Education Degree & Career Guide

Finding an excellent online education or teaching degree program can be challenging because there are several factors you should consider. Here are some important things to prioritize.

• Choose an online program housed at a college or university that is regionally accredited. Opting for an accredited program guarantees that prospective employers will acknowledge the online program’s validity. Moreover, you can rest assured that it adheres to rigorous educational benchmarks.
• Make sure that the curriculum offered meets your needs. The coursework should offer all the necessary classes, assessment techniques, and various teaching methods. The quality of the faculty is essential. An experienced faculty means you’re more likely to receive a higher quality education. Along the same subject, student support is crucial. Find out if the instructors will be available for advice and counseling. 
• Finally, you will want a program that fits your schedule and budget. The primary benefit of online degree programs is their flexibility. Look for an accessible online program that is high quality and affordable. 

Specializations

Having an education degree can be rather broad. Most teachers choose to specialize as it allows them to narrow in on an area they are passionate about. Here are some specializations you can pursue. 

Early Childhood Education

This specialization allows you to focus on teaching preschool and kindergarten students. Courses offered focus on early literacy, child development, and play-based learning.

Elementary Education

If teaching in an elementary school interests you, you can specialize in elementary education. This will allow you to teach children from kindergarten until 6th grade (K-6). Courses offered focus on reading, math, and classroom management. 

Special Education

Teaching students who have disabilities or special needs requires a special education focus. Courses include behavior management and assistive technology.

Secondary Education

A specialization in secondary education allows you to focus on high school students or grades 7-12. Courses offered include high school subjects, curriculum design, and instructional strategies.

Typical Coursework

Although the curriculum will vary depending on the specific teaching program and the institution, there are still courses included in most online teaching programs. Most programs offer more general classes for the first two years, with specialization courses starting in the third and fourth years. Here are common examples of courses found in an online teaching degree:

Intro to Education	This course provides an overview of the field of education, including its history, theories, philosophies, and current issues.
Educational Psychology	Students explore the principles of learning and development, focusing on how psychology applies to educational settings and practices.
Curriculum Development	Instructors cover the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional materials.
Instructional Design and Technology	This class examines how technology is used in teaching and learning, including instructional design principles, multimedia resources, and online learning platforms.
Classroom Management	Prospective teachers learn strategies and techniques for creating a positive and productive classroom environment, managing student behavior, and promoting student engagement.
Assessment and Evaluation	In this course, students learn various assessment methods, including formative and summative assessments, and how to use assessment data to guide instruction and support student learning.
Special Education and Inclusive Practices	This class addresses the principles and strategies for working with students with special needs, including inclusive practices and individualized education plans (IEPs).
Literacy Development and Instruction	Professors teach theories and practices related to literacy development, reading instruction, and writing instruction across different grade levels.

Career and Salary Information

Teachers work in a variety of settings, such as elementary schools or high schools, and – as a result – the salaries will differ. Even between public and private schools, there can be a stark salary difference.

The primary requirement to teach in a public school is a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license or certificate from your state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for teachers is around $61,000. If you’d like to become a principal, instructional coordinator, school librarian, or school counselor, you will also need a master’s degree. Here are the primary positions in the field of education along with the degree required and median annual salaries. 

Position	Degree Required	Median Salary
School Principal	Master’s	$98,420
Instructional Coordinator	Master’s	$63,740
High School Teachers	Bachelor’s	$61,820
Special Education Teachers	Bachelor’s	$61,820
Middle School Teachers	Bachelor’s	$61,320
Librarians	Master’s	$61,190
Technical Education Teachers	Bachelor’s	$61,160
School Counselors	Master’s	$60,510

Remember, salaries differ from state to state and city to city. A city’s cost of living usually impacts teachers’ salaries. For example, a high school teacher earns $101,710 in Bakersfield, CA. In Jersey City, a high school teacher makes $88,460. In San Jose, CA, a special education teacher has a salary of San Jose, while a special education teacher in Kingston, NY, has a salary of $89,600.

Teachers should receive health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans regardless of the state or city. Their vacation times should align with the school year, too.

Admission Requirements

When applying for a teaching degree online, the admissions requirements will differ depending on your specialization and the institution. 

Prospective applicants are typically required to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. You will also need your high school transcript and a college transcript for any classes you may have taken. Most online universities will require a minimum GPA. You can speak to the admissions department to find out the minimum GPA required at your university of choice. Not all universities will require SAT and ACT scores, though some do. It’s best to check with the school you’re applying to. Although not always a requirement, some schools may request letters of recommendation from teachers or other professionals. And finally, most applications will require an essay or personal statement that outlines your goals and reasons for pursuing a teaching degree. 

Program Accreditation

As noted above, accreditation is among the most important factors when choosing an online institution. Accreditation is a voluntary procedure that universities undergo to ensure that their programs meet certain academic standards. 

There are two types of accreditation: school accreditation and specialized accreditation for programs. Regional accreditation is often considered to be the most prestigious for schools. The regional accrediting bodies are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Here are the six regional accrediting bodies:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

National accreditation for schools tends to be for-profit institutions that offer technical, vocational, or career programs. They are less recognized than regional accreditations. It’s important to note that some regionally accreditated institutions will not accept credits from nationally accredited institutions and vice versa. 

Program accreditation focuses on specific programs offered by institutions or organizations. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) ensures that teaching programs meet a specific standard. 

Accreditation holds significance not only due to its impact on educational quality but also because it influences financial aid eligibility. Federal financial aid is exclusively available to students enrolled in accredited institutions. Moreover, certain scholarships and grants are exclusively awarded to students attending accredited institutions.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

If you are considering a teaching degree, you may be eligible for grants, scholarships, state financial aid, or federal financial aid. It’s worth pursuing all avenues to lower the amount of loans you may have to take out. By researching all options, you can also maximize your chances of receiving aid. 

