Ohio Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

This guide to Ohio teaching schools provides valuable information for aspiring teachers looking to teach in the state. All Ohio teachers are required to complete a teacher preparation course before being eligible to work in the school system. Fortunately, there are several teaching schools in Ohio that are designed to prepare future teachers for a career in the classroom. For useful information on teaching degrees in Ohio, take a look at our lists of top-rated teaching programs, table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs, and student reviews. There are many options available for new Ohio teachers, and this guide should help you find the right program for your individual needs.

Quick Facts

• There are 95 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in Ohio.¹
• 40 schools offer an associate’s degree in education.¹
• 67 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in education.¹
• 45 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• 3 schools ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022.²
• 10 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023.³
• 13 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Education Programs 2022.⁴
• 49 educator preparation providers (EPPs) are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP.⁵

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

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

Comparison of Ohio Schools with Teacher Preparation Programs

We have designed the following table to help you compare teacher preparation programs in Ohio according to various factors. All of the schools included are not-for-profit institutions approved by the Ohio 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 2019-2020 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 Ohio 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 Ohio

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022

• Miami University
• Ohio State University-Columbus
• Xavier University

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

• Ohio State University (#27)
• Ohio University (#89 tie)
• Kent State University (#100 tie)
• University of Cincinnati (#100 tie)
• Bowling Green State University (#113 tie)
• Miami University (#117 tie)
• Cleveland State University (#175 tie)
• University of Dayton (#183 tie)
• University of Toledo (#183 tie)
• University of Findlay (#207-274)

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

• Ohio State University (#28 tie)
• University of Cincinnati (#34 tie)
• Ohio University (#60 tie)
• Bowling Green State University (#69 tie)
• University of Dayton (#69 tie)
• University of Toledo (#108 tie)
• Ashland University (#130 tie)
• Kent State University (#130 tie)
• University of Mount Union (#130 tie)
• Baldwin Wallace University (#162 tie)
• Cleveland State University (#171 tie)
• University of Findlay (#192 tie)
• Walsh University (#192 tie)

Select Ohio Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees

Ohio State University

Ohio State University (OSU), located in Columbus, is the flagship institution of the state and home to the College of Education and Human Ecology. OSU offers many licensure-track options for undergraduate students in subject areas including Primary Education (PK-5), Science and Mathematics Education, Middle Childhood Education, and Special Education. Non-licensure undergraduate programs include a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Child and Youth Studies. Graduate students may choose from a wide range of Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs designed to prepare students for licensure, or non-licensure Master of Art (MA) programs that allow students to develop expertise in broader education topics. M.Ed. programs include Primary Education, World Languages Education, and Integrated Social Studies. MA programs include Higher Education & Student Affairs; Educational Policy; and Philosophy & History of Education, all of which are also offered at the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level. OSU also offers an online Master of Learning Technologies (MLT) program.

University of Akron

The University of Akron (UA) is home to the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education. UA offers teacher licensure programs across the PK-12 spectrum, from a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Primary Inclusive Teacher Preparation (age 3-grade 5) to Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in the Secondary Education areas of Integrated Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, or Science (Chemistry, Earth Science, Life Science/Biology, or Physics). Undergraduates may also select programs in Special Education or Middle Level Education. UA offers three graduate degrees for licensed educators interested in broadening their knowledge and pursuing leadership positions: a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Administration and Leadership (Principalship); an MA in Curriculum and Instruction; and an MA in Elementary Education with Literacy Option. There is also a licensure-track Master of Science (MS) in Curriculum and Instruction.

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.

