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Online Degrees

Part of Western Governors University

Teachers College ONLINE

Earn an online teaching degree from home.

CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Gold Standard

of Excellence

The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. WGU is the first competency-based online university to receive CAEP accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure.

AAQEP Accredited

The teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and that the program has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to continue to do so.

  • Teaching degrees recognized in any of the 50 states.

    You have a calling—to help students get the most out of their education. Make sure you get the most out of yours. Earn a teaching degree for about half* what you’d pay at other online universities. Our student obsession means you get flexibility, affordability, quality, and personalized support.

    Top 5 in STEM

    WGU leads the nation in producing STEM teachers—and as a member of 100Kin10, that focus remains strong.

    100K in 10. adding 100,000 excellent STEM teachers to America’s classrooms by 2021
CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Gold Standard

of Excellence

The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. WGU is the first competency-based online university to receive CAEP accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure.

AAQEP Accredited

The teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and that the program has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to continue to do so.

Compare degree options for aspiring teachers.

Elementary Education – B.A.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary...

An online teacher certification program for...

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: 60% of grads earned this degree within 36 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term.

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 includes courses in the foundations of teacher education, instructional planning and presentation, assessment, and classroom management. Core teacher education courses focus on diversity, disciplinary literacy, elementary education methods, and pedagogy. It 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.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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: 76% of grads earned this online biology degree within 42 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

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 includes online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, biology, pedagogy, and science education. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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: 71% of grads earned this online chemistry degree within 42 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

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 includes online classes in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, chemistry, pedagogy, and science education. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. Earn a chemistry degree online and be eligible for a teaching certification.

Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher...

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: 74% of graduates finish this online English degree program within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

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 secondary English MAT program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, English content, research, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Science Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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: 69% of grads earned this science teaching degree within 36 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

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 includes coursework in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, science, mathematics, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.

  • Time: 67% of grads finish similar programs in 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Educational psychology and human development
  • Schools as communities of care
  • Essential practices for supporting diverse learners
  • Creating and managing engaging learning environments
  • Special education practices
  • Management strategies for academic and social behavior
  • Assessment and evaluation procedures for special education
  • Disciplinary literacy
  • Special education methods
  • Using educational technology for teaching and learning

Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.

Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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.

(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. 

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 3½ years.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term.

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 prepares you to teach students with mild-to-moderate disabilities, with courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, assessment, and classroom management. Core elementary and special education courses focus on diversity, disciplinary literacy, elementary education methods, and special education topics such as law, assessment, and behavioral management. This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching. Compare B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate)

 

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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: 69% of grads earned this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 42 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

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 includes online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, earth sciences, pedagogy, and science education. It 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.

Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher...

An online master's of arts in education degree...

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: 67% of graduates finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

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 includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics content, instructional planning and presentation, elementary education methods, and effective teaching practices. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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: 71% of grads earned this degree within 42 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term.

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 includes courses in the foundations of teaching, general education, mathematics content, math education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It 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.

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle...

An online teacher certification program for...

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: 61% of grads earned this degree within 30 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term.

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 online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, science, mathematics, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It 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.

Need a Bachelor's Degree in Education?

Learn about the bachelor's degree in education programs available at WGU that prepare you for education licensure. Pursue your dream career by earning a bachelor's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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: 67% of grads earned this online physics degree within 36 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

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 includes online courses in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, physics, pedagogy, and science education. It 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.

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher...

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: 66% of graduates finish this high school math teaching degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

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 includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

It 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.

Special Education (Mild to Moderate) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching degree and teacher...

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.

This special education bachelor's degree program will help you prepare for an exciting future helping exceptional students. 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.

  • Time: 62% of grads finish similar online teaching degree programs within 3½ years.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,770 per 6-month term.

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 coursework and assessments tailor-made for future teachers who are committed to working with students who have mild to moderate learning exceptionalities. It offers deep engagement in serving special education students and leads to your K–12 special education license in states that do not require dual elementary-ed and special-ed licensure. It also 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.

Compare B.A. Special Education (K–12)

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher...

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: 70% of graduates finish this middle school math teaching degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

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 includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It 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.

Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification...

An online master's teaching degree and teacher...

