Teaching Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Teaching courses in the USA cover a broad spectrum of education-focused programs, including Early Childhood Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, Special Education, and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). These teaching programs prepare you for licensure and teaching roles across public and private schools in the U.S.

U.S. universities awarded approximately 2.07 million bachelor's degrees, of which around 13% were in education-related fields, totaling roughly 269,000 degrees.

This blog will cover the best universities and colleges in the US for Teaching courses, requirements, curriculum details, and costs, enabling your dream of studying in the US.

Teaching Courses in USA: Overview

Teaching courses in the USA typically span 4 years for bachelor's and 1–2 years for master's programs. These programs combine theoretical foundations, preparing you for licensure exams and classroom roles in elementary, secondary, or special education settings. 

With increasing demand for qualified teachers across the U.S., education degrees open pathways to both teaching and administrative careers in schools, districts, and education-focused institutions.

Here's an overview of teaching courses in the USA: 

Note: Tuition values may vary based on exchange rate and residency. Conversion estimates use current rates (INR 86/USD).

Next, let's look at why studying teaching courses in USA is a strong academic and professional choice.

Why Pursue a Teaching Course in the USA?

Teaching courses in the U.S. offer access to world-class universities like Teachers College, Columbia University and Stanford, where programs focus on educational theory, instructional practice, and certification pathways. 

With increasing global demand for trained educators, studying in the U.S. gives you both a quality education and real classroom exposure.

Here's why you should consider studying teaching courses in the USA:

• Top Universities: The U.S. is home to leading education schools like Harvard Graduate School of Education, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Vanderbilt University, all known for cutting-edge research and teacher training.
• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Most programs are aligned with U.S. state licensure requirements and include modern teaching methods, inclusive education, and technology integration.
• Classroom Exposure: U.S. teaching degrees emphasize fieldwork and include student teaching semesters, helping you gain hands-on experience in real K–12 classrooms.
• High Job Demand: Teaching remains a stable and essential profession in the U.S., with consistent demand across public and private schools due to retirements, policy changes, and growing classroom sizes.
• Diverse Specializations: From Special Education and Early Childhood Education to TESOL, U.S. universities offer a variety of teaching tracks tailored to your interests.
• Access to Scholarships: International students can apply for scholarships such as Fulbright, Institutional Aid, and teaching assistantships, which help reduce tuition costs.
• Global Recognition: A teaching degree from a U.S. university is well-regarded internationally, making it easier to pursue careers in education worldwide.

Now that you know the benefits of pursuing teaching courses in the USA, let's take a closer look at the top universities offering these programs.

Top Universities for Studying Teaching Courses in the USA

Choosing the right university plays a major role in shaping your future teaching career. For example, a Master's in Education from Harvard University can prepare you for roles such as school principal, curriculum specialist, or policy analyst. 

U.S. universities offer not just strong academic foundations but also structured licensure support and real classroom experience.

Here are some of the top universities offering teaching courses in the USA:

Note: Tuition fees may vary by residency status and program type

Beyond the top-ranked institutions, many well-regarded universities across the U.S. offer a wide range of teaching programs to match different academic goals. 

Popular Universities for Teaching Courses in the USA

Not every great program comes from a top-ranked university. Many well-known U.S. universities offer excellent teaching degrees that are flexible, affordable, and career-focused. 

For instance, Ball State University offers a nationally accredited MA in Elementary Education with options for online or hybrid learning. These universities provide strong academics and practical training, making them ideal alternatives.

Below are some popular universities offering teaching courses in the USA:

Note: Tuition figures are estimates and may vary depending on the number of credits, residency, and exchange rate (assumed at $1 = INR 86).

Now that you've explored some well-known universities offering teaching courses in the USA, it's important to understand the eligibility requirements for admission.

Eligibility Criteria for Teaching Courses in USA

Each year, over 260,000 students earn education-related degrees in the U.S., with thousands of international students joining programs in early childhood, secondary, and special education. 

While many teaching programs have dropped the GRE requirement, you’ll still need to prove English proficiency such as TOEFL scores of 100+ or IELTS 7.0 are common benchmarks.

Here's a breakdown of what you'll typically need to apply:

Now, let's walk through the steps to apply for teaching programs in the USA.

Application Process for Teaching Courses in the USA

U.S. universities typically follow a structured application process for teaching programs, which includes submitting academic records, test scores, and personal documents. 

Both undergraduate and graduate teaching programs may involve online application portals, document uploads, and in some cases, interviews or teaching statements.

Below are the common steps involved in applying for a teaching course in the U.S.:

Step 1: Pick your universities and start your application
Once you've shortlisted where you want to apply, head to each university's website and begin your application. You'll fill in your academic history, upload personal details, and answer a few program-specific questions. 

Step 2: Upload the required documents
Now comes the paperwork. You'll typically need your academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (like IELTS or TOEFL), statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and an updated resume. 

Step 3: Watch out for interviews
Not every program will ask for one, but if you do get called in, treat it like a casual but focused conversation. They want to know why you chose teaching, what excites you about it, and how you plan to use your degree. 

Step 4: Track your application status
Once everything's in, keep an eye on your inbox and the university portal. Some schools might ask for additional information, and you don't want to miss their emails. This stage is mostly waiting, but stay responsive.

Step 5: Apply for your student visa
Got the offer? Great. Now you'll need to apply for an F-1 student visa. For that, you'll need your admission letter, passport, proof of funds, visa application form (DS-160), and SEVIS fee payment confirmation. 

Once that's done, book your visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Now let's take a look at the core subjects and specializations you will be studying in teaching courses.

Curriculum Details for Teaching Courses in the USA

Teaching programs in the USA focus on building both your subject knowledge and classroom skills. From educational psychology to teaching methods, you'll be working on both theory and practice.

In most undergraduate teaching programs, you’ll start with core education courses and gradually move into teaching experiences such as lesson planning or monitoring classroom behavior.

Here's what a typical teaching curriculum looks like in the USA:

Now, let's check out how much it costs to study teaching courses in USA.

Cost of Pursuing Teaching Courses in USA

A student in the USA typically spends around $12,000 – $20,000 (INR 10.3L – INR 17.2L) per year on living expenses, depending on location and lifestyle. This includes housing, food, transportation, and health insurance. Tuition fees for teaching courses can range from $20,000 – $60,000 (INR 17.2L – INR 51.6L) annually, depending on the university and program level.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in the USA.

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Students can apply for scholarships and other financial aid options to help manage living expenses while studying in the USA. Here's a closer look at what's available.

Scholarships for Teaching Courses in the USA

Each year, U.S. universities award millions in scholarships, helping students like you offset costs. Whether it's money from the school itself or support from external programs, these funds can make your teaching degree much more affordable.

Below, you'll find two types of scholarships worth exploring as a teaching student from India: those offered by universities themselves and external awards from governments or foundations.

Internal Scholarships

These are scholarship funded directly by the school you attend. For example, NYU Steinhardt offers awards for future educators that reduce your tuition by thousands. To qualify, you usually need solid grades (often a GPA of 3.0 or higher) and, in some cases, an offer of admission.

Here are some internal scholarship options.

Students can also look into financial aid offered by government bodies and private organizations. Here's a breakdown of the available scholarships.

External Scholarships

These come from sources outside the university, like the government and nonprofit organizations. 

A typical example is the Fulbright-Distinguished Awards in Teaching Innovation, which helps experienced Indian educators pursue a master's in the U.S., covering tuition, housing, travel, and more.

Here are some external scholarship options.

Let's take a look at some of the popular career paths you can pursue after completing a teaching course in the USA.

Job Opportunities After Teaching Courses in the USA

Teaching graduates can step into a range of roles across schools and educational services. For instance, an elementary school teacher earns around $58,063 per year (INR 50.0L), while special education teachers make about $98,926 (INR 85.1L).

Here are some common teaching roles in the U.S.:

Source: Indeed
Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

After looking into highest-paying jobs in the USA. Next, let's explore the top recruiters hiring graduates after teaching courses in the USA.

Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates After Teaching Courses in USA

The U.S. education sector employs over 8 million people, with public schools, charters, and service providers as major employers. Teaching graduates work in classrooms, curriculum design, consulting, and policy. 

States like Tennessee, Michigan, and Maryland actively hire for public roles, while companies like Curriculum Associates recruit for training, design, and consulting positions.

Here’s a list of top recruiters:

Source: Indeed
Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

To land roles at these top companies, having the right support during your study journey matters. That’s where upGrad can help.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Teaching Courses in USA?

Getting into a teaching program in the US involves more than just meeting eligibility criteria. You need to understand university requirements, entrance exams, application timelines, financial planning, and visa documentation. This is where upGrad can make a real difference.

upGrad provides structured guidance throughout the process; from shortlisting universities that match your goals, to preparing for English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL.

If you're planning to apply soon, consider booking a 1:1 session with upGrad experts to get clarity on application steps, deadlines, and funding options.