Allegheny Wesleyan College*
2161 Woodsdale Rd
Salem, OH 44460
(330) 337-6403
www.awc.edu

Belmont College
68094 Hammond Rd
St Clairsville, OH 43950
(740) 695-9500
www.belmontcollege.edu

Bowling Green State University-Firelands
1 University Dr
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 433-5560
www.firelands.bgsu.edu

Central Ohio Technical College
1179 University Dr
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 366-1351
www.cotc.edu

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
3520 Central Pkwy
Cincinnati, OH 45223
(513) 569-1500
www.cincinnatistate.edu

Clark State College
570 E Leffel Ln
Springfield, OH 45505
(937) 328-6028
www.clarkstate.edu

Columbus State Community College
550 E Spring St
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 287-5353
www.cscc.edu

Cuyahoga Community College
700 Carnegie Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
(800) 954-8742
www.tri-c.edu

Eastern Gateway Community College
4000 Sunset Blvd
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 264-5591
www.egcc.edu

Edison State Community College
1973 Edison Dr
Piqua, OH 45356
(937) 778-8600
www.edisonohio.edu

God’s Bible School and College*
1810 Young St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 721-7944
www.gbs.edu

James A. Rhodes State College
4240 Campus Dr
Lima, OH 45804
(419) 995-8320
www.rhodesstate.edu

Kent State University at Salem*
2491 OH-45
Salem, OH 44460
(330) 332-0361
www.kent.edu/columbiana

Kent State University at Tuscarawas*
330 University Dr NE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
(330) 339-3391
www.kent.edu/tusc

Lorain County Community College
1005 N Abbe Rd
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 366-5222
​​www.lorainccc.edu

Miami University-Hamilton
1601 University Blvd
Hamilton, OH 45011
(513) 785-3000
www.miamioh.edu/regionals/about/regional-locations/hamilton/index.html

Miami University-Middletown
4200 N University Blvd
Middletown, OH 45042
(513) 727-3200
www.miamioh.edu/regionals/about/regional-locations/middletown/index.html

Mount Vernon Nazarene University*
800 Martinsburg Rd
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 392-6868
www.mvnu.edu

North Central State College
2441 Kenwood Cir
Mansfield, OH 44906
(419) 755-4800
www.ncstatecollege.edu

Northwest State Community College
22600 OH-34
Archbold, OH 43502
(419) 267-5511
www.northweststate.edu

Ohio Christian University*
1476 Lancaster Pk
Circleville, OH 43113
(877) 762-8669
www.ohiochristian.edu

Ohio State University*
190 N Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-6446
www.osu.edu

Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
1328 Dover Rd
Wooster, OH 44691
(330) 264-3911
www.ati.osu.edu

Ohio State University-Lima Campus*
4240 Campus Dr
Lima, OH 45804
(567) 242-7272
www.lima.osu.edu

Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus*
1760 University Dr
Mansfield, OH 44906
(419) 755-4011
www.mansfield.osu.edu

Owens Community College
30335 Oregon Rd
Perrysburg, OH 43551
(567) 661-7000
www.owens.edu

Shawnee State University*
940 2nd St
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 351-3205
www.shawnee.edu

Sinclair Community College
444 W Third St
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 512-3000
www.sinclair.edu

Southern State Community College
100 Hobart Dr
Hillsboro, OH 45133
(800) 628-7722
www.sscc.edu

Stark State College
6200 Frank Ave NW
North Canton, OH 44720
(330) 494-6170
www.starkstate.edu

University of Akron*
302 E Buchtel Ave
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111
www.uakron.edu

University of Akron-Wayne College
1901 Smucker Rd
Orrville, OH 44667
(330) 683-2010
www.wayne.uakron.edu

University of Cincinnati*
2624 Clifton Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-6000
www.uc.edu

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
9555 Plainfield Rd
Blue Ash, OH 45236
(513) 558-9495
www.ucblueash.edu

University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
4200 Clermont College Dr
Batavia, OH 45103
(513) 732-5200
www.ucclermont.edu

University of Rio Grande*
218 N College Ave
Rio Grande, OH 45674
(740) 245-7206
www.rio.edu

Washington State Community College
710 Colegate Dr
Marietta, OH 45750
(740) 374-8716
www.wscc.edu

