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- School of Education – DRAFT
School of Education Prepare to Teach, Counsel, and Lead
Explore Teaching Careers Through an Online College for Teaching Degrees
The School of Education online brings together teaching, learning, and service in a way that reflects Liberty University’s mission. Through our online education degree programs, you will study how students grow, how classrooms function, and how education shapes communities. This school is designed for students who want to think carefully about instruction, leadership, and student support.
This online college of education may be a good fit if you are:
- Exploring your first college for teaching degrees
- Pursuing online education professional development
- Returning to school to finish a degree
No matter if you are interested in online teacher preparation programs, leadership roles in schools, or support services for students, each path offers a different way to engage with education at various stages of life.
What makes this online School of Education distinct is its range of online teaching programs and its focus on both theory and practice. Whether you are just starting out or building on previous experience, you can study education in a flexible format while considering how your goals connect to real-world settings.
Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.
Accreditation for School of Education Programs
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits Liberty University. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through content and pedagogy, clinical partnerships and practice, candidate recruitment, progression and support, program impact, and quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Liberty University meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Visit the CAEP Accreditation page for more details.
The Princeton Review badge is from The Princeton Review. ©2026 TPR Education. All rights reserved. Used under license. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Online Education Degree Programs Built Around Your Goals
Education can take many forms, so your degree path should connect with the kind of work you hope to study. Through our online education degrees, you can explore teaching methods, student development, curriculum, leadership, or specialized support areas. Some programs are designed for future teachers, while others support current educators or professionals in education-related roles.
A Christian education degree online can also give you space to think about teaching through a values-driven lens. Undergraduate programs can help you build a foundation in education. Graduate and doctoral programs can help you study advanced practice, leadership, or research. Certificate options can help you focus on a specific topic without completing a full degree.
What Degrees Can You Pursue in Liberty’s Online College of Education?
Bachelor’s
Master’s
- Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Studies
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) (57 Degree Options)
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) to Education Specialist (EdS) (3 Degree Options)
- Master of Education (MEd) (17 Degree Options)
- Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education (3 Degree Options)
- Master of Education (MEd) in Special and Gifted Education – Twice Exceptionalities
Postgraduate and Doctoral
- Education Specialist (EdS) (8 Degree Options)
- Education Specialist (EdS) in Administration and Supervision
- Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Research
- Education Specialist (EdS) in Higher Education Administration (3 Degree Options)
- Education Specialist (EdS) in Instructional Design and Technology
- Education Specialist (EdS) in Special Education
- Doctor of Education (EdD) (9 Degree Options)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Administration and Supervision
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Administration (4 Degree Options)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Design and Technology
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Special Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Advanced Educational Studies (4 Degree Options)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education (5 Degree Options)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Research
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education Administration (3 Degree Options)
Undergraduate Certificates
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Autism Education
- Graduate Certificate in Career and Technical Education – Transition and Special Needs (Add-On Endorsement)
- Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology and Online Instruction
- Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education
- Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades
- Graduate Certificate in Preschool
- Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision
- Graduate Certificate in School Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Special Education – General Curriculum (Add-On Endorsement)
- Graduate Certificate in Urban Education
State Licensure Requirements
Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Faculty Who Connect Education Theory with Classroom Practice
Faculty in the School of Education online bring experience from classrooms, school leadership, and educational research. Their work reflects both academic study and practical knowledge of the field. In your courses, you will study how educational ideas connect to real teaching and learning settings.
Our faculty can guide discussions, review your work, and help you think through complex questions in education. Their feedback can support your growth as you examine instruction, leadership, research, or student services. As you move through your program, you will be encouraged to connect course concepts with your own goals and context.
What Can I Do with a Degree from an Online Education School?
Education degrees can connect to roles across schools, organizations, ministries, and training settings. Your path may depend on your degree level, licensure needs, and area of focus. Some students want to teach, while others want to lead, design curriculum, support students, or conduct research.
Our online education degree programs can help you study the systems and practices that shape learning. As you compare options, it can help to start with the setting where you hope to serve. From there, you can choose a degree path that fits your background, interests, and next academic step.
I want to become a classroom teacher
You can start by pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). We have a variety of degree options, so that you can easily choose the area that you are most interested in. If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can pursue one of our Master of Arts in Teaching online teacher preparation programs. These programs can help you study instructional methods and prepare to pursue Virginia state licensure requirements. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.
I want to work in school leadership
You may explore a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education Administration or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership. These paths can help you study school administration, policy, and leadership practices within educational settings.
I want to support students with special needs
You can explore a variety of options in special needs education, depending on where you are in your academic or professional journey. Whether you are just starting out or continuing your studies, there are pathways that can help you study how to support diverse learners in meaningful ways.
At the undergraduate level, you might consider a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies. For advanced study, options like the Master of Education (MEd) in Special and Gifted Education – Twice Exceptionalities or the Education Specialist (EdS) in Special Education can help you explore more focused areas of practice. If you are interested in leadership or research, the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Special Education can also be a path to consider.
You can also pursue targeted credentials through the Certificate in Autism Education, Graduate Certificate in Autism Education, or Executive Certificate in Special Education. These options can help you study specific strategies and approaches used in special education settings.
