Online Education Degrees and Certificate Programs

Looking for an education program that targets your career goals?

As one of the largest providers of education programs in the United States, we offer online certificate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in key areas such as early childhood development, early childhood administration, instructional design and technology, and more.

Learn from practicing professionals with extensive experience in education, and gain the credentials, industry certifications, and experience you need to succeed. All classes are 100% online, so it’s easy to create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

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Online Early Childhood Degree Programs

Society needs trained professionals who can help shape young children from birth to age eight into the functioning members of society they will one day grow up to be. Those working in this field develop, evaluate, and implement curriculums, and other daily learning and developmental activities. Start building a rewarding career in this essential field today.

In this program, you'll gain the skills to create effective learning environments for young children. In addition, you'll focus on working with children in the inclusive classroom, activity implementation, and health and nutrition needs.

    COURSE EFFORT
    15–18 hrs/week
    CREDITS REQUIRED
    90
    AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
    2 years

    In this program, you'll gain the skills to provide a wide range of developmental learning opportunities for young children. You'll also gain the skills necessary to handle a variety of administrative and leadership responsibilities.

      COURSE EFFORT
      15–18 hrs/week
      CREDITS REQUIRED
      180
      AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
      4 years

      Online Education Programs

      Society needs trained educators who have a strong desire to impart knowledge to others and make a difference in the world. Those studying education will prepare for careers teaching students and contributing to their learning development. This field presents a variety of opportunities to work in dynamic roles, ranging from teaching and administration to leadership and student services. Start exploring a career in this challenging field today.

      Develop educational leadership and research skills to become a changemaker in the field of education. Explore innovative instruction, education policy, diversity, equity, inclusion, and more.

        COURSE EFFORT
        20–25 Hours / Week
        CREDITS REQUIRED
        90
        AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
        2.5 years

        In this program, you'll develop an understanding of diverse learners, academic content and pedagogy, assessment, professional responsibilities, and relationships. Choose from three unique concentrations to specialize your skills.

        • Educational Leadership
        • Teaching Literacy and Language
        • Teaching Students With Special Needs
        COURSE EFFORT
        15 hrs/week
        CREDITS REQUIRED
        45–46
        AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
        1.5 years

        Develop your critical thinking and writing skills relevant to leaders at colleges and universities, and learn to apply research methodology in designing and evaluating research studies. Choose from three unique concentrations.

        • College Administration and Leadership
        • College Teaching
        • Student Affairs
        COURSE EFFORT
        15 hrs/week
        CREDITS REQUIRED
        50
        AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
        1.5 years

        Online Educational Psychology Programs

        Those pursuing a degree in educational psychology have a desire to help others, and they have a genuine curiosity about how developmental, cognitive, emotional, and social factors can affect a student’s ability to learn. They also have a desire to improve existing educational methodologies for adults, children, and people with special needs. Start working toward a rewarding career in this challenging field.

        In this program, you'll study current instructional techniques, technologies, educational trends, and learning behaviors as you develop the competencies to guide the improvement of educational programs and practices in a variety of settings.

          COURSE EFFORT
          15 hrs/week
          CREDITS REQUIRED
          47
          AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
          2 years

          Online Instructional Design and Technology Programs

          Those working in this field have a desire to make a difference in the world by identifying technological problems and creating instructional solutions. By using the design process to develop, implement, and evaluate instructional materials and environments, they can help find solutions to problems in a variety of essential industries. Begin working toward a rewarding career in this challenging field.

          In this program, you'll study the design, development, and evaluation of instructional materials for a variety of different industries such as higher education, corporate, nonprofit, government, and military.

            COURSE EFFORT
            15–18 hrs/week
            CREDITS REQUIRED
            20
            AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
            6 months

            Focus on developing skills that will allow you to design, develop, and evaluate educational and informational programs, materials, and media. You'll also study the use of technology in the delivery of educational services.

