Online Teacher Certification and Licensure at WGU
Learn about teaching certification requirements and how you can get a teaching license in your state.
If you're looking to make a difference for students and your community, earning a teaching degree from WGU is a great way to achieve your goal. Our online educator degrees give you important skills and credentials that prepare you for teacher licensure and a career in the classroom.
WGU’s Teachers College is committed to helping educators pursue teaching degrees that will aid them in improving student outcomes. Our online teaching degree programs are designed to help you be equipped for the challenges of the classroom, and be eligible to obtain your educator certification. To ensure that our graduates are ready to help students learn and adhere to licensing requirements, our Teachers College is accredited at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Each state has unique requirements for educator certificates, and it's important to understand the educator licensure requirements in your state. WGU's Teachers College online degree programs will help prepare you for teaching certification in any of the 50 states. Learn about teaching license requirements by state.
Educator licensure requirements vary depending on state laws, but typically include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree program
- Submission of transcripts
- Completion and clearance of a background check
- Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests
WGU Education Degrees That Prepare You for a Teacher's License in Any State
Education
Elementary Education – B.A.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers....
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 68% of students finish this degree within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Elementary Reading Methods
- Language Arts Instruction
- Elementary Mathematics Methods
- Elementary Disciplinary Literacy
- Children’s Literature
This elementary education degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online teaching degree program helps you to be eligible for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) – B.A.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to dual licensure—elementary education teaching license and special education teaching license.
- Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 45 total courses in this program (46 for Washington residents).
(Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K–12 special education teaching license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate) online teaching degree.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Elementary Reading Methods
- Elementary Mathematics Methods
- Elementary Social Studies Methods
- Elementary Science Methods
- Language Arts Instruction and Intervention
This special education teaching online degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program (29 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math...
An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers. Leads to teaching license in states that have a middle-grades math teaching license.
Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching licensure in your state.
- Time: 62% of grads earned this degree within 29 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Candidates for this science teaching degree program often include:
- Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently lack a teaching license
- Substitute teachers
- Career-changers with a passion for math
- School paraprofessionals
- Others who feel the call to teach
This science teaching degree program includes requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This science teaching degree prepares you to be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.
Education
Special Education (Mild to Moderate) – B.A.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring special education teachers. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single teaching license in K–12 special education.
- Time: 61% of students finish this program within 34 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program.
If your state requires—or if you're interested in—dual licensure in both elementary education and K–12 special education, consider the B.A. Special Education (K–12) program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
This online degree program includes a preclinical experience with face-to-face observation hours and a Student Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.
Education
Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish this high school math teaching degree within 25 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 21 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Algebra for Secondary Teaching
- Geometry for Secondary Teaching
- Statistics and Probability for Secondary Teaching
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Educational Psychology
This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This program differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.
Education
Science Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school science teachers. Leads to teaching license in all states that have a middle-grades general science teaching license.
Specific grade levels you are qualified to teach will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 62% of students finish this science teaching degree within 34 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program (39 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Heredity and Genetics
- Astronomy
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Chemistry
- General Physics
This science teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers and high school math teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 40 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Trigonometry and Precalculus
- Probability and Statistics I and II
- Calculus I, II, and III
- Abstract Algebra
- College Geometry
This online math teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online math teaching degree program helps students become eligible for math teaching certification.
Education
Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for...
An online master's teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 62% of students finish this secondary science teaching degree within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 18 total courses in this program (19 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Science Technology
- Science Methods
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Essential Practices for Supporting Diverse Learners
This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. You'll be prepared to teach in middle school or high school settings, based on teaching certification in your state.
Education
Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to middle school students. Available in states that offer a middle-grades math teaching endorsement.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 16 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for current teachers who are looking to add middle grade math to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- College algebra
- Finite mathematics
- Trigonometry and pre-calculus
- Mathematics learning and teaching
- College geometry
- Probability and statistics
- Calculus
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high students a love of math with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school chemistry teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 65% of students finish this online chemistry degree within 37 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program (40 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Biochemistry
This chemistry teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Earn a chemistry degree online and be eligible for a teaching certification.
Education
Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- English Pedagogy
- Reading Instruction and Interventions
- Disciplinary Literacy
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school earth science teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.
- Time: 63% of students earn this middle school teaching and high school teaching degree within 33 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- General Physics
- Physical Geology
- Earth Systems
- Astronomy
This geosciences teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This high school teaching degree program prepares you for teaching licensure in any of the 50 states.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 61% of students earned this online biology degree within 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Zoology
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Health Sciences
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
This biology teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school physics teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching license options in your state.
- Time: 62% of students earn this online physics degree within 49 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program (40 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Educational Psychology
- Physics: Waves and Optics
- Space, Time and Motion
- Conceptual Physics
- Physics: Mechanics
This physics teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. Graduates of this online teaching degree program will be eligible for teaching certification.
Education
Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to...
An online master's degree for current or aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.
- Time: 64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 30 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
- Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Methods of Instruction and Intervention
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.
WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.
How to Become a Teacher
Learn all the steps you need to take to become a licensed teacher.
Educator License Information by State/Territory
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Alabama, please check the Alabama Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Alaska, please check the Alaska Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Institutional Authorization
American Samoa does not regulate distance education. Therefore, approval for WGU to offer distance education programs to students located in American Samoa is not required.
Educational Prerequisites
The American Samoa Department of Education requires prospective educators to complete an American Samoa approved program. Prospective educators may not complete a program that is out-of-state, like at WGU. In addition, educators may not transfer a license from another state using any pathway.
For this reason, WGU’s programs do not meet any of the educational prerequisites for licensure in the field of education in American Samoa. Candidates interested in teaching in American Samoa may consult the American Samoa Department of Education website.
Candidates will not be accepted for enrollment in WGU’s education programs if they are seeking a license in American Samoa.
Consumer Complaint Information
Students can refer to this information regarding the complaint process for those attending WGU in American Samoa.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Arizona, please check the Arizona Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Arkansas, please check the Arkansas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in California, please check the California Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in the state of Colorado, please check the Colorado Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Connecticut, please check the Connecticut Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Delaware, please check the Delaware Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For further details on DC teacher certification requirements, please see the DC Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Florida, please check the Florida Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Georgia, please check the Georgia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Guam, please check the Guam Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Hawaii, please check the Hawaii Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Idaho, please check the Idaho Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Illinois, please check the Illinois Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Indiana, please visit the Indiana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Iowa, please check the Iowa Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Kansas, please check the Kansas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Kentucky, please check the Kentucky Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Louisiana, please check the Louisiana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Maine, please check the Maine Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Maryland, please check the Maryland Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Massachusetts, please check the Massachusetts Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Michigan, please check the Michigan Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Minnesota, please check the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Mississippi, please check the Mississippi Teacher Licensure article in the Student Handbook.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Missouri, please check the Missouri Teacher Licensure article in the Student Handbook.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Montana, please check the Montana Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Nebraska, please check the Nebraska Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Nevada, please check the Nevada Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New Hampshire, please check the New Hampshire Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New Jersey, please check the New Jersey Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New Mexico, please check the New Mexico Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in New York, please check the New York Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in North Carolina, please check the North Carolina Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in North Dakota, please check the North Dakota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
Forthe most current information about becoming a teacher in the Northern Mariana Islands, please check the Northern Mariana Islands Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Ohio, please check the Ohio Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Oklahoma, please check the Oklahoma Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Oregon, please check the Oregon Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Pennsylvania, please check the Pennsylvania Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Puerto Rico, please check the Puerto Rico Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Rhode Island, please check the Rhode Island Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in South Carolina, please check the South Carolina Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in South Dakota, please check the South Dakota Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Tennessee, please check the Tennessee Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Texas please check the Texas Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Utah, please check the Utah Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Vermont, please check the Vermont Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in the Virgin Islands, please check the Virgin Islands Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Virginia, please check the Virginia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Washington, please check the Washington Teacher Licensure student handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in West Virginia, please check the West Virginia Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Wisconsin, please check the Wisconsin Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Please see this disclosure document for important information regarding teacher licensure.
For the most current information about becoming a teacher in Wyoming, please check the Wyoming Teacher Licensure Student Handbook article.
Frequently Asked Questions
About State Educator Licenses
What is a teaching certification?
A teacher certification, also called a teaching license, is the credential an educator needs to be able to instruct students. All states require teaching certification for educators to work in public schools, and most private schools also prefer to hire licensed teachers. Teachers can be certified for certain grade levels, like elementary school (K-6), middle school, or high school. Teachers also can get teaching licensure for specific subjects, like math, English, or certain science courses.
How long do teaching licenses last?
A teaching license typically lasts 5 years before a renewal is required. Exact timing may vary by state. Teachers who have let their teaching license lapse may be able to apply to get their teacher licensure reinstated. In most states continuing education courses are required to renew your teaching license. The exact number of hours and type of courses required for an educator license will vary based on your state. Your state board of education can help you get further information about teaching license renewal.
Can I teach without a teacher's license?
States do not allow educators to teach in public schools without a teaching certificate. Some private schools may allow students to teach without a teaching license, but most prefer to hire teachers who have obtained their educator certification. Some states may have alternative routes to teaching licensure that allow those without a teaching bachelor's degree to pursue teaching licensure, but for many states a licensing degree program is the best route to become a teacher.
Can I transfer my license to another state?
States all have their own unique requirements for an educator's licensure, but most have reciprocity agreements to allow currently licensed teachers to transfer their teaching credentials to a new state. Teachers may have to meet some additional state requirements in order to get their teaching license moved to another state, but for most states transferring teacher licensure is fairly straightforward. Work with your new state board of education to learn how to transfer your teaching license.
Can you get certified to teach without a degree in education?
Yes. In some states it is possible to become a teacher without licensing and an education degree. Keep in mind that this is not a possibility in every state. Be sure to check with your state's department of education for the most up to date information on licensing and teaching requirements. In general, an education degree is a good idea as it will open up more doors of opportunity. Earning this degree online will give you flexibility and perhaps allow you to graduate more quickly.
What certifications do you need to become a teacher?
Each state has unique certification requirements, tests, and licensing guidance for teachers. Be sure to check with your state's board of education to ensure you understand and meet the relevant licensing requirements to become a teacher in your specific state.
How do I get my teaching certificate if I already have a degree?
If you already have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in teaching may be the best way to prepare for teacher licensure. If you already have a master's degree, you can still pursue a second master's degree to become a licensed teacher.
What is the difference between a certified teacher and a licensed teacher?
A certified teacher is also known as a licensed teacher. This means that an educator with a degree and a teaching certificate is a certified and licensed teacher. To teach in a public school, you must be a licensed teacher, meaning you have a teaching certificate that you received after completing an education degree.
Can you be a teacher without a teaching certificate?
No. As a rule of thumb, you cannot become a teacher without a teaching certificate. Some states do offer alternative teacher certification and licensing programs that give you a path to become a teacher if you've earned at least a bachelor's degree in any subject. In all states you will need a teaching license in order to teach public schools, and in most private schools as well.
What type of teacher is most in demand?
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are content areas that are always in high demand. Additionally, ESL, social studies, and special education teaching are in high demand. Learn more about the types of teachers in highest demand.
State Licensure Details and Policies
In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, and the Code of Federal Regulations, Western Governors University provides the following information relating to professional licensure/certification.
The following programs are not intended to lead to a professional license in any state or territory:
- Bachelor of Arts, Educational Studies
- Master of Education, Education Technology and Instructional Design
- Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Arts, Mathematics Education (K-6)
WGU’s programs are designed to meet the educational prerequisites for licensure using the pathways indicated in each disclosure. However, the decision whether to grant a license by reciprocity or by direct licensure is subject to a final determination by the individual state or territorial licensing agency. Additionally, requirements are subject to modification by states and territories. If you have questions about licensure you can contact WGU’s licensure department at licensure@wgu.edu.
The process by which students can register complaints under the consumer complaint process can be found at these links:
WGU’s main office is located in Utah. Information regarding the complaint process in Utah can be found at this link.
Information regarding any adverse actions by any state or any accrediting agency involving WGU can be found in the Consumer Complaint Process.
Refund policies for WGU students for the return of unearned tuition and fees can be found at these links:
Notice regarding changing state of residence: A student who changes his or her state of residence while enrolled in a program may become ineligible for Title IV Higher Education Act funding if the change in residence results in a student participating in a program in a state in which WGU does not meet licensure or certification requirements in that new state of residence. For more information, please contact WGU’s licensure department at licensure@wgu.edu.
If you have other questions, please contact authorization@wgu.edu.
The primary purpose of the disclosure requirements contained in the Code of Federal Regulations is to assist students in making informed decisions on how best to spend their limited funds available for higher education.
Before completing any disclosure for a WGU program which may lead to licensure, our team reviews carefully the state, district, or territory requirements to qualify for licensure. We also review the history of our graduates to ensure that graduates have succeeded in licensing in any specific jurisdiction. Even when a program meets the statutory and administrative requirements, we assess whether any of our graduates has had any challenges before obtaining a license.
In programs where we have had a limited number of graduates apply for licensure after completing a specific program, in a particular state, district, or territory, we reserve our decision on informing potential students that our programs “meet the requirements” for licensure until we are confident that our program has helped enough students to achieve success to allow them to rely on that information in making the important decision about using their limited funds to attend our program.
The presence of a “no determination” status in our disclosure means: 1) upon successful completion of all course requirements as detailed in the WGU student handbook for a degree, you will receive your degree from WGU; 2) we will assist you in the process of applying for licensure and work with you to resolve challenges you may face in qualifying for a license in your chosen profession.
How to become a teacher?
- Choose a specialty
- Earn a bachelor's degree
- Complete a student teaching program
- Meet other licensing requirements in your state
- Pass your required Praxis exam
- Find a position and begin teaching
What qualifications should a teacher have?
There a variety of qualifications that a teacher will need. Firstly, they will need a degree, to pass their Praxis exam, and meet any other state eligibilty qualifications to become licensed. Teachers also will need knowledge in their subject area, patience, understanding, great communication, and more.
Which certificate is best for teacher?
Each state has unique requirements for educator certification, and it's important to understand the educator licensure requirements in your state. WGU's School of Education online degree programs will help prepare you for teaching certification in any of the 50 states. Learn about teaching license requirements by state.
Can you get a teachers certificate online?
The online educator bachelor's degree programs in the School of Education at WGU include coursework and assessments, a preclinical experience that includes observation hours and teaching lessons, and Student Teaching. A bachelor's degree is required in every state in order to get a teaching license and teach in schools, so this is a critical first step.
