Best Online Associate in Education
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An online associate degree in education provides learners with a flexible, accessible route to the teaching profession — often at a lower cost than traditional alternatives.
The teaching field welcomes professionals from many pathways. An associate degree in education online offers one of the more flexible and accessible options available. While most states require teachers in public kindergarten classrooms and above to have bachelor’s teaching degrees, associate degree graduates can still pursue those careers and more by making the right educational choices.
As the system evolves to meet modern demands and challenges from forces like COVID-19, teachers need to remain adaptable, accommodating, communicative, and technologically competent. In addition to ranking of the best programs in this field, this page outlines how associate degrees from online colleges can equip students with the necessary skills for an array of careers.
The Best Online Associate in Education Programs
Allen County Community College
Iola, KS- 2 year
- Online
- In-State$1,800
- Out-of-state$1,800
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,407
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Volunteer State Community College
- Gallatin, TN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,032
- Out-of-state$16,608
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled9,144
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
- Okmulgee, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,350
- Out-of-state$9,960
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,305
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,476
- Out-of-state$24,810
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled39,263
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Casper College
- Casper, WY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,970
- Out-of-state$8,910
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled3,619
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,380
- Out-of-state$32,380
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled6,185
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Gateway Community College
- Steubenville, OH
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,960
- Out-of-state$7,200
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled25,648
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Hagerstown Community College
- Hagerstown, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,835
- Out-of-state$7,665
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled3,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Pima Community College
- Tucson, AZ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,028
- Out-of-state$7,344
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled19,512
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Miami University
- Middletown, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,297
- Out-of-state$16,181
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Associate
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Online Associate in Education Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyFeatured Online Associate in Education Programs
What Is an Online Associate in Education Degree?
An associate degree in education equips students with a basic understanding of the educational system, teaching responsibilities, and related challenges. While there are various types of teaching degrees and specializations, programs generally provide skills — such as classroom management, communication, and psychology — that degree-holders can apply to all types of classrooms.
State teaching requirements vary, but each teacher typically needs a bachelor’s degree. While associate degrees do not directly lead to licensure, students of these two-year programs can transfer into online bachelor’s in education degree programs, even reducing their overall cost of college in some cases. These programs tend to attract students who may not have a clear destination in mind and seek the added career flexibility.
Types of Online Associate Degrees in Education
Prospective students may find it difficult to know which teaching degree to get when there are so many majors and specialization options. The following list offers a few available degrees.
Associate Degree in Elementary Education
This degree focuses on child development, along with assessment and classroom management strategies for young children. Graduates can pursue careers as preschool teachers, childcare workers, and teacher aides. They can also transfer into a bachelor’s degree program and earn elementary teaching licensure.Associate Degree in Paraprofessional Education
This degree provides teacher support training, often emphasizing in-demand roles such as tutoring, behavior management, and special needs support. These degrees can lead to careers as general paraprofessionals or special education paraprofessionals in classrooms of all age groups. It can also lead to a bachelor’s degree or certification in the field.Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
A degree in this discipline teaches students how children develop and how educators can create positive learning environments for young learners. The degree can lead to childcare positions or paraprofessional roles in classrooms. Graduates can also pursue bachelor’s degrees for teaching licensure or management positions in childcare centers.Associate Degree in Secondary Education
A degree in secondary education emphasizes the development and learning behaviors of teenagers and young adults. This training can help graduates acquire careers as teaching assistants or teachers in some private schools. Graduates can also transfer into bachelor’s degree programs to qualify for licensure and public school teaching positionsWhy Get an Online Associate Degree in Education?
The biggest advantage to an associate degree in education online program is the flexibility. These programs introduce learners to the field and provide them with various postgraduate options without requiring a four-year commitment.
Prepares Learners for Entry-Level Jobs in Education
Though graduates with an associate degree in education may not qualify for licensure, they can work in entry-level education roles as teacher assistants, preschool teachers, or childcare workers.
Explore Education as a Career Path
A bachelor’s in education requires a four-year commitment, which can seem daunting — particularly for individuals looking to change careers. The associate degree in education offers a more accommodating pathway, consisting of two years of training with a heavy emphasis on general education.
Earn Credits to Transfer to a Bachelor’s in Education Degree
Many students choose an associate degree in education as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees can offer more accessible admission requirements and more affordable tuition. After graduation, associate degree credits often transfer seamlessly into bachelor’s programs. Many schools even offer direct pathways and 2+2 program options to make the process easier.
What to Expect in an Online Associate Degree in Education Program
Earning an associate degree in education online delivers the same content as traditional programs through different delivery methods. Online learners often choose between synchronous and asynchronous courses, though associate degree programs tend to offer more asynchronous options. While some programs may feature practicums and field experience classes, these are much more common at the bachelor’s level.
Generally, associate degrees emphasize general education courses. Teaching-specific classes vary by program, but may include the following options:
- Principles of education
- Classroom management
- Assessment strategies
- Child development
- Classroom technology
Choosing an Online Degree Program in Education
During their school and program research, prospective students need to make a list of their needs and interests. Tuition cost, admission requirements, location, and curriculum typically rank among the highest priorities. Choosing an online college requires learners to think about residency requirements, access to in-state tuition rates, and delivery formats.
Most importantly, applicants need to ensure their school has regional accreditation. Prospective learners should also make sure that their online associate degree in education holds accreditation with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Students can find other recognized accrediting bodies through the U.S. Department of Education.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Education?
Graduates with associate degrees in education can qualify for many careers. The following table looks at some popular options, along with their median annual wages.
| Career | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Teaching Assistants | $34,530 |
| Teacher Assistants at Private Elementary and Secondary Schools | $31,310 |
| Teacher Assistants at Child Day Care Services | $29,290 |
| Childcare Workers | $29,290 |
Common Questions About Associate Degrees in Education
Doug Wintemute
Doug Wintemute is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through LinkedIn.
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