Best Online Elementary Education Degree Programs 2025

To work as an elementary school teacher, most states require that you hold at least a bachelor's degree in elementary education. You must also complete an approved teacher preparation program and obtain a state teaching license.

Most elementary education degrees are offered in person, but there are several affordable online elementary education degrees to consider as well. Keep reading to discover some of the best online elementary education degree programs for 2025.

Top Online Elementary Education Programs in the U.S.

Online elementary education programs aren't as common as in-person programs, but dozens of colleges and universities in the U.S. offer online bachelor's degrees in elementary education that lead to teacher licensure. Below, we've featured ten of the best online elementary education programs.

Note that all programs listed lead to licensure within that state; you'll need to check your specific state's requirements to ensure the program you choose will qualify you for a teaching license in the state you want to teach.

1. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, MN. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in elementary education that includes coursework on topics like:

• classroom management
• educational psychology
• elementary social studies teaching
• language arts

The program takes three years to complete and includes in-person meetings three times per year. Students conclude with a semester of student teaching, which is done in a public school district near where the student lives.

2. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private college based in Columbia, MO. It offers an online Bachelor of General Studies with elementary education certification that includes education courses like:

• Child Health, Nutrition, and Safety
• Law, Ethics, and Education
• Teaching Language Arts in Middle and Elementary Schools
• Techniques of Teaching

Students also choose between three specializations: social and cultural studies, English/language arts, and math and science. The program concludes with a 12-credit student teaching experience.

3. Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, SD. It offers an on-campus and online program in elementary education that covers topics such as:

• classroom management
• educational technology
• evidence-based reading
• lifespan development

The field experience for this program lasts a full semester and must be done in an approved district. Full-time students have the option to fast-track their program and finish within three years. Additionally, the university offers an elementary special education degree online.

4. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia. It offers an online elementary education bachelor's degree that prepares future teachers to work with preschool through fourth-grade students through courses like:

• Assessment of Young Children
• Creating a Positive Classroom Climate
• Development in Early Childhood Education
• Engaging the Learner

A specialization in special education is also available for those who want to work with students with disabilities or learning disorders. Student teaching is required for this teaching degree, and the university's field office helps students secure their field placements.

5. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public research university in Manhattan, KS. It offers an online bachelor's degree in elementary education that covers topics such as:

• classroom management
• educational psychology
• educational technology
• teaching culturally and linguistically diverse learners

In the final semester, students will complete their hands-on experience in a learning environment. This student teaching can be done at any accredited elementary school near you.

6. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a public research university in Stillwater, OK. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in elementary education. It includes coursework like:

• Applications of Educational Technologies
• Creativity and Critical Thinking in the K12 Classroom
• Educating Exceptional Learners
• Teaching Language Arts in the Elementary and Middle School

The university recommends students earn this online degree through a full-time schedule, but a part-time option is also available. Students complete their student teaching in their final semester at a school near them.

7. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, VA. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in elementary education degree completion program that covers topics such as:

• classroom management
• instructional strategies
• literature for young children
• special education

This program is meant for those who already have an associate degree, but students can bring in up to 90 transfer credits. The final field experience can be done in your area.

8. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College is a public college in St. Petersburg, FL. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in elementary education with courses like:

• Classroom Management and Communication
• Learning Theory and Student Development
• Nature and Needs of Exceptional Students K-12
• Social Studies Content in the Elementary Classroom

This program isn't designed for transfer students but does offer an associate degree transfer plan. Students complete their student teaching wherever they prefer so long as they get the school approved by the College of Education.

9. University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public research university in Wilmington, NC. Its Watson College of Education offers an online Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with ten concentrations, including:

• early childhood education
• language arts
• social studies
• special education

Students must be located within the southeastern region of North Carolina to participate in this program online, as student teaching is done through regional partner schools.

10. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public research university in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It offers an online elementary education degree with courses like:

• Child Development
• Educational Technology
• Learning Environments
• STEM Concepts in the Elementary Classroom

Students are required to fulfill both student teaching and additional field experience. An accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree in education is also available.

FAQs About Online Elementary Education Degree Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online elementary education programs.

Can I Complete Student Teaching Requirements in an Online Elementary Education Program?

Online elementary education programs that double as educator preparation programs will include student teaching requirements. These requirements must be fulfilled in person, and many programs allow you to complete your student teaching at a school near you.

Will an Online Elementary Education Degree Prepare Me for Licensure?

For your online program to lead to teacher certification or licensure, it must double as a teacher preparation program approved by the state or accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

All programs listed above lead to licensure for elementary school teachers. Always check that a program leads to licensure before enrollment.

Can I Get Financial Aid for an Online Elementary Education Program?

There are multiple financial aid options for online elementary education programs, including the federal TEACH Grant, which provides funding for future teachers who agree to teach in an area that services low-income students for at least four years after graduation.

Other financial aid options, like scholarships and the Federal Pell Grant, are available. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to find out what you're eligible for.