Part of Western Governors University
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.
WGU leads the nation in producing STEM teachers—and as a member of 100Kin10, that focus remains strong.
Gold Standard
of Excellence
The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. WGU is the first competency-based online university to receive CAEP accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure.
Start exploring your degree options by looking at a few of our programs in highest demand.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This elementary education degree program includes courses in the foundations of teacher education, instructional planning and presentation, assessment, and classroom management. Core teacher education courses focus on diversity, disciplinary literacy, elementary education methods, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to dual teaching license in elementary education and K–12 special education. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K–12 special education license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate) program. (Click button below.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This special education teaching online degree program prepares you to teach students with mild-to-moderate disabilities, with courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, assessment, and classroom management. Core elementary and special education courses focus on diversity, disciplinary literacy, elementary education methods, and special education topics such as law, assessment, and behavioral management. This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single license in K–12 special education. 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 (click button below).
Candidates for this program often include:
This online degree program includes coursework and assessments tailor-made for future teachers who are committed to working with students who have mild to moderate learning exceptionalities. It offers deep engagement in serving special education students and leads to your K–12 special education license in states that do not require dual elementary-ed and special-ed licensure. It also includes a preclinical experience with face-to-face observation hours and a Demonstration Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.
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 licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This science teaching degree program includes online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, science, mathematics, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school and high school math teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This online math teaching degree program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, general education, mathematics content, math education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online 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 will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This science teaching degree program includes coursework in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, science, mathematics, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This biology teaching degree program includes online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, biology, pedagogy, and science education. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school chemistry teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This chemistry teaching degree program includes online classes in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, chemistry, pedagogy, and science education. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school physics teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This physics teaching degree program includes online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, physics, pedagogy, and science education. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school earth sciences teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This geosciences teaching degree program includes online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, earth sciences, pedagogy, and science education. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This post-baccalaureate elementary school teacher preparation program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, elementary education methods, effective teaching practices, and math content. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This elementary-ed MAT program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics content, instructional planning and presentation, elementary education methods, and effective teaching practices. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online 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 teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This M.A. Teaching program in secondary math education includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration 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.
An online 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 teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This M.A. Teaching program in secondary math education includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
It 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.
An online master's 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 teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This graduate-level secondary science teaching program includes the following areas of coursework: foundations of teaching, science education, pedagogy, field experience, research, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
An online 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 teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)
Candidates for this program often include:
This secondary English MAT program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, English content, research, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.
WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.
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.
An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design. (*No teaching license required.)
Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:
Help schools create courses of study that are engaging, meaningful, and memorable, that enhance student performance, and that factor in classroom diversity with this M.S. degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education (teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities).
Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:
Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.
Coursework in this program includes:
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, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Minnesota.
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.
Areas of study in this program include:
Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.
Areas of study in this program include:
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.
Areas of study in this program include:
Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.
Areas of study in this program include:
Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.
Areas of study in this program include:
Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.
Coursework in this program includes:
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.
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.
Coursework in this program includes:
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle and high school students.
Coursework in this program includes:
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal includes a focus on teaching in ELL or ESL settings.
Coursework in this program includes:
Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on integrating technology with instructional design principles. (*No teaching license required.)
Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:
Harness the power of technology to teach more kids in better ways with this education master's degree.
An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on designing top-notch K–12 curriculum. (*No teaching license required.)
Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:
Raise the bar on K–12 education. Learn to build better curriculum with this education master's degree.
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.
Coursework you will complete in this program:
Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.
The Become a Teacher Scholarship is valued at up to $2,500. Apply by December 31, 2019.
Your own classroom is calling. We’re here to help you answer the call.
And now is the perfect time to get started.
Programs begin the first of each month. And our flexible, online format lets you complete most coursework any time or place that fits your schedule.
The WGU Teachers College is a recognized national leader in online teacher education. Below are admissions requirements specific to Teachers College programs that are in addition to WGU’s general admissions requirements.
Programs leading to initial teacher licensure
Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility. This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.
WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Demonstration Teaching. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Demonstration Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.
Learn more about Demonstration Teaching and becoming a licensed teacher at WGU.
See more about the teacher licensure programs available at WGU.
Programs leading to endorsement
If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement (for example, the M.A. in Mathematics Education, with an endorsement to teach secondary mathematics) and you plan to eventually apply for the endorsement, the following is required of you:
An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.
See more about the degree programs leading to an endorsement available from WGU.
Post-Baccalaureate or M.A. in Teaching degree programs
To be considered eligible for enrollment into a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program or M.A. in Teaching degree program, you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university and meet appropriate content requirements as described below by subject area:
An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.
