If you have a passion for knowledge and a drive to help students, pursuing a major in education can be a practical career choice. An online teaching program gives you the skills to teach K-12 students, including lesson planning, classroom management, and educational technology. Many programs lead to state licensure, preparing you to get into the classroom as quickly as possible. Learn more about the best online teaching degrees, including our ranking of top programs.
Why Earn Your Teaching Degree Online
- Convenience: An online teaching degree doesn't require you to travel to campus, and you can complete your classwork during the week when it is convenient for you.
- Geared toward working teachers: Many programs allow you to complete required practicum hours at your current school.
- More affordable: An online degree can help you save on education-related expenses such as transportation and childcare.
Top 5 Schools for Online Bachelor's in Teaching Degrees
Why Accreditation Matters for Teaching
Accreditation ensures that schools and programs meet high standards and prepare students for their careers. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the primary accrediting body for educator preparation programs.
CAEP accreditation ensures a program meets strict criteria, evaluated on curriculum, faculty, and resources. It's possible that a degree program accredited by CAEP can add credibility to your resume. But, it's not required for most teaching jobs.
How Do Online Teaching Programs Work?
Online teaching degrees allow you to earn a degree without visiting campus for classes. However, you'll still need to complete some requirements in-person, like your student-teaching practicum. Some programs may also include occasional campus meetings where you'll meet with faculty and complete in-person learning activities.
If you already work at a school, many programs allow you to complete your student teaching at your place of employment. Your program can also help connect you to other teaching opportunities in your own community. Some programs are specifically designed to serve working teachers and may require you to work at a K-12 school in order to apply.
The best online teaching programs should prepare you to earn a state-issued teaching credential. In some instances, you may be able to complete an online degree in one state to receive a teaching license in another. However, not all education licensing requirements transfer between all states, and you should always make sure your program meets state licensure standards.
Is an Online Teaching Degree Worth It?
$43,570
Average starting salary for education majors
-1%
Projected job growth for K-12 teachers (2023-33)
Most teachers enter the field to serve students rather than to earn a large paycheck. Starting salaries for education majors aren't quite as high as those in career fields like business administration or information technology. However, with more experience, teachers can see their earnings grow. According to Payscale data from February 2025, midcareer teachers earn an average annual salary of around $54,000, while late-career teachers make around $69,000.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for K-12 teachers to grow slower than average from 2023-2033, largely due to declining birth rates. However, school districts will always need to hire teachers, and earning one of the best online teaching degrees can make you more competitive for jobs. Attending grad school for a master's in teaching or educational administration can also help you increase your job prospects in the field.