When it comes to flagship universities, the University of Michigan (UM) is one of the most outstanding of all public schools in the nation. In fact, UM ranks as the 21st best school in the nation and 3rd best public school. Michigan State University attracts great thinkers as well and is currently ranked as the 60th best school in the nation.
Our editors first reviewed online education degrees in Michigan in April 2018. This ranking was last updated in December 2023.
With such incredible public universities it only makes sense that K-12 education is also outstanding. This has not always been the case for Michigan. Flagship institutions sometimes recruit their talent out-of-state and internationally as K-12 public education in Michigan suffers from “terribly low performance” compared to other states. Even with recovery funding pouring into the state, Michigan’s public system struggles on the path of recovery. U.S. News ranks Michigan as a top school in the nation for education. It has a good reputation, which points us in the direction of region. Schools in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Ann Arbor perform well, but schools in Detroit continue to suffer. Michigan teachers continue to receive good wages (for teachers) and prospective teachers continue to receive a number of incentives to teach including alternative routes towards education.
So why teach K-12 in Michigan? We think the answer is that today, more so than ever, education is a form of social justice. You teach K-12 in Michigan because Michigan needs you. The state takes initiatives to fix the problem rather than ignore it, and that is promising. There’s a new wave of hope in Michigan and all are welcome to join in and take part. Let’s take a look at some routes toward teacher certification, some quality online programs, and average teacher salaries across the field.
Requirements for Teaching Licensure
in Michigan
The “traditional” route to certification in Michigan involves four main steps. We suggest you check the Licensing Guide For Michigan for an approved route towards certification.
Are you finished with your bachelor’s in education, teacher preparation, and exams? Here’s a helpful checklist to ensure you have everything in order for licensure:
- Complete a Background Check
- Demonstrate Proof of Degree Completion with Official Transcripts
- Demonstrate Proof of Teacher Preparation Completion
- Provide Passing Scores for State-Mandated Exams
- Complete an Application for Teacher Certification in the State of Michigan
- Pay a non-refundable Certification Processing Fee
If you have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education or are simply looking for other methods that lead to licensure check out these alternative routes towards teacher certification for the state of Michigan.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Every school varies when it comes to admission and furthermore, admission requirements will differ depending on whether or not you are looking to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree. Let’s first take a look at general admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in education.
Generally speaking in order to gain admission to a bachelor’s degree in education you must have a high school diploma or have passed a GED with an acceptable GPA. College entrance exams like the ACT and SAT are still very common and score requirements vary per institution. Once you have the scores you need, the next step is to fulfill application requirements. In general, the application requirements include the application itself, the 2 or 3 letters of recommendations, an entrance essay demonstrating how you are good fit with the institution and occasionally an interview.
Admissions into a master’s program also varies but many require: a bachelor’s degree with least a 2.75 GPA, 2 years of teaching experience, 2-3 letters of recommendation from academic and professional supervisors, written essays of intent/ demonstrated passion and desire to attend program, and a GRE score. It’s important to check with your institution as some schools do not require a GRE score.
Average Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Michigan
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| School Principal | $101,320 |
| Professor of Education | $80,840 |
| Special Education Teacher | $62,950 |
| High School Math or Science Teacher | $62,360 |
| Public School Teacher | $61,810 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,620 |
| School Psychologist | $60,140 |
| ESL Teacher | $58,590 |
| Preschool Teacher | $35,330 |
Scholarships for Future Educators in the State of Michigan
AFT Michigan Rollie Hopgood Future Teachers Scholarship
Named in honor of Rollie Hopgood, a state federation president, this $1,000 scholarship award is for aspiring teachers. There is a graduating senior scholarship, one for a current educator, and one for the son or daughter of dues paying members who aspire to become a teacher.
