The top online Education bachelor’s degrees are flexible and affordable degrees students can earn while they also work and have a family.
Teachers bring a hands-on approach to learning when they walk into a classroom. They teach their students how to understand abstract concepts, find solutions to problems, and develop critical thinking skills.
Teachers help their students to conduct science projects, create lesson plans, teach children in developing who they are individually, and communicate with parents or guardians on the progress of their children. Students in a bachelor’s degree program in education typically will be learning courses for elementary-aged children, teaching children from Kindergarten through sixth grade; however, some school districts may go up to eighth grade.
How We Ranked the Best Online Bachelor’s in Education
The editors at Online Schools Guide found schools offering online Education bachelor’s degrees. Then, based on cost and reputation, we ranked the programs
| School | Program |
|---|---|
| 1. Drexel University | BS in Education |
| 2. University of Illinois Springfield | BA in Elementary Education |
| 3. University of North Carolina at Wilmington | BA in Elementary Education |
| 4. Mayville State University | BS Ed in Elementary Education |
| 5. Mississippi State University | BS in Elementary Education |
| 6. East Carolina University | BS in Elementary Education |
| 7. University of South Carolina | BA in Elementary Education |
| 8. Wichita State University | Bachelor of Arts in Education |
| 9. Western Governors University | BA in Elementary Education |
| 10. LeTourneau University | BS in Interdisciplinary Studies |
1. Drexel University
| Program: BS in Education |
The BS in Education at Drexel University offers a 180-credit hour program that can be completed in four years. The purpose of the degree program is to prepare students in Pre-K through elementary instruction and teach the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective teacher in the classroom. The courses will cover child development, early intervention, math foundations, and language development. Two concentrations are offered to students, special education and early childhood education specializations.
The University’s online elementary teaching degree is among the 150 degrees and certifications provided at the school. Drexel University is a private institution, providing a low student-to-faculty ratio with an affordable tuition cost to most students. The Pennsylvania Department approves the BS in Education at Drexel of Education. In addition, the Coursework in the program meets the state certification preparation standards. Drexel University has been offering accredited online programs since 1996
Program Length: 2.5-4 years, depending on transfer credits. 180 quarter credits are required. 10-term program.
2. University of Illinois Springfield
| Program: BA in Elementary Education |
The University of Illinois in Springfield offers the BA in Elementary Education to students ready to start a career in teaching at the elementary or secondary levels. This program is an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. Students focus on the foundations of American Education, child development, educational psychology, and exceptional childhood courses. Clinical practices are required, and online students should commit to studying for approximately eight to ten hours each week.
The BS in Education course program fulfills the ECCE Engagement Experience requirement. Credit hour requirements at the University of Illinois will include Clinical practice-12, method courses-13, core courses-9, and introductory courses-12-15. To graduate from the program, students must meet the entrance requirements. In addition, they must fulfill the same sequence of courses as the candidates seeking the Elementary Major or the Secondary Minor. Finally, students need to hold a GPA of 2.75 on all coursework to graduate.
Program Length: Clinical practice 12, method courses 13, core courses 9, introductory courses 12-15; total credits 46-49.
3. University of North Carolina at Wilmington
| Program: BA in Elementary Education |
The University of North Carolina offers students an online BA in Elementary Education, designed explicitly for distance learning. The undergraduate program prepares future teachers to teach the love of learning to Kindergarten children up to sixth grade. The BS in Education provides students with leading a wide range of subjects, integrating field experience, and offering several concentrations to advance their education skills and knowledge.
Concentrations include behavioral studies, English as a Second Language (ESL), early childhood, fine arts, international studies, language arts, math and technology, science and health, and social studies. Are you interested in higher education? The University of North Carolina also offers a master’s in school administration, instructional technology, and education leadership degree options. In addition, the university’s Onslow Extension Site offers many opportunities to working adults, single-parent homes, and military students and families by providing online programs.
Program length: 120 credits
4. Mayville State University
| Program: BS Ed in Elementary Education |
The BS Ed in Elementary Education at Mayville State University offers an excellent and comprehensive program for students striving to become exceptional teachers. The program provides flexibility and affordability in the course load by providing evening and online options. In addition, some courses are available through IVN (the Interactive Video Network). This option is a great advantage for online working adults and students who need a flexible schedule. Specializations are also available, including reading, special education, and early childhood.
Mayville’s BS program has accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is among the best bachelor in elementary education online programs in the state. In addition, the university requires that prospective students in the program provide college transcripts from other accredited institutions, complete and clear a full background check, pass the necessary state-specific entrance exams, and meet the required GPA. As a result, Mayville State University is among the most affordable online colleges.
Program length: 123 credits
5. Mississippi State University
| Program: BS in Elementary Education (concentrations in Early Childhood or Middle School) |
The BS in Elementary Education at Mississippi State University offers an online option with courses concentrated in early childhood education. The program is designed for future teachers that have a desire to teach both elementary and middle-school-aged curriculums. This BS in elementary education program is available for either fall or spring enrollment, with some core courses taken during the summer.
This education degree allows the student some flexibility in scheduling their classes as well. In addition, students will be introduced to teaching internships as they approach the last year of their studies in the bs in education degree; the field experience will be taken in their local elementary or middle school district. Although the program is online, as a graduate of the program, you can only be licensed to teach within the state of Mississippi. Additionally, the program has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The accreditation is awarded toward the bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
Program length: Field Experiences: depending on blocks (grade concentration) for example, 20 hours =K-3rd, 45 hrs.=4th-8th, 120 hrs.=2nd-8th.
