CAEP Accredited Teaching Education Degree Programs

View online teaching programs currently accepting applicants for 2024.

Collegiate students that have spent any amount of time researching teaching degree programs or teaching preparatory programs may be familiar with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This widespread organization is a leader in accreditation for university programs focused on teacher training, making it an important resource for you to utilize beginning at the onset of your college admissions.

It is the goal of our team to provide you with more information about this important type of teacher's accreditation, as well as some additional resources for schools that are currently accepting new applicants.

As you read further into this guide, you can learn more about the importance of choosing accredited degree programs and how the accreditation process can ensure great quality to students enrolled.

What is CAEP accreditation? CAEP is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. CAEP is responsible for the oversight on accredited programs, and ensures the proper teaching standards are fully implemented for its accredited programs. CAEP accreditation is widely considered as the top teaching program-specific accreditation. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) merged into CAEP, and as of 2016, CAEP is the top teaching education program accrediting board.

What Is CAEP and Why Is It Important?

The focus of the CAEP is to ensure that institutions are providing approved course sequences and program experiences that can truly increase the quality of education provided to children in the P-12 grade levels. Quality assurance and continuous improvement are 2 of the major goals of this organization, making consistent reviews and the development of relevant accreditation standards important steps to overall program approval.

Schools that currently offer CAEP-approved Master's programs or teaching preparatory programs can be reliable resources for you to consider when furthering your education.

Most states require that teaching professionals complete an accrediting preparatory program prior to being approved for licensure, making this type of accreditation agency important for you to become knowledgeable of along your path to success.

View more 100% online teaching programs currently accepting applicants.

List of 10 Online CAEP Accredited Master's Degrees, Updated for 2024

There are currently an abundance of online Master's in Teaching degree programs being marketed to undergraduates seeking reliable programs for their future. In the online environment, students can enjoy the benefits of flexibility in learning, which can contribute to a well-balanced lifestyle in both work and education.

The CAEP currently provides the public with quick access to a list of its accredited programs for review. Taking the time to browse through this list can jump start your search for the perfect program, whether you have decided to complete your degree program virtually or in-person.

Our team of educational experts has reviewed the available programs accredited by the CAEP in an effort to help you take the next step into your future in education. The list below provides some example schools and programs that you could consider for your enrollment.

Western Governor's University online Masters in Education programs

The teaching programs at Western Governor's University offer online master's programs in subject areas such as Mathematics Education, Science Education, and English Education. All in online format, students can choose this university as an option for reliable and license-worthy degree programs.

The University of West Alabama online Masters in Teaching

The University of West Alabama is an accredited resource for online Master's in Teaching and Education. This institution offers programs focusing specifically on a broad teaching element as well as specific program options in special education.

Purdue University Online Education Degrees

Purdue University is currently an online provider of reliable and accredited degree programs in teaching and education. Specializations at this college include those that focus on the importance of reliable special education teachers, as well as those in literacy and language.

The University of Alaska at Anchorage Online Education Programs

Online CAEP accredited programs can be found at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. Students can choose to enjoy the benefits of teacher preparation programs through completely online or blended formats depending on their needs.

Arkansas State University Online MAT

The online Master of Teaching in K-12 and Special Education at Arkansas State University could be a great resource for you to utilize during your collegiate training. These programs are both 100% online and CAEP accredited for your upcoming licensure requirements.

The University of Colorado at Denver online Masters programs

The University of Colorado at Denver can provide you with accredited online master's programs that can assist you in pursuing licensure as an educator. These online master's programs can focus on specializations such as Early Childhood Education, which can prepare you specifically for certification and licensure in this area.

Nova Southeastern University's online teaching degrees

Students seeking accredited online teaching degrees can seek out programs through Nova Southeastern University. This school currently offers master's-level programs focusing on education and teaching certification for incoming students.

The University of Indianapolis online MAT

The University of Indianapolis holds accreditation for its Master of Arts in Teaching and English Masters. Students interested in pursuing teaching careers through online educational programs can enroll in programs like this one to meet their goals.

Louisiana Tech University online Masters in English

Students enrolled at Louisiana Tech University can indulge in online classes throughout a Master's in English for grades 6-12. This program contains all of the necessary elements for licensure and can provide you with more training in curriculum development and instruction along the way.

Monmouth University Online Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching at Monmouth University can be an exceptional choice for New Jersey residents seeking a career in the field of education. This online program can easily be fit into a busy schedule and provides all of the necessary topics for lasting accreditation in the future.

Overview of CAEP Accredited Teaching Degree Programs

The CAEP regularly reviews existing and new programs focused on educating new teaching professionals throughout the U.S. The CAEP covers ten basic standards of each program, including aspects such as learner development, content knowledge, application of content, assessment, and instructional strategies.

The cycle of accreditation for schools interested in holding CAEP accreditation includes an initial self report that is completed using questionnaires and information provided by the accreditation agency. This step of the accreditation process can help to ensure that schools are knowledgeable within their content area and can provide evidence of their program’s efficiency prior to more thorough reviews.

Comprehensive Review of the Program

The formative review of programs seeking accreditation includes a more in-depth look of the program’s provisions off-campus. This is completed by agents of the CAEP and investigates different components of the degree program individually.

Lastly, each program is subjected to an on-site visit that includes a look into lesson plans and other data pertaining to the subject area. This step-by-step process provides a stable foundation for reliability and relevance for the program area, making it incredibly useful for upcoming licensed professionals.

Teaching Programs Meeting CAEP Standards

Programs that meet the standards of the CAEP are often in-line with what each state requires for teaching licensure. If you are on path to a career in the field of teaching, you should consider programs that hold this type of accreditation rather than programs from a secondary accreditation resource.

What Does CAEP Review?

The review process administered by the CAEP can include different components depending on what type of accreditation is sought by an institution. The CAEP currently offers 3 types of program review options, including SPA Program Review, CAEP Evidence Review of Standard One, and a State Program Review.

SPA Program Review: Specific Teaching Areas

The Specialized Professional Association (SPA) review was developed for programs that provide specific licensure, certification, or endorsement in areas such as Social Studies Education, Mathematics, or Early Childhood Education. Schools seeking this type of program review may be require to submit evidence based on templates provided within each content area of these certification programs.

CAEP Evidence Review of Standard One: Proficiency

The CAEP Evidence Review of Standard One involves a look at the candidate’s proficiencies related to learners in the collegiate environment and the learning process. Instructional responsibilities and content knowledge may also be part of this report. Candidates for accreditation can complete a self report answering questions provided by the CAEP 9 months before a schedule site visit by the agency.

CAEP Candidate Standards

The CAEP commission has a structure for the standards that were identified as a must by the National Academy of Sciences 2010 report, Preparing Teachers: Building Evidence for Sound Policy. The NAS panel research found that there were nearly a dozen factors that likely had strong effects on student outcomes of content knowledge, field experience, and quality of teacher candidates. Thus, CAEP adopted multiple standards, listed below – full document is at CAEPnet.org.

Adapting that guidance to its task, the first three standards recommended by the Commission are:

• Standard 1: Content and Pedagogical Knowledge
• Standard 2: Clinical Partnerships and Practice
• Standard 3: Candidate Quality, Recruitment, and Selectivity
• Standard 4: Program Impact
• Standard 5: Provider Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

State Program Review: State Licensure Requirements

The State Program Review is a state-specific review process that involves partnering with a state’s licensing board to develop programs that are aligned with what is required for licensure in that state. This process can vary depending on the state involved, but can result in a specially tailored program suitable for upcoming licensed educators.

CAEP Accreditation and What It Means for Teaching Licensure

If you are considering a career as a teacher throughout the U.S., you may be required to complete at least an undergraduate degree in the field of teaching or education as well as a teaching preparatory program. The preparatory programs that you enroll in are required to hold a certain level of accreditation, most often by the CAEP.

Teaching preparatory programs can be offered independently of a degree program or be included within master’s programs at various universities. Some specialized teaching areas may require a minimum of a Master’s degree in teaching, making it reasonable to include both teaching prep and a master’s program all in one package.

When you complete a preparatory program or a master’s program with this included, you may be required to show proof of program accreditation prior to being approved for licensing within your state. The most popular and reliable accreditation agency for teacher prep programs is currently the CAEP.

Verification of CAEP accreditation is an important step towards enrollment into a program that can support your licensure in teaching. You can verify this information through contact with your university, a search through the program’s information on the school’s website, or even directly through the CAEP.

In a way, this type of accreditation is vital to your future licensure as a teacher within your state. Not only can this organization be your guide as you navigate through the educational requirements for licensure, but it can also help you rest assured that the program you have chosen meets national standards for current and future educators.

CAEP Teaching Subject Standards

They also adopted standards that any CAEP accredited program must adhere to. Content and pedagogical knowledge expected of candidates is articulated through the InTASC standards. These standards are:

Standard #1: Learner Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard #2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

Standard #3: Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

Standard #4: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Standard #5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard #6: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

Standard #7: Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Standard #8: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning and development, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

CAEP FAQs

• Is CAEP accreditation required for a teaching license?
  If you are interested in becoming a licensed teacher in the future, you should consider the importance of accreditation on your path to this career. Accreditation is an important aspect within your teaching preparation program, since it relays the reliability and validity of the program that you have participated in. Most states require that you complete an accredited preparatory program prior to applying for an receiving your licensure. For specific requirements for licensing within your state, you should visit the website of your state’s licensing board for educational professionals.
• Are candidates for accreditation the same as fully accredited programs?
  As you search for the perfect program to enroll in, you might see some options that note their candidacy for accreditation through the CAEP. While this is promising for the future of the program, this statement does not reflect current accreditation status for the program. In order to receive your license after completing all of the required steps, you need to ensure that the program you are considering has full accreditation status through the CAEP.
• How do I know if my program is CAEP accredited?
  Most colleges and universities offer accreditation information for their programs on the program’s web page. In some cases, this information may not be visible by simply viewing the program page on the school’s website, but may be hidden away in the university’s overall information about all programs it offers. An alternative way to verify accreditation of your program is through viewing a list of accredited degree programs currently provided on the CAEP website.
• Why is CAEP accreditation important?
  Teachers are some of the most influential aspects in the lives of children and adults. Accreditation can provide verification of a degree program’s coverage of required topics for educators in the field, the knowledge and competence of instructors within these degree programs, and relevance of the courses and activities included in the degree process. Since accreditation is also required for licensure, this step can also act as a supporting factor in your acceptance as a licensed professional within your state.
• How long does CAEP accreditation last?
  Once a program has completed the steps for accreditation and become accredited, it can maintain that standard for 7-10 years. When the time period is nearing an end, a re-review of the program will be initiated to continue the accreditation beyond that point. This regular review process can help to ensure that the program continues to exhibit a high quality of degree programs during its lifetime.

The History of CAEP

CAEP is the new name for the accrediting boards that used to be the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Essentially the two accrediting boards merged into one in 2016. In 2014, CAEP was recognized by the CHEA as an accrediting board, and they started the transition.

Recap: What Does CAEP Do?

CAEP is responsible for the oversight on accredited programs, and ensures the proper teaching standards are fully implemented for its accredited programs. CAEP is responsible for ensuring teaching programs at multiple levels are teaching the same subject matter in the same way, which helps fully educate teachers best and helps schools, colleges, and other employers have a greater understanding of what they are getting in a CAEP-prepared teacher.