Online Education Degrees: Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) oversees the preK-12 education system. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction, as an elected state official, is responsible for heading the state agency. Setting the preK-12 academic standards, managing state and federal funds and programs, and providing support and resources for schools are among its functions.

Note that The Badger State doesn’t have a State Board of Education. Instead, the DPI also shapes education policies and administers education laws, too. The result is a more centralized governance of the preK-12 education system.

However, the DPI works with other education-related organizations in promoting its goals and objectives. These include the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (ECB) and the Regional Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA). The 12 CESAs are of particular importance because these state organizations provide a wide range of support services to school districts, such as professional development for teachers.

The current preK-12 public school system consists of 423 school districts with 2,176 schools. Locally elected school boards and superintendents govern the school districts. There are more than 59,200 teachers and over 846,600 students in these schools. This means a 1:14 teacher-to-student ratio; it’s 1:16 for the national average.

Wisconsin is among the country’s top spenders in education, with $12,740 per pupil, on average. Indeed, K-12 education is the single biggest line item in the state budget.

While there are persistent issues, Wisconsin students enjoy among the country’s highest four-year overall graduation rates. During the 2018-2019 school year, it was an impressive 90%

The Badger State also has among the highest ACT participation rates at 92.1% and a 20.3 average composite ACT score. High school freshmen and sophomores also take the ACT Aspire, a preparation exam for the ACT.

Wisconsin is also at the forefront of many of the country’s educational reforms. The country’s first voucher program started here, which, in turn, increased the number of students and access to school choices.

Furthermore, being a licensed teacher in Wisconsin has its rewards. Teachers salaries are above the national average. There are also excellent teacher support services and professional development opportunities.

Are you interested? Read on and find out how you can get started in the right direction.

Related:

Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Wisconsin

Like all states, Wisconsin requires its teachers to secure a teaching license first. Aspiring teachers can choose from four pathways.

Bachelor’s degree pathway

If you’re a high school graduate without a bachelor’s degree, you can take the traditional bachelor’s degree pathway.

Post-baccalaureate pathway

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, check out post-baccalaureate programs. Career changers pursuing the teaching profession and current educators who want additional endorsements also fall into this category.

Alternative route program pathway

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in their preferred license area, career changers, and current educators pursuing an additional license are suitable for this pathway. These are licensure-only programs, not degree programs.

American Board pathway

Check out the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) if you want to take this pathway.

Let’s assume that you’re taking the bachelor’s or post-bachelor’s pathway in your teaching journey. Keep in mind that the minimum academic requirement for a teaching license is a bachelor’s degree. Here are the basic steps to remember.

Meet the minimum education requirements.

Wisconsin requires aspiring teachers to meet these education requirements:

Earn a bachelor’s degree
Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program

If you earn a bachelor’s degree in education, you will meet both requirements. This is because a bachelor’s degree in education program already contains a teacher preparation component. Otherwise, you must complete a teacher preparation program if you have a non-education bachelor’s degree.

Complete the required student teaching experience.

Wisconsin requires completion of at least 18 weeks of in-person student learning experience. Again, it’s usually part of a bachelor’s degree in education program.

Achieve passing scores on teaching certification exams.

Wisconsin requires passing scores on these exams:

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators that evaluates their teaching competencies in reading, writing, and math
Praxis II Subject Tests for assessing teaching competencies in their content areas
Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) is a must for aspiring teachers seeking early childhood, elementary, special education, and reading specialist licenses

Apply for certification.

For individuals seeking an initial teaching license, the process can be summarized as follows.

Check if you’re required to submit fingerprints.
Gather the required documents. Check the ELO Conduct & Competency Questions to determine if there’s a need to provide alleged misconduct-related documentation. Verify if your college has submitted your license endorsement.
Log in to the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) platform. Answer the three onboarding questions. Be sure to review your information before clicking the submit button.
Receive your email confirmation.
Complete your application.

The application process can take 6-12 weeks.

Wisconsin issues the following stages and tiers of teaching licenses.

The Provisional Educator License is for Tier II educators who completed approved teacher preparation programs.
The Lifetime Educator License is for Tier III educators with at least six semesters of teaching experience on their provisional license, among other requirements.
The Master Educator License is for Tier IV educators who have completed either the Wisconsin Master Educator Assessment Process (WMEAP) or the National Board Certification by the NBPTS (National Board of Professional Teaching Standards).

Teaching licenses are also issued based on grade ranges, as follows.

