Are Online Elementary Education Degrees Legit?

What To Look for in an Online Elementary Education Degree Program

When deciding on which online elementary education degree program to attend it is beneficial to research the accreditation status, reputation, and graduation rates of the college or university to ensure your degree is legitimate.

Accreditation

One of the most important factors when finding a legitimate online elementary education degree is accreditation. When a school is accredited, it means that the programs meet educational standards and that your degree will be nationally recognized. If you want to continue your education with professional certifications or grad school, you must attend an accredited institution for your undergraduate degree.

Some of the organizations that accredit schools include:

• The New England Commission of Higher Education
• The Higher Learning Commission
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Reputation

A college's reputation can tell you how the school is viewed by past, present, and prospective students.

Schools with a good reputation have:

• support services
• highly trained professors
• high graduation rates
• accredited programs

Graduation Rates

When you are choosing a school, it is a good idea to look at the graduation rate. Graduation rates can indicate the university or college's care and support that they put towards their students' education. When a college has a high graduation rate it means that students are benefiting from their degree programs and are being provided with effective learning resources so that they can succeed.

Differences Between Online Elementary Education Degrees and Traditional Elementary Education Degrees

One of the main differences is that traditional elementary education degrees are completed on-campus with set class times and a strict schedule and online degrees are completed on your own time and at your own pace. The way you communicate with your peers differs as well.

Instead of talking in class, there are often discussion boards where you can collaborate with your classmates and ask your teacher questions. Since online elementary education degrees are more independent, you need to have more time management skills to organize your time and complete assignments without set class times.

Benefits of Earning Your Elementary Education Degree at an Online School

Earning an elementary education degree online has many benefits. By learning remotely, you can choose from a wider variety of schools, helping you find one that best fits your goals. Legitimate online elementary education degrees give you the flexibility to balance your education with your other responsibilities and the convenience of learning at your own pace.

Featured Online Elementary Education Degree Programs

These accredited schools offer online elementary education degree programs that provide students with a quality and legitimate educational experience.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University's accredited Bachelor of Arts (BA) in elementary education prepares students for teacher licensure in any state. Their program offers the flexibility to complete the program at your own pace and some students finish in three years or less. They are recognized and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

2. Liberty University

Liberty University, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, offers a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in elementary education. Students can customize their degree experience with a specialization.

The program has five specializations to choose from:

• middle grades mathematics
• middle grades science
• middle grades social studies
• middle grades English
• special education general curriculum K-6

3. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands Bachelor of Science (BS) in elementary education is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Their mission is to prepare graduates to excel in their careers by offering comprehensive classes taught by experienced faculty.

4. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University's bachelor's degree in elementary education prepares students to become teachers in Florida, or any other state by transferring licensure. Throughout the last 10 years, over 60 graduates from Saint Leo's education program have become their school district's 'Teacher of the Year'. The program includes English for speakers of other languages and reading endorsements to further enhance your employment opportunities.

5. Walden University

Walden University has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in elementary education program that is available to students nationwide. This program imitates traditional programs by letting students observe experienced teachers and take part in classroom practice simulations.

Walden offers a wide range of support services to help you succeed:

• student success advisors
• experienced faculty
• field experience coordinators
• certification officers

6. Grand Canyon University

Students can become licensed teachers with Grand Canyon University's online elementary education degree programs. Classes are taught by experienced faculty and the program is designed to prepare students for working in a classroom and advancing their careers.

Students can pick a program emphasis that meets their goals:

• Bachelor of Science in elementary education
• Bachelor of Science in elementary education and special education
• Bachelor of Science in elementary education - English as a second language
• Bachelor of Science in elementary education - STEM
• Bachelor of Science in elementary education - teaching reading

7. Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in elementary education. The program is 100% online and qualifies students to apply for PK-6 teacher licensure in any state, not just Kansas. The professors are readily available to offer real-time feedback and support when you demonstrate what you've learned during your teaching field experience.