Edited by
Elementary school teachers in the United States educate about 35.1 million students every year. That means there are more than 35 million opportunities for skilled educators to contribute positively to the education field.
An online bachelor's degree in elementary education can transition education enthusiasts into high-quality educators who understand what it takes to manage classrooms and help students thrive. Continue exploring this guide to learn what to expect from an elementary education degree program and how to find suitable options.
Why Should You Earn Your Elementary Education Degree Online?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects elementary school teaching jobs to increase in demand by 4% from 2021-2031. Although not a massive jump, the need for qualified teachers could continue to grow as schools prioritize smaller classroom sizes and long-term teachers transition into retirement.
Additionally, elementary education can be a gratifying career path. From teaching in a traditional classroom to assisting students with special needs, elementary education graduates can pursue various fulfilling roles.
An online elementary education degree also has specific benefits for learners, including:
- Flexible Scheduling: Many programs offer asynchronous classes, allowing learners to complete their studies on a self-paced schedule. This pacing sometimes leads to earlier degree completion.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Schools sometimes charge online tuition for distance learners at a similar or more affordable rate than traditional in-state tuition rates. Students may also save on transportation and housing costs when attending school online.
- Skill-Building: Students completing an online degree must learn to study independently, become self-motivated, and develop time management skills. These skills can transition well into the teaching classroom.
Did You Know?
Some states, including California, New York, and Washington, pay elementary school teachers over $85,000 annually, on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Popular Online Bachelor's Programs in Elementary Education
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Elementary Education Bachelor's Degrees
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $754
Out-of-State | $754
Credits to Graduate: 120
Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, offers a fully online BS in elementary education degree with required internships, student teaching, and field experiences at local schools. The 120-credit, four-year program requires 75 core credits and includes classes like teaching learners with special needs, classroom management, and instructional technology.
Graduates can qualify to sit for Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators and earn certificates to teach preK-5 classes in Georgia. The university is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for Teacher Education Programs.
#2 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | Starting at $234
Out-of-State | Starting at $234
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students can earn an elementary education BA (K-8) degree completely online from the School of Education at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, Alaska. The program allows students living anywhere in Alaska, including remote rural areas, to complete teaching degrees without leaving their communities.
Enrollees must live in Alaska to apply for the program, which prepares them to teach in K-8 classrooms in the state. The degree requires student teaching experience, fieldwork, and a professional portfolio.
#3 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa, KS - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Semester:
In-State | $15,950 (full time) or $1,350 (part time)
Out-of-State | $15,950 (full time) or $1,350 (part time)
Credits to Graduate: 120
Ottawa University in Kansas offers an online BA in elementary education degree with state approval in Arizona and Kansas. The program explores classroom management, educational history, and learning assessment, preparing enrollees to become elementary school teachers.
Required courses include the exceptional child, the teaching experience, and foundations of schools in a diverse society. Each enrollee must complete a clinical practice with 12 weeks of student teaching and research. The program offers accelerated eight-week classes that allow learners to graduate in less time.
#4 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Friends University
Wichita, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 124
The elementary education BS from the College of Adult and Professional Studies at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, can prepare students to teach in K-6 classrooms. The program's relationships with Wichita-area elementary schools can help local students in their job hunts after graduation.
The program offers evening and real-time virtual classes. The curriculum covers teaching methods for reading, brain-based learning, and classroom management and assessment. Each enrollee must complete six credits of elementary school student teaching and six credits of education workshops.
#5 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $585
Out-of-State | $585
Credits to Graduate: 120
The elementary education online BS from Chaminade University of Honolulu's School of Education and Behavioral Sciences prepares students to become licensed teachers in K-6 classrooms in Hawaii. Students outside of Hawaii should ensure that the program meets their state's licensing requirements.
The curriculum covers elementary math methods, educational psychology, elementary language arts methods, and exceptional children. Each elementary education major must complete 72 hours of field experience observing and participating in a classroom, as well as a student teaching experience.
#6 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Mayville State University
Mayville, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $336
Out-of-State | $336
Credits to Graduate: 120
North Dakota's Mayville State University offers a BS in elementary education with a conceptual theme of the reflective experiential teacher. The program combines asynchronous online coursework and real-time evening classes via Zoom.
Students must choose a specialization or minor. Specializations include special education, reading, or early childhood, while minors include early childhood education, science for the elementary teacher, and business administration. The cohort-style program includes required field experiences and student teaching, as well as classes like North Dakota studies and theories of learning and management.
#7 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Southwestern College
Winfield, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $325
Out-of-State | $325
Credits to Graduate: 124
The 124-credit elementary education bachelor's degree from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, accepts up to 94 transfer credits. This completely online program features 12-week sessions taught by education professionals with real-world experience.
