Online Teacher Certification and Licensure at WGU
Learn about teaching certification requirements and how you can get a teaching license in your state.
If you're looking to make a difference for students and your community, earning a teaching degree from WGU is a great way to achieve your goal. Our online educator degrees give you important skills and credentials that prepare you for teacher licensure and a career in the classroom.
WGU’s Teachers College is committed to helping educators pursue teaching degrees that will aid them in improving student outcomes. Our online teaching degree programs are designed to help you be equipped for the challenges of the classroom, and be eligible to obtain your educator certification. To ensure that our graduates are ready to help students learn and adhere to licensing requirements, our Teachers College is accredited at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Each state has unique requirements for educator certificates, and it's important to understand the educator licensure requirements in your state. WGU's Teachers College online degree programs will help prepare you for teaching certification in any of the 50 states. Learn about teaching license requirements by state.
Educator licensure requirements vary depending on state laws, but typically include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree program
- Submission of transcripts
- Completion and clearance of a background check
- Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests
WGU Education Degrees That Prepare You for a Teacher's License in Any State
Education
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.
Education
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.
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: 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.
Education
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.
Education
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.
Education
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.
Education
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.
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: 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.
Education
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.
Education
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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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 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.
Education
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.
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.
How to Become a Teacher
Learn all the steps you need to take to become a licensed teacher.
Educator License Information by State/Territory
Frequently Asked Questions
About State Educator Licenses
What is a teaching certification?
A teacher certification, also called a teaching license, is the credential an educator needs to be able to instruct students. All states require teaching certification for educators to work in public schools, and most private schools also prefer to hire licensed teachers. Teachers can be certified for certain grade levels, like elementary school (K-6), middle school, or high school. Teachers also can get teaching licensure for specific subjects, like math, English, or certain science courses.
How long do teaching licenses last?
A teaching license typically lasts 5 years before a renewal is required. Exact timing may vary by state. Teachers who have let their teaching license lapse may be able to apply to get their teacher licensure reinstated. In most states continuing education courses are required to renew your teaching license. The exact number of hours and type of courses required for an educator license will vary based on your state. Your state board of education can help you get further information about teaching license renewal.
Can I teach without a teacher's license?
States do not allow educators to teach in public schools without a teaching certificate. Some private schools may allow students to teach without a teaching license, but most prefer to hire teachers who have obtained their educator certification. Some states may have alternative routes to teaching licensure that allow those without a teaching bachelor's degree to pursue teaching licensure, but for many states a licensing degree program is the best route to become a teacher.
Can I transfer my license to another state?
States all have their own unique requirements for an educator's licensure, but most have reciprocity agreements to allow currently licensed teachers to transfer their teaching credentials to a new state. Teachers may have to meet some additional state requirements in order to get their teaching license moved to another state, but for most states transferring teacher licensure is fairly straightforward. Work with your new state board of education to learn how to transfer your teaching license.
Can you get certified to teach without a degree in education?
Yes. In some states it is possible to become a teacher without licensing and an education degree. Keep in mind that this is not a possibility in every state. Be sure to check with your state's department of education for the most up to date information on licensing and teaching requirements. In general, an education degree is a good idea as it will open up more doors of opportunity. Earning this degree online will give you flexibility and perhaps allow you to graduate more quickly.
What certifications do you need to become a teacher?
Each state has unique certification requirements, tests, and licensing guidance for teachers. Be sure to check with your state's board of education to ensure you understand and meet the relevant licensing requirements to become a teacher in your specific state.
How do I get my teaching certificate if I already have a degree?
If you already have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in teaching may be the best way to prepare for teacher licensure. If you already have a master's degree, you can still pursue a second master's degree to become a licensed teacher.
What is the difference between a certified teacher and a licensed teacher?
A certified teacher is also known as a licensed teacher. This means that an educator with a degree and a teaching certificate is a certified and licensed teacher. To teach in a public school, you must be a licensed teacher, meaning you have a teaching certificate that you received after completing an education degree.
Can you be a teacher without a teaching certificate?
No. As a rule of thumb, you cannot become a teacher without a teaching certificate. Some states do offer alternative teacher certification and licensing programs that give you a path to become a teacher if you've earned at least a bachelor's degree in any subject. In all states you will need a teaching license in order to teach public schools, and in most private schools as well.
What type of teacher is most in demand?
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are content areas that are always in high demand. Additionally, ESL, social studies, and special education teaching are in high demand. Learn more about the types of teachers in highest demand.
State Licensure Details and Policies
How to become a teacher?
- Choose a specialty
- Earn a bachelor's degree
- Complete a student teaching program
- Meet other licensing requirements in your state
- Pass your required Praxis exam
- Find a position and begin teaching
What qualifications should a teacher have?
There a variety of qualifications that a teacher will need. Firstly, they will need a degree, to pass their Praxis exam, and meet any other state eligibilty qualifications to become licensed. Teachers also will need knowledge in their subject area, patience, understanding, great communication, and more.
Which certificate is best for teacher?
Each state has unique requirements for educator certification, and it's important to understand the educator licensure requirements in your state. WGU's School of Education online degree programs will help prepare you for teaching certification in any of the 50 states. Learn about teaching license requirements by state.
Can you get a teachers certificate online?
The online educator bachelor's degree programs in the School of Education at WGU include coursework and assessments, a preclinical experience that includes observation hours and teaching lessons, and Student Teaching. A bachelor's degree is required in every state in order to get a teaching license and teach in schools, so this is a critical first step.
