Want to become a teacher fast? Discover How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Degree Online, with options from 12 months to 4 years. Explore accredited programs, fast-track degrees, and career tips.
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers in the world and with the rise of online education, becoming a licensed teacher has never been more flexible or accessible. If you’re wondering “how fast can you get a teaching degree online?”, the answer depends on a few key factors like your current education level, state requirements, and the type of teaching you want to pursue.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- The fastest routes to getting a teaching degree online
- Accelerated bachelor’s and master’s programs
- Certification timelines for career changers
- Accredited universities offering fast-track teaching degrees
- Tips to save time and money while becoming a teacher
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How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Degree Online?
The shortest timeline to become a teacher online is usually:
| Type of Program | Duration (Fastest) | For Whom |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Education | 2.5 – 4 years | First-time college students |
| Master’s in Education | 12 – 18 months | Those with a bachelor’s in another field |
| Alternative Certification | 6 – 12 months | Career changers with a bachelor’s degree |
| Associate’s Degree | 18 – 24 months | Entry-level preschool or paraprofessional roles |
So, depending on your background, you could become a certified teacher in as little as 12 months through an online fast-track program.
1. Fast-Track Online Bachelor’s in Teaching (2.5 to 4 Years)
If you’re just starting out and don’t have any college degree, you’ll need a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a Bachelor’s in a teachable subject + certification.
Here’s how to speed it up:
- Choose a competency-based university like Western Governors University (WGU), where you can progress at your own pace.
- Transfer previous college credits to shorten the program length.
- Take summer or accelerated courses.
Fastest Timeline: Some students complete WGU’s online teaching bachelor’s degree in 30 months (2.5 years).
2. Accelerated Master’s in Teaching (12–18 Months)
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you don’t need to go back to square one. Instead, go for an Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (M.Ed.).
These are ideal for:
- Career changers (e.g., professionals moving into teaching)
- Paraprofessionals or substitute teachers wanting full licensure
Examples of Fast Programs:
- University of Southern California (USC): MAT in 12 months
- Johns Hopkins University: Online MAT in 15–18 months
- Liberty University: Accelerated M.Ed. in 12 months
Fastest Timeline: 1 year (with full-time study)
3. Online Alternative Teacher Certification (6–12 Months)
Want to teach without a degree in education? Many U.S. states offer alternative certification pathways that can be done online in under a year.
These programs include:
- Pedagogy training
- Classroom management
- Fieldwork (student teaching or mentorship)
Best For:
- Professionals with non-teaching degrees
- Veterans, industry experts, or paraprofessionals
Examples:
- TeachNow (by Moreland University): 9 months, 100% online
- Texas Teachers of Tomorrow: 6–9 months, hybrid
- American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE): 6–10 months, flexible self-paced
Fastest Timeline: 6 months (depending on your state)
4. Online Associate Degree in Education (18–24 Months)
Want to get into the classroom quickly but don’t need full teacher licensure yet? An Associate Degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education is a great entry point.
With this degree, you can:
- Work as a preschool teacher
- Be a teacher’s aide or paraprofessional
- Later transfer credits to a 4-year teaching program
Schools like Ashworth College and Penn Foster offer affordable, online associate degrees you can finish in as little as 18 months.
Fastest Timeline: 18 months
Factors That Affect How Fast You Can Get a Teaching Degree Online
Your timeline can be shorter or longer based on:
- Your Existing Degree
- Have a bachelor’s already? Go for a master’s or certification instead of repeating school.
- State Requirements
- Each U.S. state has its own licensure rules. Some require exams like Praxis or edTPA, others may not.
- Type of Teaching You Want
- Teaching K-12 requires licensure.
- Teaching college often only requires a Master’s or PhD.
- Preschool or daycare may only need an associate degree.
- Pace of Study
- Can you study full-time? Then go fast-track.
- Need part-time flexibility? Choose self-paced programs.
Best Accredited Online Programs for Fast Teaching Degrees
Here are trusted, U.S.-accredited online programs that offer fast-track education degrees:
Western Governors University (WGU)
- Type: Bachelor’s & Master’s in Education
- Duration: 2.5 years (avg.)
- Format: Self-paced
- Accredited: Yes (NCATE, CAEP)
- Cost: ~$3,500 per term
University of Southern California (USC Rossier)
- Type: Master of Arts in Teaching
- Duration: 12–15 months
- Format: Online, with local placement
- Accredited: Yes (WASC)
Liberty University
- Type: M.Ed. & B.Ed.
- Duration: 12–18 months (accelerated)
- Format: 100% Online
- Faith-Based: Yes
TeachNow by Moreland University
- Type: Alternative Certification & MAT
- Duration: 9 months
- Format: Online with field experience
- Cost: ~$6,000 total
Step-by-Step on How to Get a Teaching Degree Online Fast
Here’s how to speed up your journey:
- Decide Your Teaching Path
- K-12, preschool, special ed, or higher ed?
- Evaluate Your Current Education
- Do you need a full bachelor’s, or can you go for a master’s or certificate?
- Research State Licensure
- Visit your state’s Department of Education website.
- Apply for a Fast-Track Online Program
- Look for self-paced or accelerated formats.
- Apply for Financial Aid
- Fill out the FAFSA form to access federal aid.
- Pass Certification Exams
- Praxis, state-specific tests, or ABCTE.
Is an Online Teaching Degree Credible?
Yes! As long as the school is:
- Regionally accredited
- Approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or NCATE
- Meets your state’s licensure standards
Online degrees carry the same weight as in-person ones. In fact, many school districts now prefer online-trained teachers for their tech-savviness.
Careers You Can Pursue with an Online Teaching Degree
- Elementary or High School Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Preschool Educator
- Online Tutor or Virtual Teacher
- Curriculum Developer
- College Instructor (with Master’s)
Conclusion
So, how fast can you get a teaching degree online?
In some cases as little as 6 to 12 months, especially if you already have a degree.
For first-time students, it can take 2.5 to 4 years, depending on your pace and prior credits.
Whether you’re a busy parent, working professional, or recent high school grad, online teaching degrees provide a flexible, affordable, and fast way to launch your career in education.
FAQs on How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Degree Online?
Can I become a teacher in 1 year online?
Yes, with a master’s or alternative certification program.
What’s the quickest teaching degree to earn?
An online alternative certification or accelerated M.Ed. can be completed in 6–12 months.
Are online teaching degrees legit in the USA?
Yes if they’re accredited and meet your state’s licensing requirements.
Can I teach without a degree?
In most U.S. states, K–12 teaching requires a degree + certification. However, you can work as a paraprofessional, tutor, or preschool aide with less.
Can I work while studying?
Yes! Many online programs are designed for working adults with flexible schedules.
