North Carolina Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

This guide to teaching schools in North Carolina is designed to offer assistance to aspiring teachers looking to get certified by the state in education. North Carolina requires all teachers to complete a state teacher preparation program from an accredited school before they can teach in the state. Fortunately, there are several accredited colleges and universities in the state that offer these programs. Continue reading to find lists of top-rated teaching programs, a table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs, and student reviews of schools and programs. Whether you are just beginning your education career or looking to advance it, this guide can give you the help you need to succeed.

Table of Contents

• Teacher Preparation Program Comparison
• Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs
• Select Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees
• Schools with Associate Degrees in Education
• Student Reviews

Quick Facts

• There are 107 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in North Carolina.¹
• 60 schools offer an associate’s degree in education.¹
• 49 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in education.¹
• 38 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• 20 schools ranked in Teacher Certification Degrees’ Best Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs.
• 3 schools ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022.²
• 9 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023.³
• 8 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2022.⁴
• 33 educator preparation providers (EPPs) are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP.
• 3 educator preparation providers (EPPs) are accredited by the AAQEP.⁶

For not-for-profit schools with teacher degree programs.

Comparison of North Carolina Schools with Teacher Preparation Programs

We have designed the following table to help you compare teacher preparation programs in North Carolina according to various factors. All of the schools included are not-for-profit institutions approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) for the preparation of teachers. Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is an important step towards earning licensure.

While accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is not a requirement for licensure, it is included in the following table as CAEP provides a highly-regarded accreditation that is accepted in many states.

You will also find data on teacher preparation program enrollment, completion, and licensing exam pass rates by institution, for both traditional and alternative programs, for the 2018-2019 academic year in this table. These data points are collected from annual US Department of Education reports under Title II (Teacher Quality) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which holds institutions and state departments of education accountable for increasing academic achievement through improvements in teacher quality. Traditional teacher preparation programs are usually completed as part of a bachelor’s degree program. Alternative certification programs are typically designed for career changers looking to enter the field and lead to a postgraduate certificate or a master’s degree. Many schools in our table offer both traditional and alternative programs. Take a look at our North Carolina traditional and alternative certification guides for more information.

Finally, we have provided the net price per year for undergraduate tuition, based on the cost of attendance (tuition, books, room and board, and related expenses) for students who qualify for in-state tuition and fees, less the average financial aid award (including grants and scholarships).

• — indicates none or not applicable.
• N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.

Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs in North Carolina

Best Online Master of Education Programs in North Carolina

• University of North Carolina at Greensboro (#1)
• Western Carolina University (#2)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte (#3)

Visit our ranking of the best online Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs in North Carolina to see the full list plus a breakdown of the most affordable schools.

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022

• Catawba College
• East Carolina University
• Elon University

US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023

• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (#23 tie)
• North Carolina State University (#28 tie)
• University of North Carolina-Greensboro (#67 tie)
• University of North Carolina-Charlotte (#76 tie)
• East Carolina University (#89 tie)
• Appalachian State University (#106 tie)
• Western Carolina University (#131 tie)
• University of North Carolina-Wilmington (#153 tie)
• Fayetteville State University (207-274)

US News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2022

• University of North Carolina-Charlotte (#14 tie)
• University of North Carolina-Greensboro (#41 tie)
• North Carolina State University (#46 tie)
• North Carolina A&T State University (#53 tie)
• East Carolina University (#60 tie)
• Appalachian State University (#93 tie)
• Queens University of Charlotte (#140 tie)
• University of North Carolina-Wilmington (#192 tie)

Select North Carolina Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) offers students both undergraduate and graduate degrees within its School of Education. Students looking to begin their careers as teachers can get a Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd) in Human Development and Family Studies, or combine a math or science degree with a fast-track teaching program through the UNC Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching (UNC-BEST) program. Students can also work toward licensure by gaining a Bachelor of Music (BMus) in K-12 Music Education. The school also offers an add-on licensure program for Birth-Kindergarten/Pre-Kindergarten (BK/PK) as well as the Pathway to Practice NC (P2PNC), a unique joint program between UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University that helps teachers with a residency or temporary license earn permanent licensure. Undergraduate students who wish to enter educational administration can get a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human and Organizational Leadership. Graduate students with a bachelor’s degree in another subject who wish to become teachers can earn licensure with the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in one of many areas in just 12 to 15 months. Teachers who already have two or more years of experience in the classroom may be interested in the part-time Master of Education for Experienced Teachers (MEdX) program. At the doctoral level, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) programs are available in areas such as Educational Leadership and Learning Sciences and Psychological Studies (LSPS).

