For those who have dreamed of a career in teaching, it may be time to pursue an elementary education degree.
Through an elementary education major, you can learn how to interact with kids, teach age-appropriate lessons, and work within a school system.
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An online degree can provide the necessary knowledge for entering the classroom. You’ll pair your online coursework with in-person teaching so that you can be ready to pursue state licensure and a job in a local school.
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
If you want to spend your career guiding children’s learning, you might look into earning a college degree in elementary education. You could learn to be an effective teacher who makes a lasting difference in students’ lives.
In college, you’ll study curriculum and instructional design. You’ll learn how to manage a classroom, work with school administrators, and communicate with parents. The classes may cover child development, psychology, sociology, and school law as well.
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Elementary school teachers usually teach multiple subjects. They’re responsible for developing children’s academic foundation. During your college program, you might learn how to provide instruction in:
- Math
- Reading
- Science
- Social-emotional development
- Social studies
- Writing
Depending on your career goals, you might also choose to take classes in art, music, foreign language, physical education, or special education. The rules for becoming a teacher in a specialized subject area vary among states.
Student teaching, in which you’ll spend a semester in a local classroom, is an essential part of teacher training. You can watch an experienced teacher work with the students and, eventually, take over many of the teaching responsibilities. Your mentor’s feedback and guidance can help you grow as an educator.
Once you’ve finished your coursework and student teaching, you’ll be ready to graduate. Then, you can take the exam that will qualify you for teaching licensure. You’ll apply for your license through your state board of education.
Your license will specify what grades you’re eligible to teach. In general, elementary school teachers work with kids in first through fifth grade. Many states include kindergarten and sixth grade in this category as well. With this degree and a teaching license, you can qualify to teach in public or private schools.
Your college preparation could also be useful for jobs in childcare centers, libraries, community organizations, or curriculum companies. Further degrees could lead to school administration or counseling jobs.
Common Online Bachelor in Elementary Education Specializations
Online elementary teaching degrees often include the opportunity to specialize in a particular teaching discipline. Common concentrations include:
- English as a Second Language. When you choose to study ESL, you’ll prepare to support students whose native language is not English, and you’ll develop specialized literacy skills.
- Language Arts. In this concentration, you’ll develop your own public speaking, reading, and writing skills so that you can pass those lessons on to students.
- Mathematics. For a specialization in this area, you might take advanced math classes as well as courses in mathematics instructional methods.
- Special Education. You can learn to work with students who have unique learning needs, such as physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, or above-average intellect.
- Student Wellness. To specialize in wellness, you might take courses in fitness education, child nutrition, and social-emotional learning.
Colleges may offer different options than the ones listed here. At some schools, you might be able to choose more than one specialization.
Elementary Education Careers and Salaries
Earning an elementary education bachelors degree online could help prepare you to become a certified teacher. The most common grades for elementary education graduates to teach are kindergarten, early elementary, and upper elementary. In some states, your teaching license might also qualify you to teach middle school.
If you have a special education endorsement on your license, you can work with elementary-age students in the special education department. Elementary education graduates might also transition to teaching younger students. Particularly in private preschools, early childhood certification is not a requirement, so an elementary education bachelor’s degree may more than qualify you for the job.
Working with elementary-age students in a childcare setting could be another option. Some childcare workers provide tutoring or homework help. They also supervise children and plan fun or educational activities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for educational instruction and library occupations is $57,490.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $101,320 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,490 |
| Special Education Teachers — Kindergarten and Elementary School | $62,390 |
| Middle School Teachers | $61,810 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $61,690 |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | $61,660 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | $60,490 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,140 |
| Preschool Teachers | $35,330 |
| Childcare Workers | $28,520 |
A school district’s pay often increases with education and experience. As a certified teacher, you might also qualify for education-related graduate programs. Those could expand your job opportunities.
A master’s degree or a doctorate is usually required for becoming a school counselor. School librarians often have to hold both a teaching license and an advanced degree in librarianship. A masters degree may also help you land a promotion to a teaching position with more responsibility. For example, you might become the head teacher for your department.
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Working as an instructional coordinator for your school or district might be another possibility. School administrators also hold graduate degrees. Some teachers with experience go on to become elementary school principals or district superintendents.
