Learn education

An online education course can prepare you to teach, create curricula, and mentor the next generation of learners. Gain in-demand technical and soft skills with a university-backed edX program.

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What are online education courses?

Education courses can familiarize you with vital teaching strategies and help you build leadership skills and other important professional proficiencies. The academic credits you earn through accredited providers may also transfer into undergraduate or graduate degree programs.

Explore the benefits of online education courses, compare learning pathways, and find out how your coursework can support specific careers within education.

Top-rated education courses on edX

Start learning education with flexible, expert-led courses

Build specific skills

Online education courses cover targeted content, helping you zero in on key areas for professional development.

Reduce learning costs

Following an online, pay-per-course model can help you save big vs. what you would typically pay for a certificate, diploma, or degree.

Set your own schedule

Many online education courses offer self-paced structures, making it easier to fit schooling into a busy schedule.

Browse online Education Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

Compare learning paths on edX

edX offers multiple ways to learn about education online, from AI in higher education courses to a master's program in education. Compare the options below to find the one that best fits your schedule, interests, and budget.

Program type	Who is it best for?	Typical duration	What you can learn
Course	Learners looking to target specific areas or professional domains for knowledge development	2–6 weeks	Family engagement, how to teach coding, current issues in education, AI in the classroom, and more
Professional certificate	Career changers and working educators seeking professional development	2–10 months	Supplementary skills in instructional design, curriculum development, classroom management, and student engagement
Executive education	Professionals interested in taking on leadership roles in education	6–8 weeks	Leadership, coaching, gifted education administration, time management
Master's degree	Bachelor's graduates looking for educational upgrades and/or career advancement pathways	12–36 months	Advanced pedagogical strategies, specialized professional skills, leadership and management proficiencies, and research methods

What's the difference between a professional certificate and a certification?

Put simply, a certificate is an academic credential, and a certification is a professional credential. You earn a certificate in school, but you typically need a combination of education, specialized training, and work experience to qualify for a certification.

Understand teacher requirements and qualifications

Requirements for teachers vary by state, employer, and specialization, but most teachers must have:

A bachelor's in education from an accredited university
A teaching license or certification (requirements vary by state)

Check with your state and employer for more information about additional requirements. You can also complete specialized coursework and online education courses to pursue a career as a teacher.

Explore education degrees and teaching pathways

Once you earn your bachelor's in education, you can continue your schooling by earning a:

Master of education (M.Ed.)
Master of arts in teaching (MAT)
Doctor of education (Ed.D.)
Doctor of philosophy in education (PhD)

If you're considering a career as a substitute teacher, you need an undergraduate degree. However, some states — like California and Texas — offer temporary certification. This allows you to substitute teach while finishing your education degree.

A bachelor's degree is typically also required if you want to work as an educator overseas. However, other educational pathways may allow you to work as a teacher without a degree.

Discover jobs and careers in education

By studying education, you can pursue diverse career paths. Find common roles for professionals with a background in education below, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

School teacher

Public school educators teach at all levels, from kindergarten through high school. In this role, you teach courses approved by your state education agency. You'll also handle other tasks, like grading papers and meeting with parents.

Required education: Bachelor's degree and state licensure
Median annual salary (2024): $62,310 for kindergarten and elementary school teachers
Median annual salary (2024):$62,970 for middle school teachers
Median annual salary (2024): $64,580 for high school teachers

ESL instructor

ESL instructors work with children or adults who are learning to speak, write, and read English. If you teach overseas, you'll need TEFL certification and an undergraduate degree.

Required education: Bachelor's degree and TEFL certification
Median annual salary (2024): $59,950

Instructional coordinator

These professionals oversee curriculum development and teaching standards. Other tasks include developing, implementing, and assessing classroom materials.

Required education: Bachelor's degree, but some employers may prefer a master's degree
Median annual salary (2024): $74,720

Career/technical education teacher (CTE)

CTEs teach students various vocational and technical subjects, such as cosmetology, auto repair, and culinary arts. Educational requirements for these teachers vary depending on the specific subject they teach.

Required education: Some CTEs may need a bachelor's degree, while others should have an associate degree, certification, or professional experience.
Median annual salary (2024): $62,910

Shape the future through education — Learn online with edX

Find out what you can do with an education degree and connect with accredited learning opportunities through edX partner providers.

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Frequently asked questions

Can you take general education courses online?

Yes, you can take online courses that may count toward the general education requirements in a diploma or degree program. To qualify for transfer, you will need to earn academic credits for your coursework and complete your classes at an accredited institution.

Can you get an education degree completely online?

Yes, you can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in education entirely online, but some conditions or limitations may apply. For example, educator prep programs typically include practice teaching requirements, which typically need to be completed in person.

How long does it take to learn education?

This depends on your career aspirations. In most cases, you'll need a bachelor's degree in education or a related subject, which takes 4–5 years to earn. An MEd program can last from 1–3 years, while an Ed.D. program can take up to five years to complete.

How hard is it to learn education?

Online education courses focus on theories and their practical applications. These concepts can be challenging to grasp in the beginning.

Success in education learning requires adaptability, patience, and fieldwork. But the challenges can lead to rewards, both professional and personal.