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Key takeaway: Online education degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s (M.Ed./MAT), and doctoral (Ed.D./Ph.D.) level by accredited schools nationwide, preparing graduates to teach, design curriculum, and lead schools. Related occupations pay a median $40,090 to $105,870 a year, and education fields fill roughly 307,300 positions annually (BLS)1. Compare accredited programs below.
An Education degree is an academic program focused on teaching, learning theory, instructional design, and educational systems. Online Education degree programs deliver this coursework through digital learning platforms, combining asynchronous classes, scheduled virtual sessions, applied assignments, and supervised field experiences. Most teaching positions require state licensure, which typically involves passing the Praxis exams or equivalent state assessments.
These accredited schools offer online programs, report education completions, and are ordered by our independent BOC Score. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Can You Get An Education Degree Online? explains how accredited online education programs work, including specializations, cost, and salary outcomes.
Browse education programs by state ->
Online Education degrees focus on teaching methods, learning theory, curriculum design, and educational leadership. Coursework commonly includes instructional strategies, assessment, classroom management, and educational technology.
Online Education programs are commonly offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s (M.Ed. or MAT), and doctoral (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) levels. Bachelor’s programs typically require 120-128 credits, and master’s programs require 30-36 credits.
Many programs include supervised field experiences or practicum components. Student teaching placements are completed in approved educational settings regardless of delivery format. Most states require a minimum number of classroom observation and student teaching hours for licensure.
Common specializations include early childhood education, elementary or secondary education by subject area, special education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, reading and literacy, and TESOL or ESL. Availability varies by institution and degree level.
Yes. Most K-12 teaching positions require state licensure, which typically involves completing an accredited teacher preparation program, passing Praxis exams or state equivalents, and completing supervised student teaching hours. Requirements vary by state.
Students should verify institutional accreditation from a recognized regional accrediting body through the U.S. Department of Education database. Many education programs align with standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Higher degree levels open administrative and specialized roles, and credits and typical duration rise with each level.
| Degree Level | Credits | Typical Duration | Salary Range | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60-64 | 2 years | $30,000-$40,000 | Teacher aide, paraprofessional |
| Bachelor’s | 120-128 | 4 years | $50,000-$65,000 | Elementary teacher, middle school teacher, tutor |
| Master’s | 30-36 | 1.5-2 years | $65,000-$104,000 | Curriculum specialist, school administrator, counselor |
Salary ranges are approximate and reflect entry-level to mid-career earnings based on BLS data1 and program surveys.
A 4-year bachelor’s degree costs between $24,000 (public in-state) and $180,000 (private nonprofit) (NCES, IPEDS); many online programs charge the same rate regardless of residency. For lower-cost options and the full value discussion, see Affordable Education Programs and Is an Education Degree Worth It.
Education programs balance theory, research, and applied classroom practice, progressing from foundations of education and learning theory through instructional methods and lesson planning, assessment and evaluation, classroom management, educational technology, and educational leadership and policy. Most programs let you focus through a concentration – early childhood, elementary, secondary, special education, or educational leadership – before student teaching.
See the full breakdown on the Education Curriculum and Education Concentrations pages.
Education graduates apply their skills in public and private schools, colleges, community organizations, and corporate training environments. Teaching roles generally require a bachelor’s and state licensure; administrative and counseling roles typically require a master’s plus experience.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $64,580 | -1.6% | 66,200 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,340 | -2.0% | 91,000 |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 | -2.0% | 40,500 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $72,090 | 2.1% | 5,600 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% | 20,800 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $103,960 | 1.7% | 15,100 |
| Tutor | $40,090 | 0.6% | 37,100 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $65,140 | 3.5% | 31,000 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
State licensure is the standard gateway to a K-12 classroom – required to teach in public schools and widely expected by private schools. It has three common pillars: completing an accredited teacher preparation program, passing content and pedagogy exams (such as Praxis II and the Praxis PLT), and completing supervised student teaching hours. All states also require a background check and fingerprinting, and most require continuing education credits for renewal.
Administrative roles typically require additional certification and a master’s degree, and educational counselors may need licensure through their state’s counseling board.
Field experiences and student teaching are completed in approved local schools regardless of delivery format, so strong placement coordination and Praxis preparation matter when comparing programs.
Compare programs by level or specialty:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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