Online Education Degrees

Learners can pursue an online education degree to qualify for careers as high school, elementary, and special education teachers. Master's degree-holders can also work as principals, administrators, and program directors.

Online education programs explore education theories and teaching fundamentals. Degree-seekers learn to write lesson plans, teach various topics, and administer tests.

Applicants to online education programs typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Learners pursuing a master's-level education degree online generally need an education-related bachelor's degree.

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Questions About Education Degrees

What kind of education degrees are there?

Students can pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. Some online education programs offer specializations such as special education and high school teaching.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's in education degree?

Most full-time students can earn their bachelor's-level education degree online in four years.

What jobs can I get with an education degree?

Graduates of online education programs can become teaching assistants, teachers, administrators, program directors, and principals.

Online Education Degrees 2023

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

Why Earn an Online Teaching Degree?

Individuals interested in working in educational settings can benefit from earning an online education degree. Graduates can pursue various careers in education. Degree-holders often become teachers, principals, administrators, and program directors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for education, training, and library occupations to increase 10% from 2020-2030. Professionals in these fields earn a median annual salary of $57,220, compared to the median salary of $45,760 for all occupations.

Busy students often pursue their education degree online. Asynchronous online education programs offer the most flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework at convenient times. Learners in these programs often work full time while earning their online education degree.

How Much Does an Education Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), bachelor's degree-seekers at public schools paid an average of $9,400 in tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 academic year. The average cost of tuition and fees at private institutions was $36,700 for the same year. Full-time students typically complete a bachelor's degree in four years.

For the same academic year, the cost of tuition and fees for public school graduate programs averaged $12,410, according to NCES data. The average cost at private nonprofit schools was $28,430. Graduate programs vary in length, generally lasting 1-3 years.

Students earning their education degree online often save money on commuting and relocating. Online education programs may offer discounted tuition rates.

Additional Online Student Fees

Although students may save money by earning an online education degree, distance learners often pay additional costs. For example, online education programs require reliable technology and an internet connection. Students must also pay for books and supplies.

Many programs also require some campus visits. Education students complete in-person experiences such as student teaching. Learners should consider transportation costs and potential lost wages.

Additionally, students may need to pay graduation fees. Graduates typically pay to obtain teaching licensure or certification.

How Much Do Education Majors Make?

A graduate's earning potential depends on their position. For example, teacher assistants earn a median salary of $29,360 per year, according to the BLS. On the other hand, special education teachers and high school teachers both earn median salaries of $61,820 per year.

Teachers often increase their earning potential by pursuing higher education. Postsecondary teachers, who typically need a doctoral degree, earn a median annual salary of $79,640. Additionally, some school districts base teachers' pay on their experience and degree level.

Courses in Education

Online education programs cover teaching and education fundamentals. Degree-seekers learn about education theories and gain practical knowledge for working in a classroom. Learners prepare to write lesson plans, construct curricula, and assess students.

Some programs offer specialized coursework in areas such as teaching diverse populations or English language learners. Aspiring high school teachers may specialize in a particular topic, such as mathematics or science.

Not every program offers the courses below. However, students often encounter these classes in online education programs.

• Educational Foundations

  Introductory education courses explore educators' lives and professions at various academic levels. Coursework introduces challenges associated with academic settings. This class helps students assess whether teaching is the right profession for them.

• Educational Psychology and Child Development

  This class covers human development from childhood to adolescence. Degree-seekers study development from physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social perspectives. Teachers use this knowledge to apply age-appropriate instruction and assessment techniques. Educators also use these theories to teach diverse populations.

• Elementary Reading Methods

  Aspiring elementary school teachers generally take this class. Coursework covers the best practices for teaching reading, writing, and literacy skills to young learners. Students learn how to identify and guide readers who need intervention and extra help.

Specializations for Education

Many online education programs offer specializations, also called concentrations or tracks. Some schools also offer separate majors in areas such as elementary or secondary education. Students in many programs complete foundational education courses before choosing a specialization.

Learners in programs without specializations can focus on an area by choosing relevant electives. Many online education programs feature the following specialization options. However, available specializations vary by program.

• Special Education

  This specialization prepares degree-seekers to work with students with disabilities and special needs. Enrollees learn to teach students with varying developmental abilities. Graduates can work as special education teachers at various school levels.

• English as a Second Language

  Graduates with this specialization can teach students whose first language is not English. Learners pursuing this specialization prepare to teach English and other topics to non-English speakers. Graduates often teach English as a second language or teach general topics to non-English speakers.

• Elementary Education

  This specialization prepares students to teach young learners. Degree-seekers learn about child development and relevant instruction and assessment methods. Graduates can become kindergarten and elementary school teachers.

How to Become a Teacher

To become a teacher, graduates of education programs must follow their state's guidelines for obtaining licensure. Educators need licensure to teach at public schools and some private schools. Some states set different licensure requirements for high school and elementary school teachers.

Typically, teaching licensure requires a bachelor's degree in education. However, some states award licensure to individuals who have completed a non-education bachelor's degree and an alternative teacher preparedness program. Teach.org details licensure requirements for each state.

Teachers' responsibilities include instructing students, administering exams, grading assignments, and assessing learners' needs and progress.

Licensure for Teachers

Every state requires public school teachers to hold licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary by state. However, all states require licensure candidates to possess formal education and passing exam scores.

Licensure in most states requires a bachelor's degree in education. However, some states offer alternative pathways for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field. Educator training typically requires student teaching or shadowing.

After completing the necessary education, candidates demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a state-approved examination. Candidates submit paperwork to their state's education board. Licensed teachers must apply for licensure renewal every few years. Educators typically need continuing education credits to qualify for renewal.