Online Teacher Certification and Licensure at WGU
What is a teaching certification or teaching license?
A teacher certification or teaching license is an official, state-issued credential that verifies that you are eligilbe to teach in a certain state. It is an agreement that confirms that you have the necessary skills, experience, and knowldge to educate students. A teaching license or certification is required in most states in order to be hired to teach public school. A teaching license or certification may also be required for private or charter school teachers depending on your state. 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.
What is the difference between a teaching license and teaching certificate?
In different states, there may be unique wording for the specific credential you will earn in order to become a teacher. Your state may call it a teaching license, a teaching certification, an endorsement, or a credential. All of these terms are fairly interchangable and all stand for the credential needed to be qualified to teach in your state. You can research to learn what your state calls this credential. WGU education programs prepare students to earn this credential—whether it is called a license or a certificate—in their state.
Getting an initial teaching license.
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 earning a 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
Do you need a teaching license?
Wondering if you need a teaching license? Answer these questions to help you find out.
Do you want to teach inside a public school? If the answer is yes, you will need a teaching license in your state. Do you want to teach in a charter or private school? Requirements for a teaching license may vary from school to school for charter and private schools, but earning a license may be a good idea regardless.
Are you already a teacher in your state? If you are currently teaching in a school, you likely already have a teaching license. Check with your state to ensure you have a personal license, not an emergency license for the state. Your next step may be to add to your existing teaching license to be able to teach different subjects or grade levels if you have a personal teaching license.
Do you want to pursue a career outside of the classroom? If you're looking for a career in education that doesn't involve teaching students, you likely do not need a teaching license.
How do you add to your existing teaching license?
If you are currently hold a teaching license or certification in your state, you can add to that license to be able to teach additional grade levels or subjects. For example, if you currently hold a secondary mathematics license, you can pursue a secondary science program at WGU that would allow you to be eligible to teach science classes in your state as well.
What is the difference between an initial teaching license and adding to your license?
The main difference between an initial teaching license and adding to your license is that an initial license is for new teachers—individuals who haven't had a job in the classroom before. Adding to your license is for teachers who already have a license and are likely already teaching in a classroom, and now want to expand their career opportunities
Bachelor's Degrees That Prepare You for an Initial Teaching License
These bachelor's degrees are for individuals who do not hold a bachelor's degree and do not have a teaching license. They will prepare you to earn a teaching license in your state and become a teacher.
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: 40 total courses in this program (42 for Washington residents).
Concepts 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
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: 41 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents)
Concepts 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
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.
Concepts 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
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: 41 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents).
Concepts 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
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: 41 total courses in this program (44 for Washington residents).
Concepts 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
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.
Concepts 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
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: 41 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents)
Concepts 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
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)
Concepts 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.
Master's Degrees That Prepare You for an Initial Teaching License
If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, you may want to pursue a master's degree that will prepare you for an intial teaching license. These master's programs allow you to be eligible for a teaching license in your state.
Education
Teaching, Social Studies (Secondary) – M.A.
This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed...
This online master's degree program prepares you to become a licensed social studies teacher in your state.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 19 total courses in this program (21 for Washington residents).
Concepts included in this program include:
- US History
- World History
- Economics
- Classroom Instruction Strategies
- Technology for the Classroom
This online social studies degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) — Master of Arts in Teaching
This online master's program is designed for aspiring chemistry teachers...
This online master's program is designed for aspiring chemistry teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field, and are looking to become a licensed teacher.
- Time: 62% of students in a similar program earn this degree within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 20 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who are looking to get their teaching license, and become prepared to teach secondary chemistry.
Concepts in this program include:
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) — Master of Arts in Teaching
An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have...
An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have a bachelor's degree, and are looking to teach earth science.
- Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 20 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn a teaching license, and become an earth science teacher in their state.
Concepts in this program include:
- Physical Geology
- Earth Systems
- Astronomy
- Ocean Systems
- Chemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school earth science teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for aspiring teachers looking to further their...
An online master's degree for 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.
Concepts 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.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Biology) — Master of Arts in Teaching
An online master's degree for aspiring teachers who want to earn a...
An online master's degree for aspiring teachers who want to earn a teaching license, and prepare to teach biology at the junior high or high school level
- Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 20 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn their teaching license and become eligible to teach biology in their state.
Concepts included in this program:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
- Zoology
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
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, and are now looking to become a teacher.
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 (23 for Washington residents).
Concepts 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. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.
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)
Concepts 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
Science Education (Secondary Physics) — Master of Arts in Teaching
An online master's program for those who have already earned a bachelor's...
An online master's program for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree, but now want to become a licensed teacher.
- Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 20 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to become eligible to teach physics in their state.
Concepts included in this program:
- General chemistry
- Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Space, time and motion
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
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.
Master's Degrees That Add to your Existing Teaching License
If you already have a teaching license in your state, these programs allow you to add to your license and teach additional subject areas or grade levels.
Education
English Language Learning (PreK–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal...
An online master's degree for current teachers whose next career goal includes a focus on teaching in ELL or ESL settings.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to add ELL or ESL to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Assessment Theory and Practice
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
- Instruction Planning and Implementation
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition
Grow your teaching career on a commitment to ensuring language barriers don't become a barrier to learning with this education master's degree.
Education
Mathematics Education (Secondary) – 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 and high school students.
- Time: 64% of students earn this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 18 total courses in this program.
This program is designd for current teachers who are looking to add secondary math to their license.
Concepts included in this program:
- Trigonometry and pre-calculus
- College geometry
- Calculus
- Probability and statistics
- Algebra for secondary mathematics teaching
- Mathematics history and technology
- Mathematical modeling and applications
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in junior high or high school students a love of math with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – 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 earth science to middle or high school students.
- Time: 60% of students earn this degree within 14 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary earth science to their license.
Concepts included in this program:
- Physical Geology
- Earth Systems
- Astronomy
- Ocean Systems
- Chemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science 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 science to middle school students.
Available in all states that offer a middle-grades general science endorsement.
- Time: 63% of students earned this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
This program is for currently licensed teacher who want to add middle-grades science to their license.
Concepts included in this program:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth science
- Space science
Propel your career as a middle school or junior high science teacher with this M.A. degree.
Education
Mathematics Education (K–6) – 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 elementary school students.
- Time: 61% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to add K-6 math education to their license.
Concepts included in this program:
- Number Sense and Functions
- Graphing
- Geometry and Statistics
- Research Design
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – 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 physics to middle or high school students.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 15 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who wish to add secondary physics to their licensure.
Concepts included in this program:
- General Chemistry
- Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Space, time and motion
Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.
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.
Concepts 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) – 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 chemistry to middle or high school students.
- Time: 64% of students earn this degree within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
Things you will learn in this program include:
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school chemistry teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Biology) – 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 biology to middle or high school students.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary biology to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Heredity and Genetics
- Zoology
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
Not Sure Which is the Right Fit for You?
Learn about different career options within education to help you determine which you want to pursue, and which program can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Educator Licenses
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 teachers 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.
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 teachers?
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 teaching 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.
