Elementary Education Degrees Online: Inside Top Programs

Choosing an Online Elementary Education Degree Program

Online elementary education degree programs prepare students to enter the teaching profession. At the undergraduate level, they’ll receive a foundation of knowledge and skills that are necessary to meet the unique needs of young learners in a classroom.

Graduate-level elementary education degree programs are designed for people who are already teachers and want to pursue leadership positions. Students can also earn a graduate degree to teach aspiring educators at colleges and universities, or to conduct research that advances pedagogical knowledge.

Online Certificates

A range of certificate options is available for students who want to pursue elementary education. There are two main levels to choose from. An entry-level certificate involves completing up to one year of education and acquiring foundational knowledge for working with and teaching students in grades K-6.

On the other hand, graduate certificates are designed for students who already obtained a bachelor’s degree and require certification or further training in a specific area. It’s important to note that entry-level certificates do not lead to licensure, whereas students who pursue graduate certificates are likely already licensed or in the process of obtaining a license. Many certificate programs can be completed entirely online.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Certificate Program

Linfield University

Linfield University’s Elementary Education Teaching Certificate covers the foundations of education, learning and development, and mathematics for elementary school teachers. There is an emphasis on teaching in a way that is equitable and sensitive to cultural differences.

In addition to online coursework, students must complete 600 hours of classroom practicum to apply the pedagogical principles they learned to a real-world classroom.

Associate Degrees

While pursuing an associate degree, students are not eligible for licensure to become a teacher. However, associate degree programs can provide opportunities for graduates to secure fulfilling support roles in a school system, such as teaching aide, childcare specialist, or educational assistant.

Many schools offer associate degree programs online, although some might require an in-person component. Note that an associate degree program can also serve as an excellent foundation for pursuing a bachelor’s degree later.

In this type of program, you’ll learn how to maintain the health and safety of students, provide balanced nutrition for children, and teach young learners using different techniques. The curriculum also covers the basics of child psychology.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

Brenau University

When students complete the Associate of Arts in Elementary Education degree program from Brenau University, they can understand teaching practices used to educate young students in both public and private school settings. There’s an emphasis on child psychology, which allows educators to understand the behavior of students and conduct interventions when necessary.

Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is the standard level of education needed to become licensed or certified to teach in any state. It takes four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Though much of the coursework can be delivered virtually, students need to complete a hands-on teaching practicum to graduate.

Core skills learned at this level prepare graduates to move into the classroom and begin honing their abilities. The curriculum covers lesson planning, classroom management, educational trends, and the use of technology in the classroom.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Kansas State University

The Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education program offered by Kansas State University prepares students to apply for an Initial Teaching License. This license allows graduates to teach pre-kindergarten to sixth grade in the state.

To provide this preparation, the curriculum covers educational psychology, the science of reading, arts for elementary schools, and teaching methods for mathematics.

Master’s Degrees

Though this degree is often expected for those in administrative work, some schools now require that new hires hold a master’s degree in education or agree to obtain one within a certain period of time, such as five years.

A master’s degree program builds on the practical lessons learned in bachelor’s degree programs. It focuses more on theory, research, and evidence-based practice that helps graduates think critically about the issues facing children in all grades today. Many of these programs are offered entirely online.

Core skills learned at this level include curriculum development, communication skills, problem-solving tactics, and leadership techniques.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s Master of Education in Elementary Education degree program is designed for students who earned a bachelor’s degree and want to work in a learning environment, but don’t need certification.

Whether graduates decide to work in teaching or non-teaching roles, they can benefit from coursework that covers methods for conducting mathematics, literacy, and science assessments; instructional design and planning; and equitable learning environments.

Doctoral Degrees

The most common education doctoral degrees are the EdD and the PhD. An EdD program typically emphasizes administration and classroom application, while an PhD in education program delves into research and academia. A terminal degree is usually required to reach the highest positions in the education field, such as superintendent of a school district or a region.

At this stage, all coursework can be completed online. But, students who opt for a dissertation track might be required to defend their work in-person before a committee. Students gain advanced leadership skills plus an understanding of human resources, research methods, and financing and budgeting for schools.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Ball State University

Ball State University’s PhD in Elementary Education degree program is designed for students who want to dedicate their careers to educating future educators. In addition to training tomorrow’s teachers at the college level, graduates are prepared to become administrators, education specialists, and policymakers. Coursework prepares students to conduct pedagogical research in future roles.

FAQs from Future Elementary Education Graduates

How fast can I earn an online elementary education degree?

The amount of time needed to earn an online elementary education degree primarily depends on the degree level you choose. An associate degree program typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, while a bachelor’s degree program can take up to four years to complete.

Some certificate programs can be completed within one year, while a master’s degree program can take anywhere from one to three years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree, depending on the program and the school.

It also depends on whether you choose part-time or full-time studies. For part-time students, an associate degree program can take up to four years to complete instead of two, and a bachelor’s degree program can take a few years beyond the typical four.

Some schools offer accelerated education degrees, which let students overload their class schedule so they can graduate early.

Do online elementary education degree programs lead to certification?

Some states deem “certification” to mean a graduate attained all of the necessary elements to become a teacher, such as earning a bachelor’s degree and completing supervised classroom work. Other states use “certification” and “licensure” interchangeably.

Certification or licensure is only possible after completion of at least a bachelor’s degree program. Therefore, an associate degree program will not lead to certification. When choosing an online program, students should make sure it prepares them to earn a teaching license in their state. This might vary from one college to another, so double-checking before enrollment will save a lot of frustration later.

If I’m certified, do I need a teaching license?

Each state sets its own rules for licensure and/or certification. Sometimes, licensure and certification are interchangeable. In some states, graduates who earn certification are allowed to teach students on a limited basis. This provisional teaching certificate lets them begin working while completing requirements to earn a license.

Each state varies, but generally, certification is the first step – or an additional step – needed to obtain professional licensure.

What grades can I teach with an elementary education degree?

The grade level that graduates can teach in elementary school depends on their degree level and whether they work full-time or part-time. Typically, elementary schools cater to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Full-time teachers might work with students in any of those grades, while part-time teachers might assist full-time educators by moving between classrooms.

Graduates who earned a certificate or an associate degree can work as teacher aides or support personnel. They might be assigned to various grade levels each day.

How much do elementary school teachers make?

The salary that elementary school teachers can expect depends on a variety of factors, like the degree they hold, whether they work full-time or part-time, and the particular area of the country in which they work. Elementary school teachers earned between $46,960 and $104,440 in 2023, while kindergarten teachers made $45,650 to $100,390, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary & Career Outlook for Elementary School Teachers

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Concentrations in Elementary Education Degree Programs

If you have a particular area of interest in elementary education, a degree specialization (or concentration) is the best way to pursue it. Specializations help an educator grow their career in a certain area and prepare them to dive deeper into the subject matter.

When working with K-6 students, specializations are focused more on creating and teaching lessons, developing language skills, and using best practices for leadership of students and colleagues. Listed below are some available options.

Advanced and Gifted

Some students have unique gifts that must be fostered outside of a traditional classroom curriculum. Advanced/gifted and talented students need a teacher who understands their unique abilities and can create instruction plans that challenge them. An advanced and gifted concentration helps educators tailor their teaching skills to these learners so they receive the best possible classroom experience.

Curriculum and Instruction

A curriculum is a roadmap for student learning that teachers use in a classroom. A curriculum and instruction specialization focuses on strategies for creating an effective curriculum for different schools and classrooms. Coursework focuses on drafting a curriculum for specific types of students, like those with special needs.

Educational Leadership

Students who want to take the lead in the next generation of educators can choose this concentration, which builds on their classroom knowledge and focuses on developing strong managerial skills. An education leadership specialization is designed to help students understand the best techniques and tools for effective leadership within a school, district, region, or state.

Reading

Reading – a cornerstone of solid instruction – is vital to every aspect of academic success. A reading concentration focuses on helping children understand the value of reading and provides techniques that make reading easier. Teachers can serve as reading coaches for students who need extra help.

Special Education

A special education concentration provides aspiring teachers with ways to instruct students who have mental, emotional, learning, or physical disabilities or challenges. Graduates who finish this type of program have a comprehensive array of skills to help special-needs children with patience and empathy.

Top-Rated Online Elementary Education Degree Programs

An elementary education degree program equips graduates to teach grades K-6 in educational settings. Elementary school teachers guide their students’ growth and learning during crucial formative years.

Selecting a degree program that combines quality, affordability, and convenience is crucial to achieving this goal. To assist you in finding the best option, we compiled a list of leading accredited schools with online elementary education degree programs.

As you review the top-rated programs listed below, be sure to look at the methodology we used to curate our list. You can use this criteria to decide which program is right for you.