Fastest Online Elementary Education Degree Programs 2025

Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education can help students secure teaching roles in public or private elementary schools. These degree programs give students the teaching methods and strategies to create lesson plans, manage classrooms, and more. They often provide student-teaching experiences and guide students through the teacher licensure process.

If you're eager to become an elementary school teacher, you can select from many affordable online elementary education degrees that can help you graduate in less time than traditional four-year degrees. Some schools that offer fast online education degree programs include Clarke University and Winona State University. Below, we'll review the fastest online accelerated bachelor's degrees and discuss the credibility of accelerated degree programs.

How To Find an Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree in Education

Finding an accelerated online bachelor's degree in education requires research. Here are some characteristics to look for when searching for programs:

• Accelerated degree path: Consider programs offering self-paced or shorter courses (e.g., eight-week courses) or competency-based assessments that let you complete your studies faster.
• Transfer credit policies: Look for flexible transfer credit policies that let students bring in half or more of the college credits needed to graduate.
• Prior learning experience: Find online colleges awarding credit hours for prior work experience, training, military experience (DANTES), or CLEP exams that can be applied toward a college degree.
• Intensive study options: Some schools offer intensive study options during which students learn in a short timeframe or carry a larger course load to fast-track their degree.

Fastest Online Elementary Education Degree Programs

Schools nationwide offer great options if you're looking for the fastest online bachelor's degree programs. Here's a look at 10 accelerated elementary education programs.

1. Western Governors University — Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in elementary education from Western Governors University is a degree and certification program for students interested in securing teacher licensure in one of 50 states from Texas to Arizona. The online program offers general courses in biology, information technology, and English.

Core classes cover elementary literacy methods and explain how to create positive learning environments. Clinical and student-teaching experiences are included. With help from transfer credits, you can finish this WGU degree in as few as 36 months.

2. Baker College — Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Baker College offers an accelerated online Bachelor of Science (BS) in elementary education for students who want Michigan licensure to teach preschool through 6th grade. This program is designed for completion in two years and one semester.

Candidates must bring in 33 credit hours of general education coursework. Students learn educational methodologies and pedagogical techniques and get over 200 hours of observation.

3. Concordia University — Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Lower and Upper Elementary Education

Concordia University offers an accelerated BA in lower and upper elementary education for Michigan teacher certification in preschool to sixth grade. This online degree teaches foundational concepts in education and provides practical experience through observation and student teaching. Coursework is delivered in a self-paced format. Enrollees can complete this degree in as few as three years.

4. Winona State University — Bachelor's in Elementary Education (K-6)

Students who enroll in Winona State University's bachelor's in elementary education online degree program build their knowledge of STEM, global studies, and action research. This program seeks students who have completed an associate degree or 60 credits.

After completing 60 credits during the program, students earn their bachelor's degree and become eligible for Minnesota teacher licensure. Clinical experiences are included. The program can be completed in just five semesters.

5. University of South Carolina — Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

The University of South Carolina offers a BA in elementary education that full-time students can complete in as few as two and a half years. This online degree prepares learners to teach children in grades 2 through 6.

Students must have at least 30 credits from a regionally accredited school to enroll. Field experiences, a practicum, and internships are included in this program.

6. Clarke University — Accelerated Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degree

Clarke University's accelerated bachelor's in elementary education is a 100% online program offering flexibility for students who work full-time while completing their studies. Students earn 74 credits via eight-week sessions covering core teaching concepts. This degree includes a reading endorsement.

Enrollees with an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours can earn their degree in 18 months. Students with no college credit can complete their degree in as little as two years.

7. Concordia University Wisconsin — Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

The accelerated BA in elementary education from Concordia University Wisconsin is a flexible online learning program preparing enrollees to earn teacher licensure for kindergarten through ninth grade. Students build their teaching skills through clinical experiences in schools.

This 120-credit degree allows enrollees to transfer up to 84 credits. It also accepts up to six credits from Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Students can complete this program in three or fewer years.

8. George Fox University — Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Teaching

George Fox University offers an online accelerated BS in teaching with flexible start dates that students can complete in as few as 16 months. This program prepares learners to teach preschool through high school in Oregon.

Students who want to teach elementary education can secure licensure in multiple subjects. This degree completion program explores theoretical concepts and offers real-world student teaching experiences.

9. Old Dominion University — Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Old Dominion University offers a BS in elementary education that students can complete in less time. The program is designed for students with some college credit. Learners must complete 30 credits with the school to earn their degrees.

Online courses prepare enrollees to teach students from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The program includes extensive fieldwork and a supervised capstone teaching experience. It leads to Virginia teacher licensure.

10. Drexel University — Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Drexel University offers an online BS in elementary education for students who want to teach pre-k to 4th grade. Graduates can earn elementary or special education certification.

Core courses and electives explore child development, early intervention, remedial instruction, and more. This 180-quarter-credit program is a part-time degree that can be completed in as few as two and a half years.

Are Accelerated Online Degrees as Credible as Traditional Programs?

Yes, accelerated online degree programs can be as credible as traditional on-campus programs. Whether you're interested in studying elementary education, computer science, healthcare, business administration, or another subject area, you can find programs offering top-notch academic experiences — often from faculty members who teach in-person courses.

In addition to bachelor's degrees, you can find accelerated online degrees for students who want to earn a master's degree or complete a doctoral program. The key is finding programs from schools of higher education that have received accreditation.

You can find online colleges offering financial aid, in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students, academic support (e.g., tutoring), and career services. Some online schools and degree programs have high rankings.

After earning an online degree in elementary education, students can look forward to a promising job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 106,000 openings are projected annually for kindergarten and elementary school teachers from 2023 to 2033.

Earn Your Accelerated Online Degree in Elementary Education Today

Begin your journey as an elementary education teacher by exploring the degree programs offered by colleges listed on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to discover how their programs can help you start your teaching career.