6. East Carolina University
| Program: BS in Elementary Education |
The East Carolina University’s Bachelors of Science (BS) in Elementary Education degree offers future teachers an affordable, online degree option. This program is part of Partnership Teach from the ECU College of Education. Many students of the program transfer from the local community college to complete their four-year degree at ECU in less than two years. The University provides concentration opportunities within the BS in Education program. The four concentrations consist of elementary education, middle grades education, and special education.
The BS in Elementary Education program is one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the state of North Carolina. East Carolina provides small student-to-faculty ratios and a reduced tuition cost compared to other private or public universities in North Carolina. To complete the program students need to take up to ten semester hours per term with summer classes as well. Scholarship options are available.
Program Length: 120 credits, including 28 professional studies
7. University of South Carolina
| Program: BA in Elementary Education |
University of South Carolina’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education prepares future teachers for careers instructing children from grades two to six. The curriculum teaches educators how to engage children in exploration, learning, and analyzing information through data instruction. Courses in this program combine both online learnings with field and clinical experiences.
Several start dates are available, providing flexible schedules for prospective students. Additionally, the program requires that students finish thirty-six hours of coursework before applying to the degree program. The online BA in Elementary Education at Palmetto College is issued by USC Columbia. Required courses include Issues and Trends in Teaching and Learning, Schools in Communities, Introduction to Exceptional Children, and Seminar on Teaching. USC’s online elementary teaching degree is one of the best online programs.
Program Length: two and a half to three years, 120-126 credit hours. Online required credits: 62 hours; GPA requirement: 2.5 to enter, 2.75 needed before progression into upper-level courses.
8. Wichita State University
| Program: Bachelor of Arts in Education |
Wichita State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Education offers two concentration options. Students can choose either early childhood education or elementary education. Early childhood education is for undergraduates that plan to teach birth-third grade, and elementary education will cover grades K – Sixth. The undergraduate program provides an online curriculum that engages students in an integrated outline of coursework designed to prepare graduates for positive career outcomes and advancement in the field of teaching.
The BA in Education program provides outstanding student support, leadership opportunities, and a generous transfer credit acceptance at an affordable tuition rate. The entire program is 120 credits, and most students complete it in three years or less. WSU offers over 200 programs in various fields that allow students to pursue progressive careers. All undergraduates in the program will be eligible for the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
9. Western Governors University
| Program: BA in Elementary Education |
The BA in Elementary Education at Western Governors University offers an accredited teaching degree for passionate educators who want to make a difference in the lives of young minds. The program includes forty courses that will touch on the foundations of teaching, diversity in the classroom, and effective teaching methods. WGU’s education program also prepares students with demonstration teaching; a twelve to twenty-week course with an in-classroom experience with a supervised and experienced teacher. Preclinical courses are also included.
Once graduated, students with a BA in Elementary Education will meet the licensure requirements in all fifty states. The total credits of the program are 120, with 28 transferrable credits. The BS in Education degree is accredited by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). WGU makes the education degree convenient, flexible, and affordable to most students, allowing them to complete the full program within three years.
Program Length: 36 months, 120 credits
10. LeTourneau University
| Program: BS in Interdisciplinary Studies |
LeTourneau University’s BS in Interdisciplinary Studies program provides students with a two-option degree; the Early Childhood-6th Grade program and the 4th-8th Grade program. The online program is made up of sixty credits and prepares future teachers for the Texas teacher certification. Students at LeTourneau University will gain field experience from the start of their freshman year and throughout their college experience. For the student taking the 4th-8th grade program option, the student must choose from three concentrations: math/science, language arts/social studies, or the 4th-8th grade generalist.
Courses in the program may include Teaching the Middle School Student, Applications of Technology, Planning and Assessment, and Human Growth and Development. Letourneau University is a bible-based school with a goal to impact the world every day by providing hands-on learning through small classroom settings and highly qualified instructors. The school’s main focus is working to build stronger communities.
Program Length: 122 total credits, with 60 core courses.
Which Bachelor’s Degree is Best for Teaching?
What should I study if I want to be a teacher? Deciding to become an elementary teacher provides several career paths with a BS or BA in Education. Graduates can find work in either elementary, intermediate, or middle school facilities with the degree.
Choosing an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education
However, there are other possibilities than just the school system. Childcare counselors, special education teachers, family social workers, and preschool teachers are also options for graduates with a BA or BS education degree. Some career degrees may require more advanced training or education. Field experience or an internship is most often part of the elementary education degree program.
Job Outlook Teachers with an Education Degree
Earning an online Bachelor’s in Education degree opens many career opportunities. All states do require at least a BS or BA in elementary education, meet the minimum requirement of the state’s GPA, and pass a background check. Having a teacher certification is also required in most states.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of teaching positions in the United States will grow by 4 from 2021 to 2031. For those who have the heart to teach, the patience to understand, and the ability to engage young children, then earning an education degree is for you.
Salary Outlook Teachers with an Online Education Degree
The job market for elementary education teachers has increased over the past decade. According to the May 2021 BLS information, the median wage is now $61,350 annually. However, the salary increases with graduates that have added a concentration or specialty to the existing BS or BA education degree.
For example, becoming a special education teacher may raise your annual wage by as much as $60,000 annually. Additionally, the BLS reports private school salaries for elementary or secondary teachers are slightly less than local or public schools.
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