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: 69% of graduates finish this secondary science teaching degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

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 graduate-level secondary science teaching program includes the following areas of coursework: foundations of teaching, science education, pedagogy, field experience, research, and a teacher performance assessment. It 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.

Need a Master's Degree in Teaching?

If you're a current or aspiring teacher that already has a bachelor's degree, a Master of Arts in Teaching can help you get the education licensure you need for classroom credentials. 

Ready to become a licensed teacher?

Learn about teacher licensure requirements in your state.

View state licensure info

Compare degree options for current teachers and others.

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle and high school students.

  • Time: 74% of grads earned this degree within 2 years.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • College geometry
  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Calculus III
  • Mathematics learning and teaching
  • Probability and statistics I
  • Probability and statistics II
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Geometry for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Statistics and probability for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Mathematics history and technology
  • Mathematics content knowledge
  • Mathematical modeling and applications
  • Linear algebra
  • Abstract algebra
  • Advanced calculus
  • Teacher performance assessment

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching science to middle school students.

Available in all states that offer a middle-grades general science endorsement.

  • Time: 76% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • General science
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Ecology
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.

English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement Preparation Program

An online program for currently licensed elementary and...

An online program for currently licensed...

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings.

Become highly qualified in ELL or ESL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

  • Time: 80% of grads finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework you will complete in this program:

  • Culture
  • Language production, theory, and acquisition
  • Theories of second language acquisition and grammar
  • Planning, implementing, and managing instruction
  • Assessment theory and practice
  • Professional role of the ELL teacher
  • ELL-specific pedagogy
  • Field experience in a K–12 classroom that serves English language learners

Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.

Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 88% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • General science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.

English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal includes a focus on teaching in ELL or ESL settings.

  • Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Culture
  • Language production, theory, and acquisition
  • Theories of second language acquisition and grammar
  • Planning, implementing, and managing instruction
  • Assessment theory and practice
  • Professional role of the ELL teacher
  • ELL-specific pedagogy
  • Research foundations
  • Other courses, including a field experience in a K–12 classroom that serves English language learners.

Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.

Mathematics Education (K–6) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.

  • Time: 79% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Number sense and functions
  • Graphing, proportional reasoning, and equations/inequalities
  • Geometry and statistics
  • Finite mathematics
  • Research foundations, questions and literature review, design and analysis, and proposals
  • Portfolio oral defense
  • Capstone project

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching biology to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 79% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.

Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.

An online master's degree for those who have educational...

An online master's degree for those who have...

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and are looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.

  • Time: 72% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Curriculum theory and development
  • Instructional theory
  • Research fundamentals

Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.

Instructional Design – M.Ed.

An online master's degree for current teachers and others...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers and others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on designing top-notch curriculum.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 87% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Instructional design
  • Research fundamentals
  • Measurement and evaluation

Improve teaching, training and learning. Learn to build better curriculum with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 85% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • General science
  • Mathematics
  • Geoscience
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.

Educational Leadership – M.S.

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.

  • Time: 73% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,935 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • Process management
  • Strategic planning
  • Performance excellence
  • Governance, finance, law, and leadership
  • Measurement, analysis, and knowledge management
  • Workforce focus
  • Other courses, including a capstone project and a series of performance tasks to take place under the leadership of a practicing state licensed school principal or assistant principal in a practicum school site (K–12). 

Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree. 

States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

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: 82% of grads earned this degree within 2 years.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

  • College algebra
  • Finite mathematics
  • Trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • Mathematics learning and teaching
  • College geometry
  • Probability and statistics I
  • Middle school mathematics content knowledge
  • Calculus I
  • Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
  • Mathematics history and technology
  • Research foundations
  • Teacher performance assessment

Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.

Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to...

An online master's degree for current teachers...

An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching chemistry to middle or high school students.

  • Time: 79% of grads earned this degree within 24 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Areas of study in this program include:

  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Science education
  • Teacher performance assessment

Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.

Learning and Technology – M.Ed.

An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking...

An online master's degree for current teachers or...

An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on integrating technology with instructional design principles.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 73% of grads earned this degree within 18 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $3,635 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

  • Instructional design
  • Research fundamentals
  • Technology integration

Harness the power of technology to teach more kids in better ways with this education master's degree.

Need a Master's Degree in Education?

A Master of Arts in Education or M.Ed degree can be a great choice if you are a current teacher, or someone who is interested in getting involved in education. Learn more about M.Ed degrees to decide if it's the right fit for you.

