Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor's Degrees

Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Elementary Education

There are several different kinds of online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education available, including degree completion programs. Some of the best programs may offer various endorsements, provide a variety of hands-on learning experiences, have available scholarship opportunities, and/or include other unique features, such as faith-based learning or service-learning. Explore a handful of the top online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education in more detail here.

1. Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers an online bachelor's degree program in elementary education that allows students to complete all their coursework fully online and their field experience at an elementary school near them. Graduates of the program are eligible for their Initial Teaching License in Kansas that qualifies them to teach grades Kindergarten (K) through 6th. Students in the program receive feedback on their teaching skills by taking video of their teaching and having faculty members review it. The last 4 semesters of the program are called the Professional Education Component, and it is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

2. East Carolina University

East Carolina University offers a unique bachelor's degree completion program called Partnership Teach that is completed online. Students take their first 2 years of courses at any community college in the state and then complete an online program in elementary education or another area of education. Students who are committed to teaching in their local areas in the state can become a Partner Teach Fellow and receive a $10,000 scholarship. The program culminates in a full-time internship experience in a public school classroom.

3. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi has a unique online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education program that is specifically designed for teacher assistants in the state of Mississippi. The Teacher Assistant Program (TAP) allows teacher assistants to continue working as they earn their degree, and graduates are eligible for certification for teaching K through 6. Students in the program also leave with a reading endorsement and may choose to pursue additional endorsements in areas like English, science, math K through 12, or social studies.

4. The Baptist College of Florida

The Baptist College of Florida provides an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education that totals 124 hours. Students in the program must complete general education courses, Biblical/theological foundations courses, and education courses. The program concludes with 2 internship experiences. The first internship experience gives students hands-on experience teaching language arts, social studies, math, science, and more at local elementary schools, while the final internship is an education internship and reading practicum.

5. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an online BS in Elementary Education that totals 120 credits. The program offers small class sizes, includes a variety of hands-on learning experiences in the classroom, and incorporates service-learning opportunities. Students in the program must complete 72 hours of observation and participation, as well as a student teaching experience.

All statistics provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition based on 2018-2019 school year.

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Overview of Online Degree Programs in Elementary Education

Online degree programs in elementary education are fairly common at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These degree and certificate programs are designed to train students how to teach young children, as well as equip them with the necessary planning, research, and problem-solving skills needed in the field. Depending on the program, many of these degrees can qualify students for licensure or certification to teach elementary school in their state.

Although these degree programs are available in online formats, many programs include important hands-on learning inside of a classroom for real-world experience. These experiences can typically be completed in a students' local area and help give students the practice they need interacting with students prior to managing their own classroom. Some of these degree programs may also allow students to further focus their studies in a particular subject area, and graduate-level programs begin focusing on educational theories and research in the field. Compare the different levels of online degree programs in elementary education below.

Online Associate Degrees in Elementary Education

Online associate's degree programs are available in education and elementary education, usually as Associate of Arts (AA) degrees. These programs can be completed fully online but are typically non-licensure programs and do not prepare students for licensure or certification as elementary teachers. However, these general programs can be useful for students interested in pursuing additional education in areas like special education, secondary education, and rehabilitation. They can also help prepare students for entry-level careers as tutors, preschool teachers, and/or homeschool teachers. Designed to help students jumpstart their teaching education and provide basic skills in education, these programs can be completed in as little as 1.5 years and may require a minimum of 60 credits.

Students in online associate's degree programs in elementary education usually complete their general education requirements, which may allow them to easily transfer to a 4-year institution and continue their education. Students also take core education courses in topics like multicultural education, math concepts for teachers, computer literacy, classroom management, and more.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Elementary Education

Online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education are usually offered as Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees. These programs are typically available in hybrid formats where most or all of the coursework can be completed online, but students are required to complete observations and/or teaching experiences in a real elementary classroom. Most of these degree programs require at least 120 credits and help qualify students to take their state licensure/certification exams to teach K through 6th grade after graduation.

Since elementary schools usually include multiple grade levels, students in these degree programs are exposed to teaching methods for children of various ages in multiple subjects. Some of these degree programs may offer additional endorsement options, which allows students to specialize in a particular subject area, such as math, science, social studies, or English.

Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education

At the master's level, students can choose from several different types of master's programs in elementary education, including a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Arts (MA) in the field or an MA in Education or Master of Education (MEd) with a concentration in elementary education. These programs may lead to teaching certification or licensure in the subject and are designed for new and experienced teachers to help further their education and skills with instructional methods and educational research.

Online master's programs in education may require between 30 and 36 credits, and some may allow students to complete the program in as little as 18 months. Students take courses in instructional planning, elementary education methods, research, and evaluation. Some programs may allow students to choose a specialty option in a particular subject, such as science, literacy, mathematics, and more. Learners may also be required to complete hands-on practicum experiences to apply their knowledge to a real-world classroom.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Elementary Education

While Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in elementary education are typically available on campus, some Doctor of Education (EdD) programs in education or elementary education are available in online formats or offer some online coursework. These degree programs are ideal for both students wishing to work in academia at the collegiate level and students wishing to work as educational specialists, administrators, and other educational leaders. Some online EdD programs in education may offer various specializations, such as early childhood education or P-20 education as a self-designed specialization.

Coursework for doctoral degree programs in elementary education usually requires around 90 credits. Curriculum for these programs typically include hands-on field experiences with clinicals or laboratories, research, and/or college-level teaching. Students are also usually responsible for completing a dissertation and/or attending doctoral seminar courses. Other coursework is highly customizable based on students' interests and area(s) of focus, but students commonly take multiple research courses in education.

Online Certificates in Elementary Education

Online certificate programs in elementary education are typically available at the graduate level for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. It is fairly common for some states to use these certificate programs as an alternative route to licensure for teachers. For example, in Pennsylvania students can complete an online Graduate PA Intern Teaching Certification to become certified to teach grades P through 4th, while individuals in North Carolina who have a bachelor's in a field outside of education can complete an online Graduate Certificate in Teaching: Elementary Education to be eligible to sit for their teaching license exam.

Usually, these certificate programs are shorter in length than degree programs and may only require between 15 and 21 credits of coursework. Some of these programs can be completed in as little as 9 to 16 months. Learners in these programs may be required to complete some face-to-face work through student teaching and/or other field experiences, but these can take place at a school in their local area.

Elementary Education Specializations/Concentrations

Elementary education is sometimes utilized as its own concentration, such as an MEd with a concentration in elementary education, but some degree programs, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, offer students additional areas of specialization. Many of these specializations are available for online students in the field. Some of the most common concentration areas include the main subject areas in teaching, like mathematics, science, social studies, and English. These subjects may also be offered as endorsement options to add to a students' licensure. Other areas of concentration at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels may include:

• PreK through 4
• Special education
• Elementary curriculum
• Literacy education
• Bilingual generalist
• ESL (English as a Second Language) supplemental

Common Courses for Online Programs in Elementary Education

Like most bachelor's degree programs, online programs in elementary education require students to take some general education courses. However, students in degree completion programs may be able to jump right into their education courses. Education courses are commonly divided into pre-professional education courses that focus on theories and methods as well as professional education courses that may be split up into blocks and start to include hands-on teaching experiences. Common courses for online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education may include topics in:

• Educational technology
• Classroom management
• Literacy
• Classroom assessment
• Educational psychology
• Teaching methods for core subjects (science, math, etc)

Practical Requirements for Elementary Education

Most, if not all, online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education require some hands-on, in-person experience due to the hands-on nature of teaching. This experience is designed to give students the opportunity to observe an experienced teacher and then apply their knowledge as they gain experience teaching lessons in a real classroom under supervision.

The structure of these practical requirements varies by school, but commonly includes times of observation and practical experience. Some programs may require as much as 72 hours of observation and participation. Typically, during their final year of the program, students are required to complete a longer internship experience that may be a full-time, year-long internship, depending on the program. These final experiences may also be called student teaching programs, which are usually required for earning a license or certification in education.

Online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education usually allow students to complete these practical requirements in an approved elementary school near their location. However, most of the time these schools need to be in the same state as the institution offering the program, as most education programs qualify students for state certification.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education?

While traditional bachelor's degree programs in elementary education typically take 4 years to complete, online programs in the field can often be completed slightly faster. Many factors come in to play with how quickly or slowly an online student can finish the degree, including transfer credit, length of courses, full-time vs. part-time formats, and personal scheduling needs. Some online programs in elementary education allow students to finish in as little as 2.5 years. There are also several online programs that allow their students complete the degree in 3 to 3.5 years. However, students who may need to work at a slower pace may have up to 5 years to complete their degree.

How to Choose an Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

There are many different online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education to choose from, and students need to consider several different factors. For practical purposes, students should consider enrolling in a program that is located in the state in which they live and/or in which they wish to teach. This is because education programs typically prepare students for state certification/licensure in the state in which they are taught and usually require practical experiences to be completed in a school in the state.

The format of the program is another factor to consider, as some programs require more in-person work than others. There are also some programs that are specifically designed for working professionals, such as teacher assistants, and allow students to use their workplace for practical experiences. Some students may also wish to look for a program that offers additional endorsements in particular areas to help them be competitive and/or specialize in a particular subject area. Students should consider their level of time commitment, career goals, and lifestyle when choosing an online program.