Early Childhood (Regular Education and Special Education): Birth to 3 years
Elementary and Middle School: Kindergarten- Grade 9
Middle and High School: Grades 4-12
Prekindergarten through grade 12: PK – 12
Kindergarten through Grade 12 Cross-Categorical Special Education Kindergarten to Grade 12

Besides teaching licenses, Wisconsin also issues licenses for administrators, pupil services, and trade specialist professionals, among others.

Online Education Program Admission Requirements

Wisconsin’s online bachelor’s degree programs in education have these admission requirements.

Completed online application form
Application fee payment
High school diploma, GED equivalent, or an associate degree for degree completion programs
Official transcripts

Wisconsin’s online graduate programs have these typical admission requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
Official transcripts
Professional resume
Letters of recommendation or reference
Personal statement or statement of purpose
Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE/GMAT), if required

Graduate programs may also require a valid teaching license and relevant work experience.

Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Wisconsin

Elementary School Teachers $64,839
Middle School Teachers $65,690
High School Teachers $65,700
Special Education Teachers $62,612
Superintendents $177,343
School Administrators $118,796
Principals $117,699
Assistant Principals $96,700
Curriculum Development Specialists $111,851
Instructional Coordinators $74,915

Scholarships for Future Educators in Wisconsin

The WEAC Future Educators Scholarship awards $1,450 per year for a maximum of four years to eligible students.
The University of Wisconsin Madison Teacher Pledge Program pays the in-state tuition and fees as well as the testing and licensing costs for qualified students. Recipients must agree to a service obligation of working as preK-12 teachers for 3-4 years after graduation.
The Federal TEACH Grants welcome education majors who want to graduate with as little student debt as possible.
The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point awards up to $100,000 in scholarships through its School of Education Scholarship Program.

The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Wisconsin

We selected these five universities because of their favorable characteristics.

Be granted regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
With programmatic accreditation for their teacher preparation programs
Focus on academic rigor and excellence in their didactic coursework and experiential learning opportunities
Offers extensive student support services for online students

University of Wisconsin Online

Wisconsin Online offers fully online and hybrid academic programs from 13 universities in the University of Wisconsin System. These include the Madison, Milwaukee, and Oshkosh campuses, among others.

Students in its online programs enjoy quality instruction delivered by on-campus professors. The extensive range of effective student support services and financial aid options translate to high completion rates.

BS in Early Childhood Education

The 120-credit program prepares students for success as licensed teachers of preK to Grade 3 pupils. Students choose from either the Early Childhood-Middle Childhood or Special Education concentrations.

BS in Elementary Education

Students in the 120-credit licensure program complete didactic courses and a student teaching experience.

BS in Special Education

The 120-credit licensure program prepares aspiring teachers for the challenges of working with students with mild to moderate disabilities.

MS in Administrative Leadership: Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration

Besides earning the 33-credit master’s degree, candidates can also earn a graduate certificate.

MS in Education

The 30-credit program offers practitioner-oriented training for both licensed teachers seeking career advancement and aspiring teachers pursuing an initial license.

MS in Education – Special Education

Candidates in the 36-credit program choose from two emphases – Evidence-Based Practice and Applied Behavior Analysis Cross-Categorical Licensure.

Check out these online programs offered by UW Online, too.

BA in Broad Field Language Arts: 4-12 Education
BS in Career, Technical Education, and Training
BS in Early Child Care and Education
BA in English: 4-12 Education
MS in Business Education
MS in Career and Technical Education
MS in Education Counseling – School Counseling Track
MS in Cultural Foundations of Community Engagement & Education
MS in Education – Educational Administration
MS in Education – Instruction
MS in Education – School Business Management
MS in Education and Educational Specialist in School Psychology
MS in Education – Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education
MS in Educational Leadership & Policy
MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation
MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics
MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educator
MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology
Master of Music Education
EdS in Educational Administration
EdD in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership
EdD in Career and Technical Education Leadership

In-state Tuition: $11,205
Online Education Degrees: 28
Homepage

Concordia University Wisconsin

Known for its faith-based education, CUW offers several online programs for aspiring and current teachers. With small class sizes, online students benefit from personalized attention. The School of Education provides many teaching pathways, too.

BA in Cross Categorical Special Education (WI Licensure)

The 120-credit licensure program enables students to work with K-12 students with disabilities in classroom settings. Field experiences can be in or out of Wisconsin. Up to 84 transfer credits accepted.

BA in Secondary Education – Mathematics (WI Licensure)

Students in the 120-credit licensure program can earn teaching certificates, too. Graduates are qualified to teach Grade 4-12 students.

