Teaching Education Degrees in DC

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Consider an online teaching program currently accepting applicants for 2024.

School Level Program Admissions

University of West Alabama

All Levels Online Bachelor's, Masters, Doctorate, Education Specialist and Alternative Class A Programs
Choose from more than 40 certification and non-certification education programs that can enhance your career as an educator inside or outside the classroom.
Website

Campbellsville University

All Levels Online Associates, Bachelor's, Master's Programs
Multiple (20+) online Associate, Bachelor, and Master of Education programs in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Website

American University

Master Online Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership
CAEP Accredited. Learn how to evaluate, create, and implement effective policy that facilitates exceptional learning experiences for all students.
Website

University of West Florida

Master Online Master of Education Programs
CAEP Accredited. Programs in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education. Gives classroom teachers a specialized education for their student age group and career goals.
Website

Maryville University

Master Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership
Earn your Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership online from Maryville University in as few as 32 months. Prepare to impact higher education on a sweeping scale.
Website

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Master MA in Special Education
CAEP-accredited, Complete in as little as 12 months, six start dates a year, cost-effective tuition.
Website

Purdue University

Master Online MS in Education
Specialized degrees in Special Education, Curriculum Instruction, Learning Design and Technology.
Website
Click for more online teaching programs currently accepting applicants for 2024.

Teachers in Washington, DC must have at least a bachelor’s degree and must complete a teacher preparation program.

In addition, they must pass three Praxis exams to prove competency in core academic areas if they are beginning their teaching careers. The District of Columbia has three levels of certification depending on the teacher’s level of study.

There are only a few universities in the D.C. but students have a good selection of academic options.

  • 52 teaching programs in DC accredited by CAEP
  • 12 CAEP-accredited Bachelor's degrees
  • 31 CAEP-accredited Master's degrees in DC

Although there are various schools throughout the United States that offer online teaching programs that can be taken by DC students, online education programs at DC colleges are rare.

Several online courses are offered at the University of the District of Columbia. American University and Howard University do not currently carry any online teaching programs. The following programs are available online at accredited universities that are accepting DC residents.

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School Level Program Admissions

University of West Alabama

All Levels Online Bachelor's, Masters, Doctorate, Education Specialist and Alternative Class A Programs
Choose from more than 40 certification and non-certification education programs that can enhance your career as an educator inside or outside the classroom.
Website

American University

Master Online Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership
CAEP Accredited. Learn how to evaluate, create, and implement effective policy that facilitates exceptional learning experiences for all students.
Website

University of West Florida

Master Online Master of Education Programs
CAEP Accredited. Programs in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education. Gives classroom teachers a specialized education for their student age group and career goals.
Website

Maryville University

Master Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership
Earn your Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership online from Maryville University in as few as 32 months. Prepare to impact higher education on a sweeping scale.
Website

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Master MA in Special Education
CAEP-accredited, Complete in as little as 12 months, six start dates a year, cost-effective tuition.
Website

Purdue University

Master Online MS in Education
Specialized degrees in Special Education, Curriculum Instruction, Learning Design and Technology.
Website

University of West Florida

Master Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
CAEP Accredited, 3 specializations.
Website

Arizona State University

Bachelor Online Bachelor of Education Programs Website

University of Dayton

Master Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership
Top-ranked online education program. Degree can be completed in as few as two years (additional time if pursuing the principal licensure track). No GRE required to apply.
Website
Click to view more online teaching programs currently accepting applicants.

Requirements to Teach in Washington DC

The appropriate undergraduate coursework, standardized tests, and an accredited certification program must be completed to earn teaching credentials in Washington DC. Passing scores on the Praxis Subject Assessment and Core Academic Skills for Educators must be attained. The traditional means of acquiring a Washington DC teach license requires completing a Bachelor's degree and an approved teacher education program.

Prospective educators are required to complete a background check of criminal history. Fingerprints are submitted through an approved agency. A current employment offer from a DC public school is necessary before applying for the Regular I license. When all requirements are met, candidates submit their application for the license. It is a nonrenewable, two-year license. A state-approved teacher education program and passing the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exams for grade levels and subjects from which the endorsements are sought must be completed to qualify for the Regular II license. Those not qualified for the traditional certification may be eligible for an alternative pathway to licensure.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

A growing number of financial resources are available for public high school graduates in the District of Columbia to help with skyrocketing college education costs. There are private, institutional, city, and federal sources of financial aid. There are also specialized savings plans that help students and families cover the tuition and living costs.

Students complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for

  • Pell Grants
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
  • Work Study
  • Stafford Loans
  • Perkins Loans

Pell Grants are need-based funds offered every year for undergraduate students. Those eligible for Pell Grants may also be eligible for the FSEOG, which is based on available funds and need. On- or off-campus jobs are available for students to earn wages to be used for college costs. The program is also need-based. The amount of subsidized funds increases in the second and third year when Stafford Loans are taken. Graduate students can also borrow substantially more money each year. Perkins Loans are typically awarded to undergraduates and graduate students in exceptional financial need.

Requirements to Qualify for In-State Tuition

There is a DC Tuition Assistance Program that helps residents of the District of Columbia or the Metro Area, including Montgomery, Prince George's, Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax counties receive in-state tuition for any other state. Those who live in any other county, territory, or state are considered out-of-state for tuition purposes.

Candidates wanting to attend the University of the District of Columbia must demonstrate they were domiciled in the Metro Area or District and paid taxes to one or the other for 90 consecutive days before registering for a semester or term when seeking Metro Area or in-state status. They must also be claimed on a tax return of a spouse or parent domiciled in the Metro Area or District and be enrolled as a public high school or public charter in the DC or Metro Area. They can also be entering the university in the fall or spring semester after graduation with a transcript containing a current DC or Metro Area address. Two of these documents are required to qualify.

  • Copy of DC tax return
  • Driver's license issued in DC or Metro Area
  • State benefits transcript
  • Voter registration
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School Level Program Admissions

University of West Alabama

All Levels Online Bachelor's, Masters, Doctorate, Education Specialist and Alternative Class A Programs
Choose from more than 40 certification and non-certification education programs that can enhance your career as an educator inside or outside the classroom.
Website

American University

Master Online Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership
CAEP Accredited. Learn how to evaluate, create, and implement effective policy that facilitates exceptional learning experiences for all students.
Website

University of West Florida

Master Online Master of Education Programs
CAEP Accredited. Programs in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education. Gives classroom teachers a specialized education for their student age group and career goals.
Website

Maryville University

Master Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership
Earn your Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership online from Maryville University in as few as 32 months. Prepare to impact higher education on a sweeping scale.
Website

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Master MA in Special Education
CAEP-accredited, Complete in as little as 12 months, six start dates a year, cost-effective tuition.
Website

Purdue University

Master Online MS in Education
Specialized degrees in Special Education, Curriculum Instruction, Learning Design and Technology.
Website

University of West Florida

Master Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
CAEP Accredited, 3 specializations.
Website

Arizona State University

Bachelor Online Bachelor of Education Programs Website

University of Dayton

Master Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership
Top-ranked online education program. Degree can be completed in as few as two years (additional time if pursuing the principal licensure track). No GRE required to apply.
Website
CAEP Accredited Teaching Programs