Duke University

In Durham, Duke University’s Program in Education offers several paths to teacher licensure. Students interested in licensure at the undergraduate level can choose between the Elementary (K-6) or Secondary (9-12 in English, Social Studies, Science, or Mathematics) programs. Trinity College of Arts and Sciences students can also combine any major with a Minor in Education. For students who already have bachelor’s degrees in another subject, Duke also offers an accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree leading to initial licensure in just 12 months. Current teachers who want to expand their offerings may be interested in the Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) add-on licensure program. Duke houses the International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education, which offers students the chance to learn educational perspectives from around the world.

Schools with Associate Degrees in Education

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational level required to qualify for state certification, an associate’s degree can be the first step towards a career in education. It can qualify graduates for careers in non-licensed roles in early childhood education, after-school care, and related areas. The credits earned from an accredited associate degree program can also typically be transferred towards a bachelor’s degree. The following Alabama schools offer associate’s degrees in education.¹ Schools with an asterisk (*) also offer four-year teaching programs and/or alternative route to certification programs.

Alamance Community College
1247 Jimmie Kerr Rd
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 578-2002
www.alamancecc.edu

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
340 Victoria Rd
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 398-7900
www.abtech.edu

Beaufort Community College
5337 US-264
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-6194
www.beaufortcc.edu

Bladen Community College
7418 NC Hwy 41W
Dublin, NC 28332
(910) 879-5500
www.bladencc.edu

Blue Ridge Community College
180 Campus Dr
Flat Rock, NC 28731
(828) 694-1700
www.blueridge.edu

Brunswick Community College
50 College Rd
Bolivia, NC 28422
(910) 755-7300
www.brunswickcc.edu

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
2855 Hickory Blvd
Hudson, NC 28638
(828) 726-2200
www.cccti.edu

Campbell University*
143 Main St
Buies Creek, NC 27506
(800) 334-4111
www.campbell.edu

Cape Fear Community College
411 N Front St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 362-7000
www.cfcc.edu

Carolina University*
420 Broad St
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(800) 937-5097
www.carolinau.edu

Carteret Community College*
3505 Arendell St
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 222-6000
www.carteret.edu

Catawba Valley Community College
2550 US Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-7000
www.cvcc.edu

Central Carolina Community College
1105 Kelly Dr
Sanford, NC 27330
(800) 6782-8353
www.cccc.edu

Central Piedmont Community College
1141 Elizabeth Ave
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 330-2722
www.cpcc.edu

Cleveland Community College
137 S Post Rd
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 669-6000
www.clevelandcc.edu

Coastal Carolina Community College
444 Western Blvd
Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-1221
www.coastalcarolina.edu

College of the Albemarle
1208 N Road St
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 335-0821
www.ablemarle.edu

Craven Community College
800 College Ct
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 638-7200
www.cravencc.edu

Davidson-Davie Community College
297 Davidson Community College Rd
Thomasville, NC 27360
(336) 249-8186
www.davidsondavie.edu

Durham Technical Community College
1637 E Lawson St
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 536-7200
www.durhamtech.edu

Edgecombe Community College
225 Tarboro St
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 823-5166
www.edgecombe.edu

Fayetteville Technical Community College
2201 Hull Rd
Fayetteville, NC 28303
(910) 678-8400
www.faytechcc.edu

Forsyth Technical Community College
2100 Silas Creek Pkwy
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 723-0371
www.forsythtech.edu

Gaston College
201 US-321
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-6200
www.gaston.edu

Guilford Technical Community College
601 E Main St
Jamestown, NC 27282
(336) 334-4822
www.gtcc.edu

Halifax Community College
100 College Dr
Weldon, NC 27890
(252) 536-4221
www.halifaxcc.edu

Haywood Community College*
185 Freedlander Dr
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 627-2821
www.haywood.edu

Isothermal Community College
286 I C C Loop Rd
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3636
www.isothermal.edu

James Sprunt Community College
133 James Sprunt Dr
Kenansville, NC 28349
(910) 296-2400
www.jamessprunt.edu

Johnston Community College
245 College Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-3051
www.johnstoncc.edu

Lenoir Community College
231 North Carolina Hwy 58
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-6223
www.lenoircc.edu

Martin Community College
1161 Kehukee Park Rd
Williamston, NC 27892
(252) 792-1521
www.martincc.edu