            • Adults
            COURSE EFFORT
            15 hrs/week
            CREDITS REQUIRED
            45
            AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
            1.5 years

            Promise Opens Doors Alliance

            Students enrolled in any Purdue Global education program may take advantage of our alliance with Promise Opens Doors, an organization that offers a certificate program for educators interested in working abroad to teach English to speakers of other languages.

            Partnership with VIPKid

            VIPKid provides children with immersive one-on-one English language instruction, all online. Our alliance offers VIPKid teachers, as well as their immediate family members, tuition reductions on Purdue Global programs. Speak to an Advisor to learn more.

            Admissions Requirements and Resources

            To get started as a Purdue Global student, you must meet certain academic requirements and complete an enrollment application. Here’s what you’ll need to begin:

            Admission for Undergraduate Programs and Certificates

            • You must be a high school graduate, possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or other equivalency diploma. If you are a high school senior eligible to apply, you must submit proof of high school graduation.

            Admissions for Graduate Programs and Certificates

            • A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a master’s degree or graduate certificate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of the required degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. 

            Want to know if online learning is right for you before you enroll? Watch our virtual campus tour to learn more.

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            Understanding Your Investment

            How long? How much? These are important questions! Try our online Calculator to estimate when you’ll finish and see how your prior credits and experience can save you time and money.

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            Ready to Enroll?

            Purdue Global makes the process easy. You can apply online today (self-guided) or contact us to walk you through the process.

            Upcoming Start Dates

            We offer rolling start dates throughout the year. Choose the one that works best for your schedule.
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            Which Program Is Right for You?

            Discover your interests and set your goals for success. Take our Career Assessment to chart your ideal path.

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            Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us

            Start an undergraduate program with no financial obligation and no cost to apply.

            Resources Related to Studying Education

            To help you in your education career goals and options, we have the news and resources you need.

            Early childhood professionals are critical to child development. Learn about the responsibilities of early childhood professionals and some of the challenges they face.

            Teachers can make a lifelong difference in the lives of students and their families. Good communication skills, patience, and a heart for children are some of the important qualities of teachers.

            Education Programs

            Why choose Purdue Global for your associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in education?

            Teacher Certification Pathways

            Learn how our MS in Education could be your path to teacher certification.

            Dedicated Faculty Offer Rich Experience

            Purdue Global faculty members share knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and real-world industry experience.

            FAQs

            • 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.

            NOTES AND CONDITIONS

            Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

            Early Childhood Education Licensure: This program will not certify graduates to become licensed teachers, is not intended for individuals who are pursuing a license to teach early childhood education in a public or accredited private elementary school, is not represented as meeting specific state Board of Education criteria for assisting with children and teachers in a public school setting, and was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements for licensure or certification. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

            Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.

            MS Education Licensure: Purdue Global cannot recommend students who complete the Master of Science in Education (MSE) for licensure. Licensing requirements for teaching grades K-12 vary by state. Earning a master’s degree could provide you with the background and practical experience to meet nationally recognized standards; however, enrollment in the MSE is not required for pursuing a state alternative certification program. Purdue Global’s MSE is not accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which may be a requirement for certification or licensure in some states. The programs are not state approved for teacher certification or endorsements of any kind. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

            Students must pass the American Board examinations to be eligible for certification in AR, AZ, FL, ID, MS, MO, ND, NH, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN (Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools only), UT, or WI. Certification requirements vary from state to state. Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, students must confirm they are eligible for a state alternative certification program. Students must confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements with American Board (ABCTE.org).

            MS in Higher Education and MS in Educational Psychology Licensure: These programs were not designed to meet any state-specific requirements for licensure or certification. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

            Full licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change; students must check with the American Board at americanboard.org for certification and state requirements. Prior to enrolling, students must confirm they are eligible for a state alternative certification program. Students are also encouraged to confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements with American Board.

            Tuition Reduction: Contact an Admissions Advisor for details. May not be combined with other Purdue Global tuition reductions or ExcelTrack® pricing. Eligible family members include spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, and children.