Louisiana Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

This teacher preparation guide is designed to help those looking for teaching degrees in Louisiana. There are several colleges and universities that offer programs that prepare students to work as new teachers or advance in their current teaching careers. This page contains useful information on teaching schools in Louisiana as well as lists of top-rated teaching programs, a table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs, and student reviews. Whether you’re fresh out of college or looking to change careers, use this guide to find a Louisiana teacher preparation program that fits your individual needs and career goals.

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 26 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in Louisiana.¹
• 6 schools offer an associate’s degree in education.¹
• 20 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in education.¹
• 19 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• 1 school ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022.²
• 7 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023.³
• 5 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Education Programs 2022.⁴
• 16 educator preparation providers (EPPs) are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP.⁵

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

Comparison of Louisiana Schools with Teacher Preparation Programs

We have designed the following table to help you compare teacher preparation programs in Louisiana according to various factors. All of the schools included are not-for-profit institutions approved by the Louisiana Department of Education 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022

• University of Louisiana-Lafayette

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

• Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge (#106 tie)
• Louisiana Tech University (#168 tie)
• University of Louisiana-Lafayette (#178 tie)
• University of New Orleans (#183 tie)
• Southeastern Louisiana University (#207-274)
• Southern University and A&M College (#207-274)
• University of Louisiana-Monroe (#207-274)

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

• University of Louisiana-Lafayette (#80 tie)
• Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge (#108 tie)
• Loyola University New Orleans (#199 tie)
• McNeese State University (#242-321)
• Northwestern State University of Louisiana (#242-321)

Select Louisiana Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees

Grambling State University

Grambling State University (GSU)’s College of Education (COE) is the oldest college on its campus and has been nationally accredited since 1964. At the undergraduate level, Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are offered in Elementary Education (Grades 1-5); Elementary Education & Special Education; Child Development & Early Literacy (Prenatal-PK-3); and Secondary Education & Teaching, and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees are offered in Music Education and History-Social Studies. At the graduate level, first-time teachers may be interested in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees in Elementary or Secondary Education. For current teachers, Master of Education (MEd) degrees are available in Curriculum and Instruction-Reading and Special Education, as well as a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Developmental Education. The GSU COE Office of Professional Laboratory Experiences offers students at all levels real-world and innovative learning experiences that support COE learning outcomes.

Louisiana State University

The Louisiana State University (LSU) College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) includes the School of Education, which offers undergraduate programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Grades Education (Grades 1-5), and Dual Certification in General and Special Education (Grades 1-5). Graduate degrees are offered in Curriculum Studies, Educational Technology, School Counseling, Higher Education Administration, and various other subject areas. In addition, for first-time teachers, two Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees are offered in Elementary Education (Grades 1-5) and Secondary Education (Grades 6-12). Several Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are also offered in several subject areas including Math and Literacy Education, Educational Research Methodology, and Higher Education Administration. LSU has several 100% online programs, including a Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology, a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Technology, and an MA in Higher Education Administration.

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.

Baton Rouge Community College
201 Community College Dr
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(866) 217-9823
www.mybrcc.edu

Bossier Parish Community College
6220 E Texas St
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 678-6000
www.bpcc.edu

Delgado Community College
615 City Park Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 671-5000
www.dcc.edu

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
3939 Gentilly Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 282-4455
www.nobts.edu

Nunez Community College
3710 Paris Rd
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 278-6200
www.nunez.edu

River Parishes Community College
925 W Edenborne Pkwy
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 743-8500
www.rpcc.edu

Southern University at Shreveport
3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr
Shreveport, LA 71107
(318) 670-6000
www.susla.edu

Student Reviews

Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2750
(225) 578-3202
https://www.lsu.edu/

Student Review: “The LSU Geaux Teach program was a phenomenal experience for me. The program allowed for me to get acquainted with the classroom very early with observation hours being required the first semester of the program, which began junior year. I was able to experience multiple classrooms throughout the three semesters of observations, both high school and middle school classrooms from various student levels. The last semester was spent student teaching. Spending all of this time in the classroom allowed me to be fully aware of the expectations of a teacher and what the job required. I enjoyed the program and the experiences immensely.” -Jayd B., student at Louisiana State University

Student Review: “I liked that this program is set up for full-time educators to attend classes in the evenings. The program is also set up in a cohort model which means you take the same classes with the same people throughout the program. I liked this to assist in building a network of local education leaders, many of whom I still have regular contact with today. The program also had an internship component which I really enjoyed as I got to learn under a strong leader at one of the top-performing schools in our area. It also allowed for a great deal of learning through participation in school leadership projects, which is hard to do when simulating or reading things in the classroom. The program has changed in the years since I completed my degree but at the time there was one professor who taught 18 of the 22 required courses. The curriculum was not particularly challenging but the value of any program directly correlates to the effort put in. There were constant readings and assignments and the attention paid to these ultimately dictated what stuck with me.” – Student at Louisiana State University

Louisiana Tech University
201 Mayfield Ave
Ruston, LA 71272-1610
(318) 257-2000
https://www.latech.edu/

Student Review: “The Louisiana Tech alternative certification program for teaching was an enlightening two-year experience for me. The coursework was rigorous and at times fairly difficult, but in hindsight, I needed it to prepare for my job as a teacher. I took a number of courses, both in-person and online, and the professors in both cases were always available and willing to assist in any way they could. I felt that what made Louisiana Tech stand out was that the professors in their education department really showed a passion for teaching, and imparted that passion to their students. If I could improve one thing, it would be the way they handled posting grades; there was always a significant delay of several weeks between class closures and grade postings, and I’d have rather not waited as long. Other than that, however, Tech was great and I’m glad to have earned my master’s degree from it!” – Student at Louisiana Tech University

Student Review: “The education program at Louisiana Tech University is apparently the highest rated school in the state of Louisiana to have the best education program. Not only are the Professors friendly and understanding but education major students have the opportunity to experience schools and classes hands on. Louisiana Tech University has a charter school for lower level students. It gives the students an opportunity to experience a different world of teaching and education than a normal school. The students are set in classrooms that meet their age/grade level. By this I mean the classroom is specifically designed to better the education for these students. For example, a kindergartner would be in a classroom that would have age appropriate sections. The chairs and tables, as well as the posters, are all placed strategically so that it is easy for the child to view and/or use. The whole experience is completely different than what I was used to growing up. I think it is a great way for college students to find out if they really do want to work with children or be an educator because it is more than just a textbook its hands on.” – Student at Louisiana Tech University

Loyola University New Orleans
6363 St Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118-6143
(504) 865-2011
https://www.loyno.edu/

Student Review: “My time at Loyola was fantastic for my professional and personal growth. My classes were always small (less than 40 people) and the professors took time to make sure that the information presented was useful for us (for the most part). New Orleans is an incredible city, with all the entertainment that any student could ever need. The student body can be a little bit homogenous (affluent, Catholic), but there is a distinct group of students with music majors, and they lend a different spirit to the school. I really enjoyed being a part of Greek life, though I understand that the administration is currently doing what they can to end that part of campus life. I would say that is a shame, but the real strength of the school (it’s tie to New Orleans) will always be available to students.” -Patrick T., student at Loyola University New Orleans

Student Review: “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Loyola University, New Orleans’ music education/teacher preparation program. One of the most appealing factors was the student to teacher ratio, and I often found I had classes with only 10 people in them. We had plenty of pragmatic experience in the classroom and in schools in the area. While we did have plenty of opportunities to be connected with local schools, I was disappointed that some of our core classes needed for the certification were conducted by universities outside of Loyola. Subsequently, I felt that we could have had more experience working in more “urban” education settings; we often were placed in private schools rather than public schools, and that experience would have been very beneficial.” – Student at Loyola University New Orleans

Nicholls State University
906 E 1st St
Thibodaux, LA 70301-6701
(877) 642-4655
/https://www.nicholls.edu

Student Review: “I transferred to Nicholls State University during my junior year, just as I was beginning my core educational courses. I loved the small classes, excellent professors, and home-town community. I was placed in a sixth-grade classroom during my semester of “student teaching” and received outstanding one-on-one assistance from my supervising teacher. I realized how much I enjoyed working with middle school students during that fall semester and accepted a job teaching 6th grade in January. Three years later, I went on to receive a Masters Degree in Education from Nicholls. I have been teaching middle school students for a number of years now, and credit my success in the classroom to the excellent preparation I received from Nicholls State University.”-Student at Nicholls State University

Southeastern Louisiana University
500 W University Ave
Hammond, LA 70402-1304
(985) 549-2000
https://www.southeastern.edu/

Student Review: “The secondary education program at Southeastern Louisiana University was par for the course compared to what peers from other universities talked about at their respective schools. The teaching program is a companion curriculum to your individual course of study. I was a communications major, and I was getting certified to teach the very basics of computers (think Microsoft Office). The training was great for what it was, and you definitely feel like you’re progressing at the rate you need to progress throughout, but wow – the student teaching phase was absolutely brutal. It feels like you’re more or less thrown to the wolves and expected to take on all of the responsibilities of a teacher with none of the power. I can’t even count on both hands how many times I was directly threatened over the course of the semester with no repercussions for the guilty party. After 4 months of this, I decided I would no longer be pursuing a career in teaching, not because the university necessarily did anything wrong, but because the program didn’t prepare me for what I was ultimately going to face.” – Student at Southeastern Louisiana University

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
104 E University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70504-2014
(377) 482-1000
https://louisiana.edu/

Student Review: “The education program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette was certainly an extremely unique experience because of the faculty members that I encountered while I was a student there. As you may or may not know, Louisiana is entrenched in the Deep South, where Jim Crow laws were prevalent until halfway through the 20th century. I bring this up because there were professors there that had lived through this era and brought a unique teaching perspective about desegregation in the school system. There were (I no longer know if they are still there) multiple teachers that afforded me a point of view that I feel I would not be able to attain anywhere else, especially considering the fact that I intended to teach in the South. The instructors were also obviously not too interested in just coming to work and going through the motions. While I was there, I felt that they cared about my progress through higher education, and more than once, I was provided with extra help after normal class hours had ended. It truly seemed as if they cared deeply about my future, and for that, I will never forget my experiences there.” – Student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Student Review: “I was a student at ULL in the Elementary Education department. The University did not prepare me at all for my career as a teacher. As far as a classical education goes, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette did more than prepare me. The courses I took as an undergraduate in English, Mathematics, Sciences and History gave me the background I needed to complete any other programs successfully. But the Education Department was manned by such an older group of former teachers that I was not prepared in any way to face a group of modern children. The University Education program concentrated on individual instruction, not on the Common Core programs that exist today. I learned how to create a learning center, how to individualize reading, how to pick a great book to read- but not to teach a group of students hungry for instruction in today’s world. The setting and background of ULL are great, but the Education Department had miles to go.” – Student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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. US Department of Education 2020 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx