List of Teaching Degrees at University of Oregon 2026

If you’re considering a career in education, the University of Oregon offers several pathways that can help you prepare for teaching roles in Oregon and beyond. From undergraduate study to advanced graduate programs, the university provides options for students at different stages of their academic and professional journey.

Whether you’re starting fresh or planning to earn a teaching license after completing a bachelor’s degree, understanding what’s available can help you choose the right path. Below, we’ll go over University of Oregon teaching degrees and what you can expect from each level of study.

Does the University of Oregon Offer Teaching Degrees?

The University of Oregon offers multiple teaching-focused degree programs, primarily at the graduate level. While the university does not offer a standalone undergraduate teaching major that leads directly to licensure, students can complete related bachelor’s degrees and then pursue a graduate teaching program to earn licensure.

Most teacher preparation programs are housed within the College of Education and are designed to meet Oregon licensure requirements. These programs combine coursework with supervised classroom experience, helping students build both subject knowledge and hands-on teaching skills before entering the profession.

List of Teaching Degrees at the University of Oregon by Degree Level

At the University of Oregon, teaching programs are structured to help students meet state requirements for educator licensure. While pathways differ by degree level, each program is built to align with Oregon teacher preparation standards and includes coursework and supervised field experiences required for certification.

Below, you’ll find an overview of teaching minors and degree options designed to prepare you for licensure in a variety of classroom settings.

Teaching Minors

Teaching minors at the University of Oregon are intended to be paired with the bachelor’s degree in educational foundations. Together, this combination creates a pathway toward teacher preparation and eventual licensure at the graduate level. These minors allow you to focus on a specific teaching area while completing foundational coursework in education. Two options are available:

• Minor in Secondary Educational Foundations
• Minor in Special Education

Bachelor’s Degrees in Teaching

At the undergraduate level, the University of Oregon offers a pathway for students interested in becoming elementary school teachers through the Bachelor of Science (BS) in educational foundations. This program is designed for students planning to pursue elementary education licensure and introduces key topics such as child development, learning theory, and classroom practice.

While the education bachelor’s degree itself does not grant licensure, it prepares you to apply to a graduate teacher preparation program. If you are interested in teaching outside of elementary education, you can pair the degree with an approved minor—such as secondary educational foundations or special education—to begin focusing on a different certification area before entering a master’s program. Two pathways are available: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Educational Foundations
• Bachelor of Science in Educational Foundations

Master’s Degrees in Teaching

Most licensure pathways at the University of Oregon are completed at the graduate level. These education master’s programs are designed to meet Oregon educator licensure requirements and include supervised student teaching experiences along with advanced coursework in pedagogy and subject content:

• Master of Arts in Special Education
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching, Elementary Multiple Subjects
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching, Middle and High School Subject Endorsement
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Science in Special Education

Other Education Degrees at the University of Oregon

In addition to its licensure-focused teaching programs, the University of Oregon offers other education degrees for students with related career goals. At the undergraduate level, options are available for students who plan to pursue roles in speech-language pathology or related communication sciences fields, often as preparation for graduate study and professional certification.

At the graduate level, the university provides advanced degrees, certificates, and endorsement programs designed for licensed educators who want to expand their qualifications or move into specialized roles. These options can support career growth in areas such as special education, curriculum development, leadership, or specialized instructional support, depending on your professional goals.

Education bachelor’s degree:

• Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Education master’s degrees:

• Education Specialist in School Psychology
• Master of Education in Prevention Science
• Master of Education with Principal Licensure
• Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences
• Master of Science in Curriculum and Teacher Education
• Master of Science in Education Policy and Leadership
• Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Education certificates and endorsements:

• English Language Arts Endorsement
• Math (Advanced or Foundational) Endorsement
• Science (Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Endorsement
• Social Science Endorsement
• Special Education Endorsement
• World Language (French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, or Spanish) Endorsement

Admissions Requirements for Teaching Programs at the University of Oregon

Admission requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying to an undergraduate pathway or a graduate teacher preparation program. Because most licensure programs are completed at the master’s level, graduate admission standards tend to be more specialized and competitive. Below, we’ll break down the general requirements for each level.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Students applying to begin the Bachelor of Science (BS) in educational foundations must first meet general University of Oregon undergraduate admission standards. After enrollment, additional steps may be required to formally enter education-focused coursework.

