Several online colleges offer strong teaching degree programs, allowing students to pursue licensure, master’s, or even doctoral degrees in education. Here are some of the best institutions for online teaching degrees based on program variety, reputation, and flexibility:
1. University of Florida (UF Online)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, and Certificates in Education.
- Programs: Elementary Education, Educational Leadership, Special Education.
- Highlights: UF Online is well-regarded for its flexible learning environment, affordability, and high rankings in online education.
2. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate.
- Programs: Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, Educational Technology.
- Highlights: Known for innovation and online learning, ASU offers a wide range of education degrees and is ranked highly for both undergraduate and graduate education programs.
3. Western Governors University (WGU)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education.
- Programs: Elementary Education, Special Education, Science Education, Math Education.
- Highlights: WGU offers competency-based education programs that allow students to progress at their own pace. It’s an affordable and flexible option for working adults.
4. University of Southern California (USC Rossier School of Education)
- Degrees Offered: Master’s in Teaching, Doctorate.
- Programs: Master of Arts in Teaching, Educational Leadership, Learning Design and Technology.
- Highlights: USC Rossier offers highly respected programs, especially in educational leadership and teaching. The school has a reputation for preparing students for success in diverse, urban school environments.
5. Liberty University
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate in Education.
- Programs: Elementary Education, Special Education, Secondary Education.
- Highlights: Liberty offers a variety of online teaching degrees and emphasizes flexibility and affordability. It’s one of the largest providers of online education in the U.S.
6. Purdue University Global
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s in Education.
- Programs: Early Childhood Education, Educational Studies, Special Education.
- Highlights: Purdue Global offers a career-focused education with flexible online programs, catering especially to adult learners and working professionals.
7. University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Certificates in Education.
- Programs: Teaching Credential programs, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction.
- Highlights: UMass Global offers personalized education paths with a focus on career readiness, and is particularly known for supporting adult learners and military students.
8. Capella University
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate in Education.
- Programs: Early Childhood Education, K-12 Studies, Educational Leadership.
- Highlights: Capella offers competency-based FlexPath learning, allowing students to move through courses at their own pace, making it ideal for busy professionals.
9. Walden University
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate in Education.
- Programs: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership.
- Highlights: Walden focuses on adult learners, offering a wide array of education programs and concentrations. It’s a popular choice for those looking to advance their careers in education.
10. University of Cincinnati Online
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s in Education.
- Programs: Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership.
- Highlights: The University of Cincinnati offers flexible, well-respected programs with a focus on current best practices in education.
Factors to Consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- State Certification: Check whether the program meets licensure requirements in your state.
- Flexibility: Online programs often cater to working adults, but some may have specific schedules or synchronous learning components.
Each of these schools offers strong programs tailored to different needs, whether you’re starting out in teaching or advancing your career.
