The Best Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education 2020

Wichita State University is a public research institution that enrolls 16,000 students each year. Online learners can earn a bachelor of arts in education designed for paraeducators. Graduates can pursue licensure in elementary teaching or early childhood education. Designed to address the state's teacher shortage, this degree-completion program admits working paraeducators to help them complete the coursework necessary for career advancement.

Students take courses in evidence-based instruction, literacy strategies, integrating learning through the arts, and effective mentoring relationships. All education majors also complete a field experience to gain classroom training under the supervision of a mentor.

WSU's 65-credit elementary education program primarily admits candidates who hold an associate of arts. The program also offers a degree pathway for candidates without an associate of arts degree; they must complete 73 credits of major coursework and general education requirements.

WSU offers career development resources for students, including cooperative education and student teaching opportunities. All elementary education majors complete an applied learning or research experience and build a Kansas Performance Teaching Portfolio to meet graduation requirements.

With over three decades of distance learning experience, Old Dominion University offers many online programs. The fully online bachelor's degree in elementary education is a degree-completion program that trains students for teaching careers through coursework and fieldwork. Graduates qualify for Virginia teaching licensure.

All majors complete a student teaching practicum to strengthen their classroom skills. Majors also complete a capstone teaching experience during their final year to apply teaching knowledge in a supervised school setting. Some classes hold live meetings while others let students complete coursework around their own schedules. The program builds strong instruction skills, prepares teachers for leadership roles in culturally and socioeconomically diverse classrooms, and sets graduates on a path for lifelong professional growth.

The elementary education program only admits students in Virginia and Washington. In partnership with the Virginia Community College System, ODU offers guaranteed admission to certain community college students. Applicants work with an enrollment coordinator to complete the admission process.

A public research institution, the University of Southern Mississippi dates back to 1910. Southern Miss offers a fully online bachelor's degree in elementary education that helps teacher assistants advance their careers. Graduates qualify for Mississippi teaching licensure.

The program features a mix of asynchronous and synchronous coursework. Elementary education majors take courses like science for elementary teachers, early literacy instruction, primary grade curriculum design, and classroom management. Learners culminate the degree with a student teaching requirement. Many students complete the requirement at their current place of employment.

At this time, only teacher assistants in Mississippi qualify for the program. Applicants must meet minimum scores on the ACT, SAT, or Core Academic Skills for Educators Test. The program also requires a minimum 2.75 GPA on general education coursework and a background check.

One of 17 campuses in North Carolina's public university system, the University of North Carolina Wilmington enrolls 17,500 students each year. UNCW offers distance learning options designed for busy students, including an online bachelor's in elementary education program. Offered through the Watson College of Education, the degree prepares graduates for K-6 teaching roles.

Elementary education majors complete all courses online, learning from faculty experienced in online teaching and learning. Students can choose from concentrations such as English as a second language, language arts, social studies, or math and technology. The program also includes a field requirement to give students practical teaching experience. All students gain access to a dedicated advisor who helps them progress through coursework, field experience, and licensure requirements.

Prospective students must gain admission to the university before applying to the Watson College of Education. The education college generally admits candidates with junior or senior status. The elementary education program offers a streamlined admission process for candidates who completed general education requirements at Coastal Carolina Community College.

Mississippi State University's teacher preparation programs date back to 1903. Today, the College of Education offers an online elementary education bachelor's degree that prioritizes flexibility and convenience while preparing graduates for teaching licensure.

The bachelor of science program offers concentrations in childhood education and middle school education. Students who choose the middle school concentration complete 21 credit endorsements in two academic areas, choosing from options like English, social studies, science, and mathematics.

The early childhood concentration includes child development, special education, and other early childhood courses. All online learners complete a field experience and student teaching internship at an elementary or middle school in their local area.

Applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA on general education core courses and a cumulative minimum 2.5 GPA. They must also pass a background check and meet minimum ACT, SAT, or Praxis scores. Prospective students must submit two recommendation forms, verification of 40 hours of professional experience working with children, and a licensure information form.

Hawaii's only Catholic university, Chaminade University of Honolulu offers degrees in humanities, sciences, business, and education disciplines. Distance learners can pursue an online bachelor's in elementary education that prepares future teachers to inspire young minds, foster creativity, and instill an early love for learning. The program maintains small class sizes and promotes individualized attention from faculty.

The 120-credit, online elementary education degree incorporates general education, elective, and major requirements. Within the major, students take courses in educational psychology, elementary language arts methods, and elementary math methods. The program also includes coursework on educational technology and managing school environments.

