Graduates with an online bachelor's degree in elementary education can work as kindergarten and elementary school teachers.
These professionals help young learners master foundational skills like reading, writing, and mathematics.
Elementary school teachers earn salaries above the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn a median salary of nearly $58,000 per year. The degree also prepares students for roles like childcare center director. The BLS projects jobs for childcare center directors will grow 7% between 2018 and 2028.
#1 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC |
#2 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS |
#3 | East Carolina University | Greenville, NC |
#4 | Wichita State University | Wichita, KS |
#5 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA |
#6 | University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS |
#7 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC |
#8 | Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS |
#9 | Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI |
#10 | Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, CO |
Best Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
University of South Carolina-Columbia |
Columbia, SC Apply Now | ||
2 |
Kansas State University |
Manhattan, KS Apply Now | ||
3 |
East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC Apply Now | ||
4 |
Wichita State University |
Wichita, KS Apply Now | ||
5 |
Old Dominion University |
Norfolk, VA Apply Now | ||
6 |
University of Southern Mississippi |
Hattiesburg, MS Apply Now | ||
7 |
University of North Carolina Wilmington |
Wilmington, NC Apply Now | ||
8 |
Mississippi State University |
Starkville, MS Apply Now | ||
9 |
Chaminade University of Honolulu |
Honolulu, HI Apply Now | ||
10 |
Colorado Christian University |
Lakewood, CO Apply Now | ||
11 |
Asbury University |
Wilmore, KY Apply Now | ||
12 |
Regis University |
Denver, CO Apply Now | ||
13 |
Fort Hays State University |
Hays, KS Apply Now | ||
14 |
Prescott College |
Prescott, AZ Apply Now | ||
15 |
The Baptist College of Florida |
Graceville, FL Apply Now | ||
16 |
Dakota State University |
Madison, SD Apply Now | ||
17 |
Liberty University |
Lynchburg, VA Apply Now | ||
18 |
Bay Path University |
Longmeadow, MA Apply Now | ||
19 |
Campbell University |
Buies Creek, NC Apply Now | ||
20 |
North Carolina Central University |
Durham, NC Apply Now | ||
21 |
Western New Mexico University |
Silver City, NM Apply Now | ||
22 |
Colorado Mesa University |
Grand Junction, CO Apply Now | ||
23 |
Valley City State University |
Valley City, ND Apply Now | ||
24 |
Wilmington University |
New Castle, DE Apply Now | ||
25 |
Bemidji State University |
Bemidji, MN Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
Online Online Bachelor's Programs in Elementary Education Ranking Guidelines

We selected the degree programs shown below based on the quality of program, the range of available courses, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education Overview
An elementary education degree prepares distance learners to work as elementary school teachers. Students complete foundational coursework in educational theory, which includes effective teaching practices and diversity in the classroom. Students also learn specific subject areas they are expected to teach, such as mathematics, English composition, humanities, U.S. history, health and fitness, and critical thinking and logic. However, specific classes may differ depending on the college or program.
Additionally, graduation requirements vary from school to school. Some colleges may expect students to complete a professional portfolio project that demonstrates the skills they learned during their college experience. Other programs may require student teaching experiences.
What Can I Do With an Online Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree?
In addition to a career as an elementary school teacher, graduates of online elementary education degrees can also pursue jobs as special education teachers, teacher assistants, substitute teachers, and tutors.
Elementary School Teacher
These educators typically teach multiple subjects, such as social studies, math, and science. Teachers help students prepare for middle school and state testing by building lesson plans and determining each student's needs. Other responsibilities include overseeing children during recess and field trips and discussing progress with parents. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree and a teaching license to qualify for these positions.
Median Annual Salary
$57,980
Projected Growth Rate
3%
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers help children who have mental, physical, and emotional disorders learn basic academic concepts. This process involves assessing children's needs and constructing individualized education programs and activities that uniquely cater to students. This position requires a bachelor's degree, and some schools require a concentration or specialization in special education.
