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About Teacher Certification

Purdue Global's Master of Science in Education program could be your path to teacher certification. 

Qualified teachers are expected to be in demand. Your talent can make the difference.

Follow Your Passion to Change Lives. Prepare Online to Become a Teacher.

As America's leadership in science, technology, and business faces global competition, improving our education system is paramount. There's a projected demand for teachers with the background and experience to inspire students and prepare them to compete on the world stage.*

If you're looking to change career paths and become a teacher, Purdue Global's Master of Science in Education lets you pursue your passion to teach online, without disrupting your current responsibilities at home, work, or in the military.

Each state or territory has unique requirements for becoming a teacher; all require aspiring teachers to:

• Have a bachelor's degree
• Complete a teacher preparation program
• Pass one or more certification exams
• Complete a background check

Most states also require student teaching experience or some type of face-to-face field experience in the classroom.

These requirements are generally standard across states; however, some states may have additional or unique requirements. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information. Additionally, you must independently research the licensing requirements in any state in which you intend to seek licensure.

Alternative Pathways to Certification at Purdue Global

Learn more about routes to alternative teacher certification, including the Classroom Pathways Bundle.

Facilitation

We offer alternative pathways to certification through our alliance with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (American Board).

Accessibility

Our online education platform offers you the flexibility to study and access your courses at a time that works for you.

Quality Education

Faculty members all possess doctorate degrees and help ensure that the curriculum is relevant and up-to-date. We are also one of the first institutions-and the first online participant-committed to Operation Educate the Educators, which encourages educators to develop school cultures that are supportive of military families.

Classroom Pathways Bundle

The Master of Science in Education is focused on K-12 education. Thanks to the American Board alliance―upon completion of the program you may be eligible to seek alternative certification in 15 states: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin. †  While this degree will not lead to teacher certification on its own and is not required to pursue a state alternative certification program, the program complements the American Board program by developing your competencies in education at the master's level.

If you're interested in teaching outside of the 15 states listed above, you must independently research and pursue certification in your state. On its own, the Master of Science in Education will not lead to certification nor will they assist you in becoming a teacher in those states. ‡

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm ; High School Teachers, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm . National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

† MS Education Licensure: Purdue Global cannot recommend students who complete the Master of Science in Education (MSE) for licensure. Licensing requirements for teaching grades K-12 vary by state. Earning a master’s degree could provide you with the background and practical experience to meet nationally recognized standards; however, enrollment in the MSE is not required for pursuing a state alternative certification program. Purdue Global’s MSE is not accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which may be a requirement for certification or licensure in some states. The programs are not state approved for teacher certification or endorsements of any kind. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. Students must pass the American Board examinations to be eligible for certification in AR, AZ, FL, ID, MS, MO, ND, NH, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN (Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools only), UT, or WI. Certification requirements vary from state to state. Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, students must confirm they are eligible for a state alternative certification program. Students must confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements with American Board ( ABCTE.org ).

‡ Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, students must confirm they are eligible for a state alternative certification program. Students must confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements with American Board (ABCTE.org). Important note on Tennessee: American Board offers a transitional license in only two county public school systems and one city public school system; it is not approved in the entire state. Licensing is available in the following school systems only: Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools.

Find the Best Online Master's in Education Programs

Some school districts require their teachers to earn an education master's degree within five years of entering the profession. Completing an education degree online can lead to career growth for current and future educators.

Best Online Education Programs

U.S. News evaluated several factors to rank the best online education degree programs, including faculty credentials, graduation rates and reputation.

Clemson, SC

Gainesville, FL

Charlottesville, VA

Online Education Program Specialty Rankings

Explore the best online education master’s programs offering the specialties below and get a feel for the curriculum and topics each area covers.

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration
• Instructional Media
• Special Education

Online Education Program Concentration Rankings

See how online education master’s programs rank in concentrations offered, and discover more about where each focus area can take your career.

• Educational Administration and Supervision
• Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
• Educational/Instructional Media Design
• Educational Psychology
• Education, General
• International and Comparative Education
• Bilingual, Multilingual and Multicultural Education
• Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
• Special Education and Teaching
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
• Teaching Assistants/Aides
• Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language

Online Graduate Education Degree Overviews

The degree types below can help you tailor your online education degree. Learn how an online early childhood education master's degree is different from an online education specialist degree, for example, to discover which is right for you.

• Adult Education
• Child Development
• Curriculum and Instruction (doctorate)
• Doctor of Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Education Administration
• Education Administration (doctorate)
• Education Leadership and Administration
• Education Specialist
• Educational Leadership (Doctorate)
• Educational Technology (Doctorate)
• Elementary Education
• Gifted and Talented Education
• Higher Education (doctorate)
• Higher Education Administration
• Instructional Technology
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Education
• Math Education
• Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology
• Online Teaching
• Reading and Literacy
• School Counseling
• Science Education
• Secondary Education
• Social Studies Education
• Special Education (doctorate)

Online Undergraduate Education Degree Overviews

Explore more in depth what it takes to earn an online education degree using the following guides.

• Early Childhood Education (Associate)
• Education (Associate)
• English Language Learning

FAQs about Online Education Master’s Programs

Online education degrees are respected when earned from an accredited program with a good reputation. Institutions must be accredited by an organization that has been recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Many institutions award the same graduate education degrees to students enrolled in online and on-campus programs. However, some schools do have different in-person and online degree offerings, so students should check that the specialization they’re interested in is offered online.

Employers want to know that you earned your online education degree from an accredited program and that you’re certified to teach in the state in which the job is located. If you enroll in a graduate program that offers state certification as part of the degree requirements, where you obtain your education master’s degree matters. In any case, hiring managers may be more interested in why you earned your degree and how it fits with your career goals than whether you earned it online or in person.

Enrolling in an online graduate education program is not an inherently easier option than enrolling in a traditional in-person program. Any format of an accredited graduate-level education program is rigorous. While the flexibility of online school helps students who are balancing work and family stay on track, many online programs have the same study materials and time commitments as on-campus programs.

Not everyone who enters an online education master’s program will attain a degree, either. According to U.S. News survey data, 73% of online master's in education students who entered in the 2018-2019 academic year graduated by June 2022. Online courses may require students to have more self-discipline to complete assignments. And some online programs still require in-person activities, like student teaching, for credit.

The time and effort to attain your education master’s degree may be worth it to earn a higher salary. Prospective students should weigh the cost of graduate student loans against the likely long-term payoff from a graduate degree. Opportunities for advancement in leadership positions are more likely for those who earn an education master’s degree than for those who have a bachelor’s degree alone. Education professionals with master’s degrees can become school principals or administrators, roles that earn a higher salary than most teaching positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary for elementary, middle and high school principals was $98,420 in 2021. High school teachers , who need at least a bachelor’s degree, earned a median salary of $61,820 in 2021.

A graduate education degree helps you advance your career to administrative and leadership roles and keeps you competitive for new opportunities. You can use your degree in settings including pre-K-12 schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and policy organizations.

In addition to being prepared for higher paying principal positions, graduates of education-related master’s degrees can become postsecondary education administrators – a job which can take many forms, from helping students sign up for classes to coordinating the activities of a college while serving as dean. According to the BLS, these positions earned a median salary of $96,910 in 2021. In addition, training and development managers , who identify the training needs of an organization and create or select course content for training programs, earned a median salary of $120,130 in 2021. Some higher education institutions hire postsecondary teachers who have a master’s degree, while others require teachers to have earned a doctorate as well. In 2021, postsecondary teachers earned a median salary of $79,640.

Education Leadership (online)

Graduate Program

The Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) prepares students with the skills needed to change the world through education. The online Master’s in Education Leadership is a part-time, two-year Ed.M. program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways. The program is specifically designed for working education professionals who bring at least seven years of relevant or transferrable work experience. Through this program, students will strengthen the invaluable skills they’ve already developed and develop the tools to propel themselves to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

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Connect with program staff.

If you have program-specific questions, please contact the TTL Program Staff .

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If you have admissions-related questions, please email [email protected] .

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A groundbreaking approach to teacher education — for people seeking to learn to teach, for experienced teachers building their leadership, and for all educators seeking to enhance their practice and create transformative learning opportunities.

Teachers change lives — and at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, you can be part of the change. The Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) Program at HGSE will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, support, and professional network you need to design and lead transformative learning experiences, advance equity and social justice, and generate the best outcomes for students in U.S. schools.

The program’s innovative approach is intentionally designed to serve both individuals seeking to learn to teach and experienced teachers who are deepening their craft as teachers or developing their leadership to advance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and districts. 

And through the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching , HGSE offers significant financial support to qualified candidates to reduce the burden of loan debt for teachers.

Applicants will choose between two strands:

• Do you want to become a licensed teacher? The Teaching Licensure strand lets novice and early-career teachers pursue Massachusetts initial licensure in secondary education, which is transferrable to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Licensure candidates have two possible pathways — you can select a preference for either the residency fieldwork model or the internship fieldwork model . The residency model is for people ready to make an immediate impact as a teacher; the internship model offers a more gradual path.
• Do you want to focus on the art of teaching, without licensure? The Teaching and Leading strand will enable you to enhance your own teaching practice or to lead others in transforming learning in classrooms, schools, and other settings. Candidates can pursue a curriculum tailored toward an exploration of teaching practice or toward teacher leadership.

Note: Ideal candidates will come with the intention to work in U.S. schools.

“At the heart of TTL is helping teachers reach all students. Whether you are preparing for the classroom yourself or are an experienced teacher preparing to improve teaching and learning on a wider scale, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead others in learning.” Heather Hill  Faculty Co-Chair

After completing the Teaching and Teacher Leadership Program, you will be able to:

• Leverage your knowledge and skills to lead others in joyful, equitable, rigorous, and transformative learning.
• Analyze instruction for the purpose of improving it.
• Foster productive inquiry and discussion.
• Identify, understand, and counteract systemic inequities within educational institutions.

