Are you considering an elementary education degree online? You’re not alone! Thousands of people earn their degrees every year from online schools. These programs offer the convenience and flexibility of distance learning, allowing you to build the skills you need to be a successful elementary school teacher.
With an online Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, you will learn effective teaching methods and gain valuable internship experience, preparing you for a fulfilling and thriving career in lifelong instruction and learning.
Additionally, an online degree program makes it possible for many adult learners to pursue their dream careers while balancing work and family obligations. If you’re ready to take your first step in becoming an elementary school teacher, finish this whole article, for we will give you an insight into what best universities offer online elementary education degrees.
Selecting the Top Online Elementary Education Degree Program: What to Consider?
Choosing the right university and program can be challenging for high school graduates, especially when it comes to online education. When searching for online schools for elementary education, it’s important to do your research to ensure the program will lead to a career as an elementary school teacher.
To make the best choice, students should keep in mind the following key points when evaluating online schools for elementary education:
Accredited School
Obtaining a teacher’s license necessitates earning a degree from an accredited college or university. To ensure the program’s validity, students can check for accreditation from reputable organizations such as the Department of Education or the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
How are Schools Accredited?
All accrediting institutions hold that schools must have a clearly defined mission to better educate and serve the students. Further, all schools must demonstrate that they have the resources to achieve their mission while showing evidence of its success.
It Prepares for Licensure Exam
All accrediting bodies require that online elementary education courses have a well-defined mission to improve student education and service. Additionally, the courses must demonstrate that they have the necessary resources to achieve this mission and provide evidence of the mission being accomplished.
It Includes Practicum
Excellent colleges for elementary education typically include an internship component, in which students are supervised and evaluated in person.
It Offers Specialization
Not all online schools for elementary education offer specializations, so students should ensure that the school they choose offers the specific area of focus they are interested in.
Top 10 Accredited Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Online
When creating the list of the top 10 online education programs for elementary school teachers, we evaluated various factors. These included the flexibility of the coursework, the duration of the program, the program requirements, and the quality of instruction as determined by the faculty and student-to-teacher ratio.
Additionally, we also considered other notable features that set these schools apart, such as:
- Properly Accredited,
- 100% Online virtual learning format,
- Affordability, with Financial Aid opportunities,
- Offering students ease of access to all coursework and learning materials, as well as online support centers 24/7,
- Programs designed to teach instruction on helping young children to succeed at each educational level,
- Prepares students to become educators in the private and public sectors,
- Offers Specializations in Elementary Education,
- Gain knowledge from seasoned educators who provide instruction in the latest technology utilized in the field of Elementary Education,
- Optional or required teaching practicum in your community,
- Flexibility to transfer credits towards a graduate degree program.
Liberty University
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, is an excellent choice for those seeking an online elementary ed degree. The university boasts a high graduation rate of 43% and is known as one of the largest Christian colleges in the world.
The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program can be completed entirely online, making it ideal for adult and distance learners who want to earn a degree at their own pace. The program is flexible and can be completed in as little as 120 hours.
Additionally, students can choose an optional 5-year licensure route or opt for a 90-hour practicum for hands-on experience.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods College, a private institution known for incorporating Catholicism into its curriculum, is recognized for its exceptional Liberal Arts programs.
The college, which consistently ranks as one of the best regional colleges and top-value schools, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Kindergarten-Grade 6.
This elementary education online program is designed to help students start their journey toward a professional teaching career in Indiana-based schools, and students can choose from a variety of concentrations, such as:
- Mathematics,
- Social and Behavioral Science,
- Reading,
- and Social Studies.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University, located in Salt Lake, Utah, is a great value option for those looking to earn a BA in elementary education online.
It is a private institution that specializes in providing fully online degrees, catering to adult and distance learners. This alternate learning route allows individuals to complete a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education within 18 to 48 months.
Additionally, students with prior learning experience can transfer up to 28 credits and get a head start in the program. Graduates of the program will be prepared to teach children from kindergarten to eighth grade.
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, also known as “Southern Miss,” is a public university in Hattiesburg that has gained national attention for its commitment to providing non-traditional students the opportunity to advance their professional careers.
The university offers online elementary education programs for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education specifically designed for teaching assistants or those who wish to earn this degree while maintaining their current jobs.