Xavier University*
3800 Victory Pkwy
Cincinnati, OH 45207
(513) 745-3000
www.xavier.edu

Zane State College
1555 Newark Rd
Zanesville, OH 43701
(740) 588-5000
www.zanestate.edu

Student Reviews

Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-2531
https://www.bgsu.edu/

Student Review: “Bowling Green has some extremely dedicated instructors. They were always willing to help out – a lesson which will be carried with me into my own career. I was also able to get some teaching experience in because of a professor who was glad to help mentor me through my undergrad and graduate career. I also had the opportunity to create a final project for a class which was not traditional (a documentary as opposed to a paper). My professor was excited about the idea and encouraged me in that direction. As a result, I was able to submit the documentary not only for the class but to a conference as well. At the same time, I felt that the administration could not have cared less about the goings-on of the students or the faculty. It is frustrating when you see teachers losing their jobs, but the football coach gets a pay increase. Other times it was the simple lack of communication between administration and faculty, where just letting the faculty know what was happening would have made all the difference.” -Student at Bowling Green State University

Student Review: “As a junior high school teacher I found this program a real ‘game changer.’ I was already skilled at classroom management and lesson planning before I attended the three consecutive summers of graduate school at Bowling Green State University. The program I participated in had about thirty other upper-level teachers with whom I could network. The courses were taught by professors engaged in the edges of mathematical research. I came to know that while I could not learn everything, I could become secure in facts far beyond my own experience. I did my first computer programming on punch cards and developed a fascination for mathematical research with which I could motivate my students during my 34 years of working in schools. It also gave me the background to transition into work with adult education for more than another decade. My hope would be that contemporary students would find the same enthusiasm as I did studying at Bowling Green State University.” -Student at Bowling Green State University

Student Review: “Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a great school, and has many goals that will lead the school into the right direction. I hope one day to see BGSU as one of the top schools in the nation for several majors. My major is Early Childhood Education, as BGSU is known for their outstanding education program already, I hope the school continues to improve the incoming students and challenge them to new levels. I am proud to have attended BGSU. The school is surrounded by an amazing town that supports the school and an amazing student body that continuously has school spirit. With the new on-campus housing, I can see BGSU attracting more and more students every year. There is still work to be done (on old buildings) but every year, something new gets accomplished.” -Allison W., student at Bowling Green State University

Student Review: “At BGSU, I liked how approachable my professors were and how relatable the content was. I was constantly in the classroom and was encouraged to practice and teach as much as I possibly could. I liked the course content for my major as well. I do wish that student teachers could teach back in their hometown, or nearby. It would have helped me save money. My placement was very far away and I spent a lot of money on gas. I love BGSU and I think that they have a great teacher prep program.” -Student at Bowling Green State University

Student Review: “My experience at Bowling Green State University to obtain my Masters in Education was a great experience. The instructors were knowledgeable and spoke from a position of experience. They had actually been teachers outside of college and had great insight into the world of academics. I was able to go back to school as a non-traditional student and felt right at home with other students in the same field of study. One aspect that I would have liked to see changed with the completion of the edTPA. I had to complete it twice, once for practice and once to send in and pay $400 to have it graded. The school was trying to prepare us for the possibility the state of Ohio would require this when we actually became teachers; however, they never did. I thought completing it twice was a waste of my time and money for something that never ended up happening.” -Student at Bowling Green State University

Cedarville University
251 N Main St
Cedarville, OH 45314
(937) 766-2211
https://www.cedarville.edu/

Student Review: “Cedarville University has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. They force their students to test their limits and reach their full potential. I always felt that I was getting the best education, and my professors were all very knowledgeable and devoted to our success. They made themselves available to all their students, going out of their way to make sure we did the very best we could. My grievances against them are few; the largest problem I have with them is the way they represent their financial aid program. They advertise what wonderful financial aid they have, but you have to keep a 3.7 or higher to keep even $3000 scholarships. Needless to say, in a school that averages about $25000 per year, it’s not enough. You will be paying off loans for a long time if you go here. But with the excellence and the discipline and the experience you will gain there, it is well worth it.” -Ally M., student at Cedarville University

Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 687-2000
https://www.csuohio.edu/

Student Review: “Cleveland State is now a much smaller and more involved school than when I started. When I began I felt lost and the advising staff was not terribly helpful. However, my professors helped me stay on track for the remainder of my time attending Cleveland State. The guidance and experience I received while taking my courses was higher than I could have ever expected – both within the education and history departments. I was able to learn about Cleveland’s history while connecting that history through a global community. I shared these ideas and lessons through my student teaching experience in both inner city and suburban schools. My only regret is that I left the university before it could blossom into what it is about to become. It has grown as a community, campus, and school into something I hardly recognize and I’m proud of what I have.” -Student at Cleveland State University

Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 283-3771
https://franciscan.edu/

Student Review: “The Education program at Franciscan University of Steubenville was hit or miss. I’d say 70% of the education-focused classes were top notch: the professors were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their profession, the course work was challenging on both an academic and self-questioning level, and I was able to leave the class feeling more prepared for the world of teaching. On the other hand, 30% of the classes had professors who were there for the paycheck and did not seem to have a firm grasp on how to run a classroom (much less how to teach how to run a classroom). These were classes like children’s lit. and similar “easy” classes. The student teaching setup was unorganized, but once the semester was in full swing, it was probably the most useful aspect of the program. Overall, I give the program a 3/5. It was decent and I do now have a job in education, but I know there are better programs available.” -Student at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Hiram College
11715 Garfield Rd
Hiram, OH 44234
(330) 569-3211
https://www.hiram.edu/

Student Review: “The education program at Hiram College was first rate. The faculty were helpful and informative. The program had us visit local schools for observations and I found it very enlightening to see the issues that different types of schools dealt with in different socioeconomic situations. Our education classes then had open discussions about educational issues we saw during our observations. These classes were some of the most enlightening that I had in my entire college experience. The faculty supported us through our courses and into student teaching. I am thankful for my experience in the education program and I am a better teacher today because of it.” -Student at Hiram College

Kent State University
800 E Summit St
Kent, OH 44240
(330) 672-3000
https://www.kent.edu/

Student Review: “I really enjoyed my time at Kent State University and I learned a lot in the program. Among the biggest focuses of the Kent State special education program is getting time in the classroom. Very early on, it was a requirement to get in the actual classroom and work alongside accomplished teachers with real students. This was a very hands-on process. In the beginning, there was less interaction required, and it was important to take notes and make observations. As time went on, responsibility grew. In the later years, it was required to be in the classroom multiple days a week. In the final semester of student teaching, I was in the classroom all day, five days a week. The department worked to get us a variety of teaching experiences, from elementary school to high school. I greatly benefitted from being in the classroom as much as possible. In addition, I feel that the great majority of my professors were very well versed in their respective fields. Most of the work assigned had direct implications on my career as a teacher now. Finally, the advising department had it together for the most part and worked to help me progress as quickly as possible.” -Michael M., student at Kent State University

Student Review: “I attended both the Ashtabula Campus extension and the main campus in Kent for 4 years. I was well prepared to present lessons to students in grades k-12. However, my specialty was to be engaged in teaching grades 7-12. The interaction and open discussions between instructors and fellow students were especially helpful in mastering the qualities, skills, and abilities needed to instruct students. Most of my instructors were excellent in providing me with not only the information and facts but also the theory and purpose behind education. As a senior ready to graduate, I was given a few student teaching assignments independently. This provided me with what would become my modus operandi for teaching. How I prepared my lesson plans and the heavy use of visual aids became incorporated in my teaching routine starting at these first solo teaching experiences. The full semester of student teaching that lead to graduation was invaluable in determining what worked best in the classroom for the students and myself. Kent State is recognized as one of the premier schools for teaching teachers how to teach. My experience was a comprehensive one, providing me with all the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful as a health educator.” -Gary S., student at Kent State University