Typical undergraduate requirements include:

• Completed high school diploma or equivalent
• Submission of official high school transcripts
• Completion of required college preparatory coursework
• Application through the University of Oregon admissions process
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) as set by the university
• For transfer students, submission of official college transcripts

Students planning to pursue teacher licensure will also need to meet prerequisite coursework and academic benchmarks before applying to a graduate teacher preparation program.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate teaching programs at the University of Oregon have more specific admission criteria, since these programs lead to educator licensure. Requirements may vary by degree and endorsement area, but applicants can generally expect to provide:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Official college transcripts
• Minimum GPA as determined by the specific program
• Completed graduate application and application fee
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose outlining career goals in education
• Resume or documentation of relevant experience
• Background check clearance, if required for field placements

Some programs may also require prerequisite coursework or subject-matter preparation aligned with the endorsement area you’re pursuing. Reviewing the specific program page before applying can help you confirm deadlines and additional requirements.

Careers You Can Pursue With a University of Oregon Teaching Degree

A teaching degree from the University of Oregon can prepare you for a range of roles in K–12 education, depending on your endorsement area and level of study. Because most licensure pathways are completed at the graduate level, many graduates pursue classroom teaching positions across Oregon and other states, though additional state requirements may apply if you plan to teach elsewhere.

Career paths may include:

• Elementary school teacher
• Middle school teacher
• High school teacher in a specific subject area
• Special education teacher
• Instructional support specialist
• Curriculum coordinator (with experience or advanced credentials)

With additional experience or graduate study, some educators move into leadership roles such as instructional coaching or school administration. Your specific opportunities will depend on your licensure area, endorsements, and professional goals.

Accreditation and Program Quality at the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Regional accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards for academic quality, student support, and institutional effectiveness.

In addition, the College of Education’s teacher preparation programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, which oversees educator licensure in the state. This approval helps ensure that programs align with Oregon’s requirements for teacher certification, including coursework, field experience, and student teaching components.

FAQs About University of Oregon Teaching Degrees

If you’re considering a teaching career, you likely have questions about licensure, timelines, and flexibility. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about earning a teaching degree at the University of Oregon.

How Do You Become a Licensed Teacher in Oregon Through the University of Oregon?

To become a licensed teacher in Oregon through the University of Oregon, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program and meet state requirements set by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. Most students earn a bachelor’s degree first, then apply to a graduate licensure program such as a Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Arts (MA) in an approved endorsement area. After completing required coursework, student teaching, and any state testing requirements, you can apply for licensure through the state.

Can You Earn Teaching Licensure at the Undergraduate Level at the University of Oregon?

The University of Oregon does not offer a standalone undergraduate teaching degree that leads directly to licensure. Instead, students complete the Bachelor of Science (BS) in educational foundations and then apply to a graduate-level teacher preparation program to earn licensure. Pairing the undergraduate degree with an approved minor can help you prepare for a specific endorsement area before entering a master’s program.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Teaching Degree at the University of Oregon?

The total timeline depends on your starting point. Most students complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by a graduate licensure program that typically takes one to two years, depending on the endorsement and program structure. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to enter directly into a master’s licensure program, which can shorten the overall time required to become a licensed teacher.

Can You Transfer Into a University of Oregon Teaching Program?

Transfer students can apply to the University of Oregon and pursue education pathways, provided they meet university and program-specific requirements. You’ll need to submit official transcripts and ensure your previous coursework aligns with program prerequisites. For graduate licensure programs, transfer credit policies may vary, so reviewing specific program guidelines can help you understand what prior coursework may apply.

Are University of Oregon Teaching Degrees Recognized in Other States?

University of Oregon teaching programs are approved for licensure in Oregon, but recognition in other states depends on individual state agreements and requirements. Many states participate in reciprocity agreements, which can make transferring your license more straightforward. However, you may need to complete additional testing or paperwork if you plan to teach outside Oregon, so checking with the licensing board in your intended state is important.

Discover Online Teaching Degree Programs

Start your journey toward a career in teaching by exploring the education programs highlighted on Learn.org. Reach out to the University of Oregon or other featured schools to learn more about teacher preparation and licensure.