Ohio Education & Teaching Programs Online: Finding Your School
Whether you’re launching your teaching career or advancing to the next level, earning your education degree or certificate in Ohio can open new doors. With ongoing shortages in the state, demand for skilled educators remains strong. From undergraduate degrees to specialized graduate programs, you’ll find flexible options — along with financial aid resources to help you along the way. DFG makes it easy to explore top online education degrees in Ohio and find the right path to meet your career goals.
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Expertise: Higher Ed.EditorialOnline LearningOnline Education Associates Worth Exploring
If you’re looking to break into the education field quickly, an associate degree in education may be the right choice for you. While these two-year programs won’t allow you to become a teacher, they will help build a foundational understanding of key education concepts. With an associate degree in education, you can work in childcare or as a tutor or teacher’s aide.
University of Akron
Taught in eight-week sessions during fall, spring, and summer semesters, students can complete the online Associate of Arts in about two years of full-time study, and are then prepared to transfer into UA’s bachelor’s degrees in education, social sciences, and other arts/humanities. With accreditation and instruction from the same faculty as on-campus courses, the online program meets general education requirements and allows students to pursue education courses and electives of interest. Students complete 60-61 credits in the Associate of Arts program and are eligible for institutional scholarships.
Location: Akron, OH
Mode: 100% Online
Cost: $447.32/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma/GED
- Applicable transcripts/test scores
- Complete University of Akron application
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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
Earning a bachelor’s degree from one of Ohio’s top programs in education is the first step to becoming a certified educator. In these four-year programs, you’ll explore curriculum development, assessment strategies, and classroom management. Bachelor’s degrees in education are also a springboard for graduate study.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Designed for students who already have an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, the Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education may be for you. Students will complete the program in 27-48 months, accumulating 54 credit hours to earn a bachelor’s degree. Accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to meet licensure requirements, the program is designed for working adults who need a flexible course schedule to complete their degree.
Location: Mount Vernon, OH
Mode: 100% Online
Cost: $398/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete Mount Vernon application
- Send official transcripts
- Complete Prior Learning Credit application, if applicable
Education Master’s Degree Programs
While a master’s degree in education is not required for initial licensure in Ohio, it may be a required if you want to teach in other states. Even if you’re not legally required to obtain a master’s degree, earning one can help you develop specialized skills that boost your resume and earning potential.
Ohio University
Ohio University’s Online Master’s in Higher Education features reduced in-state tuition, no GRE requirement, three start dates per year, and a five-semester completion timeline. Asynchronous classes help you fit coursework around other responsibilities as you advance your career. Courses blend theory and practice covering legal issues, finance and budgeting, leadership and change management, and policy perspectives.
Location: Athens, OH
Mode: 100% online asynchronous
Cost: $508/credit (in-state), $527credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete Ohio Graduate Application
- Official transcripts for bachelor’s degree and any additional graduate coursework
- Autobiographical sketch/personal statement (2-3 pages)
- Three letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional)
- Current resume or CV
Accredited Education Doctoral and Certificate Programs
There are two doctoral options in education: a Doctor of Education (EdD) for those looking to pursue leadership roles like superintendent or curriculum director, and a PhD in education, designed for individuals looking to make a difference in education through research. Education PhD programs will prepare you to identify research gaps, interpret literature, and develop new research. These advanced programs take four to six years to complete and prepare you to drive change within your school, district, and community. Graduate certificates are another way to gain knowledge in a specific area like educational technology or curriculum design and can help expand your existing skills. Plus, with some graduate certificates, you can get a head start on a master’s degree.
University of Toledo
Take advantage of online courses to earn a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Toledo. The first online curriculum and instruction doctoral degree in the state, the program can be completed in under five years if taking six credits per semester. Students can participate in graduate assistantships to offset tuition and foster relationships in their area of expertise. Through research methods, electives, and other forms of program evaluation and modeling, students complete this 60-credit degree with emphasis on their interests and goals. UT also offers a Master of Education (ME) or Educational Specialist (EdS) certificate in curriculum and instruction.
Location: Toledo, OH
Mode: Online
Cost: $627.68/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete University of Toledo application
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional writing sample
Education/Teaching Students: Your Questions, Answered
Can I use financial aid to pay for an education degree in Ohio?
From teaching scholarships to federal financial aid, there are many ways to fund your education. How you pay for your education will depend on your out-of-pocket contribution, the school and degree program you choose, financial aid eligibility, and your career and earning potential.
Research financial aid and a scholarships for public service degrees to learn more about ways to fund your teaching degree, and remember to check with your school’s financial aid office for additional funding opportunities.
How important is program accreditation?
Accreditation indicates that a program has met a fixed set of standards for its curriculum, ensuring students have the relevant skills upon graduation. In education, graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite for teaching licensure, so choosing an accredited program is a must. Programs should display accreditation status on their website and in marketing materials but contact the school if in doubt.