Median Annual Salary
$59,780
Projected Growth Rate
3%
Preschool Director
Preschool directors oversee teachers and offer guidance for improving teaching techniques. These directors create policies for the school, communicate with parents about students, and tend to the facility's budget. They must also ensure that preschools adhere to state regulations. Preschool directors often hold a bachelor's degree, though some states may require different credentials.
Median Annual Salary
$47,940
Projected Growth Rate
7%
Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers help children under five years of age learn concepts like counting and color identification. These individuals also help children develop social and motor skills. Responsibilities include creating curricula, choosing daily activities, and assessing children for signs of special needs. Some candidates can earn these positions with an associate degree, but a bachelor's degree is typically required.
Median Annual Salary
$29,780
Projected Growth Rate
7%
Teacher Assistant
Teacher assistants help students understand lesson plans by providing interpersonal guidance. They prepare classrooms for daily activities, maintain class records, and oversee students outside of classrooms. This position may not require a degree, but a bachelor's verifies that applicants understand elementary students, relevant learning strategies, and classroom procedures.
Median Annual Salary
$26,960
Projected Growth Rate
4%
Choosing an Online Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Program
In their search for the right online elementary education degree, candidates should consider their academic priorities. For instance, prospective special education teachers should consider schools with relevant concentrations, while learners studying on a budget should search for institutions that charge lower tuition rates. For many students, in-state schools provide the most cost-effective options; they offer lower tuition charges, accept all transfer credits from in-state community colleges, and involve shorter commutes for on-campus components.
Distance learning also gives students access to programs across the country. For this reason, degree seekers can often find a program that matches all their criteria, even those that may ostensibly be out of reach.
- Program Cost
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Online elementary education degree students should consider several aspects to determine a school's cost. While each school offers different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state learners, some may charge special discounted rates for online students. Additionally, be sure to note whether a program charges additional or hidden fees. In general, degree seekers pay far less in tuition at in-state public schools. Make sure to explore your options to understand the true cost of attendance.
- Transfer Policies
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Students should also research transfer policies to find the institution that best uses their previous credits. For instance, some four-year schools may accept transfer credits that amount to more than half of program requirements, while other institutions may cap transfer credits at a much lower number. Students should also research steps to earning transfer credits. Some departments may require transfer students to complete waiver forms.
- School Size and Type
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Learners may want to pursue an online bachelor's degree in elementary education that encourages one-on-one interaction with faculty and fellow students. These candidates should consider smaller schools, while students looking for programs with more resources may want to look at larger institutions. Additionally, degree seekers may also need to consider whether a public or private school suits them better. A number of programs offer unique perspectives, as well. For example, learners who want an education that reflects their Christian commitments can look to a variety of Christian liberal arts institutions to complete their degree.
- Program Length
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An online teaching degree in elementary education typically requires four years to complete. However, those looking to graduate in less time should focus on schools with lower credit requirements or institutions that allow full-time or accelerated enrollment. Other degree seekers, however, may need to study part-time in order to balance personal or professional commitments with study.
- On-Campus Requirements
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Some online elementary education degree programs may require students to visit campus. These experiences can involve multiple visits each semester for labs or courses or one visit for an orientation or seminar. Candidates should review a school's on-campus requirements to determine if it is manageable. An in-state learner, for example, may be able to fulfill an on-campus experience more easily than a student enrolled in a school across the country.
Accreditation for Online Elementary Education Bachelor's Degrees
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education oversee the process of accreditation by approved agencies. These agencies, in turn, review schools and approve institutions that meet or exceed their quality standards. Accreditation matters because employers and future schools may not accept degrees from unaccredited schools. Furthermore, only candidates at accredited institutions receive federal aid. As a result, students should ensure they limit their college choices to accredited options.
Credits earned at regionally accredited institutions typically transfer more easily than credits from nationally accredited schools.
Schools can seek three different types of accreditation: national, regional, or programmatic. National accreditation is awarded to vocational programs and for-profit schools and involves fewer rigid standards than regional accreditation. Typically, credits earned at nationally accredited institutions do not transfer to regionally accredited schools. Since 85% of universities and colleges in the country hold regional accreditation, this detail may limit your transfer opportunities.