Chaminade prioritizes experiential learning, placing elementary education majors in real classrooms to observe and participate. After completing 72 hours of observation and participation, all majors complete a student teaching experience to strengthen their skills. Online learners can meet these requirements at a local school.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools attended. Students can begin the program on multiple start dates throughout the year. In addition to the elementary education program, Chaminade offers a specialized online elementary education degree for teaching in Oceania. The program prepares students to teach in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is an interdenominational, private institution. CCU offers both online and on-campus programs, including an online bachelor's in elementary education that trains students in education theory and incorporates field-based learning experiences to build classroom teaching skills. Graduates qualify for Colorado teaching licensure.

The curriculum emphasizes a Christian worldview while preparing students to address the diverse needs of young learners. Majors take classes on topics like curriculum development, program assessment, and the psychological foundations of teaching methods. During the first two semesters, majors complete 130 hours of fieldwork, followed by a one semester, full-time student teaching practicum. The 120-credit degree includes five-week courses.

Applicants must complete all general education and elective requirements before pursuing major coursework. Application requirements include a minimum 2.75 GPA, an interview with the program director, a writing sample, and a letter of recommendation.

Asbury University is a private, multidenominational institution that offers 150 areas of study through 15 academic departments. The flexible, online bachelor's degree in elementary education meets the requirements for an elementary education license, with most majors earning a degree while working full time.

Students take courses on topics like human growth and development, exceptional learners, teaching reading, and literacy assessment. Students also complete coursework in classroom management, language arts methods, and social studies methods. The program requires learners to complete a student teaching requirement at a Kentucky elementary school, so most students live in Kentucky or a neighboring state.

Students can transfer up to 75 credits toward the 124-credit degree. Applicants work with Asbury's enrollment team to create an elementary education degree plan and meet admission requirements. During the admission process, Asbury orders all required college and high school transcripts. Only candidates who never attended college must provide high school transcripts.

Founded in 1877, Regis University is a private, Catholic university that trains learners for leadership roles in society. The university offers several online programs, including an online bachelor's in elementary education degree that builds leadership, communication, and classroom management skills for future teachers.

The flexible, online program lets students work full time while completing the degree. The curriculum covers topics like motivating students, adapting curriculum materials, differentiating instruction, and classroom management. Majors learn how to plan lessons and conduct learning assessments.

The 120-credit elementary education degree offers eight-week courses and includes a full-time student teaching experience during the final semester. Regis works with over 100 local partner schools for student-teacher placements and offers a 10% tuition discount for paraprofessionals or students with contracted positions in a school. At program completion, students sit for the Colorado teaching licensure examination.

Regis offers rolling admission. Prospective education majors must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit official transcripts and a resume. Applicants must also complete an admission interview.

A public institution founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University enrolls 15,000 students each year, including nearly 7,000 online students. The online bachelor's degree in elementary education prepares students for K-6 teaching licensure.

The 127-credit degree includes general education, major, methods, and fieldwork requirements. Major courses cover topics like educating exceptional students, concepts of elementary mathematics, and instructional technology. Students learn about classroom management, educational psychology, and learning assessment.

FSHU offers career-focused training through its methods courses, which cover literacy, mathematics, social studies, and elementary school science. FHSU prioritizes field experiences in diverse environments, training majors in teaching and assessing social studies, reading, mathematics, and science in elementary schools.

Freshman applicants from Kansas need a minimum 2.0 GPA, and non-residents need a minimum 2.5 GPA. All freshman applicants must submit ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students with at least 24 college credits must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA and submit transcripts from prior colleges and universities.

Prescott College is a private, liberal arts school that offers a variety of on-campus and online degrees, including an online bachelor's degree in education with an elementary education concentration. The program prepares students to teach in both formal and informal settings, letting students create a self-directed competency in an area of study.

The 120-credit education degree introduces students to educational learning theories, curriculum design, and student learning assessment. The program requires at least two courses in education fundamentals, three courses in education methodology, one course in instructional design and practice, and one course in education and society.

Majors complete at least 36 upper-division credits, studying topics like language arts methods, social studies methods, and managing learning communities. All majors complete a senior project to synthesize degree knowledge and skills. The program meets the requirements for an Arizona teacher certification in elementary education.

Applicants must submit official high school and college transcripts and an essay describing their educational goals and readiness to thrive in an online learning environment.

Founded in 1943 as a private, Baptist institution, the Baptist College of Florida offers instruction based on a Christian worldview designed to educate future Christian leaders. The school's online bachelor's in elementary education degree prepares graduates for K-6 teaching positions, though the degree does not lead to licensure.