M.S. Educational Leadership program
Prior to entry into the M.S. Educational Leadership program, you will be required to complete and submit the following documents. The links below have more information.
And, a Case Study and Practicum Agreement. Use the version for your state of residence.
Brittany Pierce wanted to be pushed beyond what she knew from years of teaching. She came to WGU prepared to work hard, using the ability to accelerate through her program to her advantage, and graduated in 11 months. Brittany talks about using lessons from her coursework in the M.A. Science Education program in her own classroom the very next day, and she says completing her program quickly took focus and self-motivation.
What we see in Brittany is what we see in all WGU Night Owls: passion, persistence, and commitment to achieve a goal.
We consistently evaluate ourselves, based on the performance of graduates of the Teachers College.
Teachers College PerformanceCan you get a teaching degree online?
Yes! WGU combines rigorous online curriculum with local placement for an in-person field experience in order to complete your teaching degree. Our program allows you to complete most of the program online, and only requires an in-person commitment at the very end of your program. To complete the degree you will be required to do several weeks of observations and a 4-6 month demonstration teaching experience at a local school. WGU’s Field Placement department will help you find a suitable school for this commitment.
How much does an online teaching degree cost?
Undergraduate teaching programs cost $3,225 per six-month term. Most of our students graduate in an 18-48 month period, so they end up paying approximately $9,675 to $16,125. Graduate teaching degrees that require licensure cost $3,240 per six-month term. Most students graduate in a 12-18 month period, so they end up paying between $6,480 and $9,720. Professional graduate degrees in education at WGU cost $3,240 per six-month term. Most students in these programs finish in 6-24 months, and end up paying between $3,240 and $12,960.
How long does it take to get a teaching degree online?
At WGU, undergraduate programs take on average 18–48 months, but can take up to 60 months.
At WGU, graduate programs for initial licensure take on average 12-18 months, and can take up to 72 months.
At WGU, professional degrees in education take on average 6-24 months, and can take up to 30 months.*
*Some of our professional offerings go beyond 3 terms/18 months by a single course. This course does not usually take 6 months to complete, but it does require a 4th term. A total of 25 to 26 months is probably more accurate in real time for committed students, but it will depend on the student.
How do I get an online teaching degree?
WGU’s teaching degrees require students to complete a thorough degree plan of rigorous online coursework, before completing observation hours, and demonstration teaching in a live classroom setting. Once we review your previous transcripts for transfer credits we will set your degree plan, based on what remains to be completed on our standard path degree plan. As you approach the end of your coursework we will help you find a local school in which to do 75-115 classroom observation hours as you prepare for your demonstration teaching. The last component of your degree plan will be a 4-6-month demonstration teaching position in your area. WGU will assist with placement for this position. Upon completion of demonstration teaching you will be prepared to graduate and apply for your teaching license!
What can I do with a teaching degree?
Teaching degrees open many career pathways. Most of our programs 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.
The faculty supporting our Teachers College students and programs comprises richly experienced teachers, administrators, and specialty educators. WGU faculty members understand the K–12 education field—its challenges and opportunities. Their student obsession is second to none, with a singular focus on helping to develop stellar educators.
“Encouraging students to believe in their capacity for success is an integral part of mentoring. WGU Course Instructors couple that encouragement with a commitment to creatively supporting students’ mastery of the competencies in our courses. We frequently remind students that learning requires exertion, but they are not laboring alone.”
![Carmen Turner headshot]()
Carmen Turner
Course Instructor
Teachers College
"When a student pursues an online degree, it is often with the assumption of isolation. However, WGU students experience a faculty of mentors who are dedicated to engaging and supporting them in pursuit of their graduation goals. I am honored to work for a university that is student-centric and dedicated to disrupting higher education through a competency-based approach to learning.”
![Dawn Black headshot]()
Dawn Black
Program Mentor, Teachers College
“WGU students humble me because many of them persist through adversity that might have overwhelmed me. They inspire me to help every one of my students succeed.”
![Gideon Weinstein headshot]()
Gideon Weinstein
Course Instructor, Teachers College
“Encouraging students to believe in their capacity for success is an integral part of mentoring. WGU Course Instructors couple that encouragement with a commitment to creatively supporting students’ mastery of the competencies in our courses. We frequently remind students that learning requires exertion, but they are not laboring alone.”
![Carmen Turner headshot]()
Carmen Turner
Course Instructor
Teachers College
"When a student pursues an online degree, it is often with the assumption of isolation. However, WGU students experience a faculty of mentors who are dedicated to engaging and supporting them in pursuit of their graduation goals. I am honored to work for a university that is student-centric and dedicated to disrupting higher education through a competency-based approach to learning.”