Student Review: “Kent State University was a great experience for me, both academically and socially. My favorite aspect is the campus itself, it is a large sprawling area that has plenty of outdoor areas to study in peace. The campus is beautiful and the professors, at least in my area of study are all very helpful and personable with every student. The university has many nationally respected programs. There are so many student organizations on campus to get involved with. I personally didn’t have time for that many, but you can gain much knowledge and experiences from just these alone. Also, there are many food choices on campus for students living there and commuting; all of these are expensive, but their convenience of being right on campus is very nice.” -Jordan F., student at Kent State University

Student Review: “My experiences at Kent State University surpassed expectations in preparing me for a career in education. I am currently in my fourth year of teaching, and the quality of experiences gained from KSU are still something that I draw from on a daily basis. Not only were professors knowledgeable about craft and pedagogy, but they were passionate about educating future teachers. My student teaching placements were incredible – through them, I was able to interact with and educate students from varying backgrounds. My teacher preparation at Kent State allowed me to challenge myself, but at the same time, provided me with a strong foundation to feel comfortable and supported in my chosen career field.” -Student at Kent State University

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
800 Martinsburg Rd
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 392-6868
https://www.mvnu.edu/

Student Review: “My experience at Mount Vernon was an overwhelmingly positive one. The professors are very approachable and always willing to guide and mentor students entering education. The best thing about the education program is that, as a student, you are placed into a field experience in your first semester and you even teach a bit in your content area! This was great for those students who weren’t sure if they wanted to teach or not because they discovered right away if it was for them. Mount Vernon also boasts a teacher placement rating of near 100%, attributed to the fact that they send out incredibly qualified educators. Their graduates continually display some of the highest Praxis scores within the state of Ohio. The only aspect I would like to see improved is an increase in exposure to alternate assessment scoring and reporting methods.” -Chris M., student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Muskingum College
163 Stormont St
New Concord, OH 43762
(740) 826-8211
https://www.muskingum.edu/

Student Review: “I dislike the general lack of assistance of finding field experience placements for students such as me who cannot drive. This lack of assistance is not fair in a rural area with a teaching program designed to require these field experience hours every semester for Education majors. Also, I feel like the education program itself is unorganized and non-informative in general. The positive things are the Foreign Language education sector which is extremely good, thanks to the World Languages department alone. I do believe my university produces quality teachers because of the plethora of field experience needed, but I do not believe they facilitate fulfilling the requirements well. Also, I would say the program is good at trying to branch out for diversity in a rural area. I like how it focuses on individuals with disabilities and meeting diverse needs.” -Brittany J., student at Muskingum College

Notre Dame College
4545 College Rd
Cleveland, OH 44121
(216) 381-1680
https://www.notredamecollege.edu/

Student Review: “I attended Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Ohio in order to complete a degree in education. Many of the courses provided for this major were offered online and I was able to take great advantage of this to accommodate my personal life. I liked taking courses online because it was convenient, especially for an adult student like me who had a full-time job and a family. The classes were very challenging but I was sometimes unhappy with the way tests and grading were set up. Unfortunately, I feel like the college could have done a better job of connecting students to related employment after their degrees had been earned. However, because of the convenience and flexibility of courses, I would use this method to obtain my degree again.” -Student at Notre Dame College

Oberlin College
70 N Professor St
Oberlin, OH 44074
(440) 775-8411
https://www.oberlin.edu/

