Flexible, accredited online degrees for teachers, aspiring school leaders, and education
professionals ready to grow their impact.
Advance your career with PennWest’s online degrees in education and teaching. Whether
you’re preparing to teach, building expertise in literacy or special education, moving
into leadership, or expanding your work in student support, PennWest offers flexible
online pathways designed for working professionals. Study 100% online, learn from
the same faculty who teach on campus, and choose from programs built for classrooms,
libraries, student services, and district leadership.
Many programs accredited by CAEP; MSLS is ALA-accredited
1:1 support from Success & Career Coaches
Find the Right Online Degree in Education
Choosing among today’s online education degrees starts with understanding where you
want to go. Some students are preparing for their first classroom role. Others are
licensed teachers ready to move into leadership, literacy, special education, or instructional
support. Some are looking for certification-focused pathways, while others want to
deepen expertise in student services, educational technology, or school-based wellness.
PennWest’s online education and teaching programs are designed to meet those different
goals. Instead of offering one narrow path, PennWest gives students access to a broad
portfolio of graduate degrees, certificates, endorsements, certification pathways,
and undergraduate options that support real career movement in education.
Types of Online Degrees in Education
Associate degrees in education
For students beginning their education journey, an associate degree can provide foundational
knowledge in child development, learning environments, family engagement, and instructional
support. These programs can be especially valuable for students interested in early
childhood settings or looking for a practical first step into the field.
Master’s degrees for teachers and education professionals
Master’s-level education degrees online are often the best fit for current educators
and professionals who want to deepen expertise, strengthen instructional practice,
build leadership skills, or prepare for specialized roles. Depending on your goals,
a master’s program may focus on teaching and learning, educational psychology, special
education, literacy, educational technology, school leadership, or library science.
PennWest’s current online portfolio includes multiple master’s pathways across these
areas.
Online degrees for teachers seeking advancement
Many students searching for online degrees for teachers are already working in schools
and looking for the next step. That could mean earning an advanced degree, qualifying
for a certification or endorsement, strengthening classroom practice, or preparing
for leadership responsibilities. PennWest’s online options include pathways designed
for licensed educators who want to expand credentials while continuing to work.
Special education and student-support pathways
One of the strongest areas of need in education today is support for diverse learners.
Online programs in special education, behavioral support, autism, social-emotional
wellness, and student success can help educators better serve students across grade
levels and settings. PennWest’s current offerings include special education and wellness-oriented
pathways that support inclusive practice, intervention, collaboration, and school-based
support systems.
Leadership, administration, and doctoral pathways
For educators who want to move beyond the classroom and influence schools or systems
more broadly, leadership-focused online degrees can open the door to roles in administration,
supervision, district leadership, and school improvement. PennWest’s page currently
includes programs in educational leadership, principal preparation, superintendent
eligibility, supervision of special education, and a practitioner-focused EdD in education
administration and leadership.
Explore PennWest Online Education Programs
PennWest offers a broad mix of online degrees in education, teaching, leadership,
literacy, special education, library science, and student-support pathways. The current
page includes online graduate degrees, certificates, endorsements, certification pathways,
and undergraduate options for working educators and career-changers.
A flexible master’s that lets licensed educators deepen practice and leadership in
a concentration aligned to classroom and district priorities.
30 credits12-18 monthsCAEP (unit/EPP)100% online
Concentrations
Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEducational Technology and Online TeachingMathematicsSTEM EducationTeaching English as a Second LanguageTechnology Education
Career Paths
Curriculum Specialist • Grade-Level/Dept Chair • Professional Development Coordinator • Instructional Technologist • Teacher Leader • Academic Program Coordinator • Educational Consultant
An online master’s that deepens art pedagogy, curriculum design, research/writing,
and contemporary methods—built for practicing and aspiring art educators.
30 credits12-18 monthsCAEP (unit/EPP)100% online
Career Paths
K–12 Art Teacher • Museum Educator / Gallery Education Specialist • Art Curriculum Developer / Instructional Coordinator • Community Arts Coordinator / Outreach Lead • Postsecondary Art Instructor (adjunct/lecturer) • Educational Consultant (Art Education) • Arts Integration Coach (cross-curricular) • Program Coordinator for Youth Arts / After-School Programs
Advanced Studies in Library & Information Sciences (Post-Master’s Certificate)
Deepen your expertise with advanced, online LIS coursework—tailored electives that
sharpen archival, metadata, systems, or school librarianship skills you can use immediately.
12 credits6-12 monthsALA-accredited100% online
Career Paths
Digital Archivist • Government Records Analyst • Library Systems/Apps Specialist • Competitive Intelligence Analyst • Information Architect • Collection Development Specialist • Metadata Analyst • Community Services Librarian
Graduate-level leadership preparation aligned to Pennsylvania credentials with coursework
in supervision, school law, and data-informed decision-making.