The Harvard Fellowship for Teaching

HGSE is committed to investing in the future of the teaching profession — and minimizing the student debt that teachers carry. We offer a signature fellowship — the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching — to qualified candidates. The fellowship package covers 80 percent of tuition and provides for a $10,000 living stipend.

This prestigious fellowship is prioritized for admitted students pursuing the Teaching Licensure Residency model. Additional fellowships may be awarded to qualified candidates admitted to the Teaching Licensure Internship model and the Teaching and Leading strand. Fellowship decisions are determined during the admissions process. Fellowship recipients must be enrolled as full-time students.       HGSE offers a range of other  financial aid and fellowship opportunities to provide greater access and affordability to our students.

Curriculum Information

The TTL Program is designed to help you gain the knowledge and practice the skills essential to leading others in learning — and will create pathways to success that will allow you to thrive as an expert practitioner and mentor in your community. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the curriculum are:

• Commence your Foundations studies with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 10–15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available.

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to TTL.

• The TTL Program Core Experience (4 credits), is a full year course where all students come together to observe, analyze, and practice high-quality teaching.
• Teaching methods courses (10 credits) in the chosen content area, which begin in June. 
• A Summer Field-Based Experience (4 credits), held on site in Cambridge in July, allows you to begin to hone your teaching practice. 
• Two courses focused on inclusivity and diversity in the classroom (6 credits). 
• Field experiences , where students in the Teacher Licensure strand will intern or teach directly in Boston-area schools.
• Individuals interested in enhancing their own teaching practice can engage in coursework focused on new pedagogies, how to best serve diverse student populations, and special topics related to classrooms and teaching.  
• Experienced teachers may wish to enroll in HGSE’s Teacher Leadership Methods course, designed to provide cohort-based experience with skills and techniques used to drive adult learning and improve teaching.
• Candidates can take elective coursework based on interests or career goals, which includes the opportunity to specialize in an HGSE Concentration .

Advancing Research on Effective Teacher Preparation 

As a student in the TTL Program, you will have the opportunity to contribute to HGSE’s research on what makes effective teacher preparation. This research seeks to build an evidence base that contributes to the field’s understanding of effective approaches to teacher training, including how to support high-quality instruction, successful models of coaching and mentorship, and effective approaches to addressing the range of challenges facing our students.

TTL students will be able to participate in research studies as part of their courses, and some will also serve as research assistants, gaining knowledge of what works, as well as a doctoral-type experience at a major research university.

Explore our  course catalog . (All information and courses are subject to change.)

Note: The TTL Program trains educators to work in U.S. classrooms. Required coursework focuses on U.S. examples and contexts.

Teaching Licensure Strand

Students who want to earn certification to teach at the middle school and high school levels in U.S. schools should select the Teaching Licensure strand. TTL provides coursework and fieldwork that can lead to licensure in grades 5–8 in English, general science, history, and mathematics, as well as grades 8–12 in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics. In the Teaching Licensure strand, you will apply to one of two fieldwork models:

• The residency model – our innovative classroom immersion model, with significant funding available, in which students assume teaching responsibilities in the September following acceptance to the program. 
• The internship model – which ramps up teaching responsibility more gradually.

In both models, you will be supported by Harvard faculty and school-based mentors — as well as by peers in the TTL Program, with additional opportunities for network-building with HGSE alumni. Both models require applicants to have an existing familiarity with U.S. schools to be successful.  Learn more about the differences between the residency and internship models.

Summer Experience for Teaching Licensure Candidates

All students in the Teaching Licensure strand will participate in the Summer Experience supporting the Cambridge-Harvard Summer Academy (CHSA), which takes place in Cambridge in July 2023. Through your work at CHSA, you will help middle and high school students in the Cambridge Public Schools with credit recovery, academic enrichment, and preparation for high school. Students in the Teaching Licensure strand will teach students directly as part of the teaching team. This is an opportunity for you to immediately immerse yourself in a school environment and begin to practice the skills necessary to advance your career.

Teaching and Leading Strand

The Teaching and Leading strand is designed for applicants who want to enhance their knowledge of the craft of teaching or assume roles as teacher leaders. Candidates for the Teaching and Leading strand will share a common interest in exploring and advancing the practice of effective teaching, with the goal of understanding how to improve learning experiences for all students. The program will be valuable for three types of applicant:

• Individuals interested in teaching, but who do not require formal licensure to teach. This includes applicants who might seek employment in independent schools or in informal educational sectors such as arts education, after-school programs, tutoring, and youth organizations. 
• Experienced teachers who wish to deepen their practice by learning new pedagogies and developing new capacities to help students thrive.
• Experienced teachers who seek leadership roles — from organizing school-based initiatives to more formal roles like coaching and professional development.

As a candidate in the Teaching and Leading strand, your own interests will guide your journey. If you are seeking a teacher leader role, TTL faculty will guide you to courses that focus on growing your skills as a reflective leader, preparing you to facilitate adult learning, helping you understand how to disrupt inequity, and teaching you how to engage in best practices around coaching, mentoring, and data analysis. If you are seeking to learn about the craft of teaching, our faculty will similarly direct you to recommended courses and opportunities that will meet your goals.

Students in this strand can also take on internships within the TTL Program (e.g., program supervisor, early career coach) or the HGSE community, and at surrounding schools or organizations. And you can customize your learning experience by pursuing one of HGSE's six Concentrations .

Note: Applicants in the Teaching and Leading strand should expect a focus on leadership within U.S. schools.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Heather C. Hill

Heather Hill studies policies and programs to improve teaching quality. Research interests include teacher professional development and instructional coaching.

Victor Pereira, Jr.

Victor Pereira's focus is on teacher preparation, developing new teachers, and improving science teaching and learning in middle and high school classrooms. 

Rosette Cirillo

Sarah Edith Fiarman

Noah Heller

Eric Soto-Shed

Career Pathways

The TTL Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including:

Teaching Licensure Strand:

• Licensed middle or high school teacher in English, science, math, and history

Teaching and Leading Strand: 

• Classroom teachers
• Curriculum designers 
• Department heads and grade-level team leaders 
• District-based instructional leadership team members 
• Instructional and curriculum leadership team members 
• Out-of-school educators; teachers in youth organizations or after-school programs
• Professional developers and content specialists 
• School improvement facilitators 
• School-based instructional coaches and mentor teachers
• Teachers of English as a second language
• International educators seeking to understand and advance a career in U.S. education

Cohort & Community

The TTL Program prioritizes the development of ongoing teacher communities that provide continued support, learning, and collaboration. Our cohort-based approach is designed to encourage and allow aspiring teachers and leaders to build relationships with one another, as well as with instructors and mentors — ultimately building a strong, dynamic network. 

As a TTL student, you will build a community around a shared commitment to teaching and teacher development. You will learn from and with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, levels of expertise, and instructional settings. To further connections with the field, you are invited to attend “meet the researcher” chats, engage in learning through affinity groups, and interact with teaching-focused colleagues across the larger university, by taking courses and participating in activities both at HGSE and at other Harvard schools. 

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Teaching and Teacher Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Donors Invest in Teachers, Reaching Key Milestone

The $10 million Challenge Match for Teachers, now complete, will expand scholarships for students in Teaching and Teacher Leadership

HGSE Honors Master's Students with Intellectual Contribution Award

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Master's programs.

Master's programs are full-time, intensive programs that integrate educational theory and practice. The small cohort sizes provide an intimate setting for academic inquiry and foster individual contact with faculty and fellow students.

Education Data Science (EDS)

Sep 15, 2023

Sep 23, 2024

The EDS program combines modern data science analyses and computational methods with a deep understanding of learning, schools, and education policy. With rigorous academics and real-world experience, the program prepares the first generation of education data science leaders.

Learn about EDS

Individually Designed MA (for current Stanford doctoral students)

The Individually Designed MA in Education is intended for doctoral students at Stanford who would like to earn a master's in education while studying for their PhD outside of the GSE. Students develop their individual program of study in consultation with a GSE advisor and must finish in three years. 

Learn about the Individually Designed MA

International Comparative Education / International Education Policy Analysis (ICE/IEPA)

ICE/IEPA addresses educational practice in a rapidly changing global context, in both less-developed and industrialized countries. Students examine such problems as the political economy of underdevelopment and educational planning in comparative perspective. The major research project requirement provides students the opportunity to develop excellent research skills.

Learn about ICE/IEPA

Learning Design and Technology (LDT)

Sep 15, 2023

LDT integrates powerful contemporary ideas about learning with emergent technologies to design and evaluate learning environments, products, and programs. LDT graduates bring their skills to bear in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, research institutions, and educational technology companies.

Learn about LDT

Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies (POLS)

POLS emphasizes the knowledge, theory, and skills necessary for effective leadership in a variety of education-focused organizations. Students design their own programs of study focused on pre-K-12 education, non-profit leadership, policy analysis, higher education, or a combination of these broad areas.

Learn about POLS

Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP)

June 24, 2024

MA + teaching credential

STEP offers both an elementary and secondary route. Both programs lead to teacher certification in the state of California, and both require intensive, supervised practice at school sites as well as academic course work that focuses on cutting-edge, school-based research.

Learn about STEP

Curriculum and Teacher Education (CTE)

CTE is an individualized, research-intensive program intended for students with prior professional experience in education. 

Learn about CTE

Joint MA programs

Joint ma/jd in law and education.

The joint MA/JD degree combines study for the JD degree in law with an individualized program in education.

