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Best Online Elementary Education Degree Programs

See top schools, look inside programs, and get the info you need to enroll and pay for your online degree in elementary ed.

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2024’s Best Online Elementary Education Degree Programs

A degree in elementary education equips graduates to teach in K-6 educational settings. During the crucial formative years, elementary school teachers guide their students’ growth and learning. However, 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’ve compiled a list of the leading accredited schools for online elementary education degrees. Discover more about this year’s top-rated schools below.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, Mississippi

The online early childhood education program at Mississippi State University prepares future teachers with the skills and experience they need to earn their teaching licenses and excel in classroom leadership. The program's online structure lets you learn from the comfort of home, and the school will work with you to place you in a conveniently located student teaching position during your senior year. Because Mississippi State offers concentrations in early childhood and middle school education, you'll be able to specialize and pursue the coursework that is most relevant to your future goals. After graduation, you'll be licensed to teach in the state of Mississippi.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with concentrations in Early Childhood or Middle School

  • Credits: 123
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $402.75/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 42%

2

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

No matter where you are in your educational journey, Ball State University has a program to move you further along in your career. The school's bachelor's program prepares students to work with students from birth until 5 years old. Graduates will be prepared to work in Head Start programs and other childcare settings where a license is not required. At the master's level, Ball State can prepare you to move into advanced roles or specialized settings. At the highest levels, the school offers an EdD for educators looking to take on leadership roles or a PhD for aspiring university professors. Across the board, Ball State students benefit from a robust, dynamic curriculum with all the flexibility of online studies.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)

  • Credits: 90
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $336
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: CAEP

Master's Degree in Elementary Education

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $451/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: CAEP

Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Elementary Education

  • Credits: 91
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $451/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: CAEP

PhD in Elementary Education

  • Credits: 91-97
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $451/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: CAEP
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 60%

3

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers three excellent elementary education programs for students at the bachelor's or master's level. Students in the bachelor's program benefit from a comprehensive curriculum and the chance to earn additional credentials by minoring in another aspect of teaching. For licensed teachers, UND's master's program covers topics in pedagogy, assessment, and working with diverse student bodies. UND also offers a unique accelerated bachelor's to master's program where motivated students can earn both degrees in a total of five years. Students at every level benefit from skilled faculty, dedicated support services, and plenty of opportunities to network and attend events.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

  • Credits: 125
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $385/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: CAEP

Master's in Elementary Education Online

  • 30
  • Length: About 4 years
  • Cost: $547.10/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: CAEP

Accelerated Elementary Education Degree B.S.Ed. and M.Ed.

  • Credits: 150
  • Length: 5 years
  • Cost: $385/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: CAEP
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 70%

4

University of North Alabama

Florence, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 77%

5

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 60%

6

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 74%

7

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

8

Columbus State University

Columbus, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 70%

9

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 73%

10

Brenau University

Gainesville, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 9:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

11

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 8:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 86%

12

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 40%

13

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

14

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 88%

15

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

16

Niagara University

Niagara University, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 68%

17

Worcester State University

Worcester, Massachusetts

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 57%

18

Mississippi College

Clinton, Mississippi

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 42%

19

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 53%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 82%

21

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 76%

22

University of West Georgia

Carrollton, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 76%

23

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 91%

24

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 57%

25

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 66%

26

Granite State College

Concord, New Hampshire

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 100%

27

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 62%

28

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 60%

29

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 75%

30

Concord University

Athens, West Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 77%

31

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 61%

32

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 69%

33

University of West Alabama

Livingston, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 83%

34

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 74%

35

Troy University

Troy, Alabama

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 64%

36

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

37

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 75%

38

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 43%

39

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 68%

40

Dickinson State University

Dickinson, North Dakota

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 61%

41

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

42

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 23:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 57%

43

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 55%

44

Asbury University

Wilmore, Kentucky

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 61%

45

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 76%

46

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 45%

47

North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 61%

48

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 28%

49

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 72%

50

Bay Path University

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 73%
About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Wesson, Mississippi

If you're an aspiring teacher, the elementary education program at Copiah Lincoln Community is a great first step in your studies. This two-year program prepares students to finish their degree at a four-year institution. Because the program is affordable and entirely online, it offers an excellent opportunity to test the waters and earn the first half of your degree in a friendly, supportive environment. After graduation, you'll benefit from Copiah Lincoln's transfer agreements with many other online and in-person Mississippi teaching colleges. These agreements ensure a seamless transition between schools and that you won't have to repeat any coursework.

Program Highlights:

Elementary Education

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $175/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

2

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska

The elementary education program at Northeast Community College lets future educators explore the field in real-world classroom settings with the guidance and mentorship of experienced teachers. Throughout the program, you'll participate in general knowledge courses about the subjects you will teach to build a foundation for more specialized studies down the road. The school's extremely active Student Education Association offers opportunities to participate in community education efforts across the state of Nebraska. As part of their student support services, Northeast offers students opportunities to network with other educators and develop leadership skills at special events. Once you've completed your AA at Northeastern, you'll be well prepared to earn your bachelor's degree and teaching license.

Program Highlights:

Education -- Elementary, AA

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $108/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 38%

Minnesota West Community and Technical College sets students up for success with transfer pathways for future educators. These pathways allow students to complete their prerequisites and general education credits before transferring to a partner school to earn their bachelor's degree. During your two years at Minnesota West, you can look forward to classes in pedagogy, education technology, and culturally relevant teaching. You will also have multiple opportunities to gain real-world experience in elementary school classrooms. Online students benefit from flexible asynchronous coursework to help them balance their studies with other responsibilities. To help students stay connected, the school offers dedicated advising and hosts regular virtual events.

Program Highlights:

Elementary Education Foundation Transfer Pathway, A.S.

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $207.44/credit
  • Mode: 100% online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 48%

4

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 45%

5

Pima Community College

Tucson, Arizona

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 50%

A Detailed Look at Online Elementary Education Degrees

Elementary Education

Earning a degree in elementary education used to mean visiting a campus for all your coursework. With the growth of online learning and its continued integration into mainstream higher education, you can now take a majority of your courses either partially or fully online. Fully online courses tend to be those of an academic nature, where there’s no need for face-to-face interaction with students. Partially online courses may combine online elements with in-person training to ensure you know how to work with students and peers effectively. Let’s take a closer look at the types and levels of elementary education degree programs online and what you’ll face in each.

Online Certificates in Elementary Education

For individuals interested in pursuing elementary education, there is a range of certificate options available, with two main levels to choose from. The 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 those who have already obtained their bachelor’s degree and require certification or further training in a specific area. However, it’s important to note that entry-level certificates do not lead to licensure, whereas individuals pursuing graduate certificates are likely already licensed or in the process of obtaining a license. Many certificate programs can be completed entirely online.

Online Associate Degrees in Elementary Education

While pursuing an associate degree, individuals won’t be eligible for licensure to become a teacher. However, this degree can provide opportunities for graduates to secure fulfilling support roles in a school system, such as a teaching aide, childcare specialist, or educational assistant. Many institutions offer associate degree programs online, although some may require an in-person component. It’s worth noting that an associate degree can also serve as an excellent foundation for pursuing a bachelor’s degree later on.

Skills learned at this level:

  • Maintaining the health and safety of children
  • Providing balanced nutrition for children
  • Basics of child psychology
  • Teaching techniques

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education

The bachelor’s degree is the standard level of education needed to become licensed or certified to teach in any state. The bachelor’s degree takes four years of full-time study to complete. Though much of the coursework can be delivered online, students need to complete the hands-on teaching practicum in order to graduate. The core skills learned at this level prepare graduates to move into the classroom and begin honing their skills. Here’s a quick list of top skills you learn:

  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Understanding educational trends
  • Using technology in the classroom
  • Hands-on teaching experience

Online Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education

Though the master’s degree is often an expectation for those in administrative work, some schools are now requiring that new hires either hold their master’s degree in education or agree to obtain one within a certain period of time, such as five years. The master’s degree builds on the practical lessons learned in the bachelor’s degree pursuit, focusing 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 entirely online. Core skills learned at this level include:

  • Curriculum development
  • In-depth communication skills
  • Problem-solving tactics
  • Leadership techniques

Online Doctorates in Elementary Education

The most prevalent degrees at this level are the EdD and PhD. The EdD program typically emphasizes administration and classroom application, while the PhD program delves into research and academia. To reach the highest positions in education, such as superintendent over a school district or region, a terminal degree is usually required. At this stage, all coursework can be completed online, although individuals opting for the dissertation track may be required to defend their work in-person before a committee. Skills learned at this level include:

  • Advanced leadership skills
  • Understanding of human resources
  • Research methods
  • Financing and budgeting for schools

Online Elementary Education Degree Concentrations

Concentrations

If you have a particular area of interest when it comes to elementary education, a degree specialization (or concentration) is the best way to do it. Specializations help an educator grow their career in a certain area, preparing them to dive deeper into the subject matter. When working with K-6 students, specializations have a more targeted focus on creating and teaching lessons, developing language skills, and best practices for leadership of students and colleagues. Here are a few of the options available.

Curriculum & Instruction

This specialization focuses strongly on creating curriculums for a variety of schools, classrooms and even individual students, such as those with special needs.

Educational Leadership

Those who want to take the lead in the next generation of educators can turn to this concentration, which helps students understand the best techniques and tools for effective leadership within a school, district, region, or state.

Gifted & Talented

Some students have unique gifts that must be fostered outside of the traditional classroom curriculum. Gifted and talented students need