The 124-credit degree includes courses on topics like the psychology of teaching and learning, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. Learners also complete general education requirements in math, science, and humanities, plus 12 credits of biblical and theological foundations courses. The program incorporates a field experience and two internships where students observe experienced teachers, followed by another internship and a reading practicum.

Prospective students must submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. The college does not award transfer credit for life experience or accept courses in doctrine completed at non-Baptist institutions. However, the school does accept transfer credit from military experience and some credits from regionally accredited institutions.

Founded in 1881, Dakota State University is a public institution that offers an online bachelor's program in elementary education. The curriculum incorporates cutting-edge educational technology and allows learners to pursue a K-12 technology endorsement while earning an elementary education degree.

The program includes core education courses and a specialized elementary education curriculum. Elementary education majors take teaching methods classes for subjects like language arts, reading, and social science. The program also offers coursework in educational assessment, inclusive methods of education, and educational technology.

Students complete a yearlong residency program to build classroom management and lesson delivery skills. The College of Education places online learners with partner districts who use the co-teaching model. The student teaching experience meets the requirements for a South Dakota K-8 teaching certificate.

Prospective students younger than 24 years old enter DSU as freshmen. They must hold a minimum 2.6 GPA, meet ACT or SAT minimum scores, or rank in the top 60% of their high school graduating classes. DSU also admits adult learners who graduated from high school, completed the GED, or met state requirements for a high school equivalency certificate.

Established in 1971, Liberty University is a private, evangelical institution that enrolls over 100,000 students annually. Liberty offers over 400 online programs, including an online bachelor's in elementary education degree. The fully online program has accelerated, eight-week courses. Students gain foundational skills and knowledge in learning theory and practice.

Elementary education majors study learning theories, best practices in teaching, and specialized assessment methods. In addition to education courses, undergraduates take general education classes. Students gain teaching experience through an optional practicum at an approved local site. The elementary education degree does not lead to licensure. Instead, the program caters to teachers with initial licensure and those planning to complete a licensure-track master's degree.

Students can transfer up to 75% of required credits toward the degree. Prospective students must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA and submit official college transcripts and a high school self-certification form. Liberty also accepts unofficial college transcripts with a 60-day requirement to submit an official transcript after gaining admission.

A private university that offers bachelor's programs to women, Bay Path University dates back to 1897. The university prioritizes practical, affordable, and career-oriented education. Online learners can pursue a bachelor's in liberal studies with an elementary education concentration. The online elementary education degree offers both licensure and non-licensure tracks.

Elementary education majors pursuing licensure complete a supervised student teaching requirement in a public elementary school classroom. The field-based training meets the requirements for a Massachusetts teaching license. The non-licensure track features education coursework without a practicum, preparing students for roles in education that do not require a teaching license.

Regardless of their track, all learners study topics like instructional methods, assessment strategies, and curriculum design. Students learn about classroom management, technology as a curriculum resource, and instructional planning. Online elementary education students at Bay Path complete most courses online, but they must attend some classes on either the Longmeadow or Sturbridge campuses.

Applicants must complete a phone interview and provide official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities. The university requires a minimum 2.0 GPA for full admission. Bay Path offers rolling admissions, with new sessions starting every 6-7 weeks.

Founded in 1887 as a private, Christian institution, Campbell University began offering online programs in 1999. Students can earn a bachelor's in elementary education online that offers concentrations in literacy, math, and special education. The program prepares graduates for elementary school teaching positions.

The curriculum includes general education and major courses. Major courses cover topics like psychology applied to teaching, assessment and the data-informed teacher, and educational technology. Students also learn to create elementary education curricula that build core skills in areas like reading, mathematics, and social studies. All students complete a practicum and student teaching experience.

Incoming students can receive transfer credit for prior college or military experience. Campbell also offers credit by examination. Transfer students can apply up to 64 credits from two-year colleges toward the degree. The school does not limit the number of credits students can transfer from accredited four-year institutions. All students must complete at least 31 credits at Campbell to earn their bachelor's degrees. Applicants need a minimum 2.7 GPA.

Designated as one of the top historically black colleges and universities in the south, North Carolina Central University is a public institution that prioritizes access to higher education. NCCU offers a variety of online degrees, including a fully online bachelor's degree in early childhood education that includes kindergarten licensure.

