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What Can I Do with a Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education?

You can learn about childhood development and methods for teaching through an online bachelor's degree program in elementary education. This degree is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching elementary school. Graduates with an online bachelor's degree in elementary education can later continue their education with a master's degree to further their career options.

Options with an Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

Most people who get an online bachelor's degree in elementary education want to become kindergarten or elementary school teachers. Those who earn the degree online have the same options as those who don't, because the program curriculum is fundamentally similar.

Important Facts About This Field of Study

Prerequisites Background check required before licensing (most states)
Concentrations Child development, mild/moderate disabilities, behavior management, exceptional students
Online Availability Many schools offer online programs. Be sure the program meets certification requirements for your state.
Possible Careers With a bachelor's degree, popular options are Middle/High School Teacher, Resource Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist.
Continuing Education Annual professional development classes may be required.
Median Salary (2021) $61,350 (for kindergarten and elementary school teachers)*
Job Outlook (2021-2031) 4% (for kindergarten and elementary school teachers)*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Becoming a Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers generally teach no higher grade than fifth. Occasionally, the range extends to seventh grade. In most elementary schools, one teacher teaches many subjects. That's why elementary education bachelor's degree programs have several courses on how to teach each of the major subjects, like science, language arts and mathematics. Students in this age range are going through substantial growth and development, which the degree program also covers.

An online bachelor's degree in elementary education qualifies you to teach in both public and private schools. Licensure is required to become a teacher in public schools, but private institutions set their own rules. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned a median annual wage of $61,350, as of May 2021. Employment for these teachers is expected to increase by 4% from 2021-2031 (www.bls.gov).

Earning a Master of Arts in Elementary Education

Those who earn an online bachelor's degree in elementary education can choose to continue their education and earn a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. If you've already used your bachelor's degree to find a teaching job, pursuing a graduate degree is still possible. Many Master of Elementary Education degree programs are scheduled so as to be accessible to working teachers. This may mean evening, weekend, summer or online classes.

Students in an elementary education master's degree program learn more about social and economic factors in education, child development and the process of learning. Earning the degree can qualify you for further job opportunities because most states require a master's degree for administrative positions such as principal and assistant principal.