Learn more about the joint MA/JD

Joint MA/MBA in education and business administration

The joint MA/MBA allows students to pursue an MA in education at the GSE and an MBA at the Graduate School of Business. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MBA

Joint MA in public policy and education

The MA/MPP joint degree allows students in the POLS program to simultaneously pursue a master's in public policy from the School of Humanities and Sciences. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MPP

"Many of the classes I've taken have helped me connect the dots on various educational issues and understand how institutions and education leaders have a role to play in improving the educational opportunities of all students, especially those from underserved populations."

Master’s graduates were employed (full time or part time)

STEP graduates hired as teachers

For more information about GSE admissions and to see upcoming events and appointments:

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• Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.

Master's Preparing for Licensure

Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.

Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.

Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.

Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.

• Teaching, Special Education (K-12) – M.A.

Licensure Information

• State Teaching Licensure Information

Master's Degrees for Teachers

• Mathematics Education (K-6) – M.A.
• Mathematics Education (Middle Grade) – M.A.
• Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• English Language Learning (PreK-12) – M.A.
• Endorsement Preparation Program, English Language Learning (PreK-12)
• Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Biological Sciences) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)– M.A.
• View all Technology Bachelor's Degrees
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• Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
• Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration (from the School of Business)
• View all Technology Master's Degrees
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
• Data Analytics – M.S.
• Information Technology Management – M.S.
• MBA Information Technology Management (from the School of Business)
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• View all Nursing Post-Master's Certificates
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• View all Health & Nursing Degrees
• View all Nursing & Health Master's Degrees
• Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
• Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
• Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
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DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Online Teacher Certification Programs and Degrees

What is a teacher licensure program.

WGU shares your passion for education, and is dedicated to helping students become the educators in their own classrooms. Our online teaching degrees have led to more than 10,000 students becoming educators themselves. WGU offers online teaching degree programs that prepare you for a license—you can choose between online bachelor's degrees and online master's degrees that will help you get your educator certification.

Below is the standard process for earning your initial teaching license through the WGU Teachers College. Get answers to all your questions and learn the process of earning an online teaching degree and being prepared for a teaching certification.

WGU offers two types of programs that lead to an initial teaching license—bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Bachelor's degree programs are for students who do not have an undergraduate degree and want to become a licensed teacher. These programs prepare you for the classroom and ensure you are eligible for obtaining a teaching license in your state. Master's degrees (Master of Arts in Teaching or MAT) programs that lead to an initial teaching license. If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, the MAT programs allow you to get a master's degree AND qualify for a teaching license in your state. 

Bachelor's Degrees Leading to Licensure

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers....

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

• Time: 68% of students finish this degree within 36 months.
• Tuition:  $3,825 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 38 total courses in this program (39 for Washington residents)

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

• Elementary Reading Methods
• Language Arts Instruction
• Elementary Mathematics Methods
• Elementary Disciplinary Literacy
• Children’s Literature

This elementary education degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online teaching degree program helps you to be eligible for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to dual licensure—elementary education teaching license and special education teaching license.

• Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 38 months.
• Courses: 44 total courses in this program (45 for Washington residents).

(Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K–12 special education teaching license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the  B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate)  online teaching degree. 

• Elementary Social Studies Methods
• Elementary Science Methods
• Language Arts Instruction and Intervention

This special education teaching online degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. 

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math...

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers. Leads to teaching license in states that have a middle-grades math teaching license.

Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching licensure in your state.

• Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 29 months.
• Tuition and fees: $3,825   per 6-month term.
• Courses: 39 total courses in this program.

Candidates for this science teaching degree program often include:

• Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently lack a teaching license
• Substitute teachers
• Career-changers with a passion for math
• School paraprofessionals
• Others who feel the call to teach

This science teaching degree program includes requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This science teaching degree prepares you to be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers and high school math teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.

• Time:  60% of students finish this degree within 40 months.
• Courses : 42 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents).
• Trigonometry and Precalculus
• Probability and Statistics I and II
• Calculus I, II, and III
• Abstract Algebra
• College Geometry

This online math teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online math teaching degree program helps students become eligible for math teaching certification.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school science teachers. Leads to teaching license in all states that have a middle-grades general science teaching license.

Specific grade levels you are qualified to teach will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

• Time: 62% of students finish this science teaching degree within 34 months.
• Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 38 total courses in this program (39 for Washington residents).
• Heredity and Genetics
• Ecology and Environmental Science
• General Physics

This science teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers.

• Time:  61% of students earned this online biology degree within 38 months.
• Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents).
• Health Sciences
• Molecular and Cellular Biology

This biology teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school chemistry teachers.

• Time: 65% of students finish this online chemistry degree within 37 months.
• Courses : 39 total courses in this program (40 for Washington residents).
• Physical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Educational Psychology & Development
• Biochemistry

This chemistry teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Earn a chemistry degree online and be eligible for a teaching certification.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school physics teachers.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.

• Time: 62% of students earn this online physics degree within 49 months.
• Educational Psychology 
• Physics: Waves and Optics
• Space, Time and Motion
• Conceptual Physics
• Physics: Mechanics

This physics teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Graduates of this online teaching degree program will be eligible for teaching certification.

Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school earth science teachers.

• Time: 63% of students earn this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 33 months.
• Tuition: $3,825   per 6-month term.
• Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents)
• Physical Geology
• Earth Systems

This geosciences teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This high school teaching degree program prepares you for teaching licensure in any of the 50 states.

Special Education (Mild to Moderate) – B.A.

An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring special education teachers. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single teaching license in K–12 special education.

• Time: 61% of students finish this program within 34 months.
• Courses : 39 total courses in this program.

 If your state requires—or if you're interested in—dual licensure in both elementary education and K–12 special education, consider the  B.A. Special Education (K–12) program .

• Lesson Planning
• Behavioral Support Strategies
• Classroom Management

This online degree program includes a preclinical experience with face-to-face observation hours and a Student Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.

Master's Degrees Leading to Licensure (MAT Programs)

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

• Time: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
• Tuition:  $3,975 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
• English Pedagogy
• Reading Instruction and Interventions
• Disciplinary Literacy
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...

An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

• Time:  64% of students finish within 24 months.
• Courses : 24 total courses in this program (25 for Washington residents)

This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.

• Time: 64% of students finish this high school math teaching degree within 25 months.
• Courses: 21 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
• Algebra for Secondary Teaching
• Geometry for Secondary Teaching
• Statistics and Probability for Secondary Teaching
• Educational Psychology

This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This program differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.

An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

• Time: 61% of students finish this middle school math teaching degree within 24 months.
• Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 20 total courses in this program (21 for Washington residents).
• Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teaching
• Mathematics History
• Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners

This M.A. Teaching program in middle grades math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) program in that it does not require courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. The curriculum of this online math degree is designed to prepare middle school math teachers for success.

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for...

An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.

• Time: 62% of students finish this secondary science teaching degree within 24 months.
• Courses: 18 total courses in this program (19 for Washington residents)
• Science Technology
• Science Methods

This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.

Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to...

An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.

• Time:  64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
• Courses: 26 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.

• Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
• Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Methods of Instruction and Intervention

Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.

Steps to Becoming a Certified, Licensed Teacher

1a. Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.

The online educator bachelor's degree programs in the Teachers College at WGU include coursework and assessments, a preclinical experience that includes observation hours and teaching lessons, and Student Teaching (explained in step 5) 5). A bachelor's degree is required in every state in order to get a teaching license and teach in schools, so this is a critical first step.

1b. Complete a licensing master's degree program if you already have a bachelor's degree.

If you already possess a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching field, WGU’s online teaching master's degrees are a great fit for you. The Master of Arts in Teaching programs prepare students for teaching certification—getting them ready to work in schools. These teacher certification programs qualify you to become licensed in the field of your choice (such as elementary education, secondary mathematics, science, etc.), training you to become a highly qualified teacher. These online teaching degree programs include supervised practice teaching (see step 5, Student Teaching) in an actual school setting.

2. Pass a background check.

WGU requires all candidates for a teacher certification program to provide the university with verification of a cleared background check prior to entering schools for preclinical experiences and Student Teaching. Previously completed background checks may not satisfy WGU background check requirements. In some states, more than one background check may be required. In addition, most states require that applicants for teacher certification complete a background check for the Department of Education prior to submitting all application paperwork. This is a necessary precaution designed to prevent those who may pose a danger to the students in the classroom from pursuing a teaching career. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in preclinical experiences and Student Teaching.

3. Pass basic skills, content, and pedagogy exams.

Each state has specific testing requirements that must be met or completed in addition to completing your teaching degree at WGU. WGU requires students to complete and pass:

• Basic Skills Exam : Pass the Basic Skills Exam required by your state for certification, or a designated Basic Skills Exam if your state does not require one.
• Content Exam:  You must pass the designated Content Exam(s) required by your state in order to graduate with your online teaching degree.
• WGU Program Exam:  WGU also requires you to pass a specific Praxis exam to graduate from your online teaching degree (with the exception of Elementary programs), often in addition to any teaching certification exam required by your state.
• Pedagogy Exam : Finally, some states require the completion of a Pedagogy Exam, which assesses your knowledge of teaching methods.

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4. Complete preclinical experiences as part of your program.

In preparation for your formal Student Teaching (described in step 5 below), you will complete preclinical experiences designed to introduce you to the classroom through a series of activities, including observations and lesson planning. Working under the guidance of a WGU Placement Specialist, you will be asked to make arrangements with a local school to complete these activities.

5. Complete a term of in-classroom student teaching (Student Teaching) with an educator.

Student Teaching is a critical component of teaching degree programs. This in-classroom experience is invaluable in helping to integrate the academic knowledge and teaching skills you learn in these education programs into a practical application that will prepare you to tackle the challenges of your own classroom with confidence.