BA in Secondary Education – Social Studies (WI Licensure)

Earn your bachelor’s degree in less than three years, especially with up to 84 transfer credits. Graduates are eligible for a teaching license at the middle and high school levels.

Check out these online programs, too.

BA in Secondary Education – English and Language Arts (WI Licensure)
MS in Education – Teaching and Learning – Early Childhood and Elementary Initial Licensure
BA in Cross Categorical Special Education
BA in Elementary Education
BA in Lower and Upper Elementary Education (MI Certification)
BA in Secondary Education with concentrations in:
- Social Studies
- English and Language Arts
- Mathematics
BA in Elementary/Middle Education and Cross Categorical Special Education
Accelerated Program for Teacher Licensure
MS in Cross Categorical Special Education
MS in Curriculum & Instruction with Teacher Certification in Elementary Education
MS in Curriculum & Instruction with Teacher Certification in Secondary Education
MS in Education – Educational Administration with concentrations in:
- Principal
- Director of Instruction
- Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
- School Business Administrator
MS in Education with specializations in:
- Family Life
- Instructional Leadership
- Literacy – Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist Licensures
- School Counseling Licensure or Professional Counseling License
- Teaching and Learning – Elementary Education Initial Licensure
- Teaching and Learning – Special Education Initial Licensure
- Teaching and Learning -Secondary Education Initial Licensure
MS in Educational Leadership
EdD in Leadership in Innovation & Continuous Improvement

In-state Tuition: $34,250
Online Education Degrees: 17
Homepage

Lakeland University

Lakeland University, a private university, offers excellent teacher preparation programs, too.

BA in Elementary and Middle School (grades K-9)

This is a licensure program that prepares students for success as licensed teachers at the K-9 levels.

BA in English and Language Arts (grades 4-12)

Students must complete the 42-credit major courses.

BA in Mathematics (grades 4-12)

Courses include Probability and Statistics, Calculus, and Discrete Mathematics.

Be sure to consider these online teaching licensure programs, too.

BA in Music (grades K-12)
BA in Science (grades 4-12)
BA in Social Studies (grades 4-12)
BA in Spanish (grades K-12)
BA in Special Education (grades K-12)
BA in Technology Education (grades K-12)

In-state Tuition: $31,786
Online Education Degrees: 9
Homepage

Edgewood College

Edgewood College, a private Dominican college, offers online teaching and administration programs accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. These programs are designed with maximum flexibility and academic rigor suitable for working professionals and adult learners.

Accelerated Teacher Education Partnership Cross-Categorical Special Education Track

Candidates can earn the credential in 12-24 months. This is a licensure program where candidates must earn 24 credits of didactic courses as well as supervised clinical and student teaching experiences.

Accelerated Teacher Education Partnership Secondary Education Track

This is also a 24-credit program for aspiring teachers at the secondary level. The earned credits are transferrable to a 30-credit MA in Education degree program.

Accelerated Doctor of Education candidates choose from three concentrations:
Curriculum Studies and Learning Sciences
Emerging Technologies in Education
Online Learning and Education Technology

EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership

The 54-credit program can be completed in 42-48 months. Candidates must present an approved dissertation.

Doctor of Education Completion Program

Candidates in the 30-credit program can earn the degree in 18-24 months. There’s a dissertation requirement.

In-state Tuition: $33,550
Online Education Degrees: 5
Homepage

Viterbo University

Founded as a normal school, Viterbo University is known for its excellent online teacher preparation programs as well.

BS in Elementary Education

Students can complete the program in 2-3 years, depending on their transfer credits. Graduates are eligible for a teaching license in the elementary/middle school levels. Students can also add an early childhood license or cross-categorical special education license.

MA in Education requires candidates to complete at least 30 credits and attend a four-day, in-person seminar. Besides the generalist master’s degree, candidates can choose from these concentrations:
- Principal Licensure
- Director of Instruction
- Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
- Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching
- Reading Specialist
- Reading Teacher
- Cross-categorical Special Education

MA in Teaching is a post-baccalaureate initial teacher licensure program with three licensure options:
- Secondary Education – Content Licensure
- Cross-categorical Special Education Licensure
- Elementary Education Licensure

In-state Tuition: $32,350
Online Education Degrees: 3
Homepage

Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Wisconsin

Alverno College

Location: Milwaukee, WI
Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
Accreditation: HLC
Average Tuition and Fees: $31,858

Request Information

Doctor of Education

Marian University

Location: Fond du Lac, WI
Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
Accreditation: HLC
Average Tuition and Fees: $33,000