Requirements for teachers at online-focused institutions differ, depending on where the prospective educator teaches. Teaching at the post-secondary level generally requires a doctorate degree. Some colleges hire educators with a master's degree or teachers in the process of obtaining a doctorate degree. Teachers with master's degrees or dual degrees hold more positions in two-year institutions. A bachelor's degree and a teacher education program are generally sufficient for teaching at the K-12 level. Some states offer alternative licensing programs to certify teachers.
More than half of U.S. degree-bearing institutions offered distance learning programs in 2006-2007, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Ninety-seven percent of public, two-year institutions offered distance learning, as did 89 percent of public four-year institutions. The percentages are slightly lower for private institutions. During the 2006-2007 school year, more than 12 million students were enrolled in credit-granting classes at the college level. Many of these colleges offer basic courses needed for a degree in education. eLearners.com lists 66 post-secondary institutions that offer 432 degrees in education. All of the institutions are accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Associate degrees prepare the student for baccalaureate study. Students with associate degrees may be able to obtain entry-level teaching positions, but most often, associate's degree holders receive jobs as teacher's aides.
Several universities offer bachelor's degrees in education. Some of these institutions have brick-and-mortar locations, and some offer only distance courses. Depending on the university, students may be able to select a program of specialized study. For example, University of Phoenix, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offers a Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Teacher Education degree. Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Teachers. This degree prepares teachers who wish to teach English in grades 7 through 12. Grand Canyon also has degree programs for teachers who want to specialize in social sciences and mathematics. Western Governors University has a bachelor's program specializing in chemistry for teachers at the high school level.
Master's degrees require a strong commitment. They expand upon the knowledge gained at the bachelor's level. Kaplan University's Master of Science in Education (MSE) program is designed for experienced teachers who want to build on their professional skills. Concepts covered include professional development, mentoring and leadership. In addition to online coursework, some of the coursework is "job-embedded." To complete the job-embedded assignments, students must hold a current teaching position. Like bachelor's degree courses, master's education degree courses vary by specialization.