Student Teaching (ST) at WGU covers the competencies required for in-classroom proficiency. ST is a full-time, supervised, in-classroom experience of a minimum of 12–20 weeks. During Student Teaching, you will be hosted by an experienced teacher. You will undergo a series of at least six observations by a Clinical Supervisor and also receive evaluations from your Host Teacher to evaluate your performance based on accepted professional standards.

As you approach your Student Teaching, a WGU Placement Specialist will work with you to set up your placement. The process of scheduling your ST placement may take up to six months. You may be required to assist in the process of setting up your placement. In some cases, you may be required to commute up to two hours (or in rare cases longer than this). Note that students are not permitted to work during their Student Teaching experience. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in preclinical experiences or Student Teaching.

Student Teaching may not be waived and prior experience may not be used to satisfy this requirement as you must demonstrate competency in the classroom in order to complete teaching programs at WGU. This experience is critical to your online teaching degree and teacher certificate.

6. Meet any additional state certification requirements.

Some states have additional requirements for teaching certification, such as coursework not included in WGU programs, CPR Certification, or Workshops. To learn more about your state’s requirements for a teacher license, click  here .

Teacher Licensure and Certification Specialties

When you choose a a degree with a teaching license, you'll also need to choose grade levels and subjects that you want to focus on as part of your learning. There are many specialties you can choose from and it's important to understand the outcome of each before deciding. The specialties you can choose from include: 

Grade Level

• Elementary Education (K-6)
• Middle School (6-8)
• Junior High School (7-9)
• High School (9-12)
• All Grade Levels (K-12)
• Earth Science

Diverse Students

• Special Education
• English Second Language or English Language Learning
• Special Education and Elementary Education Dual License

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation for its programs from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. 

Every education program offered through the WGU Teachers College has been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through 2025.

WGU is a top conferrer of STEM degrees that is partnered with Beyond100K. WGU joins nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and foundations to combat challenges and prepare more teachers for STEM teaching positions nationwide.

Learn About a Career in Education

Why Choose WGU For Your Teacher Licensure Program?

WGU is a great fit for your online degree in education for many reasons, including:

• Low, flat-rate tuition means that you're charged the same amount per six-month term, regardless of how many classes you take. 
• Competency-based education means you can use your knowledge to your advantage, accelerating your program and graduating faster. Graduating faster also saves you money. 
• We offer scholarships and financial aid to help with our already affordable tuition, making college education accessible for even more students.
• Respected and accredited programs ensure that your education degree is meaningful for you as a teacher.

Prepare for a Teaching License

These bachelor's and master's programs at WGU lead to certification in any of the 50 states. Students can learn their state-specific criteria for teacher licensure and see what additional steps they need to take after earning their degree. Typically students need to pass a background check, pass a Praxis exam, and have a certain number of in-classroom hours.

Student Teaching

Students in the teacher licensure programs at WGU have a set amount of in-classroom experience time they must have to graduate. Preclinical experiences and student teaching ensure that WGU students have been observed in a classroom environment and are able to earn their teaching license. Your Program Mentor will help you learn about setting up your student teaching.

FAQs about Teacher Licensure

• WGU's Teacher Licensure Program
• Teaching Certification

Will my WGU online teaching degree be recognized by my state as eligible for certification/licensure?

Teaching certification is available for WGU graduates in any of the 50 states, so long as the teaching license and/or teaching degree program is offered in the state. Each state has specific teaching licensure requirements that must be met in addition to completing your WGU online teaching degree. Review the above list and  click here to learn more about your state’s teacher certification requirements.

Is student teaching included in the teaching degree program?

Yes. For more details about student teaching please see step 5 above.

How do I obtain my teaching license?

Upon completion of your teaching degree program or teacher preparation program, the WGU Licensure Department will assist you with the process of applying for your teaching license. Complete information about the teacher licensure application process is provided to graduates in the WGU Student Handbook.

What grades will I be able to teach?

Your WGU online teaching program will align with specific grade levels defined by your state Department of Education.

How long will the licensing program take?

It depends on the individual student and varies by teaching degree program. Refer to your individual teaching degree program guide for the projected standard path and number of terms to completion.

Does WGU have CAEP accreditation?

Yes, the WGU Teachers College is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its online teaching degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.

What is CAEP accreditation and what does it mean to me?

CAEP is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. CAEP's vision is excellence in educator preparation accreditation. Its mission: "CAEP advances excellent educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning." Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement.

What is the difference between teacher certification and teacher licensure?

These terms are used interchangeably throughout the teaching field and state departments of education.

How do I get certified to teach online?

The first step to obtaining a teaching certification online is to find an accredited degree program that offers a bachelor's or master's degree program that leads to licensure. Once you complete this program you can work to complete other licensure requirements based on your state.

How do you become a certified teacher without a degree?

In every state a bachelor's degree is required to become a licensed teacher. While there are alternative routes to licensure if you haven't pursued an education program, you will at minimum need a bachelor's degree in order to become a licensed educator.

What is the difference between a certified teacher and a licensed teacher?

These terms are used interchangeably to describe a teacher who is qualified and has proven their ability to instruct students in the classroom.

What is the quickest way to get a teaching degree?

Students who want to become educators quickly can benefit from an online, competency-based program that allows them to pursue their degree at a pace that works for them.

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Master's Programs in Education

Gain the skills, insights, and credentials you need to lead in the classroom and the school.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or you’ve already logged a few years in the classroom, our master’s degrees will provide you with invaluable field experience, a variety of innovative pedagogical approaches, so you can become certified to teach in New York State, move on in your career as a leader, or specialize in an area such as mathematics education and teaching literacy.

Students who successfully complete an MS program and have fewer than three years of teaching experience will be eligible for initial NYSED certification . NYS-certified teachers with more than three years of experience will earn professional certification.

Most programs offer several concentrations and flexible course options. If you’re already certified to teach, an advanced certificate might be right for you. We offer master's programs in:

Childhood Education and Special Education

We offer an MS degree in Childhood Education and Special Education (Grades 1-6) available online (except for student teaching courses) and in traditional classrooms. We also offer NYS Education Department (NYSED)-required seminars on topics such as school violence prevention and child abuse, and workshops on bullying and harassment and on autism. This program leads to New York State Certification in General Education and Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6.

Early Childhood Education and Special Education

Earn an Early Childhood & Special Education (Birth-2) . Focus on early childhood development, intervention, and learning processes for children, including those with disabilities, from birth to grade 2. In addition to traditional classroom-based courses, online courses are available for the entire program, except for student teaching courses. We also offer New York State Education Department (NYSED)-required seminars on topics such as school violence prevention and child abuse, and workshops on bullying and harassment and on autism. This program leads to New York State Certification in General Education and Students with Disabilities, Birth to Grade 2.

Educational Technology

The MS in Educational Technology prepares our graduates to become technology teachers and coordinators in K-12, collegiate, and corporate settings. Certified teachers who complete the program will be eligible for NYS teacher certification in educational technology, and many graduates will be eligible for the New York City salary differential. This degree is available on campus at 3 Times Square, or online through live video conferencing.

Jewish Childhood Education and Special Education

Our program in Jewish Childhood Education & Special Education is a unique program tailored to the needs of Jewish educators and the Jewish day school curriculum. Courses are offered on the Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses, and online. This program leads to New York State Certification in General Education and Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6.

The Master of Literacy program prepares teachers to become Literacy Specialists who work with students with reading and writing difficulties. The program includes ample field experience and leads to certification in both Birth – Grade 6 and Grades 5 – 12. Classes are offered online, as well as on site in Long Island in the evenings. 

Mathematics

Become certified to teach 5 th -12 th grade math. We offer an MS in Mathematics Education Leading to Initial Certification , as well as an MS in Mathematics Education Leading to Professional Certification  for already-certified teachers who need a Masters degree.

School Counseling

Help a diverse range of students build the academic and interpersonal skills they need to thrive in school and in life. Our 3-year school counseling program is ideal for professional educators who work with underrepresented groups in the greater NYC-metro area.

School Leadership

Educators interested in an advanced degree may pursue an MS to become a School Building Leader or School District Leader . Because many students are working professionals, we offer evening, weekend, and online courses.

Special Education, Generalist, Grades 7-12

We offer an MS degree in  Special Education, Generalist, Grades 7-12 , available online (except for student teaching courses) and in traditional classrooms. We also offer NYS Education Department (NYSED)-required seminars in topics such as school violence prevention and child abuse, and workshops on bullying and harassment and on autism. This program leads to New York State Certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities, Generalist, Grades 7-12.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

We offer a Master of Science in TESOL appropriate for NYS-certified PreK-12 teachers interested in expanding their teaching fields to ESL or strengthening their capacities to serve a diverse student body. Evening, Sunday, and online courses are available.

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Master of Education in Teaching with Certification

Help pay for your degree and apply for competitive scholarships and grants, including a TEACH grant of up to $3,772 per academic year for qualified applicants.

UTA and the City of Arlington are located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth region, opening up career options for our certified educators and graduates.

Get equipped to meet the needs of today's learners with real-world learning opportunities in K-12 schools before you graduate. We also have a dedicated Office of Educational Field Experiences, Office of Certification, and faculty experts/researchers who have first-hand knowledge of the teaching field.

Future Students Start Here

Have a bachelor’s degree and want to become certified to teach in Texas? UTA’s teacher certification program offers outstanding faculty, classroom observation, and in-person classroom field experiences to give you the expertise you need to pass your initial teacher certification exams. From there, it is on to the classroom! Register for an information session or request information to learn more.

About the Program

• Program Options & Degree Plans

Program Benefits

• Cost and Funding Options

How to Apply

Transfer students, clinical teaching.