Federal Financial Aid	As soon as you choose the online university you’d like to attend, you should apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will assist you in assessing your eligibility for various types of federal financial aid.
State Financial Aid	In addition to federal aid, inquire with your state about potential financial aid programs they may offer.
Financial Aid From the Institution	Some universities and colleges offer their own financial aid package. These may include work-study programs, scholarships, or grants.
TEACH Grant	This program offers grants of up to $4,000 annually to students pursuing a teaching degree. To qualify, you must enroll in a university that participates in the TEACH Grant Program and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
Scholarships for Future Teachers	Students pursuing a teaching degree can also find scholarships for future teachers.

What Can You Do With an Online Education Degree?

A teaching degree equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for a diverse range of careers in the field of education. Whether you aspire to work in classroom settings or on the administrative side, here are some potential career paths you can pursue:

Teacher	Depending on what your specialization is, you can choose to teach preschool, elementary school, middle school, or high school. You can also teach online or focus on special needs students.
Administrator	If you prefer to be outside of the classroom, you can pursue a career as an education administrator. Your responsibilities would include overseeing budgets, hiring staff, managing schools, and setting school policies.
Consultant	As a consultant, your job would be to work with institutions to improve their educational policies, teaching methods, and curriculum. You could also help improve the school’s overall performance by introducing new teaching methods.
Curriculum Developer	As a curriculum developer, you would create educational software, textbooks, and courses for the students to use, both for traditional classes and online settings.
Researcher	Education researchers research education policies, curricula, and teaching methods. They may work for schools, government agencies, or other organizations.
Instructional Coordinator	Instructional coordinators train teachers on new teaching methods or new software that has just emerged. Rather than working with students, you will be working directly with instructors.

How Much Does an Online Education Degree Cost?

The cost of getting a teaching degree online will depend on your specialization and the school you choose. The range can be as low as $20,000 or go up to roughly $85,000. Another way you can look at costs is per credit. Some universities offer credits as low as $150, while others charge about $550 per credit.

Compared to public universities, private universities generally carry higher tuition fees. Another factor that can contribute to school fees is your residency status. Some universities offer in-state tuition rates, even for students pursuing online degrees.

Finally, look at for-profit universities versus non-profit universities. The difference in tuition can be quite vast. 

Are There Affordable Online Education Degree Programs?

Although a teaching degree can be relatively expensive, there are affordable options if you do extensive research. If you’re looking for affordable options, consider the following tips:

1. Begin with researching public universities. If you need to keep tuition costs as low as possible, look for public universities. Typically, public universities tend to offer more budget-friendly options compared to private universities. 
2. Consider universities in your state. Sometimes universities charge lower tuition for residents. In addition, there may also be state financial aid available.
3. Research financial aid options. If you start your research early, you can find grants, scholarships, and student loans that can help offset the tuition price. 
4. Look for accelerated programs: Some universities let you go through an accelerated program, which means you can get your degree in less time. Less time in school lets you save on tuition and other expenses.
5. Research non-profit universities. For-profit universities are typically more expensive than non-profit universities. Find out which universities are non-profit. 
6. Make a comparison chart of the tuition rates at your top schools. Also, take into account the other fees that accompany getting a degree.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Education Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in teaching usually takes four years if you plan on pursuing the degree full-time. However, most students who choose online programs do so because they have other responsibilities, such as work or family. In this case, getting a bachelor’s degree can take longer. 

Certain teaching degree programs provide accelerated options, enabling students to finish their degrees in less than the traditional four-year timeframe. In addition, some universities offer specialized two-year programs, such as the University of Washington’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Care and Education. Furthermore, the University of Washington also offers a part-time program that spans three years. Shorter programs tend to be less expensive.

It’s important to note that online teaching programs do not always provide certifications. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in teaching, students may need to do extra work to get their license. The work and study requirements will differ from state to state. 

Is Getting an Online Education Degree Worth It?

Whether or not an online teaching degree program is worth pursuing will depend on several factors. These include your future career goals, the quality of the program you are considering, and your passion for teaching. If you love teaching and are committed to having a career in education, an online teaching degree program can be an excellent option.

Remember, teaching and shaping young minds can be rewarding because you get to make your mark on the next generation. Various career opportunities are also available, such as working with students with learning disabilities. You may start teaching in K-12 schools and then continue further, whether in administration or as a researcher. 

Besides finding a rewarding job as an educator, you can also decide to return to school and get a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. later in life.

When you pursue an online degree, you have the flexibility to attend to other responsibilities, such as work or family. This can be helpful if you can’t afford to “stop your life” to get an online degree or need an income during this period. In addition, getting an online degree is often more affordable than traditional in-class programs. Their lower tuition costs can make getting an online degree worth it. 

Final Tips for Getting Your Online Degree in Education

1. Research all the institutions that offer an online teaching degree and then narrow them down by various factors. Choose one that is accredited, and that offers a quality program. You will also want to weigh the tuition costs of private universities, public universities, and in-state universities. 
2. Think about your specialization and align your passions with a program that offers a great program. If you aim to become a special education teacher, for example, narrow your schools down by the top accredited online teaching institutions that offer special education programs.
3. Also, consider the program’s cost and whether you can handle future debt. Start applying for financial aid immediately if you’re worried about the tuition fees. The goal is to try and shave off as much of the fees as possible. 

If you are passionate about education and aspire to build a career in teaching, an online teaching degree program can prove to be a worthwhile investment. By conducting thorough research, you can discover a program that aligns perfectly with your goals and aspirations.

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