Another practical factor to consider for online students is the required technology for the program. Although these requirements vary by school, some programs may require online students to have a specific operating system and/or additional equipment, such as a microphone, printer, webcam, and scanner. Below, we discuss a few more considerations for choosing an online elementary education program in more detail.

Accreditation

To ensure that the online program of their choosing is of the highest academic quality, students should look for an elementary education program that is accredited. Usually, institutions are accredited by an accreditation body, and then some specific programs may also have accreditation. Although higher-level accreditation for the institution is good, students in elementary education may want to look for an education program that is accredited by a teaching organization.

Some programs may have accreditation specifically for education at the national level and/or state level. At the national level, programs may be accredited by organizations like the NCATE or the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation. Some education programs may then have additional accreditation or approval from its state department of education, which may indicate to students that the program helps prepare graduates for the specific teaching requirements for the state.

Licensure/Certification for Elementary Teachers

In addition to holding a bachelor's degree, all teachers who teach in a public school must have a license or be certified in the grade level they teach. For kindergarten and elementary school teachers, this means being certified K through 6th grade. Licensure or certification requirements vary by state. In general, after earning their bachelor's degree students must complete a student teaching program (usually included in their bachelor's program), complete a background check, and pass a teaching certification exam. Depending on the state, teachers may need to complete professional development experiences to maintain their license and/or may be required to earn their master's degree.

Some states may also offer alternative pathways to certification for those wishing to become teachers but do not have an undergraduate degree in education. These alternative certification programs usually require students to teach under an experienced teacher and/or take coursework in education.

Elementary Teacher Career Information

While graduates of elementary education programs can go on to work in jobs with titles like curriculum specialist, community education coordinator, or reading interventionist, many graduates pursue a career as a kindergarten and elementary school teacher. These teachers usually work full-time in a classroom setting, but get some scheduled breaks throughout the school year and some time off during the summer.

Elementary teachers are usually qualified to teach K through 6th grade working with students from about age 5 to age 11 or 12. This usually requires them to have teaching skills in a variety of subjects, including math, science, English, and social studies. Elementary school teachers are usually required to develop their lesson plans based on required curriculum, as well as create assignments and assessments to evaluate their students' learning progress. Other job duties for an elementary teacher may include:

• Identifying students' strengths and weaknesses
• Communicating issues with parents and/or other teachers
• Monitoring students during free time
• Grading assignments and tests
• Setting and enforcing school/classroom rules
• Working individually with students

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the job outlook for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was 3% for 2018 to 2028, which is slower than the national average. The average salary for these professionals (excluding special education teachers) in 2018, according to the BLS, was $62,200. However, this salary varies by a number of factors, including the state in which students teach. The BLS noted that the top paying states where elementary teachers had the highest average salary in 2018 included New York ($83,010), Massachusetts ($82,600), California ($80,100), District of Columbia ($79,480), and Connecticut ($75,480).

How to Become an Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers in public schools typically need to earn a state teaching license or certification, in addition to having at least a bachelor's degree in the field. Some private school teachers may not be required to hold the same licensure or certification as those in the public-school system. The bachelor's degree for elementary teachers usually needs to be in elementary education, but some students may earn a degree in a content area and/or need to undergo an alternative method to certification. Depending on the state, students may also be required to earn their master's degree after securing a teaching position.

Outside of education and teaching experience, it is important for aspiring elementary school teachers to develop their communication skills. These educators must communicate effectively with their young students, as well as parents and other staff members. Working with young students at various stages of development often requires a great deal of patience. This career can also be physically and emotionally demanding, as elementary school teachers engage with their students through multiple activities throughout the day. Finally, elementary school teachers need to be flexible and quick problem-solvers while using what they have available as they may need to adjust lesson plans to meet students' needs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Availability

Another big factor to consider when choosing any academic program is the cost of attendance and availability of financial aid. Tuition rates differ by school and program, and students should be careful to research the cost of their program of interest. Some online bachelor's degree programs in elementary education can cost more than $400 per credit hour. However, most schools allow online students to qualify for financial aid.

After filling out their FAFSA form, online students may qualify for loans or grants. There are also many schools that accept outside scholarships and/or offer scholarship opportunities to students that vary in amount. Some schools may even offer education-specific scholarships. For example, students at the University of Southern Mississippi can compete for education scholarships like the Amelia Milkent Memorial Elementary Education Scholarship Endowment or Aubrey K. and Ella G. Lucas Education and Human Sciences Endowment. Some states may also offer scholarships to students who intend to stay and teach in the state, such as the Partnership Teach Fellows program from East Carolina University.