Student Review: “The teaching program of my college was spectacular. As I am in a major in Piano Performance at the conservatory of music, I took up Music Pedagogy which is the teaching program in music. From music history, to aural skills, to performance, the program gave me everything I needed to prepare for the area of study. Every week, History class would have one history teacher giving a lecture on a different time period from various perspectives. Aural skills taught me rhythm’s, cadences and phrases, a key tool for teaching. I was put into a college choir where we performed a church symphony of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was amazing. The experience and the education I gained was second to none. I loved every second of it, everybody in charge would make sure that every student understood everything that is going on. The entire course really changed the way I look at music forever. I now approach whatever I do with extra detail, and I focus on things like emotion and conveying feelings. It was life-changing, and I have no regrets whatsoever.” -Charles F., student at Oberlin College

Ohio Dominican University
1216 Sunbury Rd
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 253-2741
https://www.ohiodominican.edu/

Student Review: “Ohio Dominican University is known for having a wonderful education program that prepares their students for work in the professional field. I had multiple site visits with various schools; such as charters, public, private and parochial. These experiences provided me with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I could apply to my future career as an Intervention Specialist. The professors that I worked with were former teachers in various settings and offered sound advice and constructive feedback. All of my advisors and professors made themselves available to discuss any concerns and to answer any questions that we had. They made wonderful suggestions that helped me build an amazing portfolio, such as what certifications to get. I am very satisfied with the education I received while at Ohio Dominican.” -Student at Ohio Dominican University

Ohio State University
190 N Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-6446
https://www.osu.edu/

Student Review: “During my time in the teaching program, I especially enjoyed the opportunities I was given to be inside the classroom and actually practice the art of teaching, not just talking about it in a college classroom. I was able to work with an adult learner to teach basic computer skills. This was my first time really teaching someone something in a formal setting and it made me more at ease when I was eventually put in the classroom because I had experience working one on one with a student. I was also able to experience many different classrooms in three different schools before my student teaching experience which helped me get acclimated to the high school environment again. One thing I like about those three experiences was that each school was different from the other; one being a career-tech school, one being a suburban school, and one being in an urban setting.” -Chase M., student at Ohio State University

Student Review: “Some of the faculty were fantastic, but many others made it a habit to embroil students in inter-departmental conflicts and attempted to pit their own students against one another. There were frequent issues with the distribution of funding to graduate students, with the rules changing every year and some people getting paid less than they were due for teaching certain classes. The students are amazing and will go out of their way to support each other in spite of all this. The effectiveness of the coursework was 50/50, with some classes being incredibly valuable and others completely failing to do what they advertised. Overall, if I could pick again, I would not choose this Education program.” -Student at Ohio State University

Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-1000
https://www.ohio.edu/

Student Review: “I am now a senior at Ohio University. I have taken many different courses and I feel that my education courses will greatly help me in the classroom later in life. During the summer months, I work at a summer camp and I have taken the information I have learned about children and their learning styles into my counselor experience. Many of my professors used to be school teachers, so they were experienced in the field. I have had internships and volunteer hours of working in the classroom with multiple age groups which has helped me determine which age group I would like to work with. Overall I think the teaching program at my university is excellent and will really help me in the real world once I graduate.” -Tana M., student at Ohio University

Student Review: ” The teacher education program at Ohio University adequately prepares you for teaching in an ideal setting, not the politically biased reality that is in most public school settings. As a student at OU, I was fully prepared to create developmentally appropriate lesson plans, plan appropriate activities, and succeed in an ideal setting. I was prepared for interviews and how to obtain a position within a school system. What OU failed to prepare me for was the hoops and on-going political mess that you have to jump through in public education. The crazy expectations placed on beginning teachers by some principals, the lack of supplies to properly do your job, and the everyday struggles to manage a classroom filled with inclusion students – that is not discussed or taught within the education program. Do yourself a favor and elect to take a few classes to help you better teach and accommodate all the IEP/504/etc students who will be in your classroom.” -Student at Ohio University

University of Akron
302 E Buchtel Ave
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111
https://www.uakron.edu/