• Eligibility & Residency

We offer several different grade levels for you to choose from, including Early Childhood – Grade 6, Grades 4-8 (Mid Level), Grades 7-12 (Secondary Level), and Early Childhood – Grade 12 (All Level). And future teachers who are teaching Grades 4 and above will also specialize their degree with a specific content area, such as mathematics, science, art, music, history, or physical education.

Additionally, many of our certification options, are in critical shortage areas that are in-demand with local schools. And candidates who graduate and complete their certification with a master's degree may have higher pay potential and expanded career options. 

Program Options

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree must obtain teacher certification at the graduate level.

Teacher certification can be earned either through a certification-only program (non-degree seeking) or a master's degree with certification. Click on the program you are interested in to view the coursework required for that program, as well as other helpful information.

Programs to Choose From

To view degree plans, open the program page from the list below.

The M.Ed. in Special Education with certification  (100% online classes)

The  m.ed. in teaching with certification.

• Early Childhood - Grade 6 ESL/Core Subjects
• Early Childhood - Grade 6 Bilingual Core Subjects (Not currently accepting students)
• Mid-Level (4-8) *
• Secondary (7-12) *
• All-Level (Early Childhood-12) *

The Initial Teacher Certification  program* (for non-degree seeking students)

*Aspiring educators who want to teach Grade 4 or above will choose a specific subject or content area to specialize their certification.

• Full AAQEP accreditation .
• Expanded career options, greater expertise, and higher salary potential for teacher candidates who graduate with a master's degree. 
• Average 94% pass rate for certification exams in the College of Education (among students on their first two attempts for content pedagogy and PPR exams). 
• 5-year retention rate for new teachers is 80.1% (according to the 2020 Performance Analysis for Colleges of Education produced by the Center of Research, Evaluation, & Advancement of Teacher Education). 
• Get connected to local and national school district recruiters through our Education Career Day , an annual job fair hosted by our Office of Educational Field Experiences each spring.
• In 2023, the Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) has recognized UTA's Educator Preparation Program with a commendation for its innovative approaches to educating the state’s future teachers.

Cost of Attendance

Please note that the cost can vary by student in relation to that student's individual circumstances. 

For the best approximation of your school costs for tuition and fees, visit the UTA Tuition  Estimator at https://www.uta.edu/admissions/afford/tuition-estimator .  

Paying for School

UTA offers competitive funding options  future teachers, including TEACH Grants, Noyce Grants, and Project Match Made in Schools Grants. For more, view our Scholarships and Paying for School  page. 

Loan Forgiveness 

Every year Texas Education Agency (TEA) submits a list of teacher shortage areas by subject matter and a list of designated low-income schools to the U.S. Department of Education. Teachers with certain types of student loans may qualify for partial loan forgiveness, deferment, or cancellation benefits. UTA and the TEA do not determine an educator’s eligibility for teacher loan forgiveness. Eligibility may vary. For details visit:  https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/educator-initiatives-and-performance/student-loan-forgiveness-for-teachers . 

Admission to UTA's Educator Preparation Program is a multi-step process. Review our Steps to Become an Educator Page  for a detailed list of instructions. 

Admissions Requirements 

Admissions requirements can be found on the Official Catalog . 

If you were previously enrolled in another Texas Teacher Educator Preparation Program; Alternative Certification Program or University-Based Program, you must email [email protected] and request a TEA Transfer of Data Form. Failure to do so will result in delay of your program continuance.

Our Office of Educational Field Experiences  works closely with specific schools to build strong mentoring relationships between teachers and students, and therefore place all students in partner school settings. Students are not able to select the district or school for their placement.

Clinical teaching is typically unpaid. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE for graduate students pursuing initial teacher certification. PLEASE READ.

The Texas Education Agency has issued new requirements for student teacher supervision, according to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC 228.35(f)). This includes a minimum of three 45-minute formal classroom observations followed by a 20-minute interactive conference between the student teacher and the university supervisor. This means that all UTA student teacher placements must be in our partner districts in the DFW area. There will be no out of area placements. The Office of Educational Field Experiences will place all student teachers in a partner district based on the availability of cooperating teachers in the different subject areas.

Information for Out-of-State Students

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires candidates seeking certification to complete all practica in a TEA-approved site. Out-of-state students who do not complete the practicum at a UTA College of Education and TEA-approved site and meet all other TEA requirements do not qualify for Texas educator certification. If seeking certification outside of Texas, please work with your state agency in the state in which you are seeking certification to determine eligibility and to complete any additional requirements. Please note that after successful completion of your UTA College of Education degree, you may request a memo indicating your degree completion. UTA cannot recommend out-of-state students for certification and cannot recommend out-of-state students to take Texas certification exam(s). Additionally, UTA faculty and staff cannot complete out-of-state form requests for individuals seeking certification, licensure, and/or endorsements in another state according to TEA.

Additional Changes

Program requirements may change as state/TEA certification requirements change.

Priority Application Dates

Applying after the priority date? Admissions applications are welcome at any time. However, for priority consideration, apply by the priority date.

Submit by July 1

Classes start end of August

Submit by Nov. 1

Classes start in January

Submit by April 1

Classes start mid-May

Application Deadlines, Course Start Dates & More

For payment deadlines , information about payment plans  and more, visit Student Accounts . 

*The Hispanic Serving Leadership Preparation Graduate Certificate does not offer summer admission.

Official Catalog: Admissions Requirements & Important Information

View the  UTA Official Catalog  for admissions requirements and details about probationary admission, deferred admission, and more for the following programs. 

• M.Ed. or Certificate in Instructional and Learning Design Technology
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Open Options 
• M.Ed. in Mind, Brain, and Education 
• M.Ed. in Teaching with Teacher Certification 
• Initial Teacher Certification Only Program 
• Criminal History Acknowledgement for Educator Certification programs
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis 
• Dual Degree: Master of Social Work and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis 
• B.A. to Ph.D. Track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
• Hispanic Serving Leadership Preparation Graduate Certificate 

Recommendation Form

Applicants seeking admission must submit two recommendation forms. Please wait until you have your 10-digit, UTA student ID number to submit recommendation forms.

For online programs:

The required Recommendation Form is available for download here . 

For on-campus and hybrid (featuring online and in-person courses):

The required*  Recommendation Form is available for download here.

The Hispanic Serving Leadership Preparation Graduate Certification does not require a recommendation form at this time. 

International Students

Some applicants, such as international students, may have additional admissions requirements* and/or program** limitations.

English Language Test Score Requirements

UTA accepts TOEFL* or IELTS or Duolingo. If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate a sufficient level of skill with the English language to assure success in graduate studies. You are required to submit official test score reports directly from the testing agency unless you hold a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited U.S institution.

You are required to submit an official test score report sent directly from the testing agency. UTA's ETS institutional code is 6013.

*Certification programs only accept TOEFL due to Texas Education Agency requirements. 

View test score requirements online . 

Additional Resources

• International Student Checklist .
• UTA International Admissions . 
• Office of International Education .
• International Student Forms . 
• UTA Official Catalog . 

Have additional questions?

Email UTA's international office at [email protected] .

*The resources provided here are for informational purposes. Please review the Official Catalog for official information. 

**The M.Ed. in Mind, Brain, and Education is not eligible for international students at this time.

Out-of-State Students & Additional Info

Criminal history acknowledgement.

As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.

• In order to receive a teacher certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.
• If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.
• You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.

For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation: Click Here

• Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator.
• Pursuant to the TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching.

Content Area Declaration 

If you wish to pursue Mid-Level, Secondary, or All-Level certification, you must choose a subject you wish to teach. This is what the state refers to as your 'Content Area'. You must have a minimum of 24 undergraduate hours in your chosen content area and at least half of those hours must be junior/senior level classes. 

Your content area must be verified by a professor in your discipline who has been designated as a Content Advisor before you will be permitted to enroll in Education coursework. If the Content Advisor finds that you must take more than 12 hours to complete your content coursework, these must be done before beginning the certification program and student teaching!

Content Area Declaration Form

Find your content advisor using the button below. From there, complete and return your form to the College of Education.

View Official Catalog

View program information, admissions requirements, and more.

Graduate Recruiter

• Undergraduate Degrees Overview
• Bachelor of Arts in Education
• Bachelor of Science in Education
• Other Undergraduate Certification Areas
• Leadership Minor
• Graduate Degrees Overview
• Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
• Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Principal Certification
• Master of Education in Instructional and Learning Design Technology
• Master of Education in Mind, Brain, and Education
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Math
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Science
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Open Option
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Education in Special Education with Initial Certification
• Master of Education in Teaching Overview
• Early Childhood - Grade 6 Bilingual Core Subjects
• Mid-Level (4-8)
• Secondary (7-12) and All-Level (EC-12)
• Certifications Overview
• Teacher Certification
• Alternative Certification Program
• Principal Certification
• Hispanic Serving Leadership Preparation Graduate Certificate
• Instructional and Learning Design Technology Certificate

Get information about College of Education programs, admissions requirements, and more.

Education Advising

Hammond Hall 132 Box 19227, 701 Planetarium Place Advising Emails Undergraduate Students: [email protected] Graduate In-Person Programs: [email protected] Graduate Online Programs: [email protected]

817-272-2956

General College Contacts

5th Floor, Hammond Hall, 701 Planetarium Place Box 19227, Arlington, TX 76019-0227 Email Addresses General Email: [email protected] Office of Educational Certification: [email protected] Office of Educational Field Experiences: [email protected] Phone

817-272-2591

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How to Choose the Right Master's Degree in Education

An advanced degree in teaching or education can result in faster career growth, more money and greater job satisfaction. Discover the difference between an MAT and MEd graduate pathway so you can pick the program that matches your passion.

Save your place in Pacific’s MAT program with Guaranteed Graduate Admissions ! Start your teaching journey as soon as your first-year in college and graduate ready to make an impact.

A bachelor’s degree in teaching is only the beginning of a rewarding education career , one that can touch the lives of countless students and give rise to a new generation of young people ready to change the world.  

For those who want to expand that reach and deepen their impact, a master’s degree in education can equip teachers and administrators with new tools to make a difference in the classroom.

Whether it’s a  master’s degree in teaching (MAT) or a master’s degree in education (MEd) , an advanced degree can elevate your existing practice or launch you into a career with in-demand skills .

The benefits of furthering your education are abundant, but how do you choose the best master’s of education degree to suit your career goals?

The next step in pursuit of your purpose is just around the corner. Here’s how to find it.

EXPLORE TEACHING PATHWAYS

Why Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Education or Teaching?

Like many careers grounded in a rich history of research and experimentation, teaching and education roles utilize lifelong learning and refinement to better serve their communities. 

Leaders in advancing how young people flourish, teachers and educators use their advanced education degrees to champion new initiatives and styles of teaching, bolstered by experience and theory.

A master’s degree in education can benefit new and established educators by:

Allowing for greater career advancement. Not only do teachers with an advanced degree earn more over their lifetime — up to 27% in most cases — but a master’s-level degree enables educators to further their career more quickly.

Serving students better. Studies have shown that teachers with advanced degrees, especially those who pursue their MAT or MEd after some amount of professional experience, lead classrooms to better learning outcomes .

Empowering specialization. The best master’s of education programs encourage teachers and administrators to perfect their areas of expertise, resulting in experts in the classroom.

Helping shape education policy. Greater education and experience can result in a seat at the table when creating new strategies, techniques and curriculums that have the ability to influence schooling in your backyard or across the country .

MAT vs MEd: What’s the Difference?

While many teachers will begin their career by pursuing a bachelor's degree in education or a related program, advanced degrees allow for greater specificity in how exactly you want to make a difference.

Designed for teachers who want to shape education at the front line, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree prepares educators for a career in the classroom.

The MAT also empowers those who have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to serve students by transitioning to a teaching career, putting their passions to work in the classroom .

With the ability to specialize in general or special education , MAT teachers can receive in-school experience while in studying , uniquely preparing them to manage classrooms and inspire students.

For already licensed teachers, the Master of Education (MEd) degree can add to your classroom preparation through special emphasis on creating education outcomes through curriculum development , administration, and counseling.

While these two degree paths do focus on different aspects of the education system, it’s important to note that both programs allow for opportunities to teach and impact education development.

What Jobs Can You Do With an MAT?

The most common route for MAT graduates is to enter or resume teaching in the classroom , with a master of arts in teaching affording them new skills.

However, beyond classroom instruction there are other opportunities for MAT degree holders to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Specializations. Frequently interacting with students on an individual level, specializations in literacy , special education , and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) can help students thrive.

Private tutoring. Supplementing in-class instruction, tutors in reading, writing, math, and more often have teaching experience and can use skills gained in their MAT to start their own practice.

Education outside the classroom. Anywhere learning can be done, teachers can have an impact. Children’s museums, enrichment camps, or online video all afford MAT graduates to flex their prowess in nontraditional settings. 

What Jobs Can You Do With an MEd?

While less frequently in the classroom, MEd graduates still have an impact on how young people can be successful through learning. 

Curriculum design. As social justice becomes more and more essential, it’s important that highly-educated and experienced professionals are redesigning learning outcomes for students to create inclusive and equitable spaces .

Guidance counseling. Helping young people enter adulthood and discover their purpose, careers in guidance counseling make use of a foundation of child development and education theory to best prepare students for life after high school.

School administration. Want to help lead schools and create equitable spaces for all students through leadership? An MEd is a great start.

At both the school and district levels, the skills gained during a master of education degree contribute to helping create successful students and satisfied, well-funded teachers .

How Much More Can You Make With an MAT or MEd?

Teacher and educator pay goes up the more experience you have, with added salary benefits coming as a result of advanced education and specialized skills.

In the Portland-metro area, starting salaries for teachers with only a bachelor’s degree in education ranged between $49,000 and $53,322.

MAT graduates can make more, however, with salaries for teachers starting with advanced degrees increasing to between $55,000 and $58,000.

After MAT degree holders begin to gain experience, pay rises much faster than if you only had a bachelor’s degree, with salaries between $80,000 and $91,000 for those with advanced training.

Salaries for MEd graduates follow a similar path, with advanced pay coming with more robust skills and experience. 

That said, MEd degree holders can make substantially more if they transition to working at state or national-level education departments, helping to design curriculum and meet teacher needs.

You can get your advanced teaching degree online with our flexible MAT program ! Submit your application during our rolling admissions period today!

MAT FINANCIAL AID

Online Master’s in School Counseling (M.Ed.) Your Path to Counseling Mastery

Credit Hours

View Courses

Online* with required intensives

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Provide Effective Student Care and Counseling with a Master’s in Educational Counseling Online from Liberty

Think about a person who had a great influence on the path your life took. Is there a teacher from your past who comes to mind? If you are passionate about being a positive role model in a child’s life, then becoming a school counselor might be the right career path for you. As a counselor, you will have the chance to help children navigate their often difficult and overwhelming years in school.

Liberty University’s CACREP -accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling can help equip you to work as a school counselor in Christian, public, and private schools. This program is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ( CAEP ). By pursuing your master’s in educational counseling online from a university with this level of accreditation, you can be confident that you’re receiving an education of the highest quality.

So, why get a Master of Education in School Counseling? Through this degree, you can gain advanced counseling and psychology skills with an emphasis on ethics, techniques, assessment, evaluation, and group counseling. This M.Ed. program provides specialized preparation for individuals seeking K-12 school counseling licensure** – so you can get the credentials you need to counsel students from many different backgrounds.

As you work toward becoming a school counselor, it’s essential that you gain both practical and theoretical knowledge to apply in real-life situations. Our online master’s in school counseling degree will train you to help students face various challenges and set realistic goals for their future. Not only can you help students apply for college, find jobs, and pursue scholarships to fund their college education – you can also help them thrive mentally and emotionally throughout their K-12 years.

Earn your school counselor degree online today and learn how to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs – programs that are culturally sensitive and promote the career, personal, social, and academic development of children and adolescents.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

**Please note: The M.Ed. in School Counseling may be used to obtain an advanced-level license for PreK-12 school personnel. Candidates residing in Virginia must have completed 2 years of successful, full-time teaching experience or 2 years of successful experience in guidance and counseling to qualify for the school counseling license. Individual state licensure requirements may vary. Please verify licensure requirements for the state in which you reside.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Master’s in School Counseling Program?

At Liberty, we don’t just offer an education – we offer an opportunity to impact the world. Here’s what sets us apart:

Our Master of Education in School Counseling program online supports a learning environment that encourages collaboration. Join a culturally diverse, global student body as you seek to become a competent, responsible, ethical, and professional school counselor. With Liberty’s school counselor degree online, you can get the credentials you need to serve in public, private, and Christian schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Throughout this program, you’ll have the opportunity to network with professionals from across the country while studying under industry experts. By the time you graduate, you can be better prepared to meet the needs of diverse bodies of students and support their mental, spiritual, and physical health and development. That way, you can implement a balanced approach to counseling that promotes both academic achievement and student well-being.

The goal of this master’s degree in school counseling online is to equip ethically and spiritually aware counselors with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to promote the mental health of students across diverse populations. One way we do that is by offering opportunities for hands-on experience in the form of 1 full-semester practicum and 2 full-semester internships.

Your internship and practicum placements can help ensure that you gain the experience you need to pursue a career as a licensed school counselor. Work alongside seasoned professionals as you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-life situations – and prepare to join the ranks of Liberty graduates who are fulfilling their calling. By pairing the rigorous curriculum of our online master’s in education counseling with practical field experience, you can graduate ready to make a difference.

What Will You Study in Our Master’s in Education Counseling Online?

Get the tools you need to be an effective K-12 school counselor. In this master’s in school counseling degree online, you can learn how to counsel children from diverse backgrounds, conduct assessments and evaluations in educational settings, and use group counseling techniques in the school environment.

Additionally, you can:

• Examine culturally sensitive counseling practices, social justice, and advocacy approaches for use in a society with a wide range of belief systems
• Explore best practices for developing, implementing, and evaluating K-12 school counseling programs that promote access and equity for all students
• Learn how to recognize family, personal, and environmental factors that affect development processes for students of all ages
• Prepare to navigate various ethical and legal challenges in your counseling career

Our online school counseling program covers both general counseling methods and specialized topics in educational counseling. Additionally, you’ll study a mix of theoretical and practical knowledge, so you can develop a well-rounded approach to counseling that helps students grow personally and academically.

To round out your online school counseling master’s degree, you’ll complete 2 full-semester internships and 1 full-semester practicum. These internship and practicum placements will help you gain valuable, hands-on experience in your field, so you can boost your résumé and work toward meeting the requirements for school counseling licensure. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit our beautiful campus in Lynchburg, Va., to complete your 2 required intensives.

Potential Career Opportunities

Growing enrollment at all levels of education creates a need for counselors to respond to students’ developmental and academic needs. Upon completion of Liberty’s online Master of Education in School Counseling degree, you could pursue:

• Licensed school counseling roles in public and private K-12 schools
• Continued education/requirements to become a licensed professional counselor

Featured Courses

• COSC 604 – Foundations of School Counseling
• COSC 622 – Assessment and Evaluation in School Counseling
• COSC 660 – Principles of School Counseling
• COSC 661 – School Counseling Program Development and Evaluation

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required).
• View our School Counseling Advising Guide .
• Students should verify any additional licensure requirements with their home state.
• This program is accredited by both CAEP and CACREP .
• This program is available online with required intensives .
• This program requires 1 full-semester practicum and 2 full-semester internships.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for the School Counseling Graduate Program Online

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
• Contact information for 2 recommenders from professional sources (i.e., not family/friends). This form can be submitted online (login required). These individuals should be qualified to address the applicant’s ability to complete the graduate-level work, disposition, and ability to become a counselor, and their maturity, motivation, and ethics. Some examples of individuals that may be suitable include professors, employers, or leaders in an organization where the applicant volunteers. Please note: This contact information must be less than 1 year old.
• Please describe in 200-250 words why you desire to become a counselor and indicate the type of counselor certification you plan to seek after graduation.
• Describe in 200-250 words an occasion in which you have interacted with an individual or a group of individuals from another culture. Identify the cultural differences which were present and how you demonstrated respect for those differences.
• Describe in 200-250 words how you form effective interpersonal relationships with others in individual and group settings.
• Complete the form agreeing to the Master of Education in School Counseling’s Mission Statement and Diversity Statement.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
• If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application .
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.

Dual Enrollment

Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an online master’s degree in school counseling respected.

Like many students, you may be wondering whether an online Master of Education in School Counseling holds the same weight as a residential program. As long as you attend a university and/or program that is accredited, you can be confident that your master’s degree will hold weight as an advanced educational credential.

At Liberty, we have just what you need. We are institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). Additionally, our online master’s in education counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs ( CACREP ) – and by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ( CAEP ).

With our master’s in educational counseling online, you can be confident that you’re earning a degree that may serve you well for years to come.

Is a school counseling degree online the same as an online guidance counselor degree?

Maybe you’ve been searching for an online guidance counselor program, and you’re wondering whether Liberty’s Master of Education in School Counseling fits the bill.

Many people use the terms “school counselor” and “guidance counselor” interchangeably, but these terms do have different connotations. In fact, the term “guidance counselor” is now considered outdated in many circles. Over the years, guidance counseling has morphed into school counseling – with the change in terminology reflecting the way that today’s school counselors are quite different from the guidance counselors of the past.

Traditionally, guidance counselors have had a more vocational focus, with an emphasis on helping students prepare for college or a career. In contrast, school counselors offer a more comprehensive approach to helping students succeed. Not only do they focus on vocational matters – they also help foster students’ mental, emotional, and social well-being as they navigate the challenges of school. Today, the term “school counselor” is growing in popularity because it more fully denotes the scope of this role than the term “guidance counselor” does.

At Liberty, we’ve designed our online school counseling master’s program to offer a broader, more well-rounded education than a standard master’s in guidance counseling online would. School counselors fulfill a wide range of responsibilities, and our comprehensive approach to counseling can help ensure that you’re ready to meet the current needs and challenges of this field.

Can I get a master’s in school counseling online?

Many of Liberty’s school counseling courses are offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to complete your assignments from the comfort of home. In addition to your online coursework, you’ll also visit our beautiful campus in Central Virginia for 2 intensive courses – and you’ll complete 1 practicum and 2 internships at an approved location near you.

Your on-campus intensives will give you the opportunity to connect face-to-face with your classmates and professors, and your practicum and internship placements can help you put your skills to the test in a real-world setting. This mix of online and in-person training can help provide the flexibility, rigor, and networking opportunities you need to prepare for your career.

Is a school counseling degree worth it?

In general, a master’s degree and state licensure/certification are required if you want to work as a school counselor. If you are confident that this is the career path you want to pursue, a master’s in education counseling online can be an invaluable investment.

Liberty’s M.Ed. in School Counseling can help provide the training you need to work as a licensed school counselor. Individual state requirements may vary – to find out whether our program is the best fit for you, be sure to research the licensure requirements in your state.

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Residential Master's in Education

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The residential Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education prepares educators and aspiring educators — like you — with the knowledge and skills to change the world through education. 

With world-class faculty as your mentors, a lifelong network of innovative colleagues and friends, and a community that encompasses boundary-pushing research and a deep commitment to social justice, the HGSE residential Master’s in Education will help you pursue your goals and establish an impactful, rewarding, and successful career in education.

An Immersive Experience

HGSE’s  on-campus master’s degree is a one-year, full-time, immersive Harvard experience . You'll apply directly to one of its five distinct programs, spanning education leadership and entrepreneurship, education policy, human development, teaching and teacher leadership, and learning design and technology. 

The residential Ed.M. curriculum has two other key pillars: Foundations and Concentrations. Together, our Programs, Foundations, and Concentrations — as well as a dynamic assortment of electives and co-curricular experiences — will prepare you to create transformative learning at every level and in every role, from teacher to district leader, policymaker to entrepreneur, learning designer to nonprofit leader. 

"As educators, what we do right now matters. If we lean into our mission to not only empower but also address harm, imagine what the next generation will be capable of?" Bridget Long Dean and Saris Professor of Education and Economics Harvard Graduate School of Education

To start your master's experience at HGSE, you'll choose and apply to one of our five Programs, where you'll develop expertise in a specific area of education practice that aligns with your professional aspirations.

Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship

Cultivates the skills you need to become an effective, strategic, and innovative leader.  Offers the School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure Strand.

Education Policy and Analysis

Provides you with a deep understanding of what works in education and how to leverage policy to generate solutions.

Human Development and Education

Prepares you to understand and support the development of learners of all ages and their communities. Offers the School Counseling Licensure Pathway.

Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology

Offers you the opportunity to create technological innovations and evolve the science of learning to improve student outcomes.

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

Equips you with the skills needed to transform learning, advance social justice, and make a difference in the lives of all students.  Offers the Teaching Licensure Strand.

Licensure Options

The following programs offer licensure pathways:

Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship: School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure Strand

Human Development and Education: School Counseling Licensure Pathway

Teaching and Teacher Leadership: Teaching Licensure Strand

Foundations

You’ll launch your master's program with  Foundations — four distinctive courses that give you knowledge and capacities that every educator, in every setting, needs to possess. Leveraging the expertise of HGSE’s faculty, along with novel instructional approaches and real-world applications, Foundations will prepare you to understand, evaluate, and address the challenges and rapidly changing circumstances facing students, families, and communities. You'll draw on that foundational knowledge over the rest of your HGSE coursework and throughout your career.  

What to know:

• You’ll start with How People Learn , an immersive online course that runs in June and July and requires a time commitment of 10-15 hours per week.  
• You’ll take Leading Change , Evidence , and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August, plus one additional Equity and Opportunity elective during the year. 

Concentrations

Deepen your knowledge in a particular context or area of education by choosing an optional Concentration — an area of specialty that can be combined with your Program to create customized pathways and expertise. You'll foster connections with peers who share similar interests, and lay the groundwork for your career. Note your interest in a Concentration on your application, and officially declare after enrollment. Concentrations require 6-12 credits of coursework.

Arts and Learning

Helps you explore the integral role the arts play across art forms, age groups, and learning environments.

Early Childhood

Prepares you for a variety of roles within the early childhood education sector.

Global, International, and Comparative Education

Enables you to gain experience addressing education inequalities in low and middle-income countries.

Higher Education

Equips you for a career in postsecondary education — within universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and consulting firms.

Identity, Power, and Justice in Education

Provides you with the skills to create education spaces that aim to eliminate oppressive conditions and inequitable outcomes.

Literacy and Languages

Gives you the tools to address how literacy-related developments support student outcomes.

Make it Your Own

Whether you focus on early childhood education, K–12, or higher education, and whether domestically or globally, our master’s curriculum offers the chance to design your own pathway by crafting a customized set of enriching experiences that allow you to tap your leadership potential, cultivate your ability to make a positive impact, and create the conditions for meaningful learning and development. Learn how to personalize your pathway . 

Cohort and Community

From the start of your time as a student, you will be supported to successfully transition into graduate school and immediately begin to develop your networks with others who are dedicated to improving education. And throughout your time at HGSE, you will continue building relationships with and receiving support from your cohort. HGSE faculty and staff also facilitate numerous opportunities to help you find a community that will outlast your time as an HGSE student, and upon graduation, you will join the over 30,000 HGSE alumni working around the world. 

• Learn more about HGSE’s Community .
• Discover what makes life at HGSE distinctive. 

Columbia University has several ties to Tel Aviv. One of them explains a lot.

The new york city school has refused to axe its dual-degree program with an israeli university. why.

When a group of pro-Palestinian protesters pitched tents on Columbia University’s Manhattan campus on April 17, they had one goal: to compel the school to sever financial ties with Israel, including halting an academic program in Tel Aviv. Until the demand was met, they refused to leave. 

Nearly a month later, it’s clear that the ask was too steep. Negotiations between school administrators and student leaders soured. Police arrested hundreds of demonstrators over the next few weeks. Scores of students were suspended. The school became a lightning rod for a youth-led upheaval over the Israel-Hamas war, sparking similar protests on college campuses across the country. 

Their main stipulation was a familiar one in American higher education: that the university stop drawing endowment money from companies affiliated with the Israeli government, particularly those that could stand to gain from the war in Gaza. Multibillion-dollar endowments, especially those at large research universities like Columbia, are complex and secretive. Often managed by hedge funds, they can be connected to thousands of potential revenue sources.

What is divestment? Pro-Palestinian protesters are urging universities to divest from Israel. Here's what that means.

Another demand from the protesters drew less attention.

In 2019, Columbia launched a dual-degree program with Tel Aviv University. Under the agreement, students could earn two undergraduate degrees by studying in Israel for two years and then returning to the U.S. to finish their schooling at Columbia’s School of General Studies in Manhattan. The program admitted about 60 students in 2021. Columbia offers similar programs, enrolling hundreds of students, in partnership with other universities in international hubs, including Dublin and Hong Kong.

