Best Online Accelerated Teaching Degrees of 2024
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Are you ready to return to the classroom–as a teacher, not a student? For those looking to start a teaching career quickly, an accelerated online degree in education is the way to go.
An accelerated program can help you earn your teaching degree in less time than a four-year traditional bachelor's degree.
While accelerated degree programs have different requirements and timeframes, they all provide a fast track to a teaching degree. And with an online degree, you can earn your accelerated education degree from the comfort of your home.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Fastest Accredited Online Bachelor's in Education Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
Clarke University
Dubuque, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Iowa Department of Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 74-92
If you'd like to upgrade your education while continuing to work, Clarke's accelerated elementary education degree may offer an ideal pathway. This compact program packs intensive learning into eight-week sessions, helping you complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 18 months.
Along the way, you'll earn a built-in reading endorsement. You can also complete 18 additional credits to add a special education credential to your degree. This 100% online program uses a cohort structure, matching you with like-minded peers. If you don't have any college credits, you can still accelerate your way to graduation in just 2-3 years.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 120
CUW's accelerated online BA in education can prepare you for K-9 teaching licensure in three years or less. You'll have a self-pacing option that lets you customize your graduation timeline.
Using a 100% online, asynchronous learning model, the program balances theory and practice with a rigorous licensure-track curriculum. You can also use your electives to add a Lutheran teaching diploma to your degree.
CUW allows you to transfer up to 84 of the required 120 credits from past learning, creating an even faster path to graduation and licensure.
George Fox University
Newberg, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499
Out-of-State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 60-72
If you're looking for a program that replicates the traditional classroom experience, you might like George Fox's online accelerated teaching degree. George Fox uses a synchronous cohort model to deliver classes on evenings and weekends. Fit your educational upgrade around your busy lifestyle with this fast-paced degree-completion program.
Depending on your academic background, you can graduate with a preliminary Oregon K-12 teaching license in just 16 months. George Fox will also match you with a dedicated teaching placement director to help complete your practice teaching requirements in 15 weeks.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $515
Out-of-State | $515
Credits to Graduate: 123
Regis' accelerated BA in elementary education can help you secure initial teaching licensure on a compressed timeline. Eight-week terms guide you through the curriculum efficiently, and you can transfer up to 81 credits to graduate even faster.
The Regis curriculum includes a distinct focus on systemic issues. It emphasizes the learning needs of historically underserved population groups while advancing the causes of social justice and antiracism. If you're looking to build a career as an educator and an advocate, Regis can help you get there.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $263
Out-of-State | $293-$683
Credits to Graduate: 120
Texas Tech's BS in education immerses you in the TechTeach Across Texas degree-completion program. This innovative, fast-track offering combines online learning with intensive field training, leading to teacher certification in just one year.
The diverse curriculum allows you to pursue your learning interests in an accelerated context. You can graduate with formal certifications in education, English as a second language, and special education.
While the university offers fully online coursework in this program, you must live in a Texas Tech partnership area to complete your face-to-face clinical teaching requirements.
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
How Fast Can I Get an Online Bachelor's in Education?
An accelerated bachelor's degree online can take as little as one year to complete, but many students take 2-3 years. The actual time it takes you to complete your accelerated degree in education can depend on how many transfer credits you have and how many classes you take each term.
In addition to your coursework, you must balance specific program requirements and any personal commitments or obligations, like a job or family responsibilities. Be sure you're aware of the time commitment for your program before you enroll.
What Can I Expect From an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Education Program?
An accelerated bachelor's in education expects you to master the same material as a traditional four-year bachelor's degree in a shorter amount of time.
Depending on the program, you may have to decide on a specialization early in your studies. You can specialize in one of the concentrations below and take on a heavier course load in a shorter time frame.
Teaching specializations:
- Math Education
- Science Education
- Educational Administration
- Special Education
- English Language Education
If you have a clear idea of the teaching career you want, an accelerated education degree can help expedite the time it takes to start your career.
What Can I Do With an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Education Degree?
Once you've completed your accelerated degree, you'll be ready to start your career in education.
You might pursue a master's degree or other postgraduate qualifications. This is especially true if you're interested in a career as an educational administrator, school librarian, or another specialized role.
Whatever teaching career you choose, an accelerated bachelor's in education can help you get started.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (203) |
|---|---|
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $63,670 |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,290 |
| School Principal | $103,460 |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Fastest Online Education Programs
Can I get a bachelor's degree in one year?
An accelerated bachelor's degree usually takes at least two years to earn. If you have prior college credits or can earn credit for previous life, military, or work experience, you might be able to complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months. However, in most cases, an accelerated bachelor's degree takes 2-3 years to complete. Most accelerated programs also require heavy course loads and coursework over the summer, so factor that in when considering completion times.
Are accelerated bachelor's degrees as valuable as traditional degrees?
Any degree's value depends on your goals and personal circumstances. However, an accelerated bachelor's degree may be worth it if you do not have significant professional or family commitments and want to enter the workforce quickly. A part-time program might be a better fit if you have obligations that prevent you from studying full time. Accelerated programs require a significant weekly commitment.
Is an accelerated bachelor's degree in education right for me?
An accelerated education degree can be right for you if you have enough time each week to dedicate to your studies and if you want to enter the workforce quickly. However, if you work full time or have childcare responsibilities, you may want to consider a traditionally-paced or part-time bachelor's program.
However, an accelerated bachelor's in education is an excellent fit if you want to work in education and can commit to studying full time. You can graduate more quickly, earn licensure, and start earning a salary and gaining experience in a shorter period.