Can I become a teacher in Ohio without a teaching degree?
For the most part, a degree in education is the most efficient path to becoming a licensed teacher in Ohio. Additionally, your curriculum will include the educational licensure requirements, so there are no surprises when you apply for your teaching license. However, for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another area with a suitable GPA, you may be eligible for Ohio’s Alternative Resident Educator pathway, another way to become a teacher in Ohio.
Can I really become a teacher in Ohio with an online degree?
Yes, if your program is accredited, an online degree represents the same accomplishment as a degree completed on-campus. In the wake of COVID-19, online learning has become more common and viewed as a more efficient, flexible, and in many cases, more affordable way to advance education.
You will need to complete student teaching in a classroom, working with your program advisors to identify a suitable local site for this crucial component.
What else can I do with my experiences as a teacher outside of the classroom?
Whether you want to supplement your income as a teacher during the year, make some extra money over the summer, or keep your skills and knowledge sharp, consider becoming a private tutor. Students and families seek private tutors for supplemental or remedial course support, enrichment activities, or exam preparation, including the SAT or other standardized tests.
Education Salary & Career Outlook: Ohio Edition
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Elementary School Teachers | $46,910 | $101,140 | $74,530 |
| Ohio | Kindergarten Teachers | $37,190 | $97,740 | $63,680 |
| Ohio | Middle School Teachers | $47,850 | $100,600 | $75,420 |
| Ohio | Postsecondary Teachers | $29,430 | $105,200 | $59,510 |
| Ohio | Secondary School Teachers | $47,800 | $102,730 | $78,010 |
| Ohio | Teachers and Instructors | $39,190 | $104,140 | $51,090 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Elementary School Teachers | 47,670 | 48,510 | 840 | 1.80% |
| Ohio | Kindergarten Teachers | 2,250 | 2,290 | 40 | 1.80% |
| Ohio | Middle School Teachers | 27,100 | 27,600 | 500 | 1.80% |
| Ohio | Postsecondary Teachers | 5,580 | 5,630 | 50 | 0.90% |
| Ohio | Secondary School Teachers | 55,710 | 57,280 | 1,570 | 2.80% |
| Ohio | Teachers and Instructors | 1,190 | 1,310 | 120 | 10.10% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resource Guide for Education Students & Professionals in Ohio
You may want to increase your knowledge in a particular specialty or take advantage of resource libraries available to students and educators. Here are a few places to support your studies and growth.
- EdReports: An independent nonprofit, EdReports strives to improve K-12 education by providing educators with the highest quality instructional materials. Led by expert educators, EdReports conducts independent reviews to ensure teachers have access to quality instructional materials that enhance student learning.
- INFOhio: A PreK – 12 digital library for educators to support classroom instruction, this site has resources to support curriculum or add supplemental materials, and there are dozens of resources and databases for relevant content.
- Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education: The mission of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education is to advocate for career-technical and adult education within the state. If you are interested in working adult or technical education, this association provides information and hosts events to help you become a better educator.
- Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) Resource Library: Increase your knowledge working with children with disabilities with this resource library. Topics include assistive technology, family resources, agencies, and public policy.
- Ohio Curriculum Support Guide: Like EdReports, the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide also helps ensure teachers have access to effective instructional materials. Educators can explore articles, a workbook, and lessons that have proven to be effective.
- Ohio Department of Education: The Ohio Department of Education’s mission is to enhance the quality of education for the state’s 1.7 million students. The department provides resources and support for teachers to help raise student achievement.
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Environmental Education Resources: Get outdoors and add environmental education to your classroom. Check out the Department of Natural Resource’s offerings, including stream quality, aquatic education, and harvest knowledge.
- Ohio Education Association: Representing 120,000 teachers, faculty members, and support professionals who work in Ohio schools, the Ohio Education Association aims to improve public education within the state. The organization provides professional development opportunities throughout Ohio.
- OhioLINK: Offering students and faculty in higher education in Ohio an array of high-quality and open course materials, OhioLINK is a broad content library and library lending service. Geared toward reducing the cost of textbooks for students, OhioLINK keeps its resources open and allows students to borrow from participating Ohio libraries across the state to widen libraries’ collections.
- Teaching & Learning Resource Center: Hosted by The Ohio State University, this website includes toolsets, teaching topics, and learning opportunities. Teaching sessions are geared toward increasing and supporting student success.
List of the Best Online Education & Teaching Schools in Ohio
Thinking about a career in education but need to balance school, work, and personal commitments? There are several excellent online education programs in Ohio to help you reach your career goals wherever and whenever it’s most convenient. With online learning, you’ll complete coursework either asynchronously or through live, online classes. You will still be able to participate in fieldwork, like student teaching, by working with schools and districts in your local community. To help you find a program for you, we’ve ranked the best online teaching degree programs in Ohio.