
NU’s Sanford College of Education
Start your journey by earning an education degree online
Online Teaching Degrees
The National University Sanford College of Education
Tomorrow’s leaders are in today’s classrooms, and education is one of the fundamental building blocks of their success. Helping candidates with their educational needs, going above and beyond the call of instruction, and the willingness to be lifelong learners are all necessary in the classroom. The Sanford College of Education is here to help you get started in a life-changing environment.
Our education programs are as diverse as your needs, with degrees that cater to a wide array of teaching and administrative roles. Whether you see yourself as an education architect or special needs teacher, the SCOE has the program for you, with the dedicated, whole-human support you need to thrive and grow as a learner. Browse and compare our online teaching degree programs or on-campus programs to find the best fit for you.
Now’s the time to see what the world of education can do for you at the bachelor, master, or doctoral level. Consider a degree in teacher education, special education, educational administration, applied behavior analysis, school and college counseling, school psychology, or social emotional learning. Develop your knowledge and skills now, and start making a life-affirming impact in your community tomorrow.
Robert Lee, EdD
Dean, Sanford College of Education
Explore Our Departments and Degree Programs:
Special Education
The Sanford College of Education (SCOE) offers programs designed for professionals endeavoring to work with gifted and disabled students in a variety of settings. Our special education curriculum is designed to prepare you with the knowledge, training, and confidence to establish effective learning strategies for students with disabilities at a school-wide level.
Dr. Susanne James
Department Chair, Special Education
- Master of Education in Special Education with Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship Option (California)
- Master of Education in Special Education with Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Mild to Moderate Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship Option (California)
- Preliminary Education Specialist Authorization: Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship option (California)
- Preliminary Education Specialist Authorization: Mild to Moderate Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship option (California)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Special Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), Special Education
Teacher Education
Evolving society. Expanding knowledge. Advancing technology. Today’s difference-making educators and administrators find themselves on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and professional enrichment. National University is a top provider of teaching credentials pathways for teachers in the U.S.
Whether your life’s calling is to be an education architect or multiple subject teacher, we are committed to providing you with a rigorous education that introduces essential knowledge, strategies, and techniques for connecting with students, developing curriculums, and becoming an inspiration in the classroom.
Nilsa Thorsos, Professor of SCOE
Department Chair, Teacher Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education
- Early Childhood Education Certificate in Curriculum Connections
- Early Childhood Education Foundations Certificate
- Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option with Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) CALIFORNIA
- Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option with Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) CALIFORNIA
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
- K-12 Cultural Competency Certificate: Asian American Studies
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
- Master of Bilingual Education With a Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option with Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) (California)
- Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (California)
- Master of Science in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology
- Master’s of Early Childhood Education
- Post-Credential Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) for Multiple Subject, Single Subject and/or Education Specialist Credential (California)
- Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential (California)
- Teacher Education Credential Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate: Early Childhood Education STEAM Integration
- Undergraduate Certificate: Early Childhood Social Advocacy
- Undergraduate Certificate: Fostering Early Childhood Education Leaders
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Early Childhood Education
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in English Language Learning
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in General Education
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in International Education and Globalization
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Social-Emotional Learning
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), Early Childhood Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), English Language Learning
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), General Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), International Education and Globalization
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), Social-Emotional Learning
- Early Childhood Education Specialization
- English Language Learning Specialization
Applied Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, & Educational Counseling
If you’re an empathetic person with a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, the fields of psychology and educational counseling can be very rewarding. An essential component of the curriculums at NU is to address academic, behavioral, and societal needs. Our programs are designed to provide rigorous training for candidates wanting to become Applied Behavioral Analysts, School Psychologists, or School or College Counselors.
Ronald Morgan, Associate Professor of SCOE
Department Chair, ABA, School Psychology, Educational Counseling
- Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
- Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Counseling Emphasis
- Master of Science in Educational Counseling with Internship Option (California)
- Master of Science in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential (California)
Organizational Leadership & Educational Administration
Educators with a passion for shaping the future of education need specialized knowledge and training to pursue positions of leadership. School administrators and organizational leaders must have multidisciplinary skills to work closely with faculty, students, and parents.
The Sanford College of Education prepares students to explore and analyze the organization, operations, and resources necessary to foster a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment. Our curriculums are designed to help you develop the professional and personal ethics necessary for leading schools and school systems.
Dina Pacis, Professor of SCOE
Department Chair, Organizational Leadership & Educational Administration
- Clear Administrative Services Credential Induction Program (California)
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Education in Instructional Design
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design
- Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation
- Education Specialist
- Master of Education
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Applied School Leadership (In Partnership with participating California County Offices of Education)
- Master of Science in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (California Option)
- Master of Science in Higher Education Administration
- Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (California Option)
- Athletic Coaching Specialization
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership in Higher Education
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in School Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), Leadership in Higher Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), School Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
Explore Our Education Programs
Prepare to make a greater impact in the classroom and beyond. At National University, our education degrees are built to support your growth at every stage of your journey, whether you’re earning your first credential, expanding your expertise, or stepping into leadership.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Build a strong foundation for a career in education. These programs prepare you for initial licensure and help you develop the skills to lead and inspire.
Master’s Degrees
Advance your teaching practice or specialize in new areas. Choose from programs that support licensure, career mobility, or subject-area depth.
Doctoral Degrees
Lead the future of education. Our doctoral programs are designed for professionals pursuing high-level leadership, research, or policy roles.
Special Education
- Master of Education in Special Education with Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship Option (California)
- Master of Education in Special Education with Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Mild to Moderate Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship Option (California)
- Preliminary Education Specialist Authorization: Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship option (California)
- Preliminary Education Specialist Authorization: Mild to Moderate Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship option (California)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), Special Education
Teacher Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education
- Early Childhood Education Certificate in Curriculum Connections
- Early Childhood Education Foundations Certificate
- Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option with Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) CALIFORNIA
- Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option with Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) CALIFORNIA
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (California)
- Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
- K-12 Cultural Competency Certificate: Asian American Studies
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
- Master of Bilingual Education with a Preliminary Credential (Spanish) (California)
- Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (California)
- Master of Science in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology
- Master’s of Early Childhood Education
- Post-Credential Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) for Multiple Subject, Single Subject and/or Education Specialist Credential (California)
- Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential (California)
- Teacher Education Credential Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate: Early Childhood Education STEAM Integration
- Undergraduate Certificate: Early Childhood Social Advocacy
- Undergraduate Certificate: Fostering Early Childhood Education Leaders
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education
- English Language Learning
- English Language Learning
- English Language Learning
- General Education
- General Education
Applied Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, & Educational Counseling
- Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
- Master of Science in Educational Counseling Community College Counseling Emphasis
- Master of Science in Educational Counseling with Internship Option (California)
- Master of Science in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential (California)
Organizational Leadership & Educational Administration
- Clear Administrative Services Credential Induction Program (California)
- Doctor in Organizational Innovation
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Education in Educational and Organizational Leadership
- Doctor of Education in Instructional Design
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Educational and Organizational Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design
- Education Specialist
- Master of Education
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Science in Applied School Leadership (In Partnership with participating California County Offices of Education)
- Master of Science in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (California Option)
- Master of Science in Higher Education Administration
- Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (California Option)
- Athletic Coaching
Program
Accreditations
Useful Links
School of Education FAQs
Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer teaching degrees online, allowing students to complete coursework remotely. Some programs include in-person student teaching or practicum requirements near your location.
Absolutely. Online teaching degrees from accredited institutions are recognized by state licensing boards and employers, provided they meet programmatic and regional accreditation standards.
Yes, but certification requirements vary by state. Most online programs are designed to align with state standards and include pathways to licensure. Be sure to check whether the program leads to certification in your state or if additional steps are needed.
Online programs offer flexibility, especially for working adults or career changers. You can often study on your own schedule, save time on commuting, and access a wider range of schools and specializations regardless of where you live.
For additional information, contact us via email at [email protected]