WGU School of Education
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 53% 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 Education Bachelor's Degrees
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Elementary Education
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school...
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 68% of students finish within 36 to 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 to 45 (47 for Washington residents) total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Special Education
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring special education...
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring special education teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 61% of students finish within 34 to 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 to 39 total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
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: 61% of students earned this online biology degree within 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents).
Concepts included in this program:
- Zoology
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Health Sciences
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
This biology teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
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: 65% of students finish this online chemistry degree within 37 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program (42 for Washington residents).
Concepts included in this program:
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Biochemistry
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.
Education
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: 63% of students earn this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 33 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents)
Concepts included in this program:
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- General Physics
- Physical Geology
- Earth Systems
- Astronomy
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.
Education
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 students earn this online physics degree within 49 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program (42 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Educational Psychology
- Physics: Waves and Optics
- Space, Time and Motion
- Conceptual Physics
- Physics: Mechanics
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.
Education
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: 60% of students finish this degree within 40 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program (44 for Washington residents).
Concepts included in this program:
- Trigonometry and Precalculus
- Probability and Statistics I and II
- Calculus I, II, and III
- Abstract Algebra
- College Geometry
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.
Education
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
- Secondary Mathematics Education
Online Degree Options for Education Master's Degrees
Education
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: 64% of students finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program (29 for Washington residents)
Concepts included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for aspiring teachers looking to further their...
An online master's degree for aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.
- Time: 64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 30 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.
Concepts included in this program:
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
- Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Methods of Instruction and Intervention
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.
Education
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: 63% of students earned this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 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.
Concepts included in this program:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth science
- Space science
Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.
Education
Science Education, Secondary Biology – Master's
Online master's programs for currently licensed teachers, or for those who...
Online master's programs for currently licensed teachers, or for those who want to pursue a teaching license. These programs prepare you to teach biology at the secondary level in your state.
- Time: 62% of students finish these programs within 17 and 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 to 20 total courses in this program.
WGU offers one program for currently licensed teachers and one for aspiring teachers to ensure you are able to pursue your master's degree, and support your teaching career.
Completion time and total courses will vary based on the program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education, Secondary Chemistry – Master's
Online master's programs for both currently licensed teachers or for those...
Online master's programs for both currently licensed teachers or for those who want to pursue a teaching license. These programs prepare you to teach chemistry at the secondary level in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish their program or similar programs within 18 to 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 to 20 courses for your degree, depending on which program you choose.
WGU offers one program for currently licensed teachers and one for aspiring teachers to ensure you are able to pursue your master's degree, and support your teaching career.
Completion time for your program and the total number of courses will vary based on the program you pursue.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education, Secondary Earth Science - Master's
Online master's program options for current teachers, and aspiring...
Online master's program options for current teachers, and aspiring teachers who want to pursue licensure. These programs prepare you to teach earth science at the secondary level in your state.
- Time: 60% of students earn these degree within around 14 to 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 12 to 20 total courses in this program.
Completion time and total courses will vary based on the program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- Physical Geology
- Earth Systems
- Astronomy
- Ocean Systems
- Chemistry
Propel your career as a geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education, Secondary Physics – Master's
Online master's programs for aspring and currently licensed teachers....
Online master's programs for aspring and currently licensed teachers. These programs prepare you to teach chemistry at the secondary level in your state, and obtain licensure if needed.
- Time: 62% of students finish these programs or related programs within 15 to 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 to 20 courses for your degree, depending on which program you choose.
WGU offers one program for currently licensed teachers and one for aspiring teachers to ensure you are able to pursue your master's degree, and support your teaching career.
Completion time for your program and the total number of courses will vary based on the program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- General Chemistry
- Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Space, time and motion
Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with the help of a master's degree in education.
Education
Mathematics Education – Master's
Online master's program options for current teachers, and aspiring...
Online master's program options for current teachers, and aspiring teachers who want to pursue licensure. These programs prepare you to teach math at the approved level in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish these programs within 18 and 25 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 12 to 20 total courses in this program.
Completion time and total courses will vary based on the program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Statistics
Propel your career as a math teacher with a master's degree in mathematics education.
Education
Teaching, Social Studies (Secondary) – M.A.
This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed...
This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed social studies teacher in your state.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 19 total courses in this program (21 for Washington residents).
Concepts included in this program include:
- US History
- World History
- Economics
- Classroom Instruction Strategies
- Technology for the Classroom
This online social studies degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
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: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- English Pedagogy
- Reading Instruction and Interventions
- Disciplinary Literacy
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
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 students earn this degree within 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 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.
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
Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.
Education
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: 60% of grads earned this degree within 23 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 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.
Concepts included in this program:
- School Law
- School Financial Leadership
- People & Talent
- School Operations and Management
- Leadership Ethics
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.
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: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 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
Concepts 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.
Education
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: 62% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Concepts included in this program:
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum and Instruction Design
- Educational Research
- Assessment
Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.
Online Endorsement Options
Education
English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement
An online endorsement program for currently licensed school teachers who...
An online endorsement program for currently licensed school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL settings.
Become highly qualified in ELL, 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: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to earn an English Learning Language (ELL) 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.
Education
Secondary Biology Endorsement
An online endorsement program that prepares currently licensed teachers to...
