and Talented Learners
• Master of Education in Literacy Development and Instruction
• Master of Education in Research and Assessment in Education and Human Services

Education certificates and endorsements:

• Computer and Technology Endorsement (on-campus and online)
• Computer Science Endorsement (on-campus and online)
• Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder Undergraduate Certificate
• Instructional Design & Technology Graduate Certificate (on-campus and online)
• Online Adult Learning and Development Certificate
• Online Data Analytics in Education Graduate Certificate
• Online Gifted Endorsement
• Online Inspired Leaders Principal Licensure Certificate
• Online Program Evaluation in Educational and Youth-Serving Organizations Graduate Certificate
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (online and on-campus)
• Twice-Exceptional Education Graduate Certificate

Admissions Requirements for Teaching Programs at Cleveland State University

Admission to teaching programs at Cleveland State University includes both general university requirements and additional criteria specific to educator preparation programs. Because these degrees lead to Ohio licensure, you can expect academic benchmarks and screening steps that ensure you’re prepared for classroom responsibilities and state requirements.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Students applying to bachelor’s-level teaching programs must first meet Cleveland State University’s general undergraduate admission standards. Once enrolled, admission into the educator preparation program may require additional steps.

Typical requirements may include:

• Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent
• Submission of official high school transcripts (and college transcripts if applicable)
• Minimum GPA requirements for university admission and program entry
• Completion of prerequisite coursework in education and general studies
• Passing scores on any state-required assessments for educator preparation (if applicable)
• Background check clearance prior to field placements
• Application to the teacher education program after completing foundational coursework

Graduate Admission Requirements

Applicants to Master of Education programs must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Because many programs lead to licensure or endorsement, additional documentation may be required.

Graduate admission criteria may include:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Minimum undergraduate GPA (often 2.75 or higher, depending on the program)
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose outlining professional goals
• A valid teaching license (required for certain endorsement or advanced programs)
• Background check clearance for clinical or field experiences

Careers You Can Pursue With a Cleveland State University Teaching Degree

A teaching degree from Cleveland State University can prepare you for a variety of roles in public, private, and charter schools across Ohio. Because these programs are structured around Ohio licensure requirements, graduates are positioned to pursue classroom teaching roles and specialized education positions based on their degree and endorsement area.

Depending on your program, potential career paths may include:

• Preschool teacher (P-3 licensure)
• Elementary school teacher (P-5)
• Middle school teacher (grades 4–9, subject-specific)
• High school teacher (adolescent/young adult licensure areas)
• Intervention specialist
• Special education teacher (mild to moderate or moderate to intensive needs)
• Foreign language teacher (French, Spanish, or Chinese)
• Music teacher (K–12)
• Urban secondary teacher

With a master’s degree or added endorsements, you may also qualify for expanded responsibilities, leadership opportunities, or specialized instructional roles within your district.

Accreditation and Program Quality at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring the university meets established standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. In addition to institutional accreditation, its educator preparation programs are approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and aligned with Ohio Department of Education licensure requirements.

Cleveland State stands out in particular for its strong emphasis on clinical experience and urban education. Located in the heart of Cleveland, the university provides access to diverse school settings where students gain hands-on experience through supervised fieldwork and student teaching. This real-world exposure, combined with faculty expertise and partnerships with local districts, gives future educators practical preparation that reflects the communities they may serve after graduation.

FAQs About Cleveland State University Teaching Degrees

When comparing teaching programs, it’s normal to have questions about licensure, timelines, flexibility, and career outcomes. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common questions prospective students ask about Cleveland State University’s teaching degrees.

Do Cleveland State University Teaching Degrees Lead to Ohio Licensure?

The bachelor’s and master’s teaching degrees listed above are designed to meet Ohio licensure requirements. These programs align with standards set by the Ohio Department of Education and include required coursework, field experiences, and student teaching components. After completing your degree, you must also pass any required Ohio licensure examinations and apply for your teaching license through the state. If you plan to teach outside Ohio, you may need to meet additional requirements based on that state’s licensure reciprocity policies.

Can I Transfer Teaching Licensure From Ohio to Another State?

Many states offer licensure reciprocity agreements, meaning an Ohio teaching license may transfer, but additional steps are often required. Requirements vary by state and may include additional exams, coursework, or documentation of teaching experience. If you think you may relocate, it’s a good idea to review the specific licensure rules of your intended state before enrolling. Cleveland State’s programs are built around Ohio standards, so understanding how those standards align with other states can help you plan ahead.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Teaching Degree at Cleveland State University?

A bachelor’s degree in education typically takes four years of full-time study, including student teaching. Master of Education programs often take one to two years, depending on whether you attend full time or part time and whether the program leads to initial licensure or an endorsement. Program length can vary based on transfer credits, prerequisite coursework, and scheduling choices. Meeting regularly with an academic advisor can help you map out a timeline that fits your goals.

Are Cleveland State University Teaching Programs Good for Working Adults?

Many graduate teaching programs at Cleveland State University offer evening, hybrid, or flexible scheduling options that can help working adults balance professional and academic responsibilities. Some programs are structured specifically for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching or expand their license. However, field placements and student teaching requirements typically require daytime availability in school settings, so planning ahead is important if you are employed full time.

What Is the Difference Between an Intervention Specialist and a Special Education Teacher?

In Ohio, an intervention specialist is a licensed special education teacher who works with students who have identified disabilities. The distinction often reflects specific licensure areas, such as mild to moderate or moderate to intensive educational needs. These educators may provide direct instruction, collaborate with general education teachers, and develop individualized education programs. Choosing between these pathways depends on the age group and level of support you want to focus on in your teaching career.

Discover Online Teaching Degree Programs

Find the perfect teaching or education degree by exploring the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to Cleveland State University or other highlighted schools to learn more about their program options and licensure requirements.