DEGREES & PROGRAMS
Online Teacher Certification Programs and Degrees
What Is a Teacher Licensure Program?
WGU shares your passion for education, and is dedicated to helping students become the educators in their own classrooms. Our online teaching degrees have led to more than 10,000 students becoming educators themselves. WGU offers online teaching degree programs that prepare you for a license—you can choose between online bachelor's degrees and online master's degrees that will help you get your educator certification.
Below is the standard process for earning your initial teaching license through the WGU Teachers College. Get answers to all your questions and learn the process of earning an online teaching degree and being prepared for a teaching certification.
WGU offers two types of programs that lead to an initial teaching license—bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Bachelor's degree programs are for students who do not have an undergraduate degree and want to become a licensed teacher. These programs prepare you for the classroom and ensure you are eligible for obtaining a teaching license in your state. Master's degrees (Master of Arts in Teaching or MAT) programs that lead to an initial teaching license. If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, the MAT programs allow you to get a master's degree AND qualify for a teaching license in your state.
Bachelor's Degrees Leading to Licensure
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: $3,575 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 demonstration 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: $3,575 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 demonstration 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: $3,575 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 demonstration teaching. This science teaching degree prepares you to be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.
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: $3,575 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 demonstration teaching. This online math teaching degree program helps students become eligible for math teaching certification.
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: $3,575 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
- 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 demonstration 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: 63% of grads earned this online biology degree within 31 months.
- Tuition: $3,575 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
- 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 demonstration 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: 66% of grads earned this online chemistry degree within 32 months.
- Tuition: $3,575 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
- 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 demonstration teaching. Earn a chemistry degree online and be eligible for a teaching certification.
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: $3,575 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
- 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 demonstration teaching. Graduates of this online teaching degree program will be eligible for 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: 62% of grads earned this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 29 months.
- Tuition: $3,575 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.
- 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 demonstration teaching. This high school teaching degree program prepares you for teaching licensure 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: $3,575 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 Demonstration Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.
Master's Degrees Leading to Licensure (MAT Programs)
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: $3,590 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
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: $3,590 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 demonstration teaching.
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: $3,590 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 demonstration 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
Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 66% of graduates finish this middle school math teaching degree within 24 months.
- Tuition: $3,590 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 22 total courses in this program.
Candidates for this master's in math education degree often include:
- Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license
- Substitute teachers
- Career-changers with a passion for math
- School paraprofessionals
- Others who feel the call to teach
This M.A. Teaching program in middle grades math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time 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. The curriculum of this online math degree is designed to prepare middle school math teachers for success.
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: $3,590 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 demonstration teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.
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: $3,590 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.
Steps to Becoming a Certified, Licensed Teacher
1a. Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
The online educator bachelor's degree programs in the Teachers College at WGU include coursework and assessments, a preclinical experience that includes observation hours and teaching lessons, and Demonstration Teaching (also called student teaching, explained in step 5). 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.
1b. Complete a licensing master's degree program if you already have a bachelor's degree.
If you already possess a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching field, WGU’s online teaching master's degrees are a great fit for you. The Master of Arts in Teaching programs prepare students for teaching certification—getting them ready to work in schools. These teacher certification programs qualify you to become licensed in the field of your choice (such as elementary education, secondary mathematics, science, etc.), training you to become a highly qualified teacher. These online teaching degree programs include supervised practice teaching (see step 5, Demonstration Teaching) in an actual school setting.
2. Pass a background check.
WGU requires all candidates for a teacher certification program to provide the university with verification of a cleared background check prior to entering schools for preclinical experiences and Demonstration Teaching. Previously completed background checks may not satisfy WGU background check requirements. In some states, more than one background check may be required. In addition, most states require that applicants for teacher certification complete a background check for the Department of Education prior to submitting all application paperwork. This is a necessary precaution designed to prevent those who may pose a danger to the students in the classroom from pursuing a teaching career. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in preclinical experiences and Demonstration Teaching.
3. Pass basic skills, content, and pedagogy exams.
Each state has specific testing requirements that must be met or completed in addition to completing your teaching degree at WGU. WGU requires students to complete and pass:
- Basic Skills Exam: Pass the Basic Skills Exam required by your state for certification, or a designated Basic Skills Exam if your state does not require one.