![Dawn Black headshot]()
Dawn Black
Program Mentor, Teachers College
“WGU students humble me because many of them persist through adversity that might have overwhelmed me. They inspire me to help every one of my students succeed.”
![Gideon Weinstein headshot]()
Gideon Weinstein
Course Instructor, Teachers College
Hear from WGU Teacher College graduates and see how they feel about their education experience.
Before I came to WGU, I completed a MAT program for teaching. I was not prepared to enter the classroom in the least bit. That is why I chose to get a second bachelors even though I have a masters in teaching. I feel much more confident in my ability to teach now. There are things that I hated, like the weekly calls, but overall I feel a lot more prepared to enter the education field. My only regret is they didn't focus on writing IEP's and Transition Plans as much as I would have liked.
I earned my second master's degree from WGU in Math Education and was hired immediately after I completed my coursework. I spent 8 years working as an adjunct off of my first master's degree and each of those years I applied to every job offering within 100 miles. While my first degree, and some additional graduate coursework, included the needed requirements for a teaching job, I didn't have a "Master's in Mathematics" or a "Master's in Mathematics Education". WGU provided an online degree program that got me a job teaching math at the community college level. The job I applied for was for 1 fulltime tenured track position and they hired 2 people. Of course they hired the person with the PhD, but they also hired me! I am now in my 6th year and look forward to my tenure offer next semester. I thank WGU for having what I needed at the time that I needed it and at a time that I could do it.
I would 100% recommended WGU based on my experience! I completed the M.Ed. in Learning and Technology at my own pace for only $3,000 per 6 months. I had been in a government training position for about 2.5 years before starting this program. Between then and now (finished the program about 2 years ago), I received two promotions internally and now have competing job offers externally. This degree has opened me up to so many new corporate instructional design positions and made me a top candidate!
WGU was the right choice for me to earn my MSN-Edu. It was challenging to do, but WGU has the right resources to support the students during their journey. I could not have done it without my great program mentor Hillary Poor. She was always there for me when I needed her. She did support and encouraged me whenever I felt overwhelmed. The tuition is another plus, it is very affordable and its flexibility fits anyone's schedule. Thank you WGU for your support to the students.
Loved this program! Was very flexible with my work schedule and I feel highly prepared to enter in to my career as an educator.
To be 100% honest I thought online school was going to be easy....i took my time and basically didn't put a lot of effort into it in the beginning. However, the classes got more intense and juggling kids, school, and everything else it was hard! I can't say enough how much the mentor program is the reason I was able to graduate! My mentor kept me honest and accountable for making sure I keep to my goals and they offer soooooo many tools to help you such as tutoring, a writing and math center, and so much more! I recently got my BA in business management and I'm starting my MBA here at WGU in January...honestly I can't wait! This has been an amazing experience!
The course content for my MSML program was extremely relevant coupled with the structured cohorts for some of the courses in my program. The student mentors were consistent with keeping me on task. The course instructors who helped me were knowledgeable and professional. The evaluators effectively communicated their evaluations for every performance assessment. The resources provided by WGU were beyond adequate! The course outlines provided a comprehensive overview of the expectations of every course. My experience with WGU was exceptional!
WGU is a flexible program perfect for the working individual. I obtained my MSN in leadership and management and the program afforded me with the skills necessary to continue on the leadership pathway. I felt supported by my mentor and course instructors and was able to obtain a healthy work/life balance. I highly recommended this institution to anyone interested in furthering their education.
I was provided the materials needed to complete my MBA in Healthcare Management and was able to do so within 5 months! My mentor kept me on track every step of the way and all the resources I needed were at my fingertips throughout the entire process. It wasn't easy, but hard work and helpful teachers and mentors made the difference.
My experience at WGU was very positive. I received a great deal of support from my program mentor and the course instructors were knowledgeable and experienced. The program is self-paced but there is substantial pressure to progress quickly, so students should be aware they'll need self-discipline to complete the program. There are times when access to instructors is limited, as their calendars fill up & the first available appointment may be 1-2 weeks out. So there were a few instances when it felt like "self learning". Tutoring is offered for free though, so outside help is available if you reach out. Some courses like Intermediate Accounting II and Taxation II, are difficult to complete in 6 weeks. I would have liked to see more time allotted to the second half of Intermediate Accounting in particular, as I didn't think 6 weeks was enough time to digest the amount & complexity of material. Overall, though I'm glad I attended WGU and I'm grateful for the experience because overall, I believe it gave me a very solid foundation in accounting.
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