Students will have to choose from the following concentrations:
- Mathematics (K-8),
- Social Studies,
- and Foreign Languages,
- and English,
Regis University
Regis University, based in Denver, Colorado, is an institution that integrates its Jesuit heritage into its alternative education offerings. The university offers an online Bachelor’s degree in elementary education program, which includes 120 credit hours.
Upon completion, students will be prepared to teach professionally and have the opportunity to obtain state licensure. Additionally, the university also provides an option for dual licensure (Elementary Education and Special Education) with 132 credit hours for those who are interested.
The program provides flexibility and convenience for those seeking an online bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Baptist College of Florida
The Baptist College of Florida is a private, non-profit institution located in Graceville, Florida, that was initially established to train Baptist ministers. However, it has since expanded to offer degree programs in music, business, counseling, and education.
The college is nationally accredited and also specializes in providing online bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education for working individuals and distance learners.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to teach children in kindergarten to 6th grade in both public and private institutions. The program necessitates that students earn 127 credit hours to graduate.
National University
National University, one of the largest private and non-profit schools in San Diego, is a La Jolla-based institution that provides alternative learning methods for distance learners and working professionals.
The school offers one of the best online elementary education programs, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with Nevada Elementary Licensure, that can be completed entirely online.
This program is ideal for those planning to start a teaching career in Nevada without having to compromise their current job. Graduates of the program have a high likelihood of being offered a position in the Nevada school district. They may also choose to participate in the “Alternative Route to Licensure Program.”
LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University, located in Longview, Texas, offers an outstanding online elementary education degree program for distant learners. This alternative to traditional face-to-face classrooms provides online students with the same rigorous coursework and the necessary skills to excel in their field of expertise.
Graduates of this online program often go on to become educational generalists in kindergarten through fourth grade or fourth through eighth-grade classrooms.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University, a private, Christian-based university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers an elementary education major online for adult learners seeking to advance their careers in teaching.
The fully online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program is designed to prepare students for their initial Arizona teaching license in both elementary and middle schools.
With a focus on creating a professional portfolio, this program serves as an ideal springboard for students aspiring to become entry-level teachers. The coursework for this program runs for 54 hours and includes a student teaching requirement.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an accredited, fully online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree program.
The program can be completed within two years, providing students with the latest teaching trends, insight into schools within communities, and specialized knowledge in their field of concentration.
Why Should I Get My Education Degree Online?
An online bachelor’s degree in education equips students with the essential skills required to assist and enhance children’s learning. Learners can apply their knowledge in the best virtual education programs by creating and delivering lesson plans.
This degree can open up many job opportunities in K-12 education, such as teaching STEM subjects, TESOL, and special education. The education sector is expected to grow 8 percent in job opportunities.
While education may not be considered a major with high financial returns, many choose to pursue teaching as a career for its personal fulfillment and impact on students’ lives.
A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for certification as a teacher in all states, regardless of the grade level one wishes to teach. For those looking to further their education, online masters of primary teaching online or online elementary education certification programs are also available.
What are the typical jobs for Bachelor in Elementary Education graduates?
With the projection of around 1.9 million job openings for preschool to post-secondary school through 2028, many opportunities are available for graduates of a Bachelor of Primary Teaching Online program. The following are potential career paths for graduates with this degree:
- Early Years Teacher
- Learning Mentor
- Community Education Officer
- Youth Worker
- Health Play Specialist
- Further Education Teacher
- Special Education Needs Teacher
- Play Therapist
Aside from the traditional brick-and-mortar school setting, there are other available jobs suitable for graduates of an elementary education degree online program, such as a B.S. or B.A. in Elementary Education.
If graduates decide not to pursue traditional teaching, alternative career paths such as library work, writing and editing, sales of textbooks and instructional materials, and counseling may align with the skills and knowledge gained from this degree.
Choose the Best Accredited Elementary Education Degree Online
Examining a school before enrolling in a program is crucial, considering the time and resources you will be investing. When looking for an online program, such as a master’s in elementary education online or an elementary teaching certificate online, it is important to ensure that the school is nationally or regionally accredited.
Choosing one of the best online schools for elementary education will also give you peace of mind knowing that potential employers will look favorably upon your education and that the institution is recognized. Ultimately, it is important to do your research and choose a school that will provide you with the best education and opportunities for your future career.
