Most teaching degrees available at traditional universities are now offered online as well. Associate degrees give you background knowledge and experience, but do not qualify you for teacher certification. Most teacher certification programs and elementary teaching jobs require a bachelor's degree in teaching or an education related field. A bachelor's degree also qualifies you to teach in some high schools, but others require master's degrees. All institutes of higher education require master's degrees, and preferably doctorates. These advanced degrees also enable you to work in administrative positions, such as principal. When looking at your online degree possibilities, you should keep your future goals in mind, and plan accordingly.
Established in 1976, University of Phoenix offers quality online teaching programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and North Central Association. Its selection includes a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, as well as numerous Master of Arts degrees with focuses in early-childhood, elementary or secondary education, or special education. Admission requirements, application information and payment plans are available online, and financial aid is available to students who qualify. All programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
George Washington University, a long standing and prestigious educational institution, ranks 51 among American colleges as of 2011. George Washington University primarily offers campus courses, but it does provide a few online advanced degrees in education. The Graduate School of Education and human development offers master's degrees specializing in educational leadership and administration, and educational leadership technology. It also provides graduate level certificates in bilingual special education, instructional design, educational technology and special education.
Capella University specializes in online higher education. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and by the North Central Association. In the field of education, Capella offers Master of Science degrees related to educational administration, educational development, curriculum design, different stages of education and special education. It also gives doctorate degrees in educational leadership and administration, educational management, post-secondary education, instructional design, special education, K-12 studies and information technology. Capella University offers financial aid, and has minimum costs due to its nature as an online institution.
Ashford University has been successful with both its campus programs and its online programs. Online program costs are minimal. Bachelor's degree courses cost $372 per credit and master's degree courses cost $486 per credit as of 2011. Ashford University provides funding assistance and accepts transfer credits. Its online educational degrees include bachelor's degrees in childhood development, early childhood education and administration, instructional design, educational policy and education studies. Master's degrees specialize in general education and teaching and learning with technology.