Online Schools for Becoming a Teacher: How to Choose

Online degree programs can prepare students to teach at K-12 schools as well as colleges. Aspiring students should consider the grade level and subject they wish to teach when choosing an online teaching program.

How to Select an Online Degree Program in Education

Award Levels and Subjects

Individuals interested in a teaching career should decide what grade level they wish to teach. Schooling for young children may be covered in an early childhood education degree program, while prospective high school teachers may enroll in a teaching program specific to a particular subject such as science or math. Bachelor's degree teaching programs typically prepare students for work in kindergarten through the 12th grade only. Teaching positions at postsecondary institutions usually require a graduate degree.

Program Type

Online programs in education may be offered fully online or in low-residency (hybrid) programs. Completely online programs provide course instruction though online e-learning platforms and generally don't require students to attend classes on campus. Students learn to develop their teaching curriculum through online guidance, participation and interaction though virtual field training programs and lectures.
Hybrid programs require students to spend at least part of the time on campus. Most online education programs require some amount of on-site attendance, usually for internships and other hands-on experiences. These practicum courses allow students to apply the skills they've learned in real classroom environments.

Technical Requirements

In order to participate in online programs, students require an Internet connection and a current Web browser. Software such as word processors, PDF readers and media players is needed to access course content. Students will also need some level of technical fluency to download, run and access these course materials.

List of Popular Online Degrees in Education

Online Bachelor of Science in Education

At least a bachelor's degree is required for most public and private school teaching positions in elementary, middle and high schools. An online bachelor degree program in education provides students with study of teaching methodology and theory as well as advanced courses in popular grade school level subjects such as English, mathematics or science. Some bachelor degree programs may also offer students courses that focus on teaching specialized groups such as young children or special needs children.
Students participate in online courses via streaming video and digital texts. Discussions with faculty and classmates are mediated through designated chat forums and virtual classroom programs like Blackboard.

Online Master of Science in Education

Graduates with a master's degree in education can work as teachers in K-12 schools and community colleges. A master's degree can also qualify one for some teaching positions at 4-year schools. The coursework focuses on subjects such as classroom management strategies, curriculum development, assessment and child psychology. An online master's degree program in education is open to students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree, either in education or other fields.
Students in a master's degree program focus on a subject area and broaden their knowledge in that area though researching and advanced level courses. In addition to successful completion of course material, students are required to complete a final exam and a certain number of hours of in-class field experience. Some programs may take as little as a year to complete, but most take over two years to finish.