Online Education Degrees and Certificate Programs

Yes, you can earn a teaching degree online. There are online teaching degrees designed for those who are existing teachers and for those who want to become a teacher. If you are interested in a career in the K–12 education field, it is important to understand all the requirements to become a teacher, including licensing and certification requirements and anything else a state or district may require before you enroll in an online teaching program.

Each state or territory has unique requirements for becoming a teacher; all typically require aspiring teachers to:

• Having a bachelor's degree
• Completing a teacher preparation program
• Passing one or more certification exams
• Completing a background check
• Most states also require student teaching experience or some type of face-to-face field experience in the classroom.

These requirements are generally standard across states, however, some states may have additional or unique requirements. You must independently research the licensing requirements in any state in which you intend to seek licensure.

Some universities offer direct certification pathways to teaching, while others offer alternative pathways to teaching. When pursuing alternative pathway certification, it is important to examine alternative teacher certification paths based on your state's licensure requirements. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

Additionally, licensing requirements for teaching grades K through 12 vary by state. In almost every state, you must enroll in a state-approved certification program that may include completing coursework, a supervised teaching internship or student teaching course, and/or passing a subject area and pedagogy exam. If you are interested in becoming a certified teacher and live in a state that is not covered by the Classroom Pathways Bundle, you must independently research and pursue certification in your state. On its own, the Master of Science in Education will not lead to certification nor will it assist you in becoming a teacher in those states.

If you are interested in teaching at a college or university, it is important that you also understand what is required as some institutions may require a graduate level degree such as a master’s degree or PhD, specific previous coursework, or experience in teaching.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Requirements for teaching depend on several factors, including a state’s teacher education requirements and the grade level you want to teach. Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required, however, some career changers may opt for pursuing a master’s degree that will help them get started on a teaching career.

To be a primary and secondary education teacher, there are specific state requirements, which may include:

• Having a bachelor's degree
• Completing a teacher preparation program
• Passing one or more certification exams
• Completing a background check
• Most states also require student teaching experience or some type of face-to-face field experience in the classroom.

These requirements are generally standard across states; however, some states may have additional or unique requirements. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

To teach at the college level, some institutions have their own requirements which could involve having a graduate level degree.

There are many things you can do with an education degree depending on the type of education degree or job you seek. However, it is important you meet all the requirements needed to obtain a specific jobs in education. Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment.

Below is information about the different occupations that may require an education degree:

• Adult basic and secondary education and teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESL): Instruct adults and secondary education students in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. Some may also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.
• Career and technical education teachers:  Work with students in various technical and vocational subjects.
• High school teachers: Teach at the high school level and prepare students with lessons and skills they will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
• Instructional coordinators: Responsible for overseeing school curriculums and teaching standards. They may develop, implement and assess instructional material used at schools.
• Kindergarten and elementary school teachers: Teach young students from kindergarten through 5th grade in basic subjects to set the foundation that prepares them for future schooling.
• Librarians and library media specialists: Help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use.
• Library technicians and assistants: Work with librarians to help manage a library.
• Middle school teachers: Educate students in sixth through eighth grades.
• Postsecondary teachers: Educate students beyond the high school level in a variety of academic subjects. May work in colleges and universities.
• Preschool teachers: Educate and care for children younger than age 5.
• Special education teachers: Help students who have special needs, including a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
• Teacher assistants: Assist a licensed teacher and helps provide additional attention and instruction to students in classrooms requiring additional support.

There are varying types of education degrees depending on the area of teaching or education you would like to work in. Below is a list of the degrees in education that Purdue Global offers:

• AAS in Early Childhood Development
• BS in Early Childhood Administration
• MS in Education
• MS in Educational Psychology
• MS in Instructional Design and Technology
• MS in Higher Education
• Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology
• Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation

If you are looking for teacher certification or licensure, refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.