10 Easiest Online Elementary Education Degrees

Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is crucial to obtaining teacher licensure. An online program is ideal for busy individuals because of its flexibility. If you want to become an elementary school teacher, you'll need to consider several requirements.

The first step is to enroll in an elementary education degree program. You'll learn about classroom management, gain teaching experience, and understand how to work with children with disabilities. Students generally pursue bachelor's degree programs, but associate degrees are available too.

Many affordable online elementary education degrees are available as well. Keep reading to learn more about the easiest online degree programs for elementary education.

What Makes an Online Elementary Education Degree Easy?

Online elementary education degrees are not necessarily easy, but they are more flexible than in-person programs. In-person programs require students to attend classroom sessions on campus, which requires a commute. Beyond this, several factors make an online elementary education degree easier, such as:

• flexible scheduling
• accelerated programs
• simplified admissions process
• user-friendly technology

The ability to study part-time or full-time while still having hands-on classroom experience opportunities is what makes online bachelor's degree programs ideal. Online students can meet teaching licensure requirements and get real-world training at their own pace.

Learn more: Is an Elementary Education Degree Easy?

Easiest Elementary Education Degrees Online

Elementary education degrees have varying admission requirements. Enrollment at an online learning institution typically requires having a specific GPA. Also, you should consider tuition and other fees as higher education can be expensive, even online.

Each school has its own in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Thankfully, financial aid options are available to get your teaching career started. Fill out the FAFSA early to maximize your benefits package. Below are some great online elementary education degree programs.

1. Walden University � BS in Elementary Education

Walden University has an online Bachelor of Science in elementary education that includes teacher licensure. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits this program.

Students studying this degree can apply for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship to help cover tuition expenses. Online courses here include:

• Exploring Dimensions of Literacy K-6
• Integrating Content and Technology to Enhance Learning
• Child Development, Motivation, and Learning
• Effective Practices: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment

2. University of Phoenix � BS in Elementary Education

The University of Phoenix provides a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, enabling students to accelerate their degree by utilizing transfer credits. This program helps future teachers to finish their general education courses and learn soft skills.

This teaching degree's curriculum also includes core and elective courses to provide a well-rounded education to students. Some of these courses include:

• Structured English Immersion
• Elementary Methods: Reading/Language Arts
• Elementary Methods: Social Studies
• Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties

3. Liberty University � BEd in Elementary Education

Liberty University provides a Bachelor of Education in elementary education accredited by the CAEP. This online degree program includes licensed teaching preparation for aspiring educators of young children.

The university strives to deliver well-rounded teacher education through a Christian perspective. Courses here include:

• Introduction to Education and Classroom Technologies
• Teaching Reading to Diverse Learners
• Behavior and Individual Differences
• Elementary School Curriculum

4. Saint Leo University � BA in Elementary Education

Saint Leo University presents a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education where students participate in supervised internships alongside required coursework. Through these internships, students gather over 800 clinical experience hours.

This program helps students to gain teaching certification in Florida. Some courses learners can expect to take are:

• Reading Foundations in the Elementary Classroom
• Educational Management and Organization
• Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom
• Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom

5. Arkansas State University � BS in Elementary Education

Arkansas State University has a Bachelor of Science in education in elementary education online program focusing on evidence-based methodology. This program teaches students in-demand skills such as special education, lesson planning, and curriculum development.

The program typically takes 125 credit hours of study, but 90 hours can come from transfer credits. Courses here include:

• Effective Assessment in Elementary Grades
• Children's Literature in Elementary Grades
• Classroom Management for Elementary Grades
• Behavior Guidance and Management

6. Southern Illinois University � BS in Elementary Education

Southern Illinois University provides a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, leading to the State of Illinois Professional Educator's License (PEL) with an endorsement in elementary education. This PEL allows teachers to teach in private and public schools.

Students may choose from the on-campus, off-campus, and online pathways. Courses students should expect to take include:

• Reflective Instructional Practices
• Advanced Methods of Instruction
• Child Family & Community Engagement
• Instruction & Assessment Adolescent Literacy

7. Lynn University � Bachelor's in Elementary Education

Lynn University offers a bachelor's in elementary education that prepares students for licensure in Florida. This degree program can be completed online or in a hybrid format with onsite classroom meetings for hands-on experiences.

Students will learn about educational fundamentals and how to be an authority in the classroom. Courses here include:

• Cross-Cultural Communications
• Sheltered Content Instruction for English Language Learners
• Second Language and Literacy Development for English Language Learners
• Literacy in the Intermediate Grades

8. University of Wisconsin, Superior � BS in Elementary Education

The University of Wisconsin, Superior, has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education that requires an instruction minor. Students of this program will gain real-world experience in local classrooms, in addition to their coursework.

This online degree program aligns with the state licensure requirements for Wisconsin. Some courses here include:

• Essentials of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers
• Teaching Elementary/Middle School Mathematics
• Physical Education Methods/Curriculum for Classroom Teachers
• Health Methods/Curriculum for Classroom Teachers

9. Colorado Christian University � BA in Elementary Education

Colorado Christian University provides a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education that teaches students how to become educators from a Christian perspective. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies offers this program.

Students will learn to work with English language learners, disabled children, and those with learning needs. Some of the core courses here are:

• Social Studies and Creative Arts Methods
• Math Literacy for Elementary Teachers
• Psychological Foundations of Education
• Classroom and Instruction Management

10. Minnesota State University, Mankato � BS in Elementary Education

Minnesota State University, Mankato, offers a Bachelor of Science in elementary education that combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Paraprofessionals and adults looking for a career change should consider enrolling in this program.

Students can study part-time or full-time and interact with adaptive learning platforms. Courses here include:

• Human Relations in a Multicultural Society
• Understanding the Needs of Individual Students
• Science Teaching and Learning for the Diverse Elementary Classroom
• Field Experience in STEM

How Fast Can I Complete an Online Elementary Education Degree?

Online elementary education degree programs usually take around four years to complete. However, accelerated programs are available to cut that time down a bit. Also, many programs listed above encourage students to use transfer credits from a community college or other institution to lessen the time it takes to complete their degrees.

Learn more: How Fast Can I Become an Elementary School Teacher?

Will an Easier Online Degree Prepare Me for Teaching Certification?

Yes, an online degree will prepare you for teaching certification. Online degrees from accredited institutions are respected and often include pathways to earn a teaching license. Workers benefit from enrolling in an online program because they can earn college credits from the comfort of their homes.