When protesters urged the school to end its affiliation with Tel Aviv University, Columbia's administrators didn't budge. It was a point of pride and not a matter for consideration, officials said.

“Columbia University welcomes and embraces the Israeli students, faculty, and staff on our campus and are proud of their accomplishments on behalf of the greater Columbia community,” Columbia spokesperson Samantha Slater said in a statement to USA TODAY. “We also benefit greatly from our dual-degree program with Tel Aviv University, a program that the university will continue to wholeheartedly support.”

The Columbia situation, explained: Alumni pressure and a crime-fighting mayor helped set the stage for Columbia arrests

Columbia’s refusal to end the partnership underscores some of the more nuanced truths about how the divestment movement on college campuses is butting up against larger trends in higher education – including the demand for study abroad programs, a “ financial aid arms race ,” reliance on tuition revenue, and the puzzling ways that money, even at the richest schools, can end up unevenly siloed in ways that reshape students' lives.

Unequal financial aid at Columbia

When Charissa Ratliff-D’addario decided to leave Spokane Falls Community College in 2019, she thought she knew what she was getting into. She had always fantasized about moving to New York City. When she was 13, she hung a poster of Columbia’s main library on her bedroom wall.

Columbia’s School of General Studies, which houses the dual-degree program with Tel Aviv University, is made for people just like her: nontraditional students a few years removed from high school. Administrators rave about how those students enrich classroom dialogues and bring fresh perspectives to younger students. When Ratliff-D’addario was accepted, she was thrilled. 

But the reality of her experience didn't align with her dream. After she enrolled at 22 for her first year, she discovered that an error in the financial aid process deemed her ineligible for the grants she needed. She had to take out private loans to cover tuition. She eventually sold the house she owned in Washington state. 

Her challenges are similar to those faced by many students at Columbia’s School of General Studies, an undergraduate school that has struggled for years to offer the same generous financial aid other Columbia students get. Though the school's enrollment numbers have increased dramatically in the last decade, General Studies students, many of whom have children and juggle jobs, receive less help covering their costs than some of the students they sit with in class. 

Context on Columbia: How the university became the epicenter of disagreement over the Israel-Hamas war

“It’s a very tuition-driven school,” Ratliff-D’addario said. “I don’t think there’s any argument around that.” 

An undergraduate paying full tuition at Columbia and living on campus can expect to pay roughly $90,000 per year, according to the school's recent estimates. Though that number can diminish greatly when factoring in financial aid, skyrocketing tuition has helped Columbia become one of the richest and most expensive schools in the country.

But at Columbia, like many universities, every individual school is responsible for footing some major bills. Each is forced to cover a hefty annual tax from the central administration – a fee that is easier for some schools to pay than others. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences, a five-school conglomerate that houses the School of General Studies, has long faced challenges balancing its budget. The rising cost of financial aid is a big reason why. 

“There was always this sense that we didn’t have enough money,” said Nicholas Dirks, who ran the Arts and Sciences arm at Columbia from 2004 to 2013 before going on to become a chancellor at the University of California, Berkeley. It was “hardscrabble work,” he said, to get more help for General Studies students. 

Dual-degree programs ease some disparities

Driven by a broader trend in higher education to increase international opportunities for undergraduate students, Columbia first launched a dual-degree program in 2010 with the French university Sciences Po. When the European school committed to covering students’ financial aid for their first few years abroad, administrators welcomed the chance to bridge some of the financial aid disparities typically faced by General Studies students, Dirks said.

After launching more partnerships under similar models, Columbia’s dual- and joint-degree offerings more than doubled between 2010 and 2019, according to the campus newspaper. Meanwhile, the number of students in the School of General Studies increased by roughly a third , more than any of Columbia’s other undergraduate schools, over the last decade.

“In my mind, it's impossible not to connect the rapid growth of General Studies with the need for revenue,” said Michael Thaddeus, a mathematics professor at Columbia who uncovered the university’s misreporting to a popular college rankings list several years ago. 

Dirks, who ran the Arts and Sciences division a decade ago, pushed back on the idea that the School of General Studies' enrollment bump has been primarily revenue-driven. But, he acknowledged, "it does help the bottom line."

Though there have been some improvements to financial aid for General Studies students in recent years, it still has not bridged the gap with Columbia's other undergraduate schools. Ratliff-D’addario, who received her bachelor's degree last year, went on to start "Equality for GS," a student-led movement to increase financial aid for students like her.

Howard Bunsis, an accounting professor at Eastern Michigan University, who was invited by faculty members last year to analyze Columbia’s finances independently, said Columbia nixing its dual-degree programs would make no difference financially.

“Whether these existed or not would not move the needle at all in my estimation,” he said. "What bothers me in higher ed finance is places like Columbia crying poverty."

Zachary Schermele covers education and breaking news for   USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele .

St. Cloud State University leaders recommend major cuts in degree programs, faculty

Updated May 7, 9:38 a.m. | Posted May 6, 8:10 p.m.

St. Cloud State University leaders are proposing major budget cuts to programs and faculty to address a budget deficit.

In a meeting with faculty on Monday, SCSU administrators recommended discontinuing 46 of the university’s 136 degree programs, including criminal justice, Spanish, gender and women’s studies, sociology, physics, environmental science and economics.

They also proposed cutting 50 of 85 minor degrees, including African American and American Indian studies. Fifty-seven faculty positions would be cut, or 13 percent of the total.

In an interview Monday evening, acting president Larry Lee said the cuts are necessary to address a structural budget deficit. The university lost $18 million last year and is projected to lose $5.5 million this year — a deficit made smaller by one-time state funding. Without it, SCSU’s net operating loss would have been $15 million, Lee said.

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“We just can’t sustain the operation like that,” he said. “We have to align our expenses with our revenues, so we can continue to provide the type of experience that we’ve provided here for a long time.”

In his email to faculty and staff, Lee said higher education is facing “unprecedented struggles” — student enrollment declines, affordability concerns, a proliferation of higher education alternatives, public perception of college degrees and financial strains, among others.

“These circumstances negatively impact higher education, generally, and St. Cloud State University, specifically,” he wrote.

Lee said the university will focus on its 90 strongest academic programs, in which 90 percent of students are enrolled. 

“Students are speaking with their decisions — what programs are growing enrollment or not,” he said. “And we have some programs that just don’t have the enrollment that can support the amount of staffing that we have in that program.”

Students enrolled in the affected programs would still be able to complete their degrees, Lee said.

SCSU had one of its first enrollment increases this year in several years, Lee said, but continues to spend significantly more per year in instructional costs than other universities in the Minnesota State system.

The recommendations aren’t yet final, Lee said. The faculty union will respond to the administration with its comments within the next 10 days. 

Lee took over Sunday from President Robbyn Wacker, who stepped down last week, earlier than her planned departure of June 30. She told officials at Minnesota State that decisions about the university’s long-term operations should be made by leaders who will be there to manage the transition.

List of degree programs cut from St. Cloud State University

Degrees in italics have already frozen admissions to their programs

Criminal Justice Studies, BS

Criminal Justice Studies, MS

Gerontology, MS

Health and Physical Education, BS

Physical Education, BS

Rehabilitation Counseling, MS

Cultural Resource Management, MS

English Education, MS

English Studies, MA

Gender and Women’s Studies, BA

Global Studies, BA

History, MA

History, MS

Music Performance, BMUS

Music Teaching, BS (K-12)

Music Therapy, BS (not launched)

Sociology, BA

Spanish, BS

Studio Art, BFA

Writing Studies and Rhetoric, MA

Child and Family Studies: Family Studies, MS

Early Childhood Special Education, MS

Educational Administration and Leadership, SPEC

Educational Leadership and Technology, MS

Social Studies Education, MS

Biological Sciences, MA

Earth Sciences, BA

Electrical Engineering, MSEE

Environmental Engineering, BS

Environmental Science, BS

Environmental Studies, BS

Geography, BA

Geography, GIS, MS

Hydrology, BS

Manufacturing Engineering Technology, BS

Manufacturing Engineering, BS

Nuclear Medicine Technology, BS

Physics Education Grades 9-12, BS

Physics, BS

Physics/General Science Education Grades 5-12, BS

Software Engineering, PSM

Economics, BA

Entrepreneurship, BS

Hospitality and Tourism, BA

Public Administration, MPA

List of minor programs cut from St. Cloud State

Minors in italics have already frozen admissions to their programs

Applied Behavior Analysis

Athletic Coaching

Criminal Justice Studies

Gerontology

African American Studies

American Indian Studies

Arts - Entrepreneurship

Asian-Pacific American Studies

Chicano Studies

Conflict Management

Creative Writing

English Studies

E-Sports Broadcasting

Ethnic Studies

Film Production

Gender & Women Studies

Intercultural Communication

Linguistics

New Media - Music and Art

Teaching English as a Second Language

Early Childhood Education

Human Relations

Applied Analytics

Applied Mathematics

Career/Technical Ed: Communication

Career/Technical Ed: Construction

Career/Technical Ed: Manufacturing

Career/Technical Ed: Transportation

Environmental Studies

Forensic Science

Mathematics

Middle School Mathematics

STEM Education

Entrepreneurship  for Business Majors

Entrepreneurship  for Non-Business Majors

Esports Management for Business Majors

Esports Management for Non-Business Majors

Heritage Preservation (CMTY)

Hospitality & Tourism

Real Estate for Business Majors

Real Estate for Non-Business Majors

• Students address University of Minnesota Board of Regents
• Hamline University staff dismantle protest vigils ahead of graduation ceremonies
• What could divestment from Israel look like at Minnesota universities?