Easiest Elementary Education Degree Programs & Colleges

Elementary education is a field that could lead to many career opportunities, but it can be hard to pick the right degree. The easiest elementary education degrees are at the associate level.

There are many different career opportunities in the field of elementary education. There are also many different kinds of degrees students can pursue, such as:

There are also several different levels of each degree.

For students who are looking for an easier degree that they can complete and quickly move into the workforce, there are a few options. The easiest elementary education program is an associate degree. Here we will explore some elementary education degrees at the associate and bachelor level.

Easiest Elementary Education Degrees

The easiest elementary education degrees would certainly be associate degrees in elementary education. While the material itself may not be easier or harder, they require fewer courses and take less time to complete. This makes it easier to move on from school and into the job market.

Online Programs for Elementary Education

Another factor that can lead to an easier degree experience is online programs. The course material is the same in online programs, so the work itself will not be easier. However, online programs provide a level of flexibility and convenience that isn't available in on-campus programs.

This allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace in the environment of their choosing, making their journey to graduation more manageable.

Elementary Education Associate Degrees

Here are some associate degree options for those pursuing careers in elementary education.

1. Purdue Global

Out of the many degrees offered at Purdue Global, students have the option to complete an associate degree in early childhood development. This program can be completed online.

The program is designed to give students the necessary skills to work with children at young ages. The age range is birth to eight years old. It also emphasizes working in classrooms and creating learning environments for children.

Another benefit of this program is that the degree can be applied toward completing a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration.

2. Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College is a public institution located in Madison County, Nebraska. The school offers many kinds of associate degrees, as well as many certificate, diploma, and training programs.

There is an online program offered for elementary education. Students enrolled in the program will take general education courses, subject courses, and professional education courses. The program gives students the chance to get hands-on experience in classrooms and work with mentors.

Northeast also facilitates meetings between students and professors at four-year universities to help students prepare to move on to a bachelor's degree.

3. Itawamba Community College

Itawamba Community College has multiple campuses across the state of Mississippi. Among the many online programs that the school offers is an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree.

The fully online program takes two years to complete, and it will highlight for students topics like:

  • Child growth and development
  • Active learning in the classroom
  • Behavioral guidance

The program will qualify graduates to work in a variety of entry-level positions. Some of these positions include assistant teacher, daycare employee, or early education center worker.

Elementary Education Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor's degrees are the next level up for elementary education degrees. These programs usually take about four years. However, if you have already earned an associate degree, you can often complete a bachelor's more quickly.

Explore some bachelor's degrees in the field of elementary education below.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online university based out of Utah. The school has many degrees for students to choose from and currently has a student body of over 150,000 students across the country.

One of their degree programs is a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. The program features entirely online coursework, but students will also have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in classrooms with guidance from experienced teachers.

Along with the degree, graduates will also be able to obtain teaching licensure.

2. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public university with multiple campuses and online programs.

One of their online programs is a bachelor's degree in elementary education. The program prepares graduates to work with students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

This program also features field experience in an elementary school classroom. This can be completed at any accredited elementary school in the U.S., so location will never be a problem for online students.

Careers in Elementary Education

There are many different career paths available to graduates of elementary education programs. Specifically, positions teaching kindergarten and elementary school are projected by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics to remain steady over the next decade. It expects over 100,000 job openings per year in these types of positions alone.

Other work with a degree in elementary education includes positions like librarian, child care center employee or administrator, school counselor, and many more.

Start an Elementary Education Degree Today

Now that you know more about the easiest elementary education degrees, make sure to check out the schools listed above and start your degree today.