1. Online Education Instructor: Requirements for Becoming...
  2. >
  3. Online Instructor Degree...
  4. >
  5. Teaching Degree and Career...
  6. >
  7. Degree and Career Details...

Online Education Instructor: Requirements for Becoming an Online Instructor

Published Nov 08, 2009

RSS Feed

More and more schools are offering coursework to students via the Internet. Although coursework is completed online, these courses are conducted much like in-class courses and are led by online education instructors. Requirements to become an online education instructor vary.

Online Education Instructor Career Summary

Online education instructors teach courses that are conducted online or through distance education programs. They may work for colleges and universities as well as public and private elementary schools and high schools. Online education instructors may also be employed by state departments of education, companies that distribute educational materials or companies as corporate trainers.

Online education instructors have jobs that are similar to instructors who teach on-campus or in-class courses. They are responsible for setting up lectures, classes and assignments over the Internet, in addition to grading students' tests and assignments. Most of the work is done using online forums, e-mail and various computer programs, such as WebCT or Blackboard. Online education instructors may also have meetings with students using e-mail, chat, message boards or the telephone or face-to-face, depending on the situation.

Education Required to Become an Online Education Instructor

Educational requirements vary depending on the educational setting. An online education instructor may only require expertise in the subject matter to teach online in the case of a personal interest course. Most colleges and universities require prospective instructors to hold a master's or doctoral degree in the specific field that will be taught. For elementary and high schools, online instructors need a bachelor's or master's degree, teacher education training and a teaching license.

Job Training and Certifications to Become an Online Education Instructor

Online education instructors may have to learn the software programs and teaching methods that are used to deliver course materials. Some employers may require online education instructors to have some classroom teaching experience.

Featured School Choices:

  • Request Info

    National University

    National University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design
    • Master of Science in Instructional Design
    • EdD - Curriculum and Teaching
    • EdD - E-Learning
    • EdS - Curriculum and Teaching
  • Request Info

    Grand Canyon University

    Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
    • M.Ed. in Early Childhood
    • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
    • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (ITL)
    • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (NITL)
    More information about Grand Canyon University
  • Request Info

    Purdue Global

    Purdue Global responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • MSE in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Higher Ed
    • M.S. in Higher Education - Online College Teaching
    • M.S. in Education (for Practicing Teachers Grades K-12)
    • M.S. in Higher Education - College Teaching & Learning
    • Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design for Organizations
    More information about Purdue Global
  • Request Info

    Full Sail University

    Full Sail University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • Instructional Design and Technology Masters - Online
    More information about Full Sail University
  • Request Info

    Liberty University

    Liberty University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • EDS: Instructional Design & Technology
    • GRAD CERT: Executive Instructional Design & Technology
    • MAT: Elementary Education (45 Hours): Special Education General Curriculum (K-6) Add-On
    • MAT: Elementary Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning
    • MAT: Middle Education Curriculum to Ed.S. in School Curriculum & Instructional Planning
    More information about Liberty University
  • Request Info

    Keiser University

    Keiser University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • Doctor of Education in Curriculum Leadership
    More information about Keiser University