10 Best Online Elementary Education Graduate Certificates

If you're interested in becoming an elementary school teacher, you may be wondering about what degree you have to earn and what continual learning options are available to you.

For starters, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education. This degree will ensure you can start teaching. However, you can look into online elementary education graduate certificates to increase your teaching skills and better your career prospects.

You can earn graduate-level certificates in curriculum and instruction, educational technology, special education, and more. These programs give you opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills and pursue additional licensure around your busy schedules.

Top Elementary Education Graduate Certificates

When evaluating online programs, you should ensure the program is accredited by a group like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the U.S. Department of Education. Graduate-level certificates without proper accreditation won't provide you with the same opportunities.

You should also consider enrollment and admission requirements, such as whether there are any on-campus requirements and if the tuition rate changes for in-state and out-of-state students.

We've used this criteria to determine the best 10 online elementary education graduate certificates that we outline below.

1. Eastern New Mexico Univerity

Eastern New Mexico University offers a fully online elementary education alternative licensure certificate. This program includes 21 credit hours and coursework includes reading assignments, discussion boards, and individual work.

The credit hours completed in this program can apply to a Master of Education (M.Ed) in subjects like pedagogy and learning or elementary education. ENMU offers both of these degree programs, allowing students to earn their teaching license and pursue higher education.

2. Arizona State University

The certificate program at Arizona State University provides teacher licensure opportunities for people who have a bachelor's degree in another field and are looking to transition to elementary education (K-8). This teacher certification program is fully online, but there will be real-world placements with different school districts to develop hands-on teaching experience.

3. Appalachian State University

App State offers a part-time elementary education certificate. This fully online program blends synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities, combining scheduled classes and independent study opportunities. Students must hold a bachelor's level non-teaching degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA to be eligible.

4. University of Michigan

The Marshal Family School of Education at the University of Michigan offers a full-time program that goes from June to June, providing learners with student teaching opportunities during the school year. Learners can pursue PK-3 and 3-6 certifications, but there are further specialization options including English as a Second Language and Trauma-Informed Practice.

5. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire offers a variety of certificates for licensed teachers and aspiring teachers. These programs include specialized elementary education courses that include theoretical topics in classroom management, curriculum development, and educational leadership best practices paired with more focused education offerings like language arts and social studies.

6. University of Tennesee

Students at the University of Tennesee can complete an asynchronous certificate in elementary education. The program includes 15 credit hours that include four core courses and an elective. The four courses cover the core elementary subjects math, social studies, reading, and science. Even though the coursework is asynchronous, students must enroll in either the spring or fall semester.

7. University of North Carolina Charlotte

UNC Charlotte offers a graduate certificate designed for aspiring teachers with a non-education bachelor's degree or licensed teachers preparing for a Master of Arts in teaching. All coursework is completed online, but there are in-person student teaching and practicum requirements. Students have access to rolling acceptance deadlines, reflecting the flexibility of this certificate program.

8. University of Phoenix

Online students at the University of Phoenix complete 10 core courses and a student teaching experience to gain hands-on learning. This program can be used to prepare for state licensure, but it isn't available in all states based on individual requirements. This certificate program takes roughly 15 months to complete.

9. University of Missouri�St. Louis

The University of Missouri�St. Louis has an initiative called ''Teach in 12,'' which reflects their commitment to helping students complete their certificate program in 12 months. This program is technically considered a hybrid program, but all coursework and lessons are 100% online. The online in-person requirement will be student teaching and other experiential learning.

10. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a 27-credit graduate certificate in teaching elementary education. This program is 100% online and prepares students to work in high-needs and hard-to-staff schools, especially within the state of Virginia. This program focuses on urban schools, but the courses about teaching practices, educational research, and more are applicable to any school district.

FAQs About Online Master's Programs in Elementary Education With Certificates

Whether you're a licensed teacher looking for additional certification or a bachelor's degree holder looking to change careers, you may have questions about how online certificate programs work. We've answered some questions below to give you more information.

What Is an Online Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education Program?

An online graduate certificate program is designed to be earned after completing an undergraduate degree program. Unlike a master's degree, these certificates usually are more affordable, take less time, and have a more narrow focus.

For example, a master's degree in education will cover a wide range of education-based courses, while a certificate program in elementary education will be tailored to K-8 education and won't discuss high school or higher education practices.

How Much Does an Online Master's in Elementary Education Cost?

The average master's degree costs around $20,500 according to the National Center for Education Statistics, with certificates costing less due to limited credit hours.

These costs can be reduced with financial aid offered by the federal government and individual schools. Students should still submit their FAFSA forms to determine their financial aid eligibility, even for graduate certifications.

What Can I Do With an Online Graduate Certificate for Elementary Education?

An online graduate certificate in elementary education will open the same career pathways as an on-campus version. Students can become elementary or middle school teachers and work in both private and public school settings.

Learners will need to pursue additional certifications or degrees if they want to pursue positions like becoming a principal or other school administrator.