- Content Exam: You must pass the designated Content Exam(s) required by your state in order to graduate with your online teaching degree.
- WGU Program Exam: WGU also requires you to pass a specific Praxis exam to graduate from your online teaching degree (with the exception of Elementary programs), often in addition to any teaching certification exam required by your state.
- Pedagogy Exam: Finally, some states require the completion of a Pedagogy Exam, which assesses your knowledge of teaching methods.
4. Complete preclinical experiences as part of your program.
In preparation for your formal Demonstration Teaching (described in step 5 below), you will complete preclinical experiences designed to introduce you to the classroom through a series of activities, including observations and lesson planning. Working under the guidance of a WGU Placement Specialist, you will be asked to make arrangements with a local school to complete these activities.
5. Complete a term of in-classroom student teaching (Demonstration Teaching) with an educator.
Demonstration Teaching (or student teaching) is a critical component of teaching degree programs. This in-classroom experience is invaluable in helping to integrate the academic knowledge and teaching skills you learn in these education programs into a practical application that will prepare you to tackle the challenges of your own classroom with confidence.
Demonstration Teaching (DT) at WGU covers the competencies required for in-classroom proficiency. DT is a full-time, supervised, in-classroom experience of a minimum of 12–20 weeks. During Demonstration Teaching, you will be hosted by an experienced teacher. You will undergo a series of at least six observations by a Clinical Supervisor and also receive evaluations from your Host Teacher to evaluate your performance based on accepted professional standards.
As you approach your Demonstration Teaching, a WGU Placement Specialist will work with you to set up your placement. The process of scheduling your DT placement may take up to six months. You may be required to assist in the process of setting up your placement. In some cases, you may be required to commute up to two hours (or in rare cases longer than this). Note that students are not permitted to work during their Demonstration Teaching experience. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in preclinical experiences or Demonstration Teaching.
Demonstration Teaching may not be waived and prior experience may not be used to satisfy this requirement as you must demonstrate competency in the classroom in order to complete teaching programs at WGU. This experience is critical to your online teaching degree and teacher certificate.
6. Meet any additional state certification requirements.
Some states have additional requirements for teaching certification, such as coursework not included in WGU programs, CPR Certification, or Workshops. To learn more about your state’s requirements for a teacher license, click here.
Teacher Licensure and Certification Specialties
When you choose a a degree with a teaching license, you'll also need to choose grade levels and subjects that you want to focus on as part of your learning. There are many specialties you can choose from and it's important to understand the outcome of each before deciding. The specialties you can choose from include:
Grade Level
- Elementary Education (K-6)
- Middle School (6-8)
- Junior High School (7-9)
- High School (9-12)
- All Grade Levels (K-12)
Subject
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Physics
- English
Diverse Students
- Special Education
- English Second Language or English Language Learning
- Special Education and Elementary Education Dual License
Accredited and Recognized
The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation for its programs from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077.
Every education program offered through the WGU Teachers College has been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through 2025.
As a proud member of 100Kin10, WGU joins nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and foundations to combat challenges and prepare more teachers for STEM teaching positions nationwide.
Learn About a Career in Education
Why Choose WGU For Your Teacher Licensure Program?
WGU is a great fit for your online degree in education for many reasons, including:
- Low, flat-rate tuition means that you're charged the same amount per six-month term, regardless of how many classes you take.
- Competency-based education means you can use your knowledge to your advantage, accelerating your program and graduating faster. Graduating faster also saves you money.
- We offer scholarships and financial aid to help with our already affordable tuition, making college education accessible for even more students.
- Respected and accredited programs ensure that your education degree is meaningful for you as a teacher.
Prepare for a Teaching License
These bachelor's and master's programs at WGU lead to certification in any of the 50 states. Students can learn their state-specific criteria for teacher licensure and see what additional steps they need to take after earning their degree. Typically students need to pass a background check, pass a Praxis exam, and have a certain number of in-classroom hours.
Demonstration Teaching
Students in the teacher licensure programs at WGU have a set amount of in-classroom experience time they must have to graduate. Preclinical experiences and demonstration teaching ensure that WGU students have been observed in a classroom environment and are able to earn their teaching license. Your Program Mentor will help you learn about setting up your demonstration teaching.
FAQs about Teacher Licensure
- WGU's Teacher Licensure Program
- Accreditation
- Teaching Certification
