2020 Best Online Teaching Degrees

The Master of Science in Science Education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst provides students the education, resources, and tools to create and facilitate a meaningful, engaging, and innovative science curriculum. The online teaching degree was designed through a collaboration of the College of Education and the College of Natural Science and includes coursework in teaching pedagogy and a range of science disciplines. The program admits students year-round, and most students enrolled in two courses each semester finish the program in less than two years.

The online Master of Science in Teaching Biology program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is designed to advance the pedagogy of teachers certified in biology. The program requires the completion of five courses in biology and three courses in education, with instruction in infectious diseases, human genome and bioinformatics, learning in science, and education reforms. The courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing working teachers to complete assignments and readings at their convenience, though weekly scheduled virtual meetings are required.

Mercy College offers a number of online master's degrees and concentrations in teaching and education. Students can choose to pursue a master's in (1) educational studies; (2) adolescence education, grades 7–12; (3) teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL); and (4) teaching students with disabilities, birth to grade 6 and early childhood. Several of the master's degrees can be further concentrated in areas of grade level or subject. All degree programs, except educational studies, qualify students for initial or professional certification in teaching. Depending on the degree and concentration area, students are required to complete 30 to 36 credit hours and a thesis or teaching experience. The master's in teaching students with disabilities requires 48 credit hours.

The Master of Arts in Teaching Writing at Johns Hopkins University is designed to advance a teacher's understanding of the theory, best practices, and current pedagogy in instructing students in writing. Any teacher in any discipline or grade level — kindergarten through university — is encouraged to apply. The online teaching program requires 36 credit hours through the completion of nine courses. Though the program is primarily online, a 7 to 10-day on-campus residency in July is mandatory. Students choose from a number of courses to best suit their needs or interests in the program, including creativity and writing, teaching reluctant writers, college composition, and fiction and nonfiction writing.

California State University-Fullerton offers a Master of Science in Education with concentrations in elementary curriculum and instruction and secondary education with an emphasis in foundational mathematics. The elementary curriculum and instruction concentration prepares classroom teachers to enter leadership roles in one or more specialty areas, including classroom teaching, math and science education, technology in education, or staff development. The secondary education with an emphasis on foundational mathematics concentration provides experienced math teachers the opportunity to refine and upgrade their knowledge and instruction strategies in the discipline. Both concentrations require the completion of 30 units of coursework.

For aspiring and current educators seeking the next level of teacher licensure, Western Governors University offers a number of graduate online teaching degree programs. Options include the Master of Arts in English Language Learning (PK–12), the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (K–6, Middle Grades, and Secondary tracks), and the Master of Arts in Science Education (Middle Grades, Secondary Biological Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics). For non-education majors looking to switch careers, the Master of Arts in Teaching is a good fit; programs include Elementary Education, English Education (Secondary), Mathematics Education (Middle and Secondary), and Science Education (Secondary). Each program leads to teacher licensure. Depending on the program, full-time students can earn their degree in as few as 18 months. All classes except observations and student teaching practicums can be completed online. The programs are flexible, with some that have classes starting on the first of every month. Online students at Western Governors University have access to campus resources and services, including an active alumni network to make professional connections. To apply, students must complete an online form, submit transcripts, and interview with an enrollment counselor. 

Students can launch or further their careers as educators through the graduate online teaching degree programs at Saint Xavier University. For those who wish to teach English as a second language, there are two programs leading to ESL endorsement: the Master of Arts in Education - Dual Endorsement (LBS I and Bilingual/ESL) and the Master of Arts in Education - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Students must pass the proficiency exam in a second language for bilingual endorsement. These 18-credit programs can be finished in five semesters. For those who are switching careers to become teachers, the Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education is a good option. This program offers eight-week classes in an accelerated format; students can graduate in as few as 18 months. With the exception of 100+ hours of field experience, the program can be completed fully online. Students have access to academic and career advising, as well as other student services. Applicants to any of the online teaching degree programs at Saint Xavier must submit an online application with their transcripts and a personal statement.