Student Review: “The University of Akron is a great school with a great commuter atmosphere and professors who are dedicated to your success. The school offers many programs and classes in almost every discipline imaginable, and has almost no prerequisite requirements for any of the classes, allowing a student to take any class he or she deems will benefit his or her education. The professors at the University come from all over the world and are experts in their respective fields; the laboratories in the biology and chemistry building are state of the art and are open during campus hours to all students to conduct research or work on lab projects for classes. The university also has a lot of free activities that students can participate in and famous artists, such as 303 frequently visit the school and give free performances.” -Angad S., student at University of Akron

University of Cincinnati
2624 Clifton Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-6000
https://www.uc.edu/

Student Review: “One of the things that I liked most about the University of Cincinnati is the teachers. In my program, it seems like all of the professors care about the students’ success both inside and outside the classroom. If they understand that you are someone who is quiet and introverted, like me, then they seem to identify that and know the ways to approach the subject with you to help you out. There is a lot to do on campus – clubs, fraternities, stores, restaurants, etc. The dorms are pretty great too; I lived in two of the dorms for two years and loved my experience there.” -Brian J., student at University of Cincinnati

Student Review: “My school setting and the campus were great, with easy access and availability for getting around. However, my education courses could have been much better. We did a lot of our heavy teacher training near the end of the course rather than doing it early on. Many of us agreed that had we done this training in the beginning, we would not have continued with the field. A lot of the classes seemed pointless as well. A lot of focus was put on planning and standards and little focus put on how to actually teach the topics to the students. Now that I’m in the field, I really wish I had lessons like how to teach fractions to students. Overall, I’d say that focusing more on methods and less on bureaucratic requirements would have made a much better experience.” -Student at University of Cincinnati

University of Dayton
300 College Pike
Dayton, OH 45469
(937) 229-1000
https://udayton.edu/

Student Review: “The University of Dayton is an excellent place to study the field of education. There are many dedicated and highly educated instructors in the program. The majority of instructors are very passionate about the field and invested in students as people. The program covers a wide range of topics and focuses heavily on practical experience. Students in the education program will spend time in a real classroom every semester of their time at the university. Students are exposed to multiple classroom and school environments which is very helpful for those who are interested in teaching but are unsure of what type of school they hope to work in. I highly recommend the University for anyone interested in becoming a professional educator.” -Student at University of Dayton

University of Toledo
2801 W Bancroft
Toledo, OH 43606
(419) 530-4636
https://www.utoledo.edu/

Student Review: “In my program I really liked the professors that I had. Nearly all of them were or are teachers and were helpful in developing lesson plans and created a learning environment that wasn’t filled with professors who seemed pompous like in my content courses. My work that was given to me by my professors on the other hand was more of a pain as most of it didn’t help me develop certain kinds of lessons such as how to make my content stretch to all levels or how to develop consistent lesson delivery. Instead it was focused on how to write a lesson which once I left college it was a tool of our trade that I haven’t done once. None of the classes focused on how to create lessons or how to deal with students who are squirrely or how to create the best seating charts. Most of who I am today as a teacher wasn’t developed until my second year in the profession. I did enjoy that I was made to take 3 different teaching experiences which many of my colleges are other universities did not do. This was helpful in interacting with many different people in the profession and different students.” -Student at University of Toledo

Youngstown State University
1 University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
(330) 941-3000
https://ysu.edu/

Student Review: “As a senior entering my final semester, I can say that I have enjoyed my time in the Beeghly College of Education at Youngstown State University. A majority of the professors genuinely have the students best interest in mind. The coursework is designed to help students learn strategies and how to implement them in a classroom. From the very first education course, I was placed in the field where I could apply what I was learning in my own classes. As I advanced in my coursework, I went through preclinicals, where YSU students spend three days in the field and two days on campus. This was the best learning experience, as I feel confident entering student teaching. One thing I would improve about the school would be clear communication from advisors to the students, as sometimes poorly worded emails caused confusion.” -Student at Youngstown State 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. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx