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WGU School of Education

WGU Teachers College

Earn an education degree online, from home.

D'Lynn, M.S. Curriculum and Instruction grad

ONLINE TEACHING DEGREES

WGU's Teachers College Can Help You Prepare For Teacher Licensure In Any Of The 50 States


 

You have a calling—to help students get the most out of their education. Make sure you get the most out of yours. Earn a teaching degree for about half* what you’d pay at other online universities. Our student obsession means you get flexibility, affordability, quality, and personalized support.

Browse and compare our online teaching degree programs to find the best fit for your needs.

*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 48% lower than the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE

The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation for its initial and advanced licensure programs from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. 

ACCREDITED AND RESPECTED

Initial licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.

BEYOND100K

WGU is a top conferrer of STEM degrees that is partnered with Beyond100K. WGU joins nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and foundations to combat challenges and prepare more teachers for STEM teaching positions nationwide.

Online Degree Options for Aspiring Teachers

Elementary Education – B.A.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers....

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 63% of grads earned this degree within 30 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 40 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this program often include:

  • Aspiring elementary school teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This elementary education degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online teaching degree program helps you to be eligible for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Science Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school science teachers. Leads to teaching license in all states that have a middle-grades general science teaching license.

Specific grade levels you are qualified to teach will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 61% of grads earned this science teaching degree within 31 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 40 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this online science teaching degree often include:

  • Aspiring junior high or middle school science teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for science
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This science teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school chemistry teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 66% of grads earned this online chemistry degree within 32 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 41 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this online chemistry degree program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high or high school chemistry teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for chemistry
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This chemistry teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Earn a chemistry degree online and be eligible for a teaching certification.

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school earth science teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 29 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 39 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this science teaching degree program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high or high school geoscience teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for earth science
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This geosciences teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This high school teaching degree program prepares you for teaching licensure in any of the 50 states.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 63% of grads earned this online biology degree within 31 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 39 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this online teaching degree often include:

  • Aspiring junior high or high school biology teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for biology
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This biology teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school physics teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this online physics degree within 38 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 41 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this online teaching degree often include:

  • Aspiring junior high or high school physics teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for physics
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This physics teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Graduates of this online teaching degree program will be eligible for teaching certification.

Special Education (Mild to Moderate) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teacher. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single teaching license in K–12 special education.

  • Time: 62% of grads finish similar online teaching degree programs within 29 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 41 total courses in this program.

 If your state requires—or if you're interested in—dual licensure in both elementary education and K–12 special education, consider the B.A. Special Education (K–12) program.

Candidates for this special education degree program often include:

  • Aspiring special ed teachers who currently lack a teaching license.
  • Substitute teachers.
  • Career-changers.
  • School paraprofessionals.
  • Others who feel the call to teach.

This online degree program includes a preclinical experience with face-to-face observation hours and a Student Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.

Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to dual licensure—elementary education teaching license and special education teaching license.

  • Time: 61% of grads earned this degree within 27 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 46 total courses in this program.

(Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K–12 special education teaching license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate) online teaching degree. 

Candidates for this online teaching degree often include:

  • Aspiring special ed teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This special education teaching online degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. 

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math...

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers. Leads to teaching license in states that have a middle-grades math teaching license.

Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching licensure in your state.

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 29 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 39 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this science teaching degree program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This science teaching degree program includes requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This science teaching degree prepares you to be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers and high school math teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 63% of grads earned this degree within 27 months.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 44 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this math teaching degree program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school math teachers who currently lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online math teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online math teaching degree program helps students become eligible for math teaching certification.

Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 83% of graduates finish within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 26 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this master's of arts in education degree program often include:

  • Aspiring elementary teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.

  • Time: 73% of grads finish similar programs in 21 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 26 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.

Graduates of this program are prepared to teach in a variety of schools including: 

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 66% of graduates finish this middle school math teaching degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 22 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this master's in math education degree often include:

  • Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This M.A. Teaching program in middle grades math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) program in that it does not require courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. The curriculum of this online math degree is designed to prepare middle school math teachers for success.

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.

  • Time: 71% of graduates finish this high school math teaching degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 23 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this high school math education program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for math
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This program differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 88% of graduates finish this online English degree program within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 19 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this high school English teaching program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school English teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for English
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

  • Time: 70% of graduates finish this secondary science teaching degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 20 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this high school teaching degree program often include:

  • Aspiring junior high and high school science teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career-changers with a passion for science
  • School paraprofessionals
  • Others who feel the call to teach

This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.

Online Degree Options for Current Teachers

Educational Leadership – M.S.

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a...

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.

  • Time: 61% of grads earned this degree within 21 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is for licensed teachers who are ready to take the next step in their education career.

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in a variety of places, including:

  • Elementary schools
  • Middle schools
  • Junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools
  • District-level positions

Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree. 

States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching science to middle school students.

Available in all states that offer a middle-grades general science endorsement.

  • Time: 66% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

This program is for currently licensed teacher who want to add middle-grades science to their license.

Graduates of this program are qualified to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.

Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 91% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

Graduates of this program are qualified to teach in a variety of schools including: 

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 91% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 12 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary earth science to their license.

Be prepared to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.

  • Time:  88% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary biology to their license.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to teach in a variety of schools, including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 88% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 13 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who wish to add secondary physics to their licensure.

This program prepares teachers to work in a variety of schools, including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle school students. Available in states that offer a middle-grades math teaching endorsement.

  • Time: 86% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

This program is designed for current teachers who are looking to add middle grade math to their license.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • College algebra
  • Finite mathematics
  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • Mathematics learning and teaching
  • College geometry
  • Probability and statistics 
  • Calculus 
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Mathematics Education (K–6) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.

  • Time: 82% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to add K-6 math education to their license.

Graduates of this program are qualified to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle and high school students.

  • Time: 86% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 18 total courses in this program.

This program is designd for current teachers who are looking to add secondary math to their license.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • College geometry
  • Calculus
  • Probability and statistics
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Mathematics history and technology
  • Mathematical modeling and applications

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.

English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal...

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal includes a focus on teaching in ELL or ESL settings.

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 17 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 11 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to add ELL or ESL to their license.

Graduates of program are prepared to teach in a variety of schools including:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.

English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement Prep

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school...

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings.

Become highly qualified in ELL or ESL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

  • Time: 62% of students finish within 13 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 8 total courses in this program.

This program is for current teachers who are looking to earn an ELL/ESL endorsement.

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

  • Assessment Theory and Practice
  • Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
  • Instruction Planning and Implementation
  • Theories of Second Language Acquisition

Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.

Other Online Education Degree Options

Educational Studies – B.A.

These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...

These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.

Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.

  • Time: Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
  • Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
  • This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.

Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:

  • Elementary Education
  • Elementary and Special Education
  • Mild to Moderate Special Education
  • Secondary Biology Science Education
  • Secondary Chemistry Science Education
  • Secondary Earth Science Education
  • Secondary Physics Education
  • Middle Grades Science Education
  • Secondary Mathematics Education
  • Middle Grade Mathematics Education

Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: (((percentcomplete.medetid))) of students finish this program in (((months.medetid))) months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term
  • Courses: 12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

  • The K-12 pathway
  • The Adult Learner pathway

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

  • Learning Experience Design
  • Assessment and Learning Analytics
  • Learning Technology
  • Research Methodology

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and...

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and are looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.

  • Time: 61% of grads earned this degree within 13 months.
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of careers including:

  • Private Learning Center Instructor 
  • Instructional Coach 
  • Area Superintendent 
  • Curriculum Director 
  • Academic Advisor 
  • Learning and Development Coordinator
  • Private Tutor 
  • Corporate Trainer

Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.

Education Programs


 

Here at WGU, we offer bachelor's and master's degrees that lead to a teaching license, master's degrees for current teachers to add to their licensure, and other master's degree programs focused on educational development. Whatever your career goals are, there is a program at WGU that can help you reach them. Learn more about which type of education degree program is the best fit for you.

View Bachelor's Degrees

Programs leading to a bachelor's degree and preparation for an initial teaching license.

View MAT Degrees

Master's degree programs for those who already hold a bachelor's degree, but are interested in an initial teaching license.

View Master's Degrees With Licensure

Master's degree programs for current teachers who want to add to their teaching license.

View M.S. Ed Degrees

Master of Science in Education programs for current teachers or other professionals looking to further their career.  

Find the Right Teaching Career for You


 

Teachers are role models who truly make a difference to their young students. But teaching is much more than helping kids learn to read and do math. Teachers change lives, and it takes a special kind of person to be an outstanding teacher.

Become a Teacher

Find Your Career Fit

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. yearly tuition
For BACHELOR’S DEGREES

$12,112*

$8,010

AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES

$19,314**

$8,444

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

A counselor you have to schedule time with

An individual Program Mentor who knows your goals and schedule

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. yearly tuition
For BACHELOR’S DEGREES

$12,112*

AVG. yearly tuition
For BACHELOR’S DEGREES

$8,010

AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES

$19,314**

AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES

$8,444

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

A counselor you have to schedule time with

SUPPORT

An individual Program Mentor who knows your goals and schedule

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

See a Breakdown of Course Costs

Education Scholarships

WGU Become a Teacher Scholarship

For aspiring teachers, this scholarship can be applied toward any of WGU’s Teachers College degree programs leading to teacher licensure.

WGU Loves Teachers  Scholarship

For prospective teachers who want to earn their teacher certification and current educators ready to advance their careers.

WGU's K–12 Partner  Scholarship

For the men and women who work in America’s K–12 schools and districts who desire to earn a WGU bachelor's or master's degree.

Start Your College Journey
at WGU

WGU has built a special, accelerated path for students ages 14-18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, and their families. Now enrolling for this exclusive opportunity.

Thought Leadership: Cutting-Edge Conversations on Education

Learn about trends in the education profession from the largest school of education in the country from the WGU Learning Community.

More Resources for Education Students

What Benefits Do Teachers Get?

Learn about the perks and benefits associated with being a teacher, and how they affect one's bottom line.

Meet More WGU Education Alumni 

Learn more about the experiences of distinguished WGU graduates.

 

What is EdTech? And What Are the Benefits?

Learn more about the risks and rewards of using EdTech in the classroom and how advancements enhance education.

What School of Education Alumni Are Saying


 

People love their WGU experience. See why it means so much to them, and what makes us different.

"The quality of education is fantastic and yet attainable even on my own. I usually do not learn well in an online setting, but this program made it easy because it was well laid out and the instructors always answered questions in a timely and effective manner. "

— Jayme Benabides, M.Ed. Learning and Technology grad

"Not only did WGU provide the opportunity for me to earn the education I never finished, their competency program provided quality knowledge which opened doors which had been locked. I am forever grateful."

— Rodney Clause, M.A. Math Ed. grad,
M.S. Ed. Leadership grad,
M.Ed. Learning & Technology grad

"Others may think academia is not for them, but earning a college degree is vastly more than solely a person’s intellectual capacity. Earning my degree from WGU demonstrates effort, resilience, and pride. That is what earning my degree from WGU means to me."

— Antonio Romayor, Jr., M.Ed. Learning & Technology grad

Turn Your Passion Into an Education Career

Affordable

As a nonprofit organization, WGU provides a convenient, cost-effective path to your bachelor's or master's degree in education.

Flexible

Progress through courses as soon as you can prove you’ve mastered the material, rather than advancing only when the semester or term ends. 

Worthwhile

WGU is about real-world results—providing an impressive return on the investment. A WGU degree tells employers that you will be an asset to the team. 

School of Education FAQs

Yes. It is possible to get a teaching degree online. Many universities offer accredited online programs where students can earn a bachelor's or master's degree in teaching. Often, students are also required to complete observation hours and demonstrate teaching experience at a local school. At universities like WGU, students are worked with individually and paired with a suitable school for this commitment.

Online bachelor's degrees cost on average $38,000 to more than $60,000 in total cost. Some online universities allow students to finish quickly while paying less. At WGU, for example, students are charged per six-month term instead of per credit. This means they often can finish their degrees in somewhere between 6 and 24 months. Tuition per six-month term is $3,825 with cost varying depending on how many terms a student takes to finish their degree.

Through most online programs, it takes roughly two to four years to earn a teaching degree. Many programs require a final project, thesis, and teaching experience as part of a capstone course before a degree is granted. Some universities, like WGU, allow students to complete a degree in 36 months on average through term-based tuition and a competency-based model.

A bachelor's degree is the minimum education required to become a licensed teacher in every state. These teaching degrees require approximately 120 credits and take about four years to complete. However, an online degree may allow you to accelerate your program and graduate faster. Graduates can go on to teach in early childhood programs, public schools, and private schools.

Teaching degrees open many career pathways. Most online teaching degrees are designed to lead to licensure, or add an endorsement to an existing license, so the most direct career pathway is working as a classroom teacher. Professional offerings include preparation for positions as a school administrator, curriculum specialist/designer, instructional designer, and technology specialist.

Further positions within the education world that may be open to those with a degree in teaching include: guidance counselor, instructional coach, positions within the Department of Education, school administrator, educational consultant, college or university academic advisor, school librarian, school technology specialist, private tutor, museum educator, after-school program coordinator, or positions within educational tools companies – i.e. textbook companies and companies that develop educational resources.

In addition to becoming a teacher, an education degree could put you on a path to these careers. Keep in mind that they may also require additional training:

  • Education consultant
  • Juvenile corrections worker
  • School psychologist
  • Guidance counselor
  • Career counselor
  • Child life specialist
  • Recruiter or admission counselor
  • Family counselor

 

There are many different types of degrees and certifications you can get in education. At the most basic level, they include the following:

  • Certificate in Teaching and Education
  • Associate Degree in Teaching and Education
  • Bachelor Degree in Teaching and Education
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)—These degree programs typically lead to initial licensure
  • Master of Science in Education (M.Ed)—These degree programs typically are for advanced education positions, not teaching
  • Doctoral Degree in Teaching and Education

You can get subject-specific teaching degrees in several different areas—for instance in science education, math education, or special education.