Bachelor of Elementary Education Curriculum & Courses
To earn an elementary education degree online, you’ll take classes about pedagogy and child development. In addition, you’ll study various content areas that are covered in the elementary grades. Here are some course examples:
- Arts and Movement in the Curriculum: This class might equip you with ideas for including age-appropriate art, music, and physical activity in your classroom lessons.
- Classroom Technology: You can explore software and tech to support classroom engagement, facilitate learning, and differentiate instruction for diverse students.
- History of Education: Learning how educational methods have developed throughout history can give you a better understanding of today’s school systems.
- Instructional Design: You’ll learn to assess your students’ needs, plan lessons accordingly, and evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching.
- Learning Theories: You’ll study the frameworks that psychologists use for understanding learning, cognition, and motivation.
- Literacy Development: Understanding how language and literacy skills develop can be useful as you teach children to read and write.
- Math Instruction: You’ll study how kids develop number sense, and you’ll explore methods for teaching math concepts.
- School Systems: This course may cover the role of schools in society, the structures and procedures that schools use, and the programs offered within schools.
- Science and Social Studies Education: By the end of this class, you may be prepared to teach basic topics related to life science, physical science, geography, history, and citizenship.
- Special Populations: As you learn about students who receive special education services, you will also become familiar with the laws governing special education.
One semester of your schooling will likely be spent completing a student teaching experience in a local school.
Admissions Requirements
A college education is essential for aspiring teachers. If your goal is to become an educator, then now may be the time to start applying to colleges.
You might be required to submit:
- Completed application form
- High school transcripts and any previous college transcripts
- Reference letters and an essay to help the college get to know you
- ACT or SAT test scores (not required by all colleges)
There may be a separate process for applying to the teacher education program after receiving admission to the college. Often, this doesn’t happen until a student’s sophomore year.
Accreditation
Regional college accreditation shows that you’re picking a reputable school where you’re likely to receive a good education.
Regional accreditation is important for all college students. Usually, financial aid can only be used at accredited schools. Also, attending an accredited school might qualify you to transfer credits between institutions or apply to grad school.
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Accreditation is particularly important for education students since becoming a teacher requires licensure. Many states only issue licenses to people who hold accredited degrees.
CAEP Accreditation
As you’re looking for online elementary education degrees, you can check out schools that are approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Programmatic accreditation from CAEP signifies that a teaching program meets industry standards. While CAEP accreditation may not be required by your state for licensure, it can still be beneficial. For one thing, you can count on getting an education that will thoroughly prepare you for licensure exams.
Elementary Education Licensure and Certifications
To teach in a public school, you’re typically required to hold a teaching license from your state. Before you can become licensed, it’s necessary to earn a relevant bachelor’s degree, student teach for a semester, and pass an industry exam. Your license may specify what grades or content areas you can teach.
To enhance your resume, you can also pursue certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. You can choose a certification program that aligns with your teaching specialty. Examples include:
- Library Media
- English Language Arts
- Generalist, Early Childhood
Professional certification requires experience, portfolio submissions, and an exam.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial assistance could be a valuable asset for your educational pursuits. As you prepare for college, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You might qualify to receive grants or loans from the federal government. Plus, your state may have similar assistance for you. There might even be grant programs that are just for teaching majors. Some scholarships are also designed to benefit future educators. Your college may also award scholarships to qualifying students.
In addition, there are workplaces that provide student support. Some employers chip in toward their workers’ tuition each semester.
Elementary Education Professional Organizations
Joining one or more professional associations could contribute to your development as an educator. Some organizations offer student rates for those currently in college.
Here are some examples of elementary education professional organizations:
- National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
- National Education Association (NEA)
Your membership might include subscriptions to academic journals, magazines, or email newsletters. Other benefits could include professional discounts, online resources libraries, and discussion board communities. Some groups hold annual conferences or local meetings as well.
What Is an Elementary Education Degree?
An elementary education degree is a college program for people who want to teach students in the early grades. The classes include lessons in teaching math, reading, science, and social studies. You can also learn about classroom techniques, educational psychology, curriculum planning, and school organization.
Many elementary education majors specialize in a certain subject area or teaching style. For example, you might choose to focus on math instruction, special education, or literacy development. Elementary education degrees are typically designed for licensure preparation, so they require participants to spend a semester doing student teaching. Licenses are issued by the state, not the college.
What Can You Do with an Elementary Education Degree?
Most elementary education graduates become kindergarten or elementary school teachers. The salaries for these teachers can range based on a number of factors, including their school district, whether their school is public or private, their geographic location, and their level of experience.
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For those with the proper training, special education jobs can be another option. Other job options for people with this degree include recreation director, tutor, childcare center director, curriculum designer, and educational consultant.
What Grades Can You Teach with an Elementary Education Degree?
The specific grades covered by an elementary education degree vary from state to state. Depending on your state’s rules, your elementary teaching degree and license may allow you to teach:
- Kindergarten
- Elementary grades (first grade through fifth or sixth grade)
- Middle school grades (sixth grade through eighth grade)
You can learn more about the grades included in an elementary teaching license by consulting your state’s board of education. Continued training might qualify you to add additional grade levels to your initial license.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education?
You may be able to earn an online teaching degree in 4 years with full-time enrollment. Some students who attend year-round online schools finish in about 3 years. Short course terms that last 6 to 10 weeks each are helpful for quick degree completion.
Student teaching is one aspect of your schooling that can’t be rushed. You’ll probably spend at least 12 weeks engaged in this experience. For some programs, 16 weeks are required.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Elementary Education Degree Besides Teaching?
Not all elementary education students end up leading private or public school classrooms. Others may choose to pursue a related career, such as the ones listed below:
- Camp or community recreation director
- Curriculum designer
- Daycare director
- Educational consultant
- Museum educator
- Sales representative for textbook, educational software, or school supply companies
- Tutor or academic coach
- Youth social services worker
While an education degree isn’t required for all of these jobs, it may provide you with an advantage during the hiring process.
What’s the Difference Between an Early Childhood Education vs. Elementary Education Online Degree?
As an aspiring teacher of young kids, you could pursue a degree in early childhood education or elementary education.
| Early Childhood Education Degree | Elementary Education Degree |
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The salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The exact grade levels included in early childhood and elementary education vary from state to state.
What’s the Difference Between a BA vs. BS in Elementary Education?
You can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education.
| BA in Elementary Education | BS in Elementary Education |
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Both BA and BS education degrees can lead to teaching licensure.
Is a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor degree in elementary education is worth it for many students. Teachers are an integral part of their communities. As they instruct students in academics and guide their personal development, they contribute to children, families, and society. That can make this is a fulfilling career choice for many.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to increase by 4% over the next ten years. Jobs for special education teachers are projected to grow at the same steady rate.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Elementary Education Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona Christian University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program online. Depending on professional goals, the program offers a selection of a certification or non-certification track.
The curriculum typically teaches topics like educational psychology, human development, classroom management, teaching methods, and curriculum development. The completion of at least 30 credits of major-specific coursework is required.
Arizona Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bay Path University offers a program for a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education. The program aims to help prepare for obtaining a teaching certification. Courses are intended to teach the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers such as elementary school teachers, school administrators, librarians, and teaching assistants.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Brenau University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program online. Potential classes include Introduction to Multicultural Education, Ethical Issues in Education, and Literacy Concepts and Assessment. The program typically offers admission 6 times each year. On average, the 120 required credit hours may be completed in 4 years of full-time study.
Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. The curriculum is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive skill set for teaching math, science, social studies, and language arts, to K to 6 students. The program requires the completion of at least 120 credit hours.
The Chaminade University of Honolulu is accredited by the Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Drexel University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. The program offers both licensure and non-licensure tracks. The curriculum aims to teach key concepts like child development, literacy and math foundations, early interventions, and family and community partnerships. Aside from in-person teaching experiences in the field, coursework is commonly completed fully online.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Classes meet using a blend of online, on-campus, and field internship learning formats. Common courses include Curriculum and Assessment, Instructional Technology for Elementary Teachers, and Teaching Diverse Learners. The program requires the completion of 127 credit hours.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Georgia Southwestern State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education for Paraprofessionals and Career Changers. The program is intended for grads of an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree program in another discipline. Upon completion of general education requirements, 62 major-specific credits are also required. Admissions are typically offered 2 times each year.
Georgia Southwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Courses meet primarily online, but a 15 week teaching experience in the field to prepare for state licensure is required. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours total, and courses usually span 7 weeks each.
Grand Canyon is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kansas State University offers a program for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education for Kindergarten through 6th grade. The curriculum aims to teach key topics in communication, humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, quantitative studies, and pre-professional education. At least 120 credits must be completed.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education program online. Common courses include Instructional Design for Elementary and Middle Classrooms, Behavioral and Individual Differences, and Teaching Reading to Diverse Learners. Classes typically span 8 weeks each, and on average, the 120 required credits are completed in 3.5 years.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lynn University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program online. The program aims to help prepare for entry into careers such as elementary school teacher, academic coordinator, academic coach, ESL teacher, or literacy mentor. The program’s primarily online learning model is complemented by clinical internships that provide hands-on learning in the field. Admissions are typically offered 3 times each year.
Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mayville State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education, with classes taught using a blend of online, synchronous virtual, and on-campus evening formats. Specializations include Reading, Special Education, and Early Childhood. Qualified credit hours earned from other accredited institutions may be accepted for transfer towards graduation degree credit hours.
Mayville State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mississippi State University offers an online program for a BS in Elementary Education, with concentrations in Early Childhood and Middle School populations. Potential courses include Working with Families, Diagnosis and Assessment in Reading Instruction, and Instruction for Exceptional Children. During junior and senior years, on-site field experiences, including a full-time internship at the end of the program, are required.
Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oklahoma State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program online. The curriculum typically teaches concepts like psychological development, children’s literature, mathematics, inquiry-based science education, and classroom management. At least 124 credit hours must be completed while maintaining a 2.75 GPA or higher.
Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. The program seeks to provide cutting edge, developmentally sensitive, culturally aware, and growth-driven teaching skills. The program also requires the completion of extensive field work and a supervised capstone teaching experience.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ottawa University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Common courses include Foundations of Schools in a Diverse Society, Integrating Fine Arts, and Elementary Mathematics Methods. Upon completion of general baccalaureate requirements and major-specific coursework, at least 12 weeks of student teaching and research in the field must be completed.
Ottawa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regis University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program online. The program is designed to help qualify for dual licensure in Elementary and Special Education. Classes are usually 8 weeks long. Up to 81 approved credit hours from accredited outside institutions may be transferred in.
Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Alaska–Southeast offers an online program for a BA in Elementary Education. The curriculum aims to teach human development, differentiated instruction to individual student needs, and the assessment process. At least 120 credit hours must be completed while maintaining a 3.00 GPA or higher.
The University of Alaska Southeast is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The University of North Carolina–Wilmington offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program online. Concentrations include Behavior Studies, Fine Arts, Language Arts, ESL, Math and Technology, Science and Health, and more. The program is designed to help qualify for North Carolina teacher licensure and aims to provide the knowledge and skills needed to teach children in grades K to 6.
UNCW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of North Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Education. Classwork is completed online through lesson modules, video content, virtual libraries, posted lectures, and online simulations. The program also offers an assigned academic advisor, free online tutoring, and unlimited academic coaching. The program requires the completion of 125 credits.
The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of South Carolina–Columbia offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program online. Upon completion of general education requirements, program-specific requirements are typically completed in 2.5 to 3 years. Admissions to the program are usually offered 6 times each year, and at least 30 credit hours of general education coursework must have been completed prior to admission.
The University of South Carolina Columbia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Valdosta State University offers a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education. This program seeks to prepare educators to support their students’ intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and personal development. Classes meet entirely online and usually span 8 weeks each. Students must complete at least 120 credit hours in order to graduate.
VSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. This program is intended to help prepare for pursuing initial state licensure for K-5 teaching. On average, the 181 required credit hours may be completed in 48 months of full-time study. Up to 105 approved credits from accredited outside institutions may be transferred in.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western Governors University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program online. Potential classes include Assessing Impact of Learning, School as a Community of Care, and Managing Engaging Learning Environments. The program requires the completion of 40 courses. Classes commonly start each month, and the program may be completed in 3 years.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Winona State University offers an online program for a BA in Elementary Education for K to 6 teaching. The program is intended as a degree completion track after completing a portion of baccalaureate requirements. The program consists of 120 total credit hours, and admissions are usually offered for fall and spring semesters.
Winona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Bachelors in Elementary Education Online
You can take your first steps toward a teaching career by earning an online degree in elementary education. As an elementary education major, you may study child development, teaching methods, school law, and special education. You can also learn how to provide instruction in various content areas.
After doing your online coursework, you’ll complete an in-person semester of student teaching. Once you’ve earned an accredited degree, you can apply for state teaching licensure and begin your career in education.
You can start exploring accredited schools today to find the elementary education program that matches your interests.
