Best Teaching Schools and Degrees in Arizona

This guide to the many teacher preparation programs available in Arizona offers important information to help aspiring teachers find the best way to obtain a teaching degree in Arizona. There are many colleges and universities in Arizona that offer teaching degree programs that focus on preparing future Arizona educators for a career in the classroom. Scroll down to find student reviews and a list of accredited teacher preparation programs. For young students who are interested in becoming an educator or for anyone who is looking to change their current career, this guide to teaching schools in Arizona will help find the best program that fits specific individual needs in order to become a qualified teacher.

School Facts

There are 37 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in Arizona.¹
13 colleges and universities offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
Highest graduation rate*: University of Arizona, 61%.¹
Highest transfer-out rate*: International Baptist College and Seminary, 57%.¹
Highest net price per year*: Arizona Christian University, $26,995.²
Lowest net price per year*: Dine College, $8,595.²
Annual undergraduate tuition range for teaching degree programs in Arizona*: $10,960-$28,820.²
2 schools ranked in Forbes Top Colleges List (Top 500): University of Arizona (272) and Arizona State University (305).
2 schools ranked in US News National Universities Rankings in 2013 (Top 200): University of Arizona (120) and Arizona State University (139).
2 not-for-profit teacher programs are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP (see below).*

*For 4-year colleges and universities with teacher degree programs.

Profiles of Well-Known Schools

University of Arizona: The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, is home to the state’s first College of Education. The first class consisted of 145 students who enrolled in the teacher preparation program in 1922. The college focuses on preparing classroom teachers, special educators, counselors, principals and superintendents for the K-12 system as well as higher education. The UA College of Education is one of the largest schools on campus and is home to 60 full-time faculty members and 30 adjunct professors all holding doctoral degrees in related subjects in which they teach. The College features programs that specialize in educating rehabilitation counselors, as well as educators who work with the deaf and blind. Both programs are unique to the state. Joan Ganz Cooney, creator and founder of Sesame Street, graduated from the University Of Arizona College Of Education.

Arizona State University: Arizona State University is known for its highly regarded teacher preparation programs offered at all of the university’s locations in Phoenix, downtown Phoenix, online, and Tempe. The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College prepares educators at all levels from undergraduate to doctoral. The College’s graduate offerings in particular are typically very highly ranked in the annual edition of US News & World Report ranking publication and have made the list for 12 consecutive years. The College’s master degree offerings are known for their rigor, innovation and flexibility. They are designed for full-time working professionals who teach during the day and attend college in the evening or online. Many of the master’s degrees can be completed in as little as 18 months. Majors include Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Physical Education and Special Education.

Top-Rated Teacher Preparation Programs

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) evaluated over 1,000 college programs that aim to prepare teachers for a career in the classroom (Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report). Out of all of the Arizona programs evaluated, two programs made the “honor roll” ranking of 3 stars or higher. Read more about the NCTQ Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report.

The following teacher preparation programs in Arizona received the highest ratings by the National Council on Teacher Quality:

Arizona State University (Graduate Secondary)
University of Arizona (Undergraduate Secondary)
Arizona State University (Undergraduate Secondary) 2-5stars
Northern Arizona University (Undergraduate Secondary)
Arizona State University (Undergraduate Elementary)

The following reviewed schools were cited as problematic (no stars):

Northern Arizona University (Graduate Secondary)
Prescott College (Graduate Elementary)
Prescott College (Graduate Secondary)

Teacher Preparation Programs Accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP

Northern Arizona University
Northcentral University

Read more about the CAEP, NCATE, and TEAC accrediting bodies.

School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in Arizona

Request free information from the following schools to learn more about your options for choosing a teacher degree program. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these schools

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Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Arizona

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287
(480) 965-9011
students.asu.edu

Student Review: “At Arizona State University, the approach to student learning is very much personalized. This is especially important for the preparation of teachers who are getting ready to go into the work force and do the most important job of all: teaching future generations. I had an amazing experience at Arizona State University in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program. Since I already had an undergraduate degree, it was very refreshing to me to be able to take courses that really mattered and that I actually needed in my career; not redoing courses and content I had already done in the past. The professors were very involved in preparing us for real-life teaching scenarios. They took a special interest in our strengths and made the learning relevant. The student teaching and practicums were also top-notch. I am so glad that I chose Arizona State University!” -Student at Arizona State University

Student Review: “I for the most part felt like my program prepared me to be an effective teacher in the classroom. The courses were appropriately rigorous, but the scheduling was insane, and it really should have been a five year program. The required internships and student teaching were set up for us, so we had plenty of in-class time which was incredibly useful, and for the most part, the classes followed a logical track. However, there were some inconsistencies between the Teacher’s College and the music school that made parts of my degree difficult, such as different requirements for the same classes. The environment in and out of the classroom was very welcoming and helpful, and we were encouraged to build professional relationships with our peers. The staff was mostly friendly and helpful as well.” -Student at Arizona State University

Student Review: “The Arizona State University College of Education was an okay experience for me. I felt that the curriculum was just from an academic standpoint (mostly theory-based courses) but lacked in overall daily application. Going through the program for three semesters, one learns about the different ways to teach a certain theory but when I got into the classroom for my student teaching I felt that very little I had studied over the past three semesters was applicable. I would rather have had 1-2 semesters of college courses combined with a minimum of 2 semesters of student teaching before graduating. I definitely felt student teaching was the best and most productive part of the ASU College of Education coursework.” – Student at Arizona State University

Cochise College
4190 W Highway 80
Douglas, AZ 85607-9724
(520) 515-0500
www.cochise.edu

Eastern Arizona College
615 N. Stadium Ave.
Thatcher, AZ 85552-0769
(928) 428-8322

GateWay Community College
108 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 392-5000

Glendale Community College-Glendale
6000 W Olive Ave
Glendale, AZ 85302
(623) 845-3000

International Academy of Hair Design-Chandler
3350 N Arizona Ave Ste 4
Chandler, AZ 85225-7198
(480) 820-9422

Mesa Community College
1833 W Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85202
(602) 461-7000

Mohave Community College
1971 Jagerson Ave
Kingman, AZ 86409-1238
(928) 757-4331

Northern Arizona University
Knoles Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4132
(928) 523-9011
nau.edu

Student Review: “The NAU teaching program is the college experience everyone should be looking for. Not only were the professors competent, caring, generous, and attentive, the class sizes were small and the work was thoughtful and never seemed unnecessary. The classes were rarely larger than 15-20 students and each professor was able to give every student the individualized attention and careful study that they need to excel. I found myself challenged but not overwhelmed by the workload. Each and every assignment had a logical purpose and I found that my knowledge of teaching grew with each one. I loved how close knit everyone in the program was after sharing so many experiences together. When I completed my student teaching and moved on to my very own classroom I felt prepared and competent. I would highly recommend the NAU teaching program to anyone who is looking for a good quality education for their money, and an awesome set of professors!” -Student at Northern Arizona University

Northland Pioneer College
2251 E. Navajo Blvd.
Holbrook, AZ 86025-0610
(928) 524-7600

Ottawa University-Phoenix
10020 North 25th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 371-1188

Pima Community College
401 North Bonita Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85709-5000
(520) 206-4500
www.pima.edu

Student Review: “My biggest complaint with Pima is that there are times where I have to take a course that is required for me at a different campus. There are multiple campuses throughout Tucson and most of my classes are at the main campus. However it seems like at least once a semester I have a class that is 20 miles away from my campus. Other than that everything is just fine. I find my classes to be easier than that of high school and this is definitely the route to go if your paying by yourself for college. I will be transferring to U of A next semester and think that I am well prepared from all of my classes at Pima.” -Blake R., student at Pima Community College

Prescott College
220 Grove Ave
Prescott, AZ 86301
(877) 350-2100
www.prescott.edu

Scottsdale Community College
9000 E Chaparral Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 423-6000

Southwestern College-Phoenix
2625 E Cactus Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85032-7097
(602) 489-5300
www.swcaz.edu

Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Scottsdale
7201 E. Camelback #100
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 994-4222

University of Arizona
1401 E University
Tucson, AZ 85721-0066
(520) 621-2211
www.arizona.edu