List of the Best CAEP Accredited Teaching Degrees in DC

American University
Washington
CAEP
  • Masters in Early Childhood Education NAEYC
  • Bachelors in Elementary Education ACEI
  • Masters in Elementary Education ACEI
  • Specialist or C.A.S. in English as a Second Language Graduate Certificate Program TESOL
  • Masters in English as a Second Language MAT TESOL
  • Bachelors in Secondary Education English NCTE
  • Post Bachelors in Secondary Education English Certificate NCTE
  • Masters in Secondary Education English MAT NCTE
  • Masters in Secondary Education Mathematics MAT NCTM
  • Masters in Secondary Education Science MAT NSTA
  • Bachelors in Secondary Education Social Studies NCSS
  • Post Bachelors in Secondary Education Social Studies Certificate NCSS
  • Masters in Secondary Education Social Studies MAT NCSS
Gallaudet University
Washington
CAEP
  • Masters in Deaf Education CEC
  • Bachelors in Early Childhood Education NAEYC
  • Bachelors in Elementary Education ACEI
  • Masters in Elementary Education ACEI
  • Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology NASP
  • Bachelors in Secondary English NCTE
  • Bachelors in Secondary Mathematics NCTM
George Washington University
Washington
CAEP
  • Masters in Bilingual Special Education CEC
  • Masters in Bilingual Special Education TESOL
  • Masters in Early Childhood Special Education NAEYC
  • Masters in Educational Leadership & Administration ELCC
  • Post Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration ELCC
  • Specialist or C.A.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration ELCC
  • Masters in Elementary Education ACEI
  • Masters in English as a Second Language Education TESOL
  • Masters in Mathematics 7-12 NCTM
  • Masters in Reading and Literacy ILA
  • Masters in Secondary English NCTE
  • Masters in Secondary level Foreign Language ACTFL
  • Masters in Secondary Science NSTA
  • Masters in Secondary Special Education CEC
  • Masters in Social Studies Education NCSS
  • Masters in Special Ed for Children with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities CEC
Howard University
Washington
CAEP
  • Doctorate in Educational Administration and Guided Leadership Experiences (EAGLE) ELCC
  • Masters in Educational Administration and Policy MEd ELCC
  • Masters in Elementary Education ACEI
  • Doctorate in School Psychology PhD NASP
  • Masters in Social Studies MEd NCSS
  • Masters in Special Education CEC
The Catholic University of America
Washington
CAEP
  • Bachelors in Early Childhood Education NAEYC
  • Post Bachelors in Early Childhood Special Education NAEYC
  • Bachelors in Elementary Education ACEI
  • Bachelors in Mathematics Education NCTM
  • Masters in Special Education CEC
Trinity Washington University
Washington
CAEP
  • Masters in Educational Administration ELCC
  • Masters in Elementary Education - MAT ACEI
  • Masters in Special Education CEC
University of the District of Columbia
Washington
CAEP
  • Bachelors in Elementary Education 2001 Standards ACEI
  • Bachelors in Special Education BA CEC

Bachelor’s in Education Programs in DC

American University (AU) in Washington, DC offers several bachelor degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with minors in art, biology, mathematics, history, literature and music and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education that prepares teacher for certification in their area of specialty.

Howard University (HU) offers a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a focus on curriculum & instruction and a bachelor’s degree in human development. The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education with majors in elementary, secondary and early childhood education as well as an education studies program. In addition to the majors they offer, the programs also offer several other areas of concentration. The University of the District of Columbia has bachelor degree programs with majors in elementary, secondary, special and early childhood education.

Master’s in Education Programs in DC

Students who have a non-teaching degree but want to obtain a license to teach can benefit from AU’s Master of Arts in Teaching, which offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, early education and K-12 education. AU also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution that the students can earn at the same time.

Students at CUA can choose from Master of Arts programs in early childhood education, special education and secondary education. The secondary education also offers minors in English, mathematics, or social studies. Field experiences are an important part of the bachelor and master degree programs at CUA.

Although George Washington University (GWU) doesn’t have any teaching bachelor degree programs, it offers a Master of Education in Teaching with a concentration in museum education and a Master of Education with concentrations in elementary education and secondary education. GWU also offers Master of Arts in Education & Human Development with several areas of concentration.

HU offers a Master in Education program with majors in elementary education, secondary education and special education as well as a Master of Education with a focus in school psychology and counseling. The secondary education major includes various choices of minors. The University of the District of Columbia has a Master of Teaching degree with an elementary education major as well as Master of Art degrees in early childhood, speech-language pathology and adult education.

DC Certification & Specializations

AU has a graduate certificate in areas of early childhood, elementary, secondary education, K-12 and ESOL. This program is for students who have bachelor’s degrees and several years teaching experience who want to be certified and licensed in the DC area as well as other states. Bachelor degree students can also choose from education studies and special education minors.

CUA offers doctoral degrees in educational psychology and in Catholic educational leadership as well as an advanced graduate certificate in Catholic educational leadership. GWU offers an educational specialist certificate as well as several graduate certificates and doctoral degree programs for teachers that want to advance their education and earn higher wages.