Best Online Secondary Education Programs

Read on to learn more about our ranking of the best online bachelor's in secondary education programs nationwide. Use this resource to compare schools by cost, quality, and convenience to...
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Updated on February 23, 2024
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Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Secondary Education

High school teachers help students prepare for college and their professional lives after high school. In a bachelor's in secondary education, you learn how to manage diverse classrooms, develop programs that encourage critical thinking, and deliver lessons with professionalism. The training can lead to generalist and specialized teacher roles and various continuing education options.

Rising student populations should drive demand in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 10% growth for education occupations between 2020 and 2030. That projection equates to more than 920,500 new jobs across the industry, with high school teachers accounting for more than 75,000 of those jobs.

Here, we explore an online bachelor's in secondary education and rank the best programs from the top online schools. We also outline what you can expect from the training, the admissions process, and potential careers.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Program?

The typical online bachelor's in secondary education features about 120 credits. The degree usually takes students four years to complete. The program's first half often focuses on foundation building and general education. Coursework may also include adolescent learning and development and classroom management.

In the program's second half, learners may choose a teaching specialization. Options include English, mathematics, or special education. They also complete field observations, supervised placements, and workshops to build practical experience. These experiences help students qualify for their state licensure exam.

Degree-seekers might encounter many secondary education degree types, including a B.Ed., BA, and BS. The most common degrees that most directly align with teaching education and certification standards are B.Ed. degrees. BS and BA degrees may offer more interdisciplinary study and professional opportunities. Aspiring teachers should ensure their selected program qualifies them for licensure.

The training involved with earning an online bachelor's degree does not vary much from similar on-campus programs. Online students can usually take workshops virtually and complete placements locally. However, out-of-state students should verify if their chosen program will qualify them for licensure in their desired state.

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Popular Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Program?

Psychological Foundations of Learning and Development

This course examines learning and development theories. Students focus on adolescent cognitive development, behaviorism, and conditioning. They may look at various forms of learning, including social learning and memorization.

Inclusive Education

In this course, students learn how to create inclusive classrooms for diverse learners. They look at teaching methods for meeting the needs of students in special education. In addition, they study various learning styles.

Educational Technologies

Students in this course learn how teachers integrate technology into their lesson plans for the most effective outcomes. They explore curriculum designs with technology in mind. Course topics include introducing new media and using blended learning environments.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

In this course, students examine methods for designing curricula that get the most from high school learners. They look at various assessment strategies and teaching methods and how to align them with curriculum goals and produce the best results.

Teaching Methods

Learners can take teaching methods courses for various study topics, specializations, and endorsements. Students in these courses examine the leading theories and teaching strategies for their chosen discipline.

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Program?

Admission requirements differ by school, but prospective students can prepare by looking at typical application components. In addition to the requirements below, online learners may need to meet a program's technological requirements.

Application

The application asks prospective students to provide their personal information and identify their program of interest. As per our undergraduate application guide, applicants can apply to many schools at once by using one of the application systems, such as the Common App.

Test Scores

Applications often require college entrance exams, including the SAT and ACT. Scores from these tests help schools distinguish between otherwise similar applicants. While many schools have introduced test waivers due to the coronavirus, prospective students can still submit their test results for consideration.

Letters of Recommendation

Most applications require candidates to ask for letters of recommendation from three references. These references should come from people who can speak to the applicant's educational or professional aptitude. Examples include current or former teachers, advisors, or employers. Prospective students should provide their references with clear information, directions, and deadlines.

Essays

At the undergraduate level, college application essays often comprise personal essays detailing the applicant's journey up to that point. Some program applications may pose a specific question, which the prospective student answers in their writing. Application essays can provide additional personal information, highlight writing skills, and showcase how well the candidate follows instructions.

Official Transcript

Official transcripts provide details on the applicant's student record. Transcripts verify courses students have taken and what grades they received. These records help admissions professionals decide if the prospective student has the proper prerequisites and qualifies for entry. When transferring from a community college to a university, official transcripts help assign transfer credits.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Degree?

Career Outlook

The promising career outlook has helped make teaching one of the most popular college majors. The projected increase in student enrollments may drive demand where school budgets do not decrease. The BLS projects the addition of more than 78,000 new high school teachers between 2020 and 2030, with over 77,000 annual job openings on average.

The outlooks for other accessible education fields look similar. The BLS projects 8% growth for special education teachers and 7% growth for middle school teachers between 2020 and 2030. Growth in these fields will also depend on student enrollments and local school budgets. Each of these occupations earned median annual wages over $60,000 in May 2020.

Discover where a bachelor's in secondary education can lead you professionally. Learn more about teaching careers.

Career Paths

High School Teacher

High school teachers provide generalist lessons or teachings in a specialized discipline. They develop their lesson plans to align with curriculum standards while managing classrooms. These teachers also challenge, motivate, and counsel students, helping them transition to life after high school.

Median Annual Salary: $62,870

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students with disabilities. They make student assessments, create lesson plans adapted for specific learners, and track progress and goals. When needed, these teachers also offer support and counseling, helping students transition between grades.

Median Annual Salary: $61,500

Career and Technical Education Teacher

These teachers offer career-based and technical training to students in vocational schools and classrooms. They provide hands-on training and help students develop practical skills for various technical occupations. Career and technical education teachers may work with students individually and with their families to discuss and improve progress.

Median Annual Salary: $59,140

Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers work with students in grades 6-8, preparing them for high school. They develop lesson plans, perform student assessments, and help learners overcome individual challenges. Middle school teachers must coordinate their lessons with the curriculum standards.

Median Annual Salary: $60,810

Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teacher

These teachers offer high school equivalency training. They also teach English as a second language to students of various ages. These teachers develop lessons that provide students with the language skills required for work and high school equivalency programs. They may also provide career support.

Median Annual Salary: $55,350

Secondary Education Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

Bachelor's in secondary education graduates who wish to continue their training can pursue many options. They can earn a master's in secondary education, a master's in education, or a master's in teaching. These degrees can prepare learners for doctoral programs.

Graduates can also pursue related graduate programs, such as a master's in educational technology, a master's in educational administration, and a master's in educational leadership. These degrees qualify graduates to pursue instructional coordinator and principal occupations.

How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Program?

Cost

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and fees for an undergraduate degree at a public four-year school cost an average of $9,400 in 2019-20. Four-year private schools charged an average of $36,700 for the same year.

Prospective students can get the most accurate education pricing information by calculating the true program cost, which also includes lost income resulting from the training. Other considerations should include comparing online and on-campus program costs, in-state and out-of-state costs, and public and private school costs.

Program Format

Prospective students should consider all possible program formats and choose the one that best meets their scheduling needs. They can compare synchronous vs. asynchronous learning and full-time vs. part-time programs. They can also look at the top online schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees.

Location

Whether students choose online or on-campus studies, location plays an important role. For on-campus learners, location impacts where they live and travel for their education. Online learners may need to complete on-campus requirements, so they also need to think about location.

Accreditation

When looking at schools, prospective learners need to consider both institutional and programmatic accreditation, as per our college accreditation guide. Institutional accreditation can impact student access to federal funding and employment. Programmatic accreditation for a bachelor's in secondary education primarily comes from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and can impact teaching licensure.

Student Support

Prospective students can learn a lot about a school and program by the student services and online student services offered. Academic support, college mentor programs, and practicum and internships all add value to an education. Applicants should identify which services mean the most to them and which schools offer the best student support package.

Top Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Snapshot

Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Secondary Education Programs

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

For this ranking of best online bachelor's in secondary education programs, we evaluated schools with a graduation rate of 40% and up.

We use datasets from sources like 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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.

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#1 Best Online Secondary Education Programs

Fort Hays State University

  • Hays, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: N/A

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $243
Out-of-State | $243

Credits to Graduate: 122

Fort Hays State University offers an online bachelor's in secondary education dual degree program. In addition to their secondary education degree, learners also graduate with a bachelor of science in business education with a concentration in business teacher licensure. The program prepares students for careers teaching business classes to middle and high school students. 