Regional accreditation, often considered more prestigious, is granted by one of six accrediting bodies across the country. For example, the Higher Learning Commission accredits colleges and universities in 19 states. Credits earned at regionally accredited institutions typically transfer more easily than credits from nationally accredited schools.
Programmatic accreditation is granted by an organization in the field to certify that a program's curriculum and standards prepares learners to succeed. Education majors should look for accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education?
Most online elementary education degrees require students to earn 120 credits in about four years. However, numerous factors can impact this time frame, such as taking courses part time or enrolling in an accelerated program. Additionally, taking courses in a semester or quarter format also influences program length. For example, schools that offer courses in 12- to 15-week semesters generally offer fewer opportunities to complete coursework than schools with quarters that are 7–8 weeks in length. Students should also note that some elementary education degrees may charge tuition by credit, which can lead to an increase in semester costs.
Learners with busy schedules should select colleges with part-time learning options.
Learners with busy schedules should select colleges with part-time learning options. While this choice usually extends the time it takes to graduate — and therefore the final cost of one's degree — it can also help students balance professional or personal responsibilities. In this case, you may want to locate programs with tuition guarantees that lock in the cost of tuition throughout the length of your degree.
Finally, students who require an accelerated or part-time program should look for self-directed degrees and avoid those with a cohort format. This latter style requires learners to complete courses with the same group of students at the same time.
Courses in an Online Elementary Education Bachelor's Program
Foundations of Education
Candidates may explore philosophical, political, and historical concepts of education, along with modern complications of the field. Coursework may also examine intercultural classrooms, governmental expectations for schools, and ideas regarding the future of education. Students may need to perform fieldwork for this course.
Science Instruction for Elementary Students
Courses examine elementary science topics, such as physical and earth science, and train candidates to use research-based strategies when delivering these lessons. These instructional methods may reflect child development concepts from kindergarten through the sixth grade. Similar courses involve math, literacy, and social studies for elementary students or science for higher grade levels.
Children's Literature
Classes introduce learners to children's stories in various genres, such as fairy tales, picture books, and novels. Students examine how these stories impact children and ways to embrace these works in curricula. Departments may also explore the evolution and significance of children's stories, along with the impact of culture on this literature.
Classroom Management
Students learn research-based methods for running an effective classroom. Classes train students to make choices regarding curricula, activities, time management, and class rules. Learners examine the correlation between classroom atmosphere and behavior and assess disciplinary strategies. Coursework may review the connection between a student and a teacher.
Child Development
These courses explore how children learn at different life stages, including social, physical, and cognitive growth. Degree seekers learn to use this information in lesson plans to engage and encourage specific age groups. Candidates may examine research and theories related to development as well as the impact of various factors — such as family behavior — on learning.
Elementary Education Professional Organizations
Students and graduates of online elementary education degree programs can benefit from joining professional organizations. These groups offer conferences and events that encourage members to interact with one another while learning about the latest research in the field. Organizations also link members to resources, such as group-published magazines and journals, and provide career guidance with job postings and professional tips. Additional benefits include group training and workshops that satisfy continuing education requirements for licenses.
The following organizations are some of the most relevant to elementary education graduates.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC focuses on improving education for children up to age eight. The group offers books and periodicals related to young children and delivers virtual and in-person training opportunities. Members can attend a yearly conference, public policy forum, and the Professional Learning Institute to develop field skills. NAEYC's website includes a career center that connects members to relevant positions.
Childhood Education International
This group began in 1892 and previously held the name of the Association for Childhood Education International. CEI concentrates on children up to 11 years old and explores educational concepts like equality and legal concerns. CEI offers three main programs, including Global Schools First, and publications that examine childhood education.
National Education Association
NEA started in 1857 and now boasts a member base of three million education employees. The group ensures educational value for public school children. Specifically, NEA offers foundation grants and partnership funding for educational improvement and hosts events that include the National Leadership Summit and the Minority and Women's Leadership Training Seminar. Site viewers can also access resources on lesson plans, classroom structure, and educational techniques.