The 120-credit program emphasizes child development, creating supportive learning environments, and incorporating technology into early childhood education. Students also learn to apply teaching methods in the classroom, foster a multicultural classroom environment, and involve families in the early childhood education process.

Education majors take courses in educational psychology, program development for kindergarten, assessment in early childhood education, and encouraging literacy in early childhood education. Students also complete a practicum, senior seminar, and directed teaching experience to build practical skills.

Applicants must submit official transcripts. Admitted students gain access to a dedicated advisor who helps them plan a course of study and access university resources, including career services and online tutoring.

Founded in 1893, Western New Mexico University enrolls over 3,500 students annually through its undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduates can complete a bachelor's in elementary education online. This performance-based program incorporates classroom learning and field experience. Graduates meet the qualifications for a K-8 elementary education license in New Mexico.

The curriculum is divided into four areas: general education, bachelor's graduation requirements, professional education coursework, and teaching fieldwork. Learners complete a student teaching requirement in an elementary classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher. WNMU allows students to complete this requirement in their local areas, helping them design a field experience that meets their needs.

The school requires prospective students to submit official transcripts and ACT or SAT scores to determine whether the applicant must complete a placement test. Applicants with more than 24 college credits do not need to provide high school transcripts. Online learners gain access to electronic tutoring services, an online writing center, and an interactive white board.

A public institution founded in 1925, Colorado Mesa University offers flexible, online undergraduate and graduate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in elementary education. Offered through the Center for Teacher Education, the program qualifies students for elementary education teacher licensure in Colorado.

The elementary education program offers specialized courses in educator preparation. Majors complete coursework, field placements, and student teaching experiences to develop their skills. The program incorporates over 200 hours of classroom experience prior to the student teaching placement.

The curriculum includes coursework in elementary assessment, teaching language and literacy, and classroom management. Students also take classes in teaching as a profession and incorporating both exceptional students and English language learners in the inclusive classroom. Before gaining entry into the elementary licensure program, candidates must complete at least 60 credits, including general education requirements, with a minimum 2.8 GPA.

Freshman applicants must submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Transfer applicants with at least 24 college credits must submit official college transcripts. All applicants can provide optional letters of recommendation and essays to strengthen their applications. The essay should describe the applicant's background, academic interests, and career goals.

Founded in 1890, Valley City State University is a public institution that offers over 80 undergraduate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in elementary education. The program exposes students to practical teaching experiences and offers small class sizes.

Students in this program gain the core skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for teaching jobs. Majors must complete at least 150 hours of field experience and a 12-week student teaching experience. Elementary education majors must also choose an endorsement in an area like kindergarten, English language learners, special education, or STEM education. Graduates earn a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and qualify for a North Dakota teaching license.

Prospective VCSU students need an associate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. They must also currently work as an elementary school paraprofessional or hold a North Dakota substitute license. All applicants must submit a recommendation letter from a school administrator.

A private institution catering to nontraditional students, Wilmington University offers over 200 degree and certificate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in elementary education. This BS in education studies prepares students for educational positions that do not require a state license.

The 120-credit program includes interdisciplinary general education coursework and an education studies core. Learners study topics like learning theory, educational psychology, and best practices in education. Classes include learner development, methods of teaching elementary reading, and instructional strategies in elementary education. WilmU also offers a parallel program that grants a BS in elementary education and includes clinical courses.

The school offers rolling admissions, with classes beginning every eight weeks. Prospective students must submit official transcripts from all postsecondary schools, including trade and career schools. Applicants with fewer than 15 credits must also provide a high school diploma. WilmU does not require SAT or ACT scores, but applicants with qualifying test scores can opt out of math and English placement tests.

Bemidji State University is a public institution that promotes environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and multicultural understanding. The school hosts over 5,000 students through its undergraduate and graduate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in elementary education. The program prepares students to teach grades K-6.

Online students enroll in the Distributed Learning in Teacher Education (DLiTE) program. DLiTE is a cohort-based degree completion program that enrolls students who have an associate of arts degree. The program lasts for six semesters, uses a hybrid format, meets Minnesota teaching licensure requirements. Students attend classes in Minneapolis three times per year and complete remaining coursework online. During the weekend campus visits, students take final exams and begin their next semester's courses.

During the final semester of this bachelor of science in elementary education program, majors complete student teaching requirements at a K-6 public elementary school. BSU works with students to identify student teaching opportunities in their local areas.

Applicants must hold an associate of arts degree and a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA, though BSU considers candidates with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Application requirements include a basic skills test, a professional recommendation, a personal essay, and a signed DLiTE mentor application.