30 credits12-18 monthsCAEP (unit/EPP)100% online
Concentrations
Educational Leadership, MEd + Principal K-12 CertificationEducational Leadership, MEd + Supervisor of Special Education Certification
Career Paths
School Principal • Supervisor of Special Education • Dean of Students • District Administrator • Student Services Director
Earn an ALA-accredited online MSLS focused on information organization, user services,
and digital collections for libraries, schools, archives, and beyond.
36 credits18-24 monthsALA-accredited
Concentrations
Local and Archival StudiesSchool Librarianship
Career Paths
School Librarian/Media Specialist • Digital Archivist • Metadata/Discovery Librarian • Instruction/Information Literacy Librarian • Knowledge Manager • Information Architect • Government Documents Librarian • Digital Collections Manager
Associate Degree • OnlineNAEYC Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education
Preschool Education (AS)
A fully online, NAEYC-accredited associate program that builds child development,
observation/assessment, family engagement, and culturally responsive practice for
early-childhood settings.
60 credits24 monthsNAEYC-accredited100% online
Career Paths
Preschool Teacher • Lead/Assistant Teacher (Infant–Pre-K) • Early Childhood Education Consultant (entry-level) • Child Development Specialist (program support) • Family Support Specialist / Family Services Aide • Head Start/Early Head Start Classroom Staff
An online post-master’s program that builds supervision, school law, operations, and
data-informed leadership—preparing you for Pennsylvania K–12 Principal (PDE) certification
through coursework and internship experience.
K-12 Principal • Dean of Students • District Administrator • Building Testing/Assessment Coordinator • School Operations Manager • Title I/Program Coordinator
SEL Coordinator • School Mental Health Liaison • MTSS/Behavior Coach • PBIS Implementation Lead • Family Engagement Specialist • Community Partnerships Coordinator • Prevention/Intervention Specialist • School Climate/Data Analyst
Expertise in inclusive practice, behavior supports, collaboration, and compliance
to lead learning for students with disabilities.
36 credits6–24 monthsCAEP (unit/EPP)100% online
Concentrations
Applied Behavior AnalysisApplied Behavior Analysis and AutismAutism
Career Paths
Special Education Teacher • Inclusion Specialist • Behavior Interventionist (ABA) • IEP Coordinator • Assistive Technology Specialist • Special Ed Department Lead • District Special Programs Coordinator
District Superintendent • Director of Curriculum & Instruction • Supervisor of Pupil Services • Career & Technical Center Director • District Operations Director • Educational Consultant
Supervisor of Special Education (Post-Master’s Certificate)
Prepares licensed educators to oversee special education programs, compliance, and
teams across a district.
24 credits9-15 monthsPDE pathway100% online
Career Paths
Supervisor of Special Education • Director of Special Education • District Special Programs Coordinator • Due Process/Compliance Lead • MTSS/RTI Director
Why Choose PennWest for Online Degrees in Education
PennWest’s education and teaching portfolio covers a wide spectrum of professional
goals, from early childhood education and teacher preparation to literacy, school
leadership, educational psychology, library science, and student support. That breadth
makes this page stronger for search and more helpful for students who are still deciding
which path fits their future.
PennWest’s online programs are designed for students balancing work, family, and professional
responsibilities. With fully online coursework, multiple start dates, and transfer-friendly
options, students can pursue their goals without putting life on hold.
For students comparing accredited online education degrees, quality matters. PennWest
highlights that many educator-preparation programs are within a CAEP-accredited unit,
the MSLS is ALA-accredited, and some literacy-related programs hold recognition tied
to evidence-based standards. These signals help reinforce credibility for students,
employers, and school systems.
Online students learn from the same faculty who teach on PennWest’s campuses. The
page also highlights faculty expertise in educational leadership, school psychology,
literacy, special education, AI in education, and instructional technology, helping
position PennWest as a practical and career-connected choice.
PennWest’s online learning model includes access to Success Coaches and Career Coaches
who can help with planning, time management, résumés, interviewing, networking, and
next steps. That kind of one-to-one support matters for adult learners who want more
than course access alone.
Learn from the same experienced professors who teach on our campuses. They bring industry
insight, practical projects, and one-to-one support to every online course.
Dr. Meghan Ferraro
EdD
Professor of Educational Leadership, School Psychology
Dr. Meghan Ferraro is a professor and assistant department chair in PennWest’s Education
Department, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior
Analyst with 10+ years of K–12 experience across preschool through grade 12. Her work
focuses on consultation, special education, behavioral assessment and intervention,
reading instruction, and MTSS.
Special education (K–12)Behavioral assessmentSchool psychology practice
Dr. Diane Fine
EdD
Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Diane Fine is an Associate Professor of Education and graduate coordinator for
the Reading Specialist program, bringing 30+ years of experience serving children,
families, and pre-/in-service teachers across the tri-state region. She teaches Early
Childhood and Elementary Education courses face-to-face and online, with a focus on
literacy, special/gifted education, and technology-enabled, student-centered learning.
Associate Professor Middle Level Education, Secondary Education
Dr. Jennifer Camille Dempsey is Director of PennWest’s Center for Artificial Intelligence
& Emerging Technologies and an Associate Professor who coordinates the M.Ed. in Educational
Technology & Online Teaching. An award-winning scholar and ISTE leader, she helps
educators integrate AI and contemporary technologies through research-driven, practice-ready
training.