An online endorsement program that prepares currently licensed teachers to add secondary biology to their license.
This endorsement program allows teachers to add junior high and high school grade levels, along with biology teaching, to their license.
- Time: Most students will complete this program within 12 months.
- Tuition: $2,550 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to earn a Secondary Biology endorsement to add to their license.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- Molecular biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Zoology
- Genetics
- Probability and statistics
Take the next step in your teaching career by expanding your opportunities.
Education
Secondary Physics Endorsement
An online endorsement program that prepares currently licensed teachers to...
An online endorsement program that prepares currently licensed teachers to teach phyics in junior high or high school settings.
This endorsement program is designed to help current teachers add grade levels and subject areas to their license.
- Time: Most students will finish this program in approximately 12 months.
- Tuition: $2,550 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 7 total courses in this program.
This program is for current secondary science teachers who are looking to earn an endorsement in physics.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- Astrophysics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Energy and thermodynamics
- Algebra
- Calculus
Take the next step in your teaching career by expanding your opportunities.
Education
Secondary Chemistry Endorsement
This online endorsement program allows current teachers to add a secondary...
This online endorsement program allows current teachers to add a secondary chemistry endorsement to their license.
With this endorsement you'll be prepared to teach chemistry at the junior high or high school level.
- Time: Most students will complete this program within 12 months.
- Tuition: $2,550 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 6 total courses in this program.
This program is for current secondary science teachers who are looking to earn a chemistry endorsement to add to their license.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physical chemistry
Take the next step in your teaching career by expanding your opportunities.
Education
Secondary Earth Science Endorsement
This online endorsement program prepares current teachers to add secondary...
This online endorsement program prepares current teachers to add secondary earth science options to their license.
Current teachers can pursue this endorsement program in order to add additional grade levels and subject areas to their license.
- Time: Most students will complete this program within 12 months.
- Tuition: $2,550 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 9 total courses in this program.
This program is for current secondary science teachers who are looking to earn an endorsement in earth science.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- Environmental Science
- Meterololgy
- Astronomy
- Ecology
- Statistics
Discover how you can enhance your résumé and expand your opportunities with an endorsement.
Education
Middle Grades Science Endorsement
If you are looking to teach science in grades 5-9, this endorsement can be...
If you are looking to teach science in grades 5-9, this endorsement can be the perfect fit.
This endorsement program allows teachers to become endorsed for grades 5-9 science teaching.
- Time: Most students will finish this endorsement program within 6 months.
- Tuition: $2,550 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 2 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are licensed for secondary science and want to add a middle grades option to their license.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- A focus on middle school education
- Instructional strategies
- Assessement strategies
- Inclusivity
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Supporting diverse learners
Take the next step in your career and enhance your résumé with an endorsement in middle grades science.
Education
Middle Grades Math Endorsement
If you are looking to teach math in grades 5-9, this endorsement program...
If you are looking to teach math in grades 5-9, this endorsement program can help you reach your goals.
This endorsement program helps current teachers add a middle grades endorsement to their certificate.
- Time: Most students will finish this endorsement program within 6 months.
- Tuition: $2,550 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 2 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are licensed for secondary mathematics and want to add a middle grades option to their license.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- A focus on middle school education
- Instructional strategies
- Assessement strategies
- Inclusivity
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Supporting diverse learners
You can advance your career with this middle grades math endorsement.
Education
Early Childhood Education (PreK–3) Endorsement Program
This online endorsement program allows licensed teachers to add an early...
This online endorsement program allows licensed teachers to add an early childhood option to their certification.
Become qualified for early childhood education instruction, earn relicensure points, and boost your résumé with this program.
- Time: It is anticipated that students will complete this program in approximately 12 months.
- Tuition: $2,550 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 6 total courses in this program.
This program is for current elementary or special education teachers who are interested in adding an Early Childhood Education endorsement to their license.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- Early mathematics intervention
- Literacy instruction
- Assessment methods
- Play integration in education
Expand your options with the help of an early childhood education endorsement.
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*
$8,300
AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES
$19,314**
$8,856
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
$8,300
AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES
$19,314**
AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES
$8,856
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.
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.
Third-Party Comments: Accreditation of School of Education Licensure Programs
The School of Education at Western Governors University is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) on May 14-16, 2025. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the evaluation team. Please note that comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered and should specify the party's relationship to the provider (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates).
We invite you to submit written testimony to:
CAEP
1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Or by email to: callforcomments@caepnet.org
- Such comments must be received by CAEP up to six (6) weeks before the site visit and based on the core tenets of CAEP accreditation standards of excellence, which recognize that:
- In CAEP's performance-based system, accreditation is based on evidence that demonstrates that teacher candidates know the subject matter and can teach it effectively so that students learn. In the CAEP system, EPPs must prove that candidates can connect theory to practice and be effective in an actual P-12 classroom.
- A professional education provider that is accredited by CAEP is expected to be involved in ongoing planning and evaluation; engaged in continuous assessment and development; ensure that faculty and programs reflect new knowledge, practice, and technologies; and be involved in continuous development in response to the evolving world of education and educational reform.
- Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the respondent's relationship, if any, to the institution (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Copies of all correspondence received will be sent to the university for comment prior to the review.