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate and a minimum 2.75 GPA. The curriculum includes classes like educational psychology, fine arts in the elementary school, and introduction to the reading process. Each enrollee must complete a diversity field experience, a student teaching seminar, and observation and supervised teaching in elementary school.
#8 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 122
Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, offers an online bachelor's degree in elementary education. The curriculum, approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education, covers child development, exceptional children, and classroom management.
Learners can add an optional 14-credit concentration in exceptional children. The program requires a minor in professional education for anyone seeking K-12 licensure. The school also offers a non-licensure track. Students complete hands-on field experiences in real classrooms.
#9 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $220
Out-of-State | $220
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, offers an online elementary education bachelor's degree that prepares enrollees to pursue teaching roles in K-5 classes. The Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky approves the program. Students outside of Kentucky should make sure the program meets the requirements of the teacher licensing board of their state.
Designed for working adults, the curriculum is completely online except for the required fieldwork and student teaching experiential learning. Learners can choose from concentrations in interdisciplinary studies, English/communications, social and behavioral studies, and special education.
#10 Best Online Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $188 (Kansas or regional resident)
Out-of-State | $262 (MSEP resident) or $560 (non-resident)
Credits to Graduate: 127
The online elementary education degree from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, prepares students to pursue teaching licensure for preK-6 classrooms in the state. Students in other states should ensure their state's education board approves the program before enrolling.
The curriculum includes clinical experiences, general education courses, and pedagogical theory. Students must complete twelve credits of student teaching and multiple internships. The department of teacher education provides scholarships for this program.
What Do You Learn in an Online Elementary Education Degree Program?
An online elementary education bachelor's program often includes a general education curriculum followed by foundational coursework. The foundational core explores subject areas elementary students learn, like math, science, and language arts.
Then, students complete teaching-specific topics, such as classroom management, curriculum development for diverse learners, and parent-teacher-community collaboration. Programs leading to teaching licensure also require several weeks of student teaching, allowing future educators to apply their knowledge to classroom settings.
Some elementary education programs offer concentrations, such as special education, elementary literacy, or bilingual education, for students seeking specific teaching pathways.
Common Courses in Elementary Education Bachelor's Programs
- Written and oral communication
- Reading for diverse learners
- Integrating technology into the classroom
- Child development and its role in education
- Elementary math methods
- Bridging schools and communities
Does Accreditation Matter for Elementary Education Bachelor's Programs?
Institutional accreditation highlights schools that meet specific standards for academics, faculty, and student outcomes set forth by accrediting agencies. Most schools that accept transfer credits require those credits to come from an accredited school. Additionally, a student's eligibility to receive financial aid hinges on whether their school is accredited.
Programmatic accreditation for elementary education bachelor's programs is as essential as institutional accreditation. This type of accreditation endorses specific programs meeting quality standards and may be required for students seeking teaching licensure.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) are reputable accrediting bodies for educator preparation programs, both recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The CAEP and AAQEP grant accreditation lasting for seven years.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's in Elementary Education?
Most commonly, graduates with a bachelor's degree in elementary education fill teaching roles in K-5 classrooms or childcare settings, as highlighted in the table below.
However, an online elementary education degree can lead to other positions in the education field, especially for learners who complete a degree specialization. For example, intervention specialists, reading specialists, and curriculum developers may hold this degree. Childcare workers, health educators, and community outreach coordinators are also possible job titles.
Of note, many in-school positions require a teaching license. The steps for teaching licensure vary by state but usually include general education tests and passing the Praxis exam. Prospective educators can explore their state's requirements through its Department of Education.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teacher | $60,490 | 4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,690 | 4%% |
| Special Education Teacher | $62,390 | 4% |
| Teaching Assistant | $30,920 | 5% |
| Childcare Center Director | $49,690 | 8% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Elementary Education Degrees
A bachelor's in elementary education program often requires students to submit their official high school transcript, pay an application fee, and fill out an online application. Some schools may require SAT or ACT scores or proof of English language proficiency.
The average cost for one year of a four-year bachelor's degree program at a public college or university was $9,700 in the 2020-2021 school year. Meanwhile, the same year at a private nonprofit school cost $37,600 and $18,200 at a private for-profit school. Students can expect an online bachelor's degree in elementary education to have similar costs.
An online elementary education degree usually requires 120 credits to complete in about four years. However, some schools offer accelerated options to complete the degree faster, while others allow students to attend part time, which could add another year or two onto the program.
Yes, an online elementary education degree can be worth it for people interested in becoming teachers or pursuing another role in elementary education, which usually require at least a bachelor's degree. An undergraduate education degree is essential for teaching licensure in any state.
Elementary school educators need excellent communication, time management, interpersonal, and classroom management skills to build relationships with their students and keep their classrooms running smoothly. Active listening and critical thinking skills can also ensure that educators effectively meet their students' needs.
Next Steps
Page last reviewed August 14, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.