Mayland Community College
200 Mayland Dr
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 765-7351
www.mayland.edu

McDowell Technical Community College
54 College Dr
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-6021
www.mcdowelltech.edu

Mitchell Community College
500 Broad St
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 878-3200
www.mitchellcc.edu

Montgomery Community College
1011 Page St
Troy, NC 27371
(910)898-9600
www.montgomeryl.edu

Nash Community College
522 N Old Carriage Rd
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 443-4011
www.nashcc.edu

Pamlico Community College
5049 NC-306
Grantsboro, NC 28529
(252) 249-1851
www.pamlicocc.edu

Piedmont Community College
1715 College Dr
Roxboro, NC 27573
(336) 599-1181
www.piedmontcc.edu

Pitt Community College
986 Pitt Tech Rd
Winterville, NC 28590
(252) 493-7200
www.pittcc.edu

Randolph Community College
Health Sciences Center
629 Industrial Park Ave
Asheboro, NC 27205
(336) 633-0200
www.randolph.edu

Richmond Community College
1042 Hamlet Ave
Hamlet, NC 28345
(910) 410-1700
www.richmondcc.edu

Roanoke-Chowan Community College
109 Community College Rd
Ahoskie, NC 27910
(252) 862-1200
www.roanokechowan.edu

Robeson Community College
5160 Fayetteville Rd
Lumberton, NC 28360
(910) 272-3700
www.robeson.edu

Rockingham Community College
215 Wrenn Memorial Rd
Wentworth, NC 27375
(336) 342-4261
www.rockinghamcc.edu

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-7222
www.rccc.edu

Sampson Community College
1801 Sunset Ave
Clinton, NC 28328
(910) 592-8081
www.sampsoncc.edu

Sandhills Community College
3395 Airport Rd
Pinehurst, NC 28734
www.sandhills.edu

South Piedmont Community College*
680 US-74
Polkton, NC 28135
(704) 272-5300
www.spcc.edu

Southeastern Community College
4564 Chadbourn Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-7141
www.sccnc.edu

Southwestern Community College
447 College Dr
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4000
www.southwesterncc.edu

Stanly Community College
141 College Dr
Albemarle, NC 28001
(704) 982-0121
www.stanly.edu

Surry Community College
630 S Main St
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8121
www.surry.edu

Tri-County Community College
21 Campus Circle Crisp Building
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6810
www.tricountycc.edu

Vance-Granville Community College
200 Community College Rd
Henderson, NC 27536
(252) 492-2061
www.vgcc.edu

Wake Technical Community College
9101 Fayetteville Rd
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 866-5000
www.waketech.edu

Wayne Community College
3000 Wayne Memorial Dr
Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 735-5151
www.waynecc.edu

Western Piedmont Community College
1001 Burkemont Ave
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 448-3500
www.wpcc.edu

Wilkes Community College
1328 S Collegiate Dr
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-6100
www.wilkescc.edu

Wilson Community College
902 Herring Ave E
Wilson, NC 27803
(252) 291-1195
www.wilsoncc.edu

Student Reviews

Appalachian State University
John E. Thomas Hall
287 Rivers St
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-2000
https://www.appstate.edu/

Student Review: “I am now a sophomore at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. I am currently taking summer school here and am living in an apartment right on the edge of campus. The weather here is amazing and the students here are quite conservative and very friendly. I lived in a dorm during my freshman year here and I really disliked it. Mainly because it was an all male dorm which became quite irritating after a while due to the noisy roommates that were on my particular floor. The janitor staff did clean the dorms but only to an extent that was just not clean enough for me. The teaching staff here is quite knowledgeable and most of them will provide help if needed by any student, which is very nice. The student population here is roughly seventeen thousand, which is kind of small for a college but not too small.” -Austin F., student at Appalachian State University

Student Review: “Appalachian State University’s teacher program is quite remarkable. From the beginning of my sophomore year, I found myself in numerous classrooms. The university does an excellent job at getting you in the classroom as soon as possible. They also have instructors that while teaching you, will also come to visit you in the classroom and discuss different observations made with you. I really felt like I could learn about educational philosophies but also watch them in action with my professors guiding me. The only thing that I didn’t really like was the layout of some of the classes. Specifically, some classes we had to take because they checked boxes for the accreditation of the school, but I didn’t feel like they added value to my education.” -Student at Appalachian State University

Elon University
100 Campus Dr
Elon, NC 27244
(336) 278-2000
https://www.elon.edu/

