Online Teacher Certification and Licensure
Learn about teaching certification requirements and how you can get a teaching license in your state.
If you're looking to make a difference for students and your community, earning a teaching degree from WGU is a great way to achieve your goal. Our online educator degrees give you important skills and credentials that prepare you for teacher licensure and a career in the classroom.
WGU’s Teachers College is committed to helping educators pursue teaching degrees that will aid them in improving student outcomes. Our online teaching degree programs are designed to help you be equipped for the challenges of the classroom, and be eligible to obtain your educator certification. To ensure that our graduates are ready to help students learn, our Teachers College is accredited at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Each state has unique requirements for certificates, and it's important to understand the educator licensure requirements in your state. WGU's Teachers College online degree programs will help prepare you for teaching certification in any of the 50 states. Learn about teaching license requirements by state.
Educator licensure requirements vary depending on state laws, but typically include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree program
- Submission of transcripts
- Completion and clearance of a background check
- Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests
WGU education degrees that prepare you for a teacher's license in any state.
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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)
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Teachers College
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.
Educator license information by state/territory.
Alabama
For the most current information about a teaching degree in Alabama, please check the Alabama Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Alaska
For the most current information about a teaching degree in Alaska, please check the Alaska Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
American Samoa
Institutional Authorization
American Samoa does not regulate distance education. Therefore, approval for WGU to offer distance education programs to students located in American Samoa is not required.
Educational Prerequisites
The American Samoa Department of Education requires prospective educators to complete an American Samoa approved program. Prospective educators may not complete a program that is out-of-state, like at WGU. In addition, educators may not transfer a license from another state using any pathway.
For this reason, WGU’s programs do not meet any of the educational prerequisites for licensure in the field of education in American Samoa. Candidates interested in teaching in American Samoa may consult the American Samoa Department of Education website.
Candidates will not be accepted for enrollment in WGU’s education programs if they are seeking a license in American Samoa.
Consumer Complaint Information
Students can refer to this information regarding the complaint process for those attending WGU in American Samoa.
Arizona
For the most current information about a teaching degree in Arizona, please check the Arizona Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Arkansas
For the most current information about a teaching degree in Arkansas, please check the Arkansas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
California
For the most current information about a teaching degree in California, please check the California Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Colorado
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in the state of Colorado, please check the Colorado Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Connecticut
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Connecticut, please check the Connecticut Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Delaware
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher Delaware, please check the Delaware Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
District of Columbia
For further details on DC teacher certification requirements, please see the DC Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Florida
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Florida, please check the Florida Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Georgia
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Georgia, please check the Georgia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Guam
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Guam, please check the Guam Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Hawaii
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Hawaii, please check the Hawaii Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Idaho
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Idaho, please check the Idaho Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Illinois
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Illinois, please check the Illinois Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Indiana
For more information, please visit in the Indiana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Iowa
For more information, please visit in the Iowa Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Kansas
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Kansas, please check the Kansas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Kentucky
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Kentucky, please check the Kentucky Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Louisiana
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Louisiana, please check the Louisiana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Maine
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Maine, please check the Maine Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Maryland
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Maryland, please check the Maryland Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Massachusetts
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Massachusetts, please check the Massachusetts Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Michigan
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Michigan, please check the Michigan Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Minnesota
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Minnesota, please check the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Mississippi
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Mississippi, please check the Mississippi Teacher Licensure article in the Student Handbook.
Missouri
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Missouri, please check the Missouri Teacher Licensure article in the Student Handbook.
Montana
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Montana, please check the Montana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Nebraska
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Nebraska, please check the Nebraska Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Nevada
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Nevada, please check the Nevada Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
New Hampshire
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in New Hampshire, please check the New Hampshire Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
New Jersey
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in New Jersey, please check the New Jersey Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
New Mexico
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New Mexico, please check the New Mexico Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
New York
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in New York, please check the New York Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
North Carolina
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in North Carolina, please check the North Carolina Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
North Dakota
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in North Dakota, please check the North Dakota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Northern Mariana Islands
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Northern Mariana Islands, please check the Northern Mariana Islands Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Ohio
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Ohio, please check the Ohio Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Oklahoma
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in the state of Oklahoma, please check the Oklahoma Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Oregon
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Oregon, please check the Oregon Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Pennsylvania
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Pennsylvania, please check the Pennsylvania Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Puerto Rico
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Puerto Rico, please check the Puerto Rico Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Rhode Island
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Rhode Island, please check the Rhode Island Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
South Carolina
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in South Carolina, please check the South Carolina Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
South Dakota
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in South Dakota, please check the South Dakota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Tennessee
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Tennessee, please check the Tennessee Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Texas
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Texas please check the Texas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Utah
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in Utah, please check the Utah Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Vermont
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Vermont, please check the Vermont Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Virgin Islands
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in the Virgin Islands, please check the Virgin Islands Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Virginia
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Virginia, please check the Virginia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Washington
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Washington, please check the Washington Teacher Licensure student handbook article.
West Virginia
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in West Virginia, please check the West Virginia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Wisconsin
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a licensed teacher in the state of Wisconsin, please check the Wisconsin Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Wyoming
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Wyoming, please check the Wyoming Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Frequently asked questions about state educator licenses.
What is a teaching certification?
A teacher certification, also called a teaching license, is the credential an educator needs to be able to instruct students. All states require teaching certification for educators to work in public schools, and most private schools also prefer to higher certified teachers. Teachers can be certified for certain grade levels, like elementary school (K-6), middle school, or high school. Teachers also can get teaching licensure for specific subjects, like math, English, or certain science courses.
How long do teaching licenses last?
A teaching license typically lasts 5 years before a renewal is required. Exact timing may vary by state. Teachers who have let their teaching license lapse may be able to apply to get their teacher licensure reinstated. In most states continuing education courses are required to renew your teaching license. The exact number of hours and type of courses will vary based on your state. Your state board of education can help you get further information about teaching license renewal.
Can I teach without a teacher's license?
States do not allow educators to teach in public schools without a teaching certificate. Some private schools may allow students to teach without a teaching license, but most prefer to hire teachers who have obtained their teaching certification. Some states may have alternative routes to teaching licensure that allow those without a teaching bachelor's degree to pursue teaching licensure, but for many states a licensing degree program is the best route to become a teacher.
Can I transfer my license to another state?
States all have their own unique requirements for teacher licensure, but most have reciprocity agreements to allow currently licensed teachers to transfer their teaching credentials to a new state. Teachers may have to meet some additional state requirements in order to get their teaching license moved to another state, but for most states transferring teacher licensure is fairly straightforward. Work with your new state board of education to learn how to transfer your teaching license.
Can you get certified to teach without a degree in education?
Yes. In some states it is possible to become a teacher without an education degree. Keep in mind that this is not a possibility in every state. Be sure to check with your state's department of education for the most up to date information and teaching requirements. In general, an education degree is a good idea as it will open up more doors of opportunity. Earning this degree online will give you flexibility and perhaps allow you to graduate more quickly.
What certifications do you need to become a teacher?
Each state has unique certification requirements, tests, and licenses for teachers. Be sure to check with your state's board of education to ensure you understand and meet the requirements to become a teacher in your specific state.
How do I get my teaching certificate if I already have a degree?
If you already have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in teaching may be the best way to prepare for teacher licensure. If you already have a master's degree, you can still pursue a second master's degree to become a licensed teacher.
What is the difference between a certified teacher and a licensed teacher?
A certified teacher is also known as a licensed teacher. This means that an educator with a degree and a teaching certificate is a certified and licensed teacher. To teach in a public school, you must be a licensed teacher, meaning you have a teaching certificate that you received after completing an education degree.
Can you be a teacher without a teaching certificate?
No. As a rule of thumb, you cannot become a teacher without a teaching certificate. Some states do offer alternative teacher certification programs that give you a path to become a teacher if you've earned at least a bachelor's degree in any subject. In all states you will need a teaching license in order to teach public schools, and in most private schools as well.
State licensure details and policies
Licensure Information
In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, and the Code of Federal Regulations, Western Governors University provides the following information relating to professional licensure/certification.
The following programs are not intended to lead to a professional license in any state or territory:
- Master of Education, Instructional Design
- Master of Education, Learning and Technology
- Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Arts, Mathematics Education (K-6)
WGU’s programs are designed to meet the educational prerequisites for licensure using the pathways indicated in each disclosure. However, the decision whether to grant a license by reciprocity or by direct licensure is subject to a final determination by the individual state or territorial licensing agency. Additionally, requirements are subject to modification by states and territories. If you have questions about licensure you can contact WGU’s licensure department at licensure@wgu.edu.
Consumer Complaint Information
The process by which students can register complaints under the consumer complaint process can be found at these links:
WGU’s main office is located in Utah. Information regarding the complaint process in Utah can be found at this link.
Information regarding any adverse actions by any state or any accrediting agency involving WGU can be found in the Consumer Complaint Process.
Refund Policy
Refund policies for WGU students for the return of unearned tuition and fees can be found at these links:
Title IV Notice
Notice regarding changing state of residence: A student who changes his or her state of residence while enrolled in a program may become ineligible for Title IV Higher Education Act funding if the change in residence results in a student participating in a program in a state in which WGU does not meet licensure or certification requirements in that new state of residence. For more information, please contact WGU’s licensure department at licensure@wgu.edu.
If you have other questions, please contact authorization@wgu.edu.
"No determination" Status
The primary purpose of the disclosure requirements contained in the Code of Federal Regulations is to assist students in making informed decisions on how best to spend their limited funds available for higher education.
Before completing any disclosure for a WGU program which may lead to licensure, our team reviews carefully the state, district, or territory requirements to qualify for licensure. We also review the history of our graduates to ensure that graduates have succeeded in licensing in any specific jurisdiction. Even when a program meets the statutory and administrative requirements, we assess whether any of our graduates has had any challenges before obtaining a license.
In programs where we have had a limited number of graduates apply for licensure after completing a specific program, in a particular state, district, or territory, we reserve our decision on informing potential students that our programs “meet the requirements” for licensure until we are confident that our program has helped enough students to achieve success to allow them to rely on that information in making the important decision about using their limited funds to attend our program.
The presence of a “no determination” status in our disclosure means: 1) upon successful completion of all course requirements as detailed in the WGU student handbook for a degree, you will receive your degree from WGU; 2) we will assist you in the process of applying for licensure and work with you to resolve challenges you may face in qualifying for a license in your chosen profession.