Central Michigan University has a number of graduate online teaching degree programs for current and aspiring educators to gain the credentials and licensure they need for rewarding careers in the classroom. The Master of Arts in Education is offered as a general program and with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction; both feature a thesis and a non-thesis track. While the MA in Education leads to licensure, the MA in Curriculum and Instruction is for teachers who already have a state license and are seeking leadership roles in their schools. For individuals looking to pursue careers as special education teachers, there is a Master of Arts in Special Education program with concentrations in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Specific Learning Disability. Completion of this program leads to the “Master Teacher” designation, per the Carnegie Institute. Remote students have access to the Online Learning Resource Center and other campus support services throughout their program. To apply to these programs at Central Michigan, students must submit an online application (fee applies) with college transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Aspiring educators and those looking to advance in their classroom careers can get training through the online teaching degree programs at Kansas State University. The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction offers a number of concentrations, including English as a Second Language, Learning Skills/School Improvement, Mathematics Education, Reading Specialist, and Teaching Civics and Government. This program is designed for individuals who are already licensed as teachers and wish to assume school leadership roles. For those who did not major in education at the undergraduate level, there is a Master of Arts in Teaching, which has both an Elementary and a Secondary track. Students in the MAT program can graduate in 12 months and be eligible for state licensure. Online students have access to the same academic advising, career development, technical support, and other resources as do students in the on-campus programs. The program offers session start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. To be considered for the online teaching degree programs, students must fill out an online application and submit transcripts; once they do, they will be contacted for additional documents that may include letters of recommendation and personal statements.

The University of Buffalo offers a Master of Education in English Education Studies and a Master of Education in Music Education. These online teaching degree programs are suited for educators who wish to advance in their careers but already have state licensure. The English Education Studies program focuses on the theories and practices of teaching, research, and learning. The Music Education program focuses on digital technology in music education. Both are 33-credit programs that can be completed in four or five semesters of part-time study. Students can take classes completely online or opt for a hybrid format that includes on-campus classes. Online students have access to campus resources that include academic advising, career advising, and technical support. The University of Buffalo has a global network of students and alumni, which offers students a unique perspective on their training as educators and school leaders. To apply to the University of Buffalo, students must submit an online application (with a fee), school transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. 

At Wayne State University, aspiring educators can earn a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning - Career and Technical Education (CTE). This online teaching degree program prepares educators to teach the next generation heading into the workforce (in collaboration with the Office of Career and Technical Education-Michigan Department of Education). The CTE program focuses on both the practice and theory of career and technical education so that teachers can help students connect their classroom knowledge with the practical skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Completion of this program can lead to CTE certification, though students may need other prerequisites and tests. Online students at Wayne State University have remote access to campus services, including academic and career advising. Prospective students can apply by submitting an online application form with a fee as well as transcripts (2.75 GPA or higher is desired) and a personal statement. An interview may be required as part of the applicant process. Once enrolled, students will confer with an advisor to create a plan of work.

Current and aspiring educators can earn their Master of Education in Teaching degree online at the University of North Texas. This program offers three tracks for students to choose from based on their personal and professional goals: Early Childhood–6, Grades 4–8, and Secondary Education. All three online teaching degree options lead to state licensure. These 36-credit programs are divided into 12 credits in the common core, 12 credits in the area of specialization, and six credits in student teaching. All credits but those for student teaching can be completed fully online. Online students have access to a wide variety of services and resources, including academic and career advising, library databases, writing labs, tutoring, technical support, and more. To apply to the teaching programs at the University of North Texas, students must submit an application (with a fee), college transcript(s), a letter of intent, a three-to-four-page essay about their individual teaching philosophy, and a CV or resume. 

Individuals who want to pursue careers teaching young people in Kindergarten through 12th grade how to speak English can complete their training online at the University of Virginia. The Master of Teaching in English as a Second Language is offered as a part-time online teaching degree program so that busy professionals can advance their skills as they balance other commitments. The post-graduate program is designed for paraprofessionals and teachers who want to earn their professional licensure and endorsement in ESL for students in PreK–12. Everything but the classroom field experience can be completed online. Applicants to the ESL teaching program at the University of Virginia must show proficiency in the target language by way of college credit, Praxis or AP scores, or other language proficiency exams. Prospective students must submit an online application with their transcript and Praxis scores for consideration. A tuition discount is available for those already working in PreK–12; further funding may be available to those who qualify.