Educational technologyAI in educationFaculty and teacher professional development
What You’ll Learn in an Online Education Program
PennWest’s online educational degrees are designed to connect research to practice.
That means students are not just studying theory. They are building skills they can
apply in classrooms, schools, libraries, student services offices, and district settings
right away.
Evidence-based instruction
Assessment & data literacy
Inclusive & special education
Literacy & language support
Edtech & classroom tools
Leadership & school operations
How Online Learning at PennWest
PennWest’s online courses are built for busy professionals. Students can expect clear
weekly modules, active faculty engagement, and opportunities to collaborate with classmates
in a flexible format. This structure helps make education degrees online more manageable for students who need to fit coursework around a full schedule.
Online students also have access to support beyond the course itself. Success Coaches
can help with planning and momentum, while Career Coaches can help students prepare
for advancement, credential-related opportunities, and long-term career goals. PennWest
also notes transfer-friendly pathways and stackable options that can help students
move forward efficiently.
Applying to an online education program should feel clear and achievable. PennWest
encourages students to start an application or connect with an enrollment coach for
support. The page also highlights help with maximizing prior college credits and relevant
experience, which can be especially important for adult learners and transfer students.
For students comparing affordable online education degrees, cost is naturally part of the decision. PennWest directs prospective students to
tuition and fee information, cost-estimating tools, scholarships, grants, and financial
aid resources. The page also notes that online students do not pay fees for on-campus
services and that many students may qualify for competitive non-resident tuition.
PennWest’s Reading Specialist (M.S.Ed.) and Early Childhood & Elementary Education
(B.S.) programs earned International Dyslexia Association (IDA) accreditation—recognition
that our literacy preparation meets rigorous, evidence-based standards.
I love the incorporation of all three campuses and Global Online into one with the
additional resources it provides. PennWest is affordable, provides unique opportunities
and you feel a sense of community with the professors and the students.
Michael McGurk
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many PennWest educator-preparation programs are within a CAEP-accredited unit,
and PennWest’s online Library & Information Science program is ALA-accredited. Some
literacy-related programs also hold additional recognition tied to evidence-based
standards. Students should review the individual program page for program-specific
accreditation and certification details.
PennWest offers a range of online degrees in education, including graduate degrees, a doctoral degree, an associate degree, graduate certificates,
endorsements, and certification pathways. Current options span teaching, educational
leadership, educational psychology, reading, special education, library science, student
affairs, school-based wellness, and more.
Yes. PennWest offers online pathways that support teacher preparation and teacher
certification, including programs for career-changers and students pursuing special
education certification. Some of these pathways include supervised field experiences
or student teaching requirements.
PennWest’s current online offerings include Pennsylvania-focused pathways such as
Principal K–12, Reading Specialist, Supervisor of Special Education, Superintendent
Letter of Eligibility, Special Education Teacher Certification, and STEM Education
PDE Endorsement. Because requirements vary by pathway, students should review each
program page for eligibility, exams, and fieldwork details.
No. PennWest describes these featured programs as designed for working professionals
and delivered online. Some programs may still require local field placements, internships,
or supervised experiences depending on the pathway.
Some programs include applied experiences. PennWest notes examples such as student
teaching in teacher education pathways and internship-based experiences in principal
and superintendent preparation. Requirements vary by program, so students should check
the specific program page.
Timelines vary by program, pace, and prior coursework. On the current page, many programs
fall in the 6- to 24-month range, depending on the credential and pathway. Students
should review the individual program page for the most accurate timeline and plan
of study.
Online students learn from the same faculty who teach on campus. Most faculty are
tenured, full-time faculty, helping reinforce academic quality and consistency across
delivery formats.
Yes. The Military & Veterans Services team helps with transferring military credits and using GI Bill®/Tuition Assistance,
National Guard/Reserve benefits, and more.
Yes, but students pursuing licensure or certification should verify requirements in
their own state. PennWest’s certification-aligned pathways are tied closely to Pennsylvania
requirements, so out-of-state students should confirm professional eligibility before
enrolling.
PennWest runs online terms across the year and hosts virtual info sessions regularly.
Your Enrollment Support team can help you choose the best upcoming start for your
program.
Yes. Each student works with a career coach for one-on-one guidance (career paths,
résumé, interviews, internships)—and you can even connect with the Career Center before
enrollment.
More About PennWest Global Online
PennWest Global Online offers flexible, high-quality online education designed to
fit your busy lifestyle. Our programs provide the same rigorous curriculum and expert
faculty as our on-campus offerings, ensuring you receive a comprehensive and engaging
learning experience. With a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs,
PennWest Global Online empowers you to advance your education and career from anywhere
in the world.
Whether you’re preparing to teach, building toward leadership, or expanding your expertise
in literacy, special education, or student support, PennWest offers flexible online
pathways designed to help you grow without stepping away from your current responsibilities.
Explore your options, find the right fit, and take the next step toward a stronger
future in education.