Student Review: “When I knew that I wanted to major in elementary education, I specifically chose Elon University because of its reputation. The class sizes were small (never more than 15 students per education course) and followed a cohort style which allowed me to get to know my classmates and professors on a much more personal level. The majority of the faculty that I worked with had personal experience in a classroom environment, which made me feel as though they really knew what they were talking about. The program offered me multiple opportunities to participate in a classroom environment in a variety of school settings (different grades, varying socioeconomic status of the school population, and even a special remedial school).” -Student at Elon University

High Point University
1 N University Pkwy
High Point, NC 27268
(336) 841-9000
https://www.highpoint.edu/

Student Review: “In attending High Point University, I was a Special Education Teaching Major at the undergraduate level. I liked the fact that my professors knew who I was when I had questions. For example, one of the classes I took was ‘Education Technology for Teachers’ where I learned different ways of applying technology in the classroom. My professor at the time, Dr. Bowser, became a lifelong friend. I recently completed my first year teaching, and I reached out to her from time to time for advice. Not once did I feel as though I was a bother to her bugging her after graduating. All of my professors are the same way. Any of them would be happy to answer any education question related question I might have for them.” -Student at High Point University

Surry Community College*
630 S Main St
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8121
https://surry.edu/

Student Review: “Surry Community College’s elementary education program gave me a great start in my preparation to be a teacher. I was able to complete my entire course load online, and conducted my student-teaching at a nearby elementary school. The professors did a great job encouraging relevant discussions about various aspects of education. We had many practical projects that put us in real-world situations so that we would be better prepared for what was to come. It would have been better if some of the students had put more effort and participated more vocally, but other than that, it was an enjoyable experience that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone else who is considering a teacher preparation program.” -Student at Surry Community College

University of North Carolina Greensboro
1000 Spring Garden St
Greensboro, NC 27412
(336) 334-5000
https://www.uncg.edu/

Student Review: “The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has an amazing music program that offers several opportunities to increase your ability as a musician. Unlike some schools, the music education program offers many chances to work and/or volunteer in a music classroom allowing the student to pursue a career path that they are sure about. Since UNCG is a school or research, the professors and very knowledgeable and up-to-date on all the current research, and personally know almost all of the pioneers in music education. Their music education program is set up so that the student can pursue a master’s degree and then successfully pursue their National Board Certification. The professors freely give out their personal contact information that students are free to use in case a problem should arise.” -Daniel D., student at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Student Review: “This program really helped me learn about Deaf culture and how to best teach Deaf students. With an entire different culture and a world that hearing people do not understand, it is important to have proper training prior to working with these students. They are not given a fair chance due to many different issues that they face, and it is important to understand why. I learned about the culture, the language, the history, and the importance of Deaf culture. The program really allowed me to understand all that I am doing and why its so important. Teaching students in all different areas is so important, and UNCG really works hard to ensure that you know what you are doing before you graduate.” -Student at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of North Carolina Wilmington
601 College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3000
https://uncw.edu/

Student Review: “Studying at the Watson School of Education was one of the best decisions I ever made in regard to furthering my career in teaching. My degree was concentrated in Primary Education, and I was supported and challenged throughout my three years in the department, all the way to graduation and then beyond. My professors were all highly knowledgeable individuals with decades, yes, decades of experience in the field of teaching, and the resources available to students were extraordinary. The teaching lab with classroom environment simulations, especially, was a valuable resource, as well as my two-year continuous internship with the local New Hanover County school district, in which I learned everything there is to know about K-5 education techniques and strategies. The connections and experiences I made during my time at the Watson School of Education have also helped me gain admission to grad school, where I am pursuing a Masters in education.” -George D., student at University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Western Carolina University
1 University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7211
https://www.wcu.edu/

Student Review: “The art education program at WCU is absolutely amazing. I enrolled there in the fall of 2006 and graduated in the fall of 2009. My biggest complaint at that time is that the advising was not very well aligned. The art ed program is a split of about 60% content courses to 40% education courses. Knowing this my advisor did not inform me about certain classes only being offered at certain times, and as a result, I spent an extra year in the program. However, beyond that one hiccup, I believe the program to be top notch. The facilities are excellent and well maintained, and the professors are amazing.” -Isaiah B., student at Western Carolina University

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. The Princeton Review. The Best 385 Colleges, 2022 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2021.
3. US News & World Report Best Graduate Education Schools 2023: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Online Graduate Education Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/rankings
5. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): http://caepnet.org/provider-search
6. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
7. US Department of Education 2020 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx