Online teaching degrees in Texas offer a flexible path to becoming an educator while meeting the state’s licensure requirements. This guide explores how aspiring teachers in the Lone Star State can prepare for impactful careers through GCU’s accredited online programs.
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Approved and verified accurate by the dean of the College of Education on Dec. 11, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Teachers are charged with educating and inspiring young minds and encouraging them to go on to become productive members of society. If you are passionate about pursuing a career as a teacher, you can explore the many online teaching degrees in Texas available from Grand Canyon University.1
GCU works to make higher education more accessible to students across the nation, including those in the Lone Star State. With our online degrees, you’ll have the potential to pursue your dream of becoming a teacher while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of virtual classes. Before enrolling in any education degree program, it’s important to understand Texas’ teacher licensure requirements.
GCU’s online education programs in Texas are designed with the needs of modern students in mind. As a virtual student, you’ll have the freedom to live and work where you choose while earning your degree from our private, Christian university.
With no need to relocate and no need to commute to campus, higher education can be flexible. Take classes on a schedule that works for you and fits around your existing responsibilities.
Enjoy the following benefits of pursuing your education online from GCU:
Before applying to any online education degrees in Texas, you should research the state’s requirements for teacher licensure. In all 50 states, aspiring teachers must typically have a bachelor’s degree at minimum, as well as a state-issued license or certification if they intend to teach in public schools. While these requirements may differ for private school teachers, some private schools may still individually require or prefer to hire teachers with these qualifications.2
Each state establishes its own pathway for obtaining teacher licensure or certification. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires the following:3
Whether you’re just getting started with your journey in higher education or you’re a working teacher interested in adding to your credentials, GCU has a program that could be right for you. Some of our online teaching degrees in Texas may also be the right fit for working professionals who are interested in switching fields and pursuing a teaching career.
Discover the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in education at GCU, which include:
If you don’t yet have a completed college degree, you can start your journey toward a teaching career by earning a bachelor’s degree. GCU will also review the transcripts of current college students enrolled elsewhere to evaluate transferring credits.
Our bachelor’s degrees in education teach core skills in classroom engagement and management, professional ethics, advocacy in education, instructional methods and special education fundamentals for students with exceptionalities. You’ll also dive into subject-specific coursework, depending on your area of interest.
Our online bachelor’s degrees in education include degrees for secondary educators, such as:1
If you love working with younger children and are interested in becoming an elementary school educator, you might consider these degree programs:
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in education, you might consider pursuing a master’s degree. Many of GCU’s online education programs in Texas at the master’s level are appropriate for working teachers who have already attained certification.
These include options such as:
If you’re a working professional in another field who is interested in pursuing initial teacher licensure with a master’s degree, you might consider the following choices:
A doctoral degree is the highest level of academic achievement in any field. If you’re eager to take the next step in your career, then our online doctoral degrees in education may be the right fit for you.1 Note that online doctoral programs require residencies, which must be completed in person on or near our campus in Arizona.
Choose from quantitative or qualitative degrees such as:
If you have questions about pursuing an online degree in education from your home in Texas, the following answers may help.
Yes, it’s possible to enroll in an education degree that leads to initial teacher licensure online at GCU. Bear in mind, however, that degrees that lead to initial teacher licensure do typically require a student teaching component, which must be completed in person locally. In addition, GCU’s education programs include practicum/field experiences that include observation, practice, and engagement in the PK-12 classroom setting.
These settings require candidates to have certified mentors and they must align with the program of study and intended certification. It's important to research the requirements for your intended degree program before applying and to ensure that you can complete practicum/field experiences and student teaching internships (if applicable).
Many people who pursue a teaching degree do intend to teach, but this type of degree offers more flexibility than you might think.
With a firm foundation of educational competencies, you might pursue a career as a:4
A graduate-level degree in education can be a good choice for working teachers who are interested in furthering their academic credentials. A graduate degree can also allow you to further specialize in your chosen subject or grade level or introduce you to new skills and emerging trends in pedagogy. A master's degree that leads to initial teacher licensure can also offer a pathway to teaching for individuals with a non-teaching background.
Students living in Texas and beyond are invited to explore all of GCU's available online degrees in Texas. Our online education degrees are designed to teach core competencies in instructional methods, classroom management and other key areas for future teachers. Contact a university counselor today to learn more about attending GCU online.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
