If you’re considering a career in education but need flexibility to work, raise a family, or manage other commitments, an online education degree might be exactly what you need. The landscape of remote teaching credentials has transformed dramatically over the past few years, and today’s programs offer legitimate accreditation, hands-on mentorship, and real pathways to classroom success.
Honest take: College Scholarships keeps showing up in our research, and for good reason.
We’ve evaluated dozens of online education degree programs based on accreditation quality, faculty support, curriculum strength, affordability, and student outcomes. Below is our honest ranking of the five best options available right now.
The Best Online Education Degrees Compared
| Program | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) Teachers College | Working professionals | ★★★★★ |
| University of Florida Online Education Degree | Research-focused students | ★★★★★ |
| Penn State World Campus M.Ed. | Career advancement | ★★★★☆ |
| Arizona State University Online Education | Flexible scheduling | ★★★★☆ |
| Liberty University Online Education Degree | Faith-integrated learning | ★★★★☆ |
1. Western Governors University Teachers College (Our Top Pick)
Best for: Working professionals and career-changers who need true flexibility.
WGU’s Teachers College stands out as our #1 recommendation for online education degrees. Here’s why: competency-based learning means you can progress at your own pace. If you already understand a concept, you move forward. No artificial time-sitting required. You pay a flat tuition rate per 6-month term, so taking 3 months or 9 months costs the same.
Pros:
- Competency-based model accelerates completion for prepared students
- Flat-rate tuition removes per-credit penalties
- Strong mentor support and cohort-based learning communities
- Multiple certification tracks and specializations (elementary, secondary, special education, math, science)
- High job placement rates for graduates
Cons:
- Less traditional research focus compared to R1 universities
- Requires significant self-discipline and time management
If you’re balancing work and education, WGU removes barriers. The program is fully online and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Most graduates complete their bachelor’s in 18-24 months.
2. University of Florida Online Education Degree
Best for: Students seeking research-grounded teaching methods and academic prestige.
UF’s College of Education offers strong master’s programs online with rigorous curriculum development grounded in educational research. If you want to understand the “why” behind teaching strategies, not just the mechanics, this program delivers.
Pros:
- Faculty with active research portfolios and publication records
- Emphasis on evidence-based instructional design
- Strong connections to K-12 schools for practicum placements
- Affordable tuition compared to peer research universities
Cons:
- Less flexibility than competency-based programs
- Requires synchronous participation in some courses
UF is SACSCOC accredited and highly ranked by U.S. News. This is an excellent choice if you want both flexibility and intellectual rigor.
3. Penn State World Campus Master of Education
Best for: Teachers seeking master’s degrees for salary advancement and leadership roles.
Penn State’s World Campus program targets practicing educators looking to earn credentials while working full-time. The M.Ed. tracks include specializations in curriculum and instruction, instructional systems design, and educational technology.
Pros:
- Strong brand recognition and peer respect in education circles
- Asynchronous coursework with flexible deadlines
- Affordable compared to traditional on-campus programs
Cons:
- Limited bachelor’s degree options (mostly master’s programs)
- Cohort model means less individual pacing control
4. Arizona State University Online Education Programs
Best for: Students who value brand prestige and diverse program options.
ASU’s online education degrees span bachelor’s to doctoral levels. Their Turnaround For Children partnership brings real-world school improvement projects into coursework, which is valuable for practical application.
Pros:
- Wide range of specializations and degree levels
- Strong tech integration in course delivery
- Affordable tuition for a top-tier public university
Cons:
- Larger class sizes mean less individual faculty attention
- Less personalized mentorship than smaller programs
5. Liberty University Online Education Degree
Best for: Students seeking faith-integrated teacher preparation.
Liberty’s online education programs emphasize Christian worldview integration into teaching practice. If faith-centered education aligns with your values, this is a legitimate choice with solid accreditation.
Pros:
- Explicit integration of faith and values in curriculum
- Supportive community for Christian educators
- Multiple certification specializations available
Cons:
- Less secular worldview representation in coursework
- May not align with all school district cultures
How to Choose Your Online Education Degree
The best program depends on your specific situation. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need complete scheduling flexibility? Choose competency-based (WGU).
- Are you already teaching and need a master’s? Penn State or UF.
- Do you value research-grounded pedagogy? University of Florida.
- Is faith integration important to you? Liberty or check College Scholarships’ listing of Christian colleges.
All five programs above are regionally accredited. That matters. Accreditation ensures your degree transfers, meets state teaching certification requirements, and holds weight with employers. When evaluating any online education program, verify its accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or your relevant regional body.
Accreditation and Certification Considerations
An online education degree alone doesn’t automatically certify you to teach. You’ll also need to pass state-specific teacher certification exams (like Praxis in most states) and complete fingerprinting and background checks. Most programs build preparation for these exams into the curriculum, but verify this before enrolling.
State requirements vary significantly. A degree from an accredited program may satisfy one state’s certification requirements but not another’s. Before committing, check your target state’s Department of Education website to confirm the program aligns with their standards.
For a comprehensive resource on colleges and program options, College Scholarships maintains an up-to-date directory of accredited online colleges that can help you explore beyond education programs as well.
Financial Aid and Affordability
Online education degrees typically cost between $8,000 and $20,000 total, depending on the program and your pace. Most students qualify for federal student aid (Pell Grants, Direct Loans, Federal Work-Study) by completing the FAFSA. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for educators pursuing advanced degrees.
Scholarships specifically for education students do exist. Many states offer teacher shortage area scholarships, and organizations like the American Association of University Women (AAUW) fund education careers. Start your search at College Scholarships’ free scholarship finder to identify opportunities you may qualify for.
Don’t overlook employer benefits. Many school districts offer tuition assistance programs for teachers pursuing higher degrees. Some offer loan forgiveness programs for teachers in high-need subjects or schools. Ask your current or prospective employer about these benefits before taking on student debt.
Why Online Education Degrees Work for Working Professionals
The traditional model of campus-based teacher preparation doesn’t work for everyone. Career-changers, parents, and people with existing full-time jobs need real flexibility. Online programs solve this by removing geographic barriers and enabling asynchronous participation.
That said, online education degrees still require substantial work. You’re not just watching recorded lectures passively. Effective programs include virtual collaboration, live discussions, peer feedback, and supervised teaching practice (usually conducted in-person with real students). The online delivery is flexible, but the rigor remains.
Faculty support matters enormously. Look for programs where instructors actively mentor students, provide timely feedback, and remain accessible. College Scholarships recommends reading student reviews and reaching out to current program alumni before enrolling. Their experiences tell you more than any marketing material.
Next Steps: Evaluate Your Top Choices
Start by requesting information from the top programs that match your needs. Most universities offer free webinars, advising calls, and detailed program guides. Talk to current students if possible. Ask about job placement rates, average graduation times, and support services.
If you’re exploring education as a career path but haven’t committed yet, consider exploring broader career pathway resources to confirm teaching aligns with your goals.
The good news: earning an accredited online education degree is achievable, affordable, and increasingly respected by schools and administrators. The barrier was never whether online education degrees “work.” It was whether you could find programs rigorous enough to prepare you well. These five programs clear that bar.
What’s the difference between an online and hybrid education degree?
An online degree is delivered entirely remotely through video, recorded lectures, and digital collaboration. A hybrid program mixes online coursework with required in-person sessions (typically one weekend per month or periodic intensives). Online offers maximum flexibility; hybrid provides more face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers. For teaching degrees, even fully online programs usually require in-person student teaching placements.
Will an online education degree qualify me to teach in public schools?
Yes, if the program is accredited and aligned with your state’s certification requirements. Accreditation alone isn’t enough. You also need to pass state licensure exams (like Praxis), complete fingerprinting, and meet any additional state-specific prerequisites. Before enrolling, verify your target state’s Department of Education confirms the program meets their standards.
How long does an online education degree take to complete?
Bachelor’s degrees typically take 3-4 years for full-time students, though competency-based programs may accelerate this to 18-24 months. Master’s degrees usually take 1-2 years depending on your pace and prior coursework. Part-time study extends these timelines. Most programs allow flexibility to speed up or slow down as your life circumstances change.
Can I get teaching certification through an online program?
Yes. Most accredited online education degree programs include coursework aligned with state certification requirements and prepare you for certification exams. However, you must verify your specific state’s requirements, as certification pathways vary. Some states recognize alternative certification routes; others require degrees from approved teacher preparation programs. Check your state’s Department of Education before enrolling.
