Best Online Education and Teaching Degrees for 2024

For many, classrooms are places we go to learn and — hopefully — move to the next level. But for educators, classrooms are so much more. Whether you want to work as a middle school math teacher, a high school principal, or in one of many other roles, earning your education degree can give you the skills you need to positively transform students lives and help them develop key academic knowledge and life skills.

Online education and teaching degrees give you the flexibility to pursue your career goals in a way that fits your busy lifestyle. You can attend a fully-online program or choose one that combines online learning with in-classroom experiences. There are even self-paced programs available that allow you to control your learning timeline.

This guide outlines what you need to pursue an online degree in education or teaching. Below you’ll find a list of 2023’s top-ranked programs, an overview of available degree paths, answers to frequently asked questions, and additional resources to help you start your journey. 

Finding Your Online Education Degree

If you want to become an educator or advance your teaching career, an online education degree program will give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to confidently lead as an education expert. Online degree programs offer a range of options. From associate degrees to teaching certificates to PhDs, each presents different opportunities, earning potential, and return on your investment. Learn more about your options below.

Other Paths to Improve Your Teaching and Educator Skillsets

Your education doesn’t stop when your teaching begins. Many states require teachers to participate in continuing education classes, which offer excellent opportunities to improve your qualifications, especially if you’re seeking a new position. Regardless of your reasons, there are many options at every level of professional development for teachers who want to continue learning but don’t want to enroll in another online education degree program. There are also options for those looking to break into the education field but aren’t ready to commit to a degree field. Learn more about non-degree programs that can help you take the next step in your education career.

Questions Answered: Earning Your Education Degree Online

With so many options to earn an education and teaching degree online, evaluating programs and choosing the right path can be challenging. So before you start digging into the specifics of individual programs, it’ll help to read through this section for answers to the most frequently asked questions by future online education and teaching degree students. 

• Are online education degrees accredited? What type of accreditation should they have?

  Whatever program or degree you choose, check to ensure it’s accredited. The accreditation system ensures that your future program meets quality education standards. If you want financial aid or scholarships, most options will require you to attend an accredited institution. 

  Do your research and ensure your school is regionally or nationally accredited, or you risk earning an online education degree that doesn’t hold much value to prospective employers. 

  Teaching programs within a school may carry a separate accreditation from The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This program-level certification means that your program has been reviewed by education experts and will prepare you for a future career. 

• How much will my online education degree cost?

  Many variables affect the cost of an online education degree. Public, private, and community colleges all offer excellent educational opportunities but have different access to federal and donor funding that can affect their tuition costs. Typically, community colleges will be your most affordable option. Additionally, many public and community colleges can offer discounted tuition to in-state students and veterans. 

  The cost of your degree will also depend on the level of education you pursue. Associate and bachelor’s degree programs can cost between $300-$500 per credit. Graduate and doctoral programs are usually more expensive, and the cost per credit can range between $400-$700. You will do well to factor in the price of textbooks and other course materials you may need. 

  Online degree programs will typically cost the same amount per credit as in-person classes. But since you won’t have to pay for housing, parking, and meals, earning an r education degree online can save you money. 

  The critical thing to remember is that an expensive education doesn’t always mean a higher quality education. So when searching for a program, keep your budget in mind and focus on opportunities for specialization, course formats that work for your lifestyle, and the specific outcomes you want from your education. 

• Can I get financial aid for my online education degree?

  You can absolutely use financial aid to pay for your online education degree. As long as you attend an accredited program, you’ll be eligible for the same financial aid and scholarships as an in-person student. In addition, schools and government entities offer need-based financial assistance as well as scholarships and fellowships.

  Want to learn more about the cost of an online education and teaching degree? Read these guides to financial aid and scholarships, which share valuable information on how to make your degree as affordable as possible.

• How much can I earn with an online degree in education/teaching?

  Your earning potential with an online degree in education will depend on the level of education you’ve completed and your previous experience within the field. 

  • With an online associate in education degree, you’ll qualify for preschool teacher, teacher’s assistant, or library technician jobs. The median yearly earnings for associate-level jobs range between $29,000 and $34,000.

  • After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can apply for your teaching license and pursue elementary, middle, and high school jobs. Or you might pursue a career in technical, adult, or special education. If you use your degree to become a high school teacher, for example, you could expect to make between $33,000 and $55,500 per year. 

  • Suppose you’ve completed your master’s degree in education. In which case, you can pursue higher-paying positions at the primary education level as an instructional coordinator, and you may be eligible to teach at some colleges. Educators with a master’s degree could expect to  earn around $60,000 per year.

  • With your Education PhD or Doctor of Education degree, you’ll be qualified to teach at every level, including higher education. You can also choose to pursue a career in leadership, such as school principal or superintendent. In either case, a PhD will make you eligible for the best-paid opportunities in education. Professors in education have a median salary of $102,350 per year.

• Will my education degree be in high demand?

  Over the next decade, over 650,00 teaching jobs are expected to be added to existing positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You should have a range of employment opportunities. This demand also means that once you start teaching, you’ll have opportunities to quickly advance within the field. 

• What skills and qualities do I need to succeed in an online education degree program?

  The flexibility of an online education degree program allows you to advance your career without having to commit to lecture halls. But, since online programs require you to structure your time independently, they present unique challenges. 

  You’ll need to improve your executive functioning skills, learning to plan, manage time, and organize yourself effectively to meet multiple, possibly changing deadlines. Graduate school may be rewarding, but that’s partially because earning a master’s degree isn’t easy. Some keys to success include:

  • Time Management: Even though you are taking classes remotely, most courses are not self-paced. So you will still have to keep on top of deadlines. Have a plan to organize your assignments and set aside study time to get the most out of your classes.

  • Reading and Writing Skills: In an online education program, you’ll primarily communicate with your classmates and professors through writing. Therefore, expressing your thoughts clearly with explicit, meaningful objective and concrete examples and citations, and reading closely to thoroughly understand assignments and other students’ contributions will promote better learning experiences and help you avoid misunderstandings.

  • Technical Abilities: Most online education degree programs only require computer and Internet access. But each school has different learning and communication systems, which can be difficult to navigate. Consider taking tutorials, workshops, and exploring the systems you will use, so you can learn to manage your work and submit your assignments efficiently and painlessly. 
  • Independence and Persistence: When things get busy, organizing your classwork around your other responsibilities can present unique challenges. Self-motivation is key. Prioritize your coursework and commit to acing even the most complex assignments. 

Key Resources for Teaching and Education Degree Students

Now that you understand your degree options for online education programs, and have learned the answers to common questions, what are the next steps? The resources below will help you prepare to apply and earn acceptance into an online education program. Create a plan to nail your applications, secure funding, manage your time, and maintain balance—this will set you up for success as you begin your studies.