The Best Fast-Track Teaching Degrees Online – 2024 Bachelor and Master’s Programs

Teaching is a true calling, and many people feel passionate about helping the next generation learn and grow. Are you considering transitioning into teaching? How about leveling up your credentials in education? Then getting a fast-track teaching degree online is a great way to get your skills into the classroom quickly. Teachers are in demand, and teacher shortages are impacting just about every state in the US. If you want to prepare yourself to pitch in swiftly, consider enrolling in an accelerated teaching degree to become part of the solution.

Article Navigation: How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Degree Online? | Types of Fast-Track Teaching Degree Online Programs | Accredited Bachelor-to-Master Programs in Teaching Online | Fast-Track Bachelor of Teaching Online | Top 3 Master’s Accelerated Teaching Degrees Under $25K | Accredited Online Teaching Degrees | Teacher Certification – Accelerated Teaching Program | Conclusion

How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Degree Online?

The time it takes to finish online degrees for teaching varies. It depends on the following factors:

• How many credits you may have to transfer
• How heavy a class schedule you can fit into your life
• What degree you seek

Bachelor’s degrees generally take 4 years to complete from start to finish. However, if you can accelerate your program, you can finish in less time. For accelerated bachelor’s degree in education programs online, transferring credits from previous college classes or even following alternative paths to transfer credits like credit for military or work training or by exam will make your program much shorter. With some accelerated teaching programs, you can transfer up to 75% of the credits towards your degree. That means that you may be able to finish a Bachelor of Education online degree in less than a year.

Master’s programs that provide online degrees for teaching usually take 1-2 years to complete. Both undergrad and graduate teaching degrees can be completed 100% online. Otherwise, some offer hybrid or in-person classes for those who live near campus. Internships, when required, can take place at a location near where you live. Choosing from accredited online teaching degrees like the ones we list is crucial, so employers will recognize your credentials.

Types of Fast-Track Teaching Degree Online Programs

Choosing the right type of fast-track teaching degree for your situation is key. For example, say you want to get state licensure to teach in public PreK-12 schools. In this case you need to ensure that your degree meets the requirements for your state. In another case, some accelerated teaching programs are designed to help graduates meet licensure requirements, while others lead to teaching in religious or private schools, which may not require state licensure.

There are also master’s degree programs designed for people with a different undergrad degree who want to become teachers. If you are switching careers, one of these could be a tremendous accelerated teaching program for you. If you don’t yet have a degree and seek an online school to become a teacher, you can more quickly get your bachelor of teaching online in a program that accepts transfer credits.

For educators looking to add expertise to their resume, a master’s degree in education online is a convenient way to get that credential. Different areas of focus allow you to either focus on a specialized subject area or population to teach. Or you can choose to work on leadership or curriculum specialties.

Related Article: MAT vs MEd: Which Online Education Degree is Right for You?

Accredited Bachelor-to-Master Programs in Teaching Online

One way to fast-track your teaching degree is to enroll in a school that allows you to work on your master’s degree while still finishing your bachelor’s degree.

1. Maranatha Baptist University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies to Master of Education Online
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $430-$445 per credit

   The BS in Educational Studies to MEd program at Maranatha Baptist University is a terrific choice for non-traditional students who want to transition to teaching. Dual degree programs let students enroll in classes for both degrees, finishing the two degrees much faster. It is 100% online, and the BS portion is one step toward gaining alternative certification at the state level. For students seeking to teach in a Christian school, the program holds approval by the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

   With a bachelor’s degree from this accredited university, you have the foundations to start the process of alternative teacher certification, which most states have implemented to help them deal with the ongoing teacher shortages. The BS requires 128 credits, and the master’s portion requires 32 credits. Courses in the bachelor’s degree include:

   – Foundations of Education
   – Developmental Psychology
   – Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Practices
   – Educational Assessment

   The graduate portion allows you to choose a concentration that matches your interest as you complete your degree. Tracks include English, mathematics, administration, history, special ed, leadership, or biblical counseling. Courses in the master’s program include:

   – History and Philosophy of Education
   – Student Learning and Motivation
   – Instructional Improvement Through Assessment
   – Action Research

   In addition to these foundation classes, students will take electives in their chosen specialization. The BS to MEd program is affordable and convenient for students seeking a fast-track teaching degree that incorporates a biblical worldview.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies

    

Fast-Track Bachelor of Teaching Online

Online universities often make it easier to transfer credits. This can be a great way to accelerate your progress to your degree if you have some college credits. Some schools also allow you to gain credits for military or work experience! This of course adds to the number of transfer credits and decreasing the cost and time to get your degree.