The University of Memphis Global offers two online teaching degree programs through the Instruction and Curriculum Leadership Department (ICL) in the College of Education: a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education. Both programs lead to the initial state teaching licensure (passing the Praxis II is required). With the exception of the field experience, all classes in these programs can be completed online for a flexible course of study. Future educators who are enrolled in the online programs at the University of Memphis can access the same services as on-campus students, including academic and career advising, technical support, and library resources. Prospective students should fill out an online application and submit their transcripts and GRE scores. Students who wish to obtain initial licensure must also apply to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). The GRE may be waived based on a strong overall application or by the student having earned another graduate degree.

Ball State University has a number of online teaching degree options for individuals who wish to teach at levels ranging from kindergarten to community college. The Master of Arts in Special Education is offered with the following concentrations: Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Intense Interventions, and Mild Interventions. For those looking to become high school teachers, there is a Master of Arts in Secondary Education in Secondary Teaching, Teaching of a Content or Special Area, or Dual Credit Teaching Credential. Aspiring high school math teachers or community college professors may opt for the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education - Secondary School Teachers program and the Master of Arts in Foundational Mathematics Teaching in the Community College programs, respectively. Not all of these programs lead to teacher licensure. Online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, including academic and technical support services. Prospective students applying for fall, spring, or summer should fill out the online application (fee applies) and upload transcripts (a minimum 2.75 GPA is desired). Depending on the program, recommendation letters and a statement of purpose may be required, but there is no GRE requirement.

Arizona State University offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Gifted Education and a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (ESL) as online programs to make it convenient for aspiring educators to gain advanced classroom skills, certifications, and endorsements. The Gifted Education program leads to teacher endorsement in the state of Arizona; students may apply for reciprocity in other states pending additional requirements or credentials. The ESL program focuses on the language, learning, teaching, and research behind teaching English to speakers of other languages. Both programs require 30 credits; classes are 7.5 weeks long and taught in an accelerated format. To apply to either online teaching degree program, students must submit an application with a fee, college transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and proof of proficiency in English. Online students at Arizona State University have the ability to use many campus resources, including research databases, career services, and academic advising.

For educators looking to advance their skills in teaching students with special needs, the University of Louisville offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education - Moderate and Severe Disabilities P-12. The program is designed for individuals who did not study education as undergraduates and are looking for an alternative path to teacher certification. The 36-credit program has coursework focused on the characteristics of children with special needs and the pedagogy, research, and practice behind optimizing education for these unique students. To apply to this online teaching degree program, students must submit an online application along with their transcripts (minimum 2.75 GPA), GRE or Praxis scores, a teaching resume (must use provided template), three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that answers two provided prompts. An interview is also required as part of the admissions process. Online students at the University of Louisville have access to a Student Success Team for academic and career advising, as well as other campus resources.

The Master of Education In Teaching, Learning, and Assessment at National Louis University is well suited for educators who wish to enhance the learning experience for students with diverse abilities and backgrounds. This online teaching degree program prepares students to take a holistic, differentiated learning approach to classroom management and school leadership. The coursework addresses current needs in the classroom so that students can implement the practices in their current schools. The 32-credit online teaching degree program includes a research project related to students’ personal and professional goals as teachers and school leaders. Students have access to academic advisors as well as the Career Bridge, which links students to career services and professional networking opportunities. To be considered for this online teaching degree program, applicants must submit an online application with transcripts, three letters of recommendation (waived for students with 3.0 GPA or higher), and an essay that answers three prompts about their interests, community engagement, and philosophy as an educator. An interview with a faculty member may also be required.

Lesley University’s online teaching degree programs offer a variety of options for currently employed teachers who are looking to advance their careers in the classroom. The Master of Education is offered in the following areas: Curriculum and Instructions - Elementary Education Generalist, Individually Designed Program for Educators -Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Mathematics Education (1–6), Science in Education (1–6), and Language and Literacy. These 33-credit programs are divided into eight-week classes with session start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Part-time students can finish the program in two years. Students must already have initial licensure if they wish to move on to professional licensure by way of these online teaching degree programs. To apply to any of these programs, students must show proof of a current teaching license, college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement; there is no GRE requirement.

For individuals seeking rewarding careers in the elementary or high school classroom, the University of Mexico offers flexible online teaching degree options: a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education. These programs help enhance skills in classroom and school leadership, but they do not lead to administrator licensure. Both are 32-credit programs that can be finished in two years; new cohorts begin each fall. Online students have access to a wide variety of campus resources, including academic and career advising and library databases. While students can complete their coursework completely online, those who live near campus can take advantage of free admission to fitness facilities and athletic events. Prospective students should already have an elementary or secondary teaching license, and need to have at least 12 or more credits in the cognate area or subject to which they are applying. Admission requires an online application, transcripts, a resume, a letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation. 

The Master of Science in Education for Healthcare Professionals at Texas A&M-College Station is designed to prepare students to become innovative educators in the field of healthcare. This program supports graduates to pursue faculty appointments in dental and dental hygiene, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy programs at colleges, universities, and training programs. The Master of Science program has both a thesis and a non-thesis track available; thesis students must work with an advisory committee to complete and defend their work. Classes are taught in an asynchronous format so that students can balance work, life, and academic responsibilities. Online students have access to library resources, academic advising, and career development support, among other services. To apply to this online teaching degree program at Texas A&M, students must submit an online application with the following supporting documents and credentials: a resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores.

Troy University’s online teaching degree programs offer numerous flexible opportunities for aspiring educators to complete their training for the classroom. The Master of Science in Education has concentrations in Gifted Education (P–12), Instructional Leadership and Administration (P–12), and Social Science Education (6–12). Aspiring history teachers can pursue a Master of Science in History Education (6–12). Individuals who wish to teach others how to read and write in English can opt for the Master of Science in Second Language Instruction (a thesis option is available). Students can complete the curriculum online, but they will complete their student teaching practicum at a school under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Online students at Troy University have access to the Student Success Center, which links students to a variety of student services, including academic and career advising, disability services, technical support, and library resources. Students must create a graduate applicant account online to submit transcripts and other required documents and credentials to be considered for admission.

The University of Alabama hosts online teaching degree programs that offer a flexible way for aspiring high school teachers to earn their professional teacher licensure. The Master of Arts in Secondary Education is offered in the following certification categories: English for Speakers of Other Languages P–12, English Language Arts 6–12, Reading Specialist P–12, and Science. These 30-credit programs focus on evidence-based theory and practice in the subject area. Classes are taught online, though 12 credits of fieldwork are required to graduate. Part-time students can complete the program in two years. To apply to these programs, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a Class B Teacher Certification (or the equivalent), and two years of classroom experience (for some programs). Online students have access to many campus resources through their Student Services Team, including academic support and career services. To apply, students must submit an online application form with their college transcript (3.0 GPA and higher is desired), proof of licensure, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores.

Liberty University offers a series of teaching degree programs for teachers who wish to enhance their knowledge and career opportunities. The Master of Arts in Teaching is offered in the following concentration areas: English as Second Language (ESL), Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. The 36-credit programs can be completed within 1.5 years. The curriculum, which focuses on the theory and practice of teaching, is divided into eight-week classes with eight starts to allow for flexible study. A 45-credit track is an option for those students who wish to meet competencies in their content areas or work toward an additional teaching endorsement. These programs lead to teacher licensure in the State of Virginia, though students from other states may apply for licensure under reciprocity agreements; other requirements may apply depending on their home state. To apply to any of these online master’s in teaching programs, students must submit an online application (fee is deferred to enrollment), transcripts, and proof of proficiency in English.

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education program at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education is a one-year program that combines educational theory with direct classroom practice for aspiring high school teachers. This competitive program offers a full-time, paid teacher residency at a school in New York City; part-time, unpaid residencies are also an option. Students can focus on the following content areas: English, math, science, social studies, and special education. Synchronous classes are offered online so that students can connect with their faculty and fellow students within their cohort. Students start observing right away under mentor teachers, and the goal is for them to lead the classroom by the end of the program. Graduates can apply for initial licensure; additional credentials are required for professional licensure. The program starts in July of each year, and students graduate the following June. To apply to this online teaching degree program, students must submit their transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and the GRE or Miller Analogies Test. Selected students will be invited to interview at partner schools as part of the process.