Are Online Education Degrees Legitimate?

Students interested in a career in education can choose from plenty of degree options, such as:

• Special education
• Early childhood education
• Educational technology

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that most college graduates with degrees in education become instructors or take on library roles. You'll find online programs that can help you secure your dream job among the many education degrees out there. These programs are usually more convenient and offer flexible schedules that let students learn when and where they choose.

But are online education degrees legit? Yes, online education degrees are legitimate options for students who want education careers. Many online programs are accredited and have great reputations that earn the respect of employers.

Do Employers Respect Online Education Degrees?

Yes, employers do respect education degrees from online programs. However, some of the following factors impact their view of an online program's credibility:

• College or university's accreditation
• Quality of the school's graduates
• Name of the institution awarding the degree

Reputable, accredited schools with impressive graduates are often more respected by employers. Online education programs that help students earn extras like initial teacher certification or licensure might increase credibility.

What To Look For in an Online Education Degree Program

When checking out online education degrees, you'll want to search for programs that match your academic and career goals. Also, learn about each school's accreditation, reputation, graduation rates, and more.

Accreditation

When searching for online education programs, accreditation is important. The schools you consider should be accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Some accrediting bodies for educator preparation programs include:

• Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP)

Reputation

It's a good idea to consider school reputations when choosing programs. In addition to accreditations, look at their rankings from places like U.S. News & World Report. The college or university you consider might be among the best overall schools of education. Or you might discover that a specific program at your school of choice might have a great reputation.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

Should you consider an online education degree from a nonprofit or for-profit school? Understanding their characteristics can help you decide.

Nonprofit schools operate to provide education and other services without financial gain. When earning a nonprofit degree, you might expect the following:

• Lower tuition fees
• More scholarship and financial aid opportunities
• Stronger focus on education and research
• Rigorous admissions process
• More flexible credit transfer policies
• Traditional schedules

For-profit schools generate a profit for owners or shareholders. Here's what you might expect from schools offering for-profit degrees:

• Career-focused programs for non-traditional students
• More online degree programs
• Limited program options compared to nonprofits
• Higher acceptance rates
• Stricter credit transfer policies
• More flexible schedules

Graduation Rates

The goal of tracking graduation rates is to see how well a school creates an environment for students to complete their studies. A school with higher graduation rates typically does the following:

• Appropriately targets student recruitment
• Maintains effective campus communication
• Provides strong advising and instruction
• Offers adequate student support services

The higher a school's graduation rate, the better they typically are at meeting their students' needs.

Differences Between Online Education Degrees and Traditional Education Degrees

Online and traditional education degrees often have several similarities and differences. You might notice similarities in course offerings and the number of credits and field/practical experiences required to earn a degree.

Online education degrees allow students to take most or all courses from any location with an internet connection. Classes could be synchronous (set class days and times) or asynchronous (no set class schedules).

Traditional education degrees require students to meet for classes on campus at scheduled times. Courses are typically not as flexible as those delivered online.

Benefits of Earning Your Education Degree at an Online School

If you're interested in earning an education degree online, there are plenty of reasons to take this route. Here are just a few benefits of earning an online education degree:

• Schedules are flexible
• Students can learn from anywhere
• Coursework is often the same as traditional programs
• Many degrees are accredited
• Some programs lead to licensure

Whether you have a busy personal or work life or your desired program is not within commuting distance, earning a degree from an online school is a great option.

Featured Online Education Degree Programs

This list features accredited schools offering multiple online education degree programs. The perks of these programs include top-notch instruction and great academic reputations.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) delivers nearly a dozen online education bachelor's degree programs for current and prospective teachers. Expert faculty teaches WGU courses. Licensure programs are accredited by CAEP and AAQEP.

The following education degrees are offered online at WGU:

• Elementary Education - B.A.
• Science Education (Middle Grades) - B.S.
• Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure) - B.A.
• Mathematics Education (Secondary) - B.S.
• Educational Studies - B.A.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU's) Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College offers four online education bachelor's degrees and has been ranked among the best schools in the nation for its top education degree offerings.

The following education degrees are offered online at ASU:

• Educational Studies - B.A.E.
• Early Childhood Studies - B.A.S.
• Early Childhood Studies - B.A.E. Educational Studies
• Instructional Design - B.A.E. Educational Studies

3. Walden University

Online education bachelor's degree programs from Walden University are CAEP-accredited and taught by expert P-12 practitioners and thought leaders.

The following education degrees are offered online at Walden:

• Elementary Education - B.S.
• Early Childhood Studies - B.S.

4. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers two online education bachelor's degree programs backed by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and expert instructors with an average of 28 years of experience in education.

The following education degrees are offered online at the University of Phoenix:

• Early Childhood Education - B.S. Education
• Elementary Education - B.S. Education

5. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is home to online education bachelor's degrees with AAQEP accreditation. Dozens of GCU alumni have been recognized in the field of education.

The following education degrees are offered online at GCU:

• Early Childhood Education - B.S.
• Elementary Education - B.S.
• History for Secondary Education - B.A.
• Mathematics for Secondary Education - B.S.
• Educational Studies (Non-Licensure) - B.S.