Courses in the business teaching core include human resource management, curriculum and instruction in business, and teaching accounting and information systems. The secondary education curriculum includes classes such as human growth and development, educational psychology, and the secondary school experience. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,140
Out-of-state
$14,580
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,726
Out-of-state
$10,602
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
14,102
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Secondary Education Programs

Buena Vista University

  • Storm Lake, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: N/A

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465

Credits to Graduate: 120

Enrollees in Buena Vista University's secondary education bachelor's program focus on a specific subject area to specialize their knowledge. Options include English, history, sociology, and special education. The program also offers specialized tracks in English language arts and science that qualify graduates for teaching licensure.

Online classes run through synchronous Zoom sessions. Students can also pursue an accelerated master's program in organizational leadership or teaching English as a second language while they complete their bachelor's degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,518
Out-of-state
$37,518
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,936
Out-of-state
$9,936
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
1,959
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Secondary Education Programs

Calvary University

  • Kansas City, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: N/A

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $443
Out-of-State | $443

Credits to Graduate: 134-137

Calvary University's secondary education degree offers specializations in English, social sciences, or speech and theater. The social science major requires 137 credit hours, while the other concentrations require 134 credit hours. Students must complete a combination of general, professional, and biblical education classes. 

In addition to specialization-specific courses, attendees across all three concentrations must complete field experience and student teaching classes. Other required courses include educational psychology, foundations of education, and classroom management. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,640
Out-of-state
$10,640
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,326
Out-of-state
$7,326
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
387
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
79% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Secondary Education Programs

Chaminade University of Honolulu

  • Honolulu, HI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: N/A

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $585
Out-of-State | $585

Credits to Graduate: 120

Chaminade University of Honolulu's BS in secondary education teaches enrollees about differences among learners, optimized learning environments, and effective teaching strategies. Learners pursue one of the following subject areas: English, social studies, science, or math. Graduates earn a Hawaii state teaching license.

Before beginning coursework for the major, students take classes like educational psychology, educational technology, and multicultural education. Core education requirements include courses like curriculum and instruction, assessment, and introduction to exceptional children.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,340
Out-of-state
$27,340
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,720
Out-of-state
$27,720
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
2,214
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Secondary Education Programs

Is a bachelor's in secondary education worth it?

Yes. An online bachelor's in secondary education offers value for students. The degree grants access to teaching roles with a strong professional outlook, as per the BLS. The degree also allows graduates to positively impact high school students.

Distance learners may benefit from the additional value of an online degree. The increased accessibility can allow for more study options or lower tuition rates. Online students benefit from more flexible schedules, which can help maintain a reasonable work schedule.

What can I do with a bachelor's in secondary education?

With a bachelor's in secondary education, graduates can access many teaching positions. Their most straightforward path takes them into high school and special education classrooms. However, they can also teach middle school, career and technical, and ESL and high school equivalency classes.

After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates can pursue a master's degree to open up new professional opportunities. They may continue with secondary education training or expand into general education. Graduates might also pursue special education, education administration, and education leadership master's degrees.

Are secondary education majors in demand?

Yes. As schools enroll more high school students, the number of teachers required may rise. The BLS projects 8% growth for high school teachers between 2020 and 2030, which is on par with the average projected rate for all occupations. The BLS also projects more than 37,000 new special education teachers during that same period.

While growth in other related teaching careers does not look as strong, annual openings from turnover may provide graduates with job opportunities. The BLS projects over 17,000 openings for career and technical school teachers and over 5,000 new roles for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers between 2020 and 2030.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in secondary education?

Salaries for teachers with a bachelor's in secondary education depends on where and what they teach. Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers made the lowest income in May 2020 at a median of $55,350. High school teachers made the most at $62,870.

High school career and technical education teachers made a median annual wage of $62,460 in May 2020. Special education teachers in high schools made median annual wages of $62,320. Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers in high schools earned $61,410.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in secondary education?

High school teachers with a bachelor's in secondary education may earn the highest salaries. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for these teachers was $62,870 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners in the field made more than $102,130.

Salaries depend on various factors, including location, teacher experience, and school type. For example, high school teachers in public schools made median annual wages of $63,400 in May 2020. In private schools, they made $58,550.

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.

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