Michigan Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness program forgives up to $17,500 of Direct or FFEL Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans. The only stipulation is that recipients work five consecutive years as teachers at a qualifying school.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Michigan
Michigan has a total of 18 education degree-granting institutions that provide online education degrees. These range from community colleges offering associates in early childhood development or human services, to nationally ranked universities that offer a wide spread of masters level and education endorsement-level programming. While future students may want to go to the “best” online institution in their state for education degrees, they should take some to double check what exact degrees are offered by their institution of choice at the directory of all online education degrees at the bottom of the page. To select the following top five universities, we’ve looked at two factors: the number of fully online education degrees offered by an institution, and an “academic prestige” score. The academic prestige score takes into account metrics such as average amount of financial need received, average class sizes, admissions standards, and the percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees in their field. Also note that the tuition numbers below are just indicators of relatively how expensive or affordable a college is. The tuition numbers below, specifically, are the in-state (where applicable) undergraduate yearlong tuition rates for education degrees. Many universities, however, have similar tuition rates at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Andrews University is a private Seventh Day Adventist institution located in Berrien Springs, Michigan. There are 2,858 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Andrews to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certificates. According to U.S. News Andrews University ranks as the 320th best national university. They support their students with remedial help, employment, academic and career counseling, on-campus daycare, and credit for life experience. Andrews offers far more than just theology and religious studies including degree programming in the visual and performing arts, social sciences, health, humanities, business, education, and more. Currently, there are 25 online degrees and professional certifications available including their online doctorate in curriculum and instruction, online master’s in educational leadership, and online bachelor’s in the liberal arts.
Andrews University’s School of Education offers a number of quality traditional and online programs for prospective and seasoned educators alike. Students may pursue rigorous studies in K-12 education, higher education, and psychology and counseling. Students who are already teachers may also pursue professional and educational partnerships. There are a range of programs available completely online:
- Education, Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis MA
- Curriculum and Instruction EdS
- Doctor of Education Curriculum and Instruction
- Doctor of Philosophy Curriculum and Instruction
- Principal Graduate Certificate
- Superintendent of Schools Graduate Certificate
- Supervisor of Instruction Graduate Certificate
- Educational Leadership MA
- Educational Leadership EdS
- Leadership EdS
- Leadership EdD
- Higher Education Administration MA
- Higher Education Administration EdS
- Educational Leadership EdD
- Educational Leadership PhD
- Higher Education Administration EdD
- Higher Education Administration PhD
- Leadership PhD
We selected Andrews University for the vast number of degree programs available online as well as for their high quality academic offerings.
Western Michigan University is a public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There are 17,000 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Western Michigan University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Western Michigan University ranks as the 304th best national university and 162nd top public school. There are myriad ways in which WMU assists its students including with remedial help, academic counseling, and placement for graduates. Their academic programming shines with its diversity. In fact, CWU offers a vast number of performing arts degrees, business degrees, and education degrees among others. Some of their more unique programming includes degree offerings in opera, aviation, professional ethics, and medieval studies. Currently there are 14 online degrees and professional certifications available including their online master’s in art teacher education, and master’s in educational leadership administration.
Western Michigan University offers a number of high quality academic programs for prospective teachers. Their teacher, learning, and educational studies department provides foundational programs for undergraduates and advanced studies for graduates. Some of the more advanced programs include certification in early childhood special education, educational foundations with a focus on socio-cultural studies, and a master’s in the practice of teaching. Those who are just embarking on their journey into education may opt to study early childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education. Here’s a list of their online programs:
- Family Studies or Child and Family Development (BS)
- Art Education (MA)
- Coaching Sport Performance (MA)
- Educational Leadership (MA)
- Workforce Education and Development (MA)
- Educational and Instructional Technology (MA)
- Nursing (MSN)
- Nursing (MSN)Pedagogy Concentration
- Pedagogy Concentration Adapted Concentration
- Adapted Concentration Science Education (MA)
We selected Western Michigan University for the number of online education-related programs and high quality of academics.
Michigan State University is a public land and sea grant university located in Lansing, Michigan. There are 50,023 students and the student to faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Michigan State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Michigan State ranks as the 60th best school in the nation, 28th top public school, 38th most innovative school, and 160th best value school. Carnegie classifies MSU as an R:1 institution with the highest research activity. As a land and sea grant university it may come as no surprise that MSU offers a vast number of agricultural and biological studies everything from agricultural economics to zoology. Additionally, Arts studies, psychology, and kinesiology and exercise are also popular degrees. Currently there are more than 20 online degrees available including their online master’s in food science, online master’s in special education, and online bachelor’s in nursing.
Michigan State University’s College of Education continues to prepare some of the best leaders in elementary, secondary, and higher education. It’s received top rankings in education in many different areas over the years. Here’s a breakdown of the rankings: 1st for elementary education, 1st for secondary education, 1st for higher education, 1st for rehabilitation counseling, 2nd for curriculum and instruction, 4th for educational psychology, 8th for administration and supervision, 9th for education policy, 11th for special education, and 12th for counseling/ personnel services. What this indicates is a positive trend line for MSU and fantastic opportunities for its education candidates. Not only that, but MSU offers a number of programs online including these:
- Master of Arts in Education (MAED)
- Health Professions Education
- Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET)
- Educational Psychology and Educational Technology (EPET) Hybrid
- Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education (HALE)
- Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC)
- Master of Arts in Special Education – Learning Disabilities
- Master of Arts in Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorders
We selected MSU for their academic excellence and for the number of online education related degrees.
Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public institution located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. There are 14,557 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits CMU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. U.S. News ranks CMU as the 260th best school in the nation and 141st top public schools. CMU offers a wide range of academic programming for individuals interested in music, graphic design, physics, health, creative writing, business, education, and more. Currently, there are 50 online degrees and certifications.
Central Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Services explores diverse fields in education including counseling, nutrition and dietetics, and even therapeutic recreation! In addition to some of their more unique programs, you can of course learn to become a teacher. There are two admission cycles each year one in the Fall and one in the Spring. All of their programs rank highly, but CMU has worked to enhance their STEM teacher programs. The following are the programs offered online:
- Family Studies or Child and Family Development (BS)
- Art Education (MA)
- Coaching Sport Performance (MA)
- Educational Leadership (MA)
- Workforce Education and Development (MA)
- Educational and Instructional Technology (MA)
- Nursing (MSN)
- Nursing (MSN)Pedagogy Concentration
- Pedagogy Concentration Adapted Concentration
- Adapted Concentration Science Education (MA)
- Doctorate of Educational Leadership
We selected Central Michigan University for their high quality of academic offerings as well as for the high number of programs available online.
Grand Valley State University is a public 4-year institution located in Allendale, Michigan. There are 21,648 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 15:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. According to U.S. News GVSU ranks as the 235th best university in the nation and the 128th top public school. GVSU offers great support for both traditional and nontraditional students including remedial help, academic counseling, on-campus daycare, and employment for students. GVSU offers a wide variety of unique and exciting academic programs such as their bachelor’s in photography, bachelor’s in Chinese studies, master’s in speech communication and rhetoric, and doctorate in physical therapy.
Grand Valley State University’s College of Education offers a number of programs to help prospective teachers achieve their career goals including degrees, teacher preparation programs, and graduate teacher certification. The GTC program is a great option for individuals who have come to the teaching profession later in life. Their teacher preparation programs aim to prepare teachers in the following fields: elementary education, secondary education, and special education. Those looking to gain a Spanish endorsement can do so through one of their teacher preparation programs. Their master’s and doctor’s programs are a good fit for individuals who have worked in the field of education and are looking to move into a leadership role or a position teaching adults. The following are the education degrees available online:
- Education, Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis MA
- Curriculum and Instruction EdS
- Doctor of Education Curriculum and Instruction
- Doctor of Philosophy Curriculum and Instruction
- Principal Graduate Certificate
- Superintendent of Schools Graduate Certificate
- Supervisor of Instruction Graduate Certificate
- Educational Leadership MA
- Educational Leadership EdS
- Leadership EdS
- Leadership EdD
- Higher Education Administration MA
- Higher Education Administration EdS
- Educational Leadership EdD
- Educational Leadership PhD
- Higher Education Administration EdD
- Higher Education Administration PhD
- Leadership PhD
We selected GVSU for the high number of online degree offerings and their quality academic programming.
Directory of Online Education Degree
Providers in Michigan
| Wayne State University | HLC Accredited | 3 | |
TUITION 14675 | |||
| Oakland University | HLC Accredited | 3 | |
 TUITION 14476 | |||
| Michigan Technological University | HLC Accredited | 1 | |
 TUITION 17614 | |||
| Concordia University-Ann Arbor | HLC Accredited | 5 | |
 TUITION 32982 | |||
| Spring Arbor University | HLC Accredited | 4 | |
 TUITION 31660 | |||
| Eastern Michigan University | HLC Accredited | 1 | |
 TUITION 16410 | |||
| Madonna University | HLC Accredited | 3 | |
 TUITION 26100 | |||
| Cornerstone University | HLC Accredited | 3 | |
 TUITION 27880 | |||
| Marygrove College | HLC Accredited | 3 | |
 TUITION 16770 | |||
| University of Michigan-Flint | HLC Accredited | 2 | |
 TUITION 13242 | |||