1. Regent University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies / Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $52,600

   Regent’s online Teacher Education BS program helps adult learners with college or military backgrounds quickly obtain their undergrad degrees. This transfer-friendly, fast-track teaching degree allows students to transfer up to 90 credits towards the 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Keep in mind, though, 50% of the credits in the major must be taken at Regent University. While this program doesn’t qualify students for state licensure as a teacher, it does prepare students to be leaders in Christian liberal arts education.

   The curriculum for this online degree for teaching includes courses in instructional methods and classroom management. It also covers assessment techniques. The general education coursework in the program prepares students with practical, job-ready skills in communication, leadership, collaboration, and strategic decision-making. Classes in the BS program include:

   – Cross-cultural Communication
   – Introduction to Information Systems
   – Organizational Dynamics
   – Ethics

   Classes come in convenient 8- or 15-week formats, and students can apply for scholarships. Regent University is especially committed to supporting military students. It offers discounts plus VA education benefits for spouses, children, and service members. The program is a great way to gain a bachelor’s degree in preparation for roles in education and prepare for a master’s degree in teaching.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies / Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies)

    

Top 3 Master’s Accelerated Teaching Degrees Under $25K

Are you a teacher who wants to advance your career with a master’s degree? An affordable online degree can help you get licensed in a specialization. For students with a different undergrad major, some master’s degree programs can qualify you for state licensure. In short, this is a much faster way to begin your teaching career.

1. Hamline University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Education; Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $19,395

   Hamline University offers students two different ways to get their master’s degree in teaching quickly. First, if a student is already getting a bachelor’s degree in teaching at Hamline, they can obtain their Master of Arts in Education by taking just two additional courses. This pathway allows you to quickly get a graduate degree, which can add to your earnings as a teacher. The MAEd doesn’t provide teachers with preparation for initial state licensure. The certificate areas for this program include Adult ESL, Environmental Education, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, among others. Classes in this program include:

   – Designing Effective Learning Environments
   – Investigating Contemporary and Critical Issues in Education
   – Policy, Leadership, and Advocacy in Education

   Prospective teachers who have a different undergrad degree but want to become licensed to teach can consider the Master of Arts in Teaching. You can get your credential with a license specialization in a wide array of subject areas. The fully online options include Elementary Education, ESL, or Special Education. Classes in this program include:

   – Introduction to Advanced Teacher Thinking
   – Schools and Society
   – Theory to Practice

   With either degree, students can learn entirely online or in a hybrid format. There are three start dates per year, and most students can finish the whole degree in 18-24 months, though that is considerably shorter for students enrolled in the Hamline bachelor’s in teaching. Although tuition is already very affordable, Hamline offers discounts and scholarships for these degree programs. Aspiring educators will find many choices at Hamline University to quickly get their master’s degree.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Education
   Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

    

2. Gwynedd Mercy University

   Degree: MS in Education / Master Teacher; MS in Education / Teacher Certification
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $21,895

   Whether you are a teacher looking to level up your skills or transition to teaching with a different bachelor’s degree, GMU has the perfect accelerated teaching degree online. Their programs have convenient 7-week courses taken one at a time to fit into your schedule. In addition, the programs offer expert faculty with PreK-12 teaching experience and affordable tuition.

   The MSEd—Teacher Certification is an accelerated online program for students seeking state licensure. This program meets Pennsylvania requirements, so check with your state’s DoE to ensure it fulfills licensure requirements where you plan to teach. The program hosts 30-36 credits, depending on your focus. You can choose to specialize in PreK-4 teaching or secondary education in biology, English, math, or social studies. Courses in this program include:

   – Social and Political Foundations of Education
   – Standards-Aligned Systems, Methods, Materials and Curriculum
   – Student Teaching & Professional Seminar
   – Effective Communication for Educators

   The Master Teacher Program is for PreK-12 educators to enhance and extend their teaching expertise. Teachers can use this degree to delve into the social, political, and economic issues facing schools today. In this two-year program, you will take ten classes for a total of 30 credits. Classes include:

   – The Learning and Teaching Process
   – Technology Applications for Educators
   – Classroom Management
   – School Law and Policy Issues

   Both of these fast-track teaching degrees require a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA for admission. However, lower undergrad GPAs may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. For education professionals or those transitioning to teaching, these degrees offer a relatively quick progression to the degree, and an affordable option to get a graduate degree in education.

   Find Out More:
   MS in Education / Master Teacher
   MS in Education / Teacher Certification

    

3. George Mason University

   Degree: Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, Advanced Studies in Teaching & Learning / Advanced International Baccalaureate
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $24,210

   Teachers with at least one year of classroom experience can apply to this MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in International Baccalaureate (IB). The 30-credit program benefits those who already have their teaching credential and are looking to further their knowledge of the IB curriculum and apply for certification from the IB organization. The coursework includes 12 credits of foundation courses and 18 credits in the specialization. Courses include:

   – Teaching and Learning in the International Baccalaureate Programme
   – Models and Strategies for Teaching and Learning in IB Schools
   – Inquiry into Action: IB Teachers, Learners, and Schools
   – Contemporary Issues and Trends in IB

   The program takes approximately two years to complete for working teachers. There is a culminating portfolio that students present in their final semester. The program starts in the summer or fall terms, and applicants need to submit a statement of their goals, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts. While a 3.0 GPA is the minimum, students with lower GPAs can apply for consideration. The program holds accreditation by both the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) and the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).

   All the IB concentration courses are online, and students can choose to take the foundation courses online or on campus. For teachers seeking IB training, this high-quality master’s degree from George Mason University offers a cost-effective and efficient pathway.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, Advanced Studies in Teaching & Learning / Advanced International Baccalaureate

    

Accredited Online Teaching Degrees

Picking a school for your online degree for teaching requires a bit of due diligence. You want to ensure that the degree program matches your objectives and needs. But you must also attend an accredited college or university. The overall institution of higher education needs to have accreditation from one of the accrediting agencies approved by the US Department of Education for you to be eligible for federal financial aid. This institutional accreditation ensures that the college:

• Offers sound academic programs
• Has policies that are fair to students
• Has good governance and financial management

In addition, most colleges and universities are accredited by agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), an additional quality assurance for accrediting agencies.

There are also programmatic accrediting agencies. These bodies check to make sure specific programs offer the education that meets industry needs and standards for particular fields of study. The primary programmatic accrediting agency for teaching programs for PreK-12 educators is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

In addition, there are other agencies that accredit or approve special types of programs, such as those for teachers planning to teach in Christian schools or International Baccalaureate programs. Wherever you plan to teach, check with your state board of education or the particular type of schools to determine what accreditation your fast-track teaching degree program should have to qualify you for the classroom.

Related Article: 25 Best Online Christian Colleges in 2023

Teacher Certification – Accelerated Teaching Program

To become a licensed public school teacher in your state, you can get either a bachelor of education online or a master’s degree. Either way, that program needs to be geared toward state licensure. Because each state has slightly different standards, you should always double-check that your state will approve the program before enrolling.

State licensure may not be required for teaching in private or religious schools. Teaching certifications in specialty areas like special education or ESL or subjects such as chemistry, social science, or reading may require a master’s degree in that concentration.

Recent statistics showed that 86% of public schools struggled to hire teachers, so numerous jobs are available. Many teachers are reaching retirement age or were worn out by the pandemic difficulties. But now school districts are ready to get students back on track and to hire new teachers to fill vacancies, hence the rise in fast-track teaching degrees. The median salaries for different levels of teaching, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are:

• Kindergarten and Elementary School: $61,620
• Middle School: $61,810
• High School: $62,360

While your salary can vary quite a bit depending on where you teach, most teachers are dedicated to the profession and derive satisfaction from knowing they are making a difference in the lives of their students. Plus, as a teacher, you usually get your summers off. For many people, their passion for teaching, either in the public school system or in a special type of program, makes education a worthwhile profession.

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Find Your Fast-Track Teaching Degree Online with GetEducated

So, if you were wondering, “Can you get your teaching degree online?” the answer should now be clear! And if your next question was, “How fast can you get a teaching degree online?” the answer is about 1-2 years. If you choose a fast-track teaching degree from our list, your journey to helping students learn can be pretty speedy. And because the industry needs inspired and inspiring educators, your efforts to get on the fast track to becoming a teacher will be appreciated by any community you choose to serve.