List of Teaching Degrees at WGU 2026

Western Governors University (WGU) is known for its flexible, competency-based model, and its College of Education is one of the largest in the country. If you are exploring a WGU teaching degree, you will find a wide range of options designed for aspiring educators, licensed teachers seeking advancement, and professionals transitioning into education careers.

WGU structures its programs to support both initial teacher licensure and non-licensure pathways, giving students flexibility based on their career goals. Whether you want to earn your first teaching credential or move into curriculum leadership, instructional design, or school administration, WGU offers multiple degree tracks aligned with today’s educational workforce needs.

Does WGU Offer Teaching Degrees?

Yes, WGU offers a comprehensive selection of teaching degrees at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. These programs are divided into initial licensure tracks for students who want to become certified teachers and advanced or non-licensure tracks for those already working in education or pursuing related roles.

WGU’s programs are delivered fully online using a competency-based model, which allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery rather than completing fixed seat-time requirements. This structure makes WGU particularly attractive to working adults, paraprofessionals, and career changers seeking an efficient path into or within the education field.

List of Teaching Degrees at WGU by Degree Level

WGU organizes its teaching degrees by licensure pathway and degree level, making it easier to choose a program aligned with your goals. Below is a breakdown of available bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate options in teaching and teacher preparation.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Teaching

WGU’s education bachelor’s programs are designed primarily for students seeking initial teacher licensure. These degrees combine subject-matter preparation with pedagogy and include supervised student teaching requirements for certification.

• BS Elementary Education
• BS Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)
• BS Special Education (Mild-to-Moderate)
• BS Mathematics Education (Middle School)
• BS Mathematics Education (Secondary)
• BS Science Education (Middle Grades)
• BS Science Education (Secondary – Biological Science)
• BS Science Education (Secondary – Chemistry)
• BS Science Education (Secondary – Earth Science)
• BS Science Education (Secondary – Physics)

WGU also offers a non-licensure option for students who want an education-focused degree without pursuing state certification:

• BA Educational Studies

This program mirrors many of the teaching majors but excludes the student-teaching requirement, making it suitable for roles such as tutoring, corporate training, education nonprofits, or instructional support.

Master’s Degrees in Teaching

WGU’s graduate teaching degrees are divided between initial licensure programs for career changers and advanced degrees for licensed educators seeking specialization or leadership roles.

Master of Arts in Teaching (Initial Licensure):

• MA Teaching, Elementary Education
• MA Teaching, English Education (Secondary)
• MA Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• MA Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)
• MA Teaching, Science Education (Secondary)
• MA Teaching, Special Education

These programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become certified teachers.

Advanced Master’s Degrees for Licensed Teachers:

• MS Curriculum and Instruction
• MS Educational Leadership
• MEd Education Technology and Instructional Design
• MS School Counseling
• MA English Language Learning (ELL/ESL)

These programs focus on career advancement, specialization, or administrative leadership rather than initial certification.

Teaching Certificate and Endorsement Programs

WGU offers endorsement and certificate programs for licensed teachers who want to expand their credentials or add subject-area specializations. These shorter programs are ideal for educators seeking additional certifications without completing a full degree.

• English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL) Endorsement
• Special Education Endorsement
• Middle Grades Mathematics Endorsement
• Middle Grades Science Endorsement
• Graduate Certificate in Education Technology and Instructional Design

Endorsements allow teachers to add teaching areas or grade levels to an existing license, depending on state regulations.

Other Education Degrees at WGU

In addition to classroom teaching degrees, WGU offers several education-focused programs that support leadership, counseling, and instructional design roles. These programs are ideal for professionals who want to work in education without serving as classroom teachers or who are looking to move into advanced or specialized positions.

Education Master’s Degrees

• MS Educational Leadership
• MEd Education Technology and Instructional Design
• MS School Counseling
• MA English Language Learning (ELL/ESL)

These programs focus on educational leadership, student support services, curriculum design, and language instruction. While they do not prepare students for initial classroom teaching licensure, they play a critical role in supporting schools, districts, and learning organizations.

Admissions Requirements for Teaching Programs at WGU

WGU uses a streamlined admissions process designed for adult learners and working professionals. Requirements vary depending on whether you are applying to an undergraduate or graduate teaching program.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• high school diploma or equivalent
• completion of required general education coursework
• background check and fingerprinting for licensure programs
• demonstration of readiness for college-level work

Applicants to initial licensure programs may also need to meet state-specific requirements before beginning student teaching.

Graduate Admission Requirements

• bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• official transcripts from all previously attended colleges
• background check and fingerprinting for licensure programs
• teaching experience or current licensure, depending on the program

Some advanced master’s programs are designed specifically for licensed teachers, while initial licensure MAT programs are intended for career changers.

Careers You Can Pursue With a WGU Teaching Degree

Graduates of WGU teaching programs are prepared for a wide range of education careers depending on degree level and licensure status. Bachelor’s and MAT graduates typically pursue classroom teaching roles in elementary, middle, or secondary schools, including high-demand areas such as special education, mathematics, and science.

Advanced master’s degree holders may qualify for leadership and specialist roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, school administrator, education technology specialist, or English language learning instructor. WGU’s competency-based model emphasizes practical skills and real-world application, which can support career advancement across K–12 and adult education settings.

Accreditation and Program Quality at WGU

Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a recognized accrediting body approved by the U.S. Department of Education. This institutional accreditation ensures that WGU’s teaching degrees meet established standards for academic quality, faculty oversight, and student support.

WGU’s College of Education programs are designed to align with state licensure requirements and include supervised clinical experiences for initial certification tracks. The university’s competency-based model allows students to demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge, which can support faster progression while maintaining rigorous academic expectations.

FAQs About WGU Teaching Degrees

If you are considering a teaching degree at WGU, you may have questions about licensure, flexibility, and program credibility. The following FAQs address common concerns prospective students often raise.

Are WGU Teaching Degrees Legitimate?

Yes, WGU teaching degrees are legitimate and come from a regionally accredited university. Programs are structured to meet state licensure standards for initial teacher certification when applicable. As with any teacher preparation program, students should verify specific state requirements before enrolling.

Does WGU Offer Teaching Degrees That Lead to Licensure?

Yes, WGU offers both bachelor’s and master’s programs that lead to initial teacher licensure. These programs include required student teaching or clinical practice components aligned with state certification guidelines. Licensure eligibility varies by state, so prospective students should confirm state-specific requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Teaching Degree at WGU?

Completion time varies depending on transfer credits, program type, and pace of study. Because WGU uses a competency-based model, students who demonstrate mastery quickly may finish sooner than traditional semester-based programs. Many master’s programs, such as the MS Curriculum and Instruction, are commonly completed in about one year.

Is WGU Good for Career Changers Entering Teaching?

WGU is often considered a strong option for career changers because it offers Master of Arts in Teaching programs specifically designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The online format and flexible pacing can be especially helpful for working adults. Clinical experience and licensure requirements are still required for certification tracks.

Can Licensed Teachers Advance Their Careers at WGU?

Yes, WGU offers several advanced master’s degrees and endorsement programs for licensed teachers seeking specialization or leadership roles. Programs in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and education technology support career advancement beyond the classroom. Endorsements allow teachers to add subject areas or grade levels to their credentials.

Discover Online Teaching Degree Programs

WGU offers flexible, competency-based teaching degrees designed to support both aspiring educators and experienced teachers. To explore additional accredited teaching programs and compare options, browse education degrees on Learn.org and connect directly with schools that match your goals.