Teacher licensure requirements are set by each state, so check your state’s requirements before choosing a program.
Finding time to fit in all this learning can be challenging, especially if you are working part-time or full-time. Online degree programs can be a flexible way to advance one’s education while you keep working. Whether you are an aspiring teacher seeking the credentials to start your career or an educator trying to make the leap into administration to enact change, Teach.com has the resources to assist you in achieving your goals.
Types of online degrees for teachers
Depending on how far you want to take your career in education, there are a variety of degree options that can help you. For those looking to make a difference in the classroom and positively affect students’ lives, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Science in Teaching, or a Master of Education (ME) might be a study option. For those looking to address change at a higher level or contribute to education administration, a Doctorate in Education might be the right fit. Some schools offer these degrees online, which can be a convenient option for full-time employees who cannot take time away from work to attend school. Confirm the format and licensure outcomes with each program.
Learn a little more about each degree option below:
Online Doctorate in Education (EdD)
For people in the education sector who work full-time but want to strengthen their credentials for career advancement, particularly toward a role in leadership, administration or policy, an online EdD may be a strong option.
Online Master of Science in Teaching (MST)
An online Master of Science in Teaching (MST) is one of several teaching-focused graduate degrees. Program focus varies by school, so check whether a program leads to licensure in your state before you apply.
Master of Education (ME)
An online Master of Education (ME) is a graduate degree in education, and program focus varies by school. Pacific Lutheran University’s catalog, for example, describes its M.Ed. as serving current educators and related professionals. Online ME programs are sometimes abbreviated MEd.
Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online)
The Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) is a teaching-focused graduate degree. Towson University’s graduate catalog, for example, describes its MAT as intended for people without formal training in education who are seeking initial professional licensure. Specializations and licensure outcomes vary by program, so compare them before you choose.
The online education experience
How the classroom experience works in an online degree
Many people might assume that an online degree is an impersonal approach to education, featuring less interaction with peers and professors, but this is not always the case. In many ways, a high-quality online experience can feel a lot like a traditional one. Features such as live-class size, learning platforms and tech support vary by school, so confirm them with each program. Some elements of an online education experience include:
- Virtual live classes using a webcam
- A learning management system for discussions and assignment access
- Interactive course content
- Access to tech support to assist learners
Synchronous learning
Online programs may offer synchronous classes that meet live at set times, asynchronous courses you complete on your own schedule, or a combination of both. Ask which format each program uses and how often you would be expected to attend live sessions.
Access to tech support
Check what tech support a program offers, particularly given the time-sensitive nature of many assignments and the complexities of navigating a learning management system.
Offline and mobile access
Ask whether coursework and lectures can be reached from a phone or tablet and whether course materials can be used offline through a mobile app, since mobile access can give you greater flexibility in your learning experience.
Small virtual classrooms
Live-class size varies by program. Ask how many students join each live session and how often you would meet face to face with the course professor.
Careers in education
Many careers fall within the education field.
Beyond traditional roles such as teachers and school administrators, those interested in making a difference in education can also pursue careers as library and media specialists, school counselors, and more.
Careers in teaching
Median pay differs by teaching level. Here are a few examples of the national median annual wage for teachers across all industries, based on May 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Medians cover all experience levels, so pay in your state, district or school can differ.
Learn more about becoming a teacher and degree options for teachers.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten teachers, except special education | $62,680 |
| Elementary school teachers, except special education | $63,970 |
| Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education | $64,370 |
| Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education | $72,040 |
| Special education teachers | $67,170 |
Careers in school administration
School administrators, such as principals, plan, direct and coordinate the academic, administrative and support operations of K–12 schools, according to O*NET. To get a better grasp on what a career in school administration might look like, here are national median annual wages for school administrators as of May 2025, from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (all industries).
Learn more about becoming a school administrator, public administration programs, or online Doctorate of Education degree programs that might help you.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary | $105,870 |
| Education administrators, all other | $95,200 |
Careers in school libraries
School librarians are a vital part of the education system. Pay differs by industry, as these examples show. Here are median annual wages for librarians and media collections specialists as of May 2025, by industry, from BLS OEWS industry data:
Learn more about becoming a school librarian and master of library and information science programs.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| School librarians (elementary and secondary schools, all ownerships) | $74,130 |
| Local government librarians (excluding schools and hospitals) | $62,860 |
| College, university, and professional school librarians (state) | $74,490 |
Careers in school counseling and advising
Some examples of median annual wages for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors, by industry, as of May 2025, from BLS OEWS industry data, include:
Learn more about becoming a school counselor and school counseling master's programs.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary schools (local government) | $77,800 |
| Elementary and secondary schools (private) | $62,190 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools (all ownerships) | $58,410 |
| Junior colleges (all ownerships) | $59,770 |
Careers in behavioral analysis
Behavior analysts apply the science of behavior to support people, including people with autism and other developmental disabilities, according to the BACB. Below are national median annual wages as of May 2025, from BLS OEWS national estimates (all industries), for related careers:
Learn more about becoming a behavior analyst and ABA degree programs for those interested in the field.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | $59,350 |
| School psychologists | $95,990 |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors | $64,330 |
Careers in school social work
Child, family, and school social workers provide support that helps children and families function better socially and emotionally and helps children do well in school, according to O*NET. Here are a few examples of median annual wages for child, family, and school social workers by industry as of May 2025, from BLS OEWS industry data:
Learn more about becoming a school social worker and earning MSW degrees to help you get there.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers in elementary and secondary schools (all ownerships) | $69,620 |
| Child, family, and school social workers in individual and family services | $50,430 |
| Child, family, and school social workers in social advocacy organizations | $48,900 |
Careers in occupational therapy
Occupational therapists assess, plan and organize rehabilitative programs that help people build or restore daily living and work skills, according to O*NET. Here are a few examples of national median annual wages as of May 2025, from BLS OEWS national estimates (all industries), for occupational therapists and related careers:
Learn more about becoming an occupational therapist and earning a degree in occupational therapy.
| Role | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Occupational therapists | $100,330 |
| Occupational therapy assistants and aides | $70,800 |
| Physical therapists | $102,760 |
State teacher certification requirements
Find out how to earn your teacher certification and become a teacher in your state by selecting your state below and exploring what it takes to become an educator. Teacher certification requirements vary by state and can change, so check your state’s requirements. Each state has a wide variety of teaching statistics and information on roles, salaries, career trajectory, and state-specific requirements.
Select your state
- Alabama (AL)
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- Washington, DC (DC)
- West Virginia (WV)
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Information last updated: November 2026