WGU graduates loved their experience.

 Hear from WGU Teacher College graduates and see how they feel about their educational experience. 

How to become a teacher

Considering a career in the classroom.

Teachers are role models who truly make a difference to their young students. But teaching is much more than helping kids learn to read and do math. Teachers change lives, and it takes a special kind of person to be an outstanding teacher.

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.

Is now still a good time to become a teacher?

Discover why you should still pursue an education degree amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Learn why it's a good time to become a teacher
$4,000 Become a Teacher Scholarships available.

America’s students need you.

There’s never been a better time to become a teacher. With so many schools changing the way they deliver education—online, in-person, or a combination—the demand for licensed teachers has grown dramatically. 

Plus, if you apply now, you can take advantage of the special Become a Teacher Scholarship. This scholarship awards recipients $2,500 ($625 per six-month term for up to four terms) and an additional $1,500 stipend during student teaching. 

"Don't stand in my way."

Brittany Pierce wanted to be pushed beyond what she knew from years of teaching. She came to WGU prepared to work hard, using the ability to accelerate through her program to her advantage, and graduated in 11 months. Brittany talks about using lessons from her coursework in the M.A. Science Education program in her own classroom the very next day, and she says completing her program quickly took focus and self-motivation.

What we see in Brittany is what we see in all WGU Night Owls: passion, persistence, and commitment to achieve a goal.

We consistently evaluate ourselves, based on the performance of graduates of the Teachers College.

Teachers College Performance

Teachers College FAQs.

Yes. It is possible to get a teaching degree online. Many universities offer accredited online programs where students can earn a bachelor's or master's degree in teaching. Often, students are also required to complete observation hours and demonstrate teaching experience at a local school. At universities like WGU, students are worked with individually and paired with a suitable school for this commitment.

Online bachelor's degrees cost on average $38,000 to more than $60,000 in total cost. Some online universities allow students to finish quickly while paying less. At WGU, for example, students are charged per six-month term instead of per credit. This means they often can finish their degrees in somewhere between 6 and 24 months. Total cost to earn a teaching degree from WGU ranges from $3,770 to $15,080, with cost varying depending on how many terms a student takes to finish their degree.

Through most online programs, it takes roughly two to four years to earn a teaching degree. Many programs require a final project, thesis, and teaching experience as part of a capstone course before a degree is granted. Some universities, like WGU, allow students to complete a degree in 36 months on average through term-based tuition and a competency-based model.

A bachelor's degree is the minimum education required to become a licensed teacher in every state. These teaching degrees require approximately 120 credits and take about four years to complete. However, an online degree may allow you to accelerate your program and graduate faster. Graduates can go on to teach in early childhood programs, public schools, and private schools.

Teaching degrees open many career pathways. Most online teaching degrees are designed to lead to licensure, or add an endorsement to an existing license, so the most direct career pathway is working as a classroom teacher. Professional offerings include preparation for positions as a school administrator, curriculum specialist/designer, instructional designer, and technology specialist.

Further positions within the education world that may be open to those with a degree in teaching include: guidance counselor, instructional coach, positions within the Department of Education, school administrator, educational consultant, college or university academic advisor, school librarian, school technology specialist, private tutor, museum educator, after-school program coordinator, or positions within educational tools companies – i.e. textbook companies and companies that develop educational resources.

In addition to becoming a teacher, an education degree could put you on a path to these careers. Keep in mind that they may also require additional training:

  • Education consultant
  • Juvenile corrections worker
  • School psychologist
  • Guidance counselor
  • Career counselor
  • Child life specialist
  • Recruiter or admission counselor
  • Family counselor

There are many different types of degrees and certifications you can get in education. At the most basic level, they include the following:

  • Certificate in Teaching and Education
  • Associate Degree in Teaching and Education
  • Bachelor Degree in Teaching and Education
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)—These degree programs typically lead to initial licensure
  • Master of Science in Education (M.Ed)—These degree programs typically are for advanced education positions, not teaching
  • Doctoral Degree in Teaching and Education

You can get subject-specific teaching degrees in several different areas—for instance in science education, math education, or special education.

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Discover which WGU program is the path to your unique career goals.

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*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 57% the national average, compared to national rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science, Nursing Prelicensure program.