I want to teach in a Christian setting
You can explore this path through several online education degrees, including both licensure and non-licensure options. A strong place to begin is the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), which can help provide licensure and a foundation in teaching methods, student development, and classroom practice.
If licensure is not required for your setting, such as some private or Christian schools, non-licensure tracks, such as the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies, or the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Special Education Interdisciplinary studies may also be worth considering.
I want to work in instructional design or training
You can explore several degree paths that focus on how learning experiences are created, delivered, and evaluated across different settings. Instructional design often connects education, technology, and communication, making it relevant for schools, businesses, and online learning environments.
At the postgraduate level, you might consider the Education Specialist (EdS) in Instructional Design and Technology, which can help you study how to design curriculum, use learning technologies, and evaluate training programs. If you are interested in advanced research or leadership roles, the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Design and Technology may provide opportunities to study theory, research methods, and large-scale instructional systems.
You can also pursue shorter, focused options like the Executive Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology. This type of certificate program can help you study specific tools and strategies used in training and development settings while building on your current experience.
I want to continue my education as a current teacher
You can continue your studies through a range of graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral education programs designed for working educators.
A common next step is the Master of Education (MEd), which can allow you to study areas like curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or special education. We offer a variety of different options, so you can find the right fit for you!
For continued advancement, you might consider an Education Specialist (EdS) degree, which can provide further study beyond the master’s level in areas like leadership or instructional design. Doctoral options, such as a Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, can also be explored if you are interested in research, policy, or high-level leadership within education systems.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate, $290 per credit hour for graduate, and $375 per credit hour for doctoral courses*
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder**
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*For eligible current and former service members and their spouses. Learn more!
**Not applicable to certificates. Cannot be combined with the $375/credit hour doctoral military rate.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Online Education Programs
What is a School of Education?
A school of education is an academic unit focused on teaching, learning, and educational systems. In this setting, you will study topics such as instruction, leadership, curriculum, and student development. Liberty’s School of Education online offers programs for future teachers, current educators, and students interested in education-related roles.
Is a degree from Liberty University online nationally accredited?
By earning your education degree from Liberty University, you can be confident that your degree has met rigorous educational standards.
Liberty University is not nationally accredited, but it is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Regional accreditation is more valuable than national accreditation as it is more likely to be recognized and respected among employers and other institutions of higher education.
Additionally, all of our School of Education initial and advanced licensure programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
What types of education degrees does Liberty offer?
We are proud to offer a wide range of education programs – from undergraduate certificates and associate programs to research doctoral programs and licensure programs. We are confident that we have a degree that can help you reach your educational goals.
Furthermore, we also offer a variety of degree options at each level, so you can explore a niche area in the field of education. Some of these specializations include special education, elementary education, urban education, and administration and supervision.
Can I specialize in a specific subject or age group with my education degree?
Yes! If you know what kind of degree you would like to pursue, you can browse the different specializations we have to offer at each level. From preschool to middle school, high school to college, we have a degree that can help you take the next step toward your goals.
Can you receive licensure by earning one of Liberty University’s online teaching degrees?
If you are looking for initial teaching licensure, Liberty has online education degrees that can help prepare you for just that!
We have 2 programs that can prepare you for initial Virginia* state licensure. For our undergraduate students, you would want to complete one of our Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programs. If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree, you can still get prepared for state licensure at the graduate level through our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. If you already have teaching licensure or do not need it, you can select a Master of Education (MEd) specialization.
Your initial teaching licensure preparation includes valuable coursework to help you become an expert in engaging young people with curriculum. You can also gain hands-on experience at a school in your area.
*Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.
What are some department resources specifically available to Liberty’s education students?
Liberty’s education students have access to a range of supported resources that can support their academic progress and teaching preparation:
- Field experience placement support – You can complete required field experiences that help connect your coursework to real classroom settings.
- Online Writing Center – You can receive help with papers, lesson plans, and other assignments through one-on-one feedback and writing support.
- Supplemental Instruction (SI) – You can join peer-led study sessions for select courses to review key concepts and strengthen your understanding of course material.
- Online career services – You can access free career services to help with writing resumes or cover letters, locating internships or open jobs, preparing for interviews, and more.
- Development resources – You can explore support services that address personal, financial, and community needs while you continue your studies.
- IT Help Desk – You can receive technical support for online learning platforms, accounts, and other technology needs.
These resources can help you feel supported while studying teaching methods and preparing for classroom environments.
What are the steps to teaching certifications?
The steps to teaching certifications often include completing an approved degree program, meeting field experience requirements, and passing required exams. You will also need to review the rules for the state where you plan to seek licensure on our state requirements page. Liberty’s online teacher preparation programs can help you study the academic side of that process.
How can you become a licensed teacher online?
You can become a licensed teacher online by completing a program that supports initial licensure and meeting your state’s requirements. At Liberty, the Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts in Teaching can help you study teaching methods and classroom practice. You will also complete required field experiences as part of the process. Licensure steps may include testing, student teaching, and state application requirements.
Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.
What are common teaching specializations?
Common teaching specializations include early childhood education, elementary education, middle grades, secondary education, special education, and gifted education. You can also study areas such as math education, science education, English education, or social studies education. Some students choose leadership, instructional design, or higher education instead of classroom teaching. Your specialization should connect with your goals and the age group or setting you hope to serve.
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