Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education: Courses, Careers & Payment

Are you passionate about shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning? A bachelor's degree in elementary education gives you the opportunity to do just that.

However, earning an elementary education degree online looks a bit different from earning one on campus. Below, we'll explain all you need to know about what this degree entails so that you can feel prepared before starting your career as an elementary education teacher.

What Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education?

An online elementary education degree will teach you the same principles and theories as an in-person degree, but sometimes the application will be different. Instead of visiting classrooms, you'll virtually watch one. Instead of live peer-reviewed teaching practice, you'll record yourself and post it to classroom discussion boards for evaluation.

The course content, which prepares you to become certified teachers for grades K-6, includes child development, teaching methodologies, classroom management, and subject-specific pedagogy. You learn about the psychological and developmental stages of children, explore various instructional strategies, and study how to assess and evaluate student learning.

Remember that earning this degree online does not excuse you from completing a student teaching internship. The internship helps you gain hands-on experience in a real classroom under the supervision of a licensed teacher. Usually, it will last a whole semester.

Once you graduate, you can apply for a state teaching certification which then allows you to start your career teaching in elementary schools.

Online Elementary Education Degree Core Curriculum

The core curriculum of an online elementary education degree provides you with a strong foundation in both general education theory and teaching-specific skills. Although each online program is a bit different, you can expect to take courses that focus on the following key areas:

• Education introduction: an overview of the education system, teaching as a profession, and the roles and responsibilities of teachers
• Child development: studies the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of children from birth through adolescence
• Classroom management: covers strategies for creating and maintaining a positive learning environment, including behavior management techniques
• Educational psychology: explores the psychological principles relevant to teaching and learning, including motivation, learning theories, and student assessment
• Teaching methods: focuses on effective instructional strategies for teaching various subjects, including literacy, math, science, and social studies
• Special education: introduces the principles and practices of teaching students with special needs, including individualized education plans (IEPs) and inclusion strategies

Types of Online Elementary Education Degrees

Online elementary education degrees come in several formats. Understanding these options can help you choose the program that best suits your needs:

• Bachelor of Science in elementary education: focuses on the technical and scientific aspects of teaching, including educational technology and data-driven instruction
• Bachelor of Arts in elementary education: emphasizes a broader liberal arts education alongside teaching-specific coursework, offering a well-rounded educational experience
• Degree completion programs: designed for students who already have an associate degree and can transfer those credits to the program

Online Elementary Education Degree Specializations

Many online elementary education programs offer specializations that allow you to focus on a specific area of teaching. Common specializations include:

• Special education: focuses on teaching students with disabilities, including strategies for inclusive education and individualized instruction
• English as a second language (ESL): prepares educators to teach English to non-native speakers, with an emphasis on language acquisition and cultural awareness
• STEM education: concentrates on teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects at the elementary level, integrating innovative instructional strategies
• Literacy and reading: specializes in developing reading and literacy skills in young children, including methods for teaching phonics, comprehension, and writing

Career Opportunities for an Online Elementary Education Major

Most online elementary educator majors go on to teach at an elementary school. However, there are a few other career opportunities that you can pursue in the education field, especially if you decide to earn a master's degree.

• Elementary school teacher: teaches multiple subjects to children in grades K-6, focusing on foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and science
• Special education teacher: works with students who have a range of disabilities, creating individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting lessons to meet their needs
• Reading specialist: focuses on improving reading and literacy skills in young students, often working in one-on-one or small group settings
• ESL teacher: teaches English to non-native speakers, helping them develop language skills necessary for academic success
• Instructional coordinator: develops and implements curriculum and teaching standards in elementary schools, providing support to teachers and administrators

How To Choose the Right Online Elementary Education Program

Since many universities offer online elementary education programs, here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you pick the one that is right for you.

• Is the program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)?
• Will the course topics be beneficial to my teaching career?
• Does the university offer specializations that I would enjoy focusing on?
• Is the faculty experienced in teaching elementary students?
• Does the university offer student support services?
• Will I be able to complete my student teaching at the school that I choose?
• Is the cost of tuition and fees affordable?

Financial Aid Options for Online Elementary Education Majors

Paying for your online degree in elementary education can be manageable with the right financial aid options. Here's a breakdown of what's available.

Scholarships

Many educational foundations, professional organizations, and universities offer scholarships to education majors. Since scholarships don't have to be repaid, it's always a good idea to apply for as many as you qualify. Research the following scholarships to see if they are available to you:

• Jack Kinnaman Scholarship: $3,500
• Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship: $10,000
• Teachers of Tomorrow Scholarship: up to $6,500
• Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program: varies
• Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers: $8,000 to $10,000
• Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship: up to $5,000
• Boundless Opportunity Scholarship Daniels Fund: up to $5,000

Grants

Once you fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for the Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is for students who have great financial need.

The federal government also offers the TEACH Grant, which gives up to $4,000 per year for students who agree to teach in high-need fields in low-income schools.

Student Loans

Loans are different from grants and scholarships because you will have to pay them back. However, federal loans usually have lower interest rates and have easier repayment plans than private loans.

It's best to use loans as your final option in paying for your elementary education degree.

FAQs About Earning an Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

Have more questions about online elementary education programs? Check out our answers to frequently asked questions below.

Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Worth It?

Yes, a degree in elementary education that you earn online is worth it if you are passionate about teaching and want a flexible path to becoming a certified teacher. The degree equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in a teaching career while not tying you down to attending classes in person.

Are Online Teaching Degrees Legitimate?

Yes, online elementary teaching degrees are legitimate. However, you will want to see if the degree allows you to become licensed in all 50 states or just the state in which the college's campus is located. You may need to take another certification exam to become certified in a state different from the college.

How Much Does an Online Elementary Education Degree Cost?

The cost of an online elementary education degree can vary widely depending on the institution. On average, tuition can cost upwards of $40,000 for the entire program. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help reduce these costs.

Are There Any Free or Affordable Elementary Education Degree Programs Online?

You cannot earn an accredited degree for free, but public universities for in-state students are often much more affordable than private universities. Community college tuition is much cheaper, allowing you to earn your associate degree there and then transfer those credits to a public university to lower costs.

Read more: Online Elementary Education Degrees That Are Affordable

What Skills Will I Gain in an Online Elementary Education Degree Program?

In an online elementary education degree program, you will gain skills in child development, classroom management, instructional strategies, and subject-specific teaching methods. These skills prepare you to effectively teach and support young learners in a variety of educational settings.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Degree in Elementary Education Online?

The time it takes to earn an online degree in elementary education typically depends on your pace and the program's structure. If you don't have any other college credits, then it will take you four years. If you have prior college credits or relevant experience, you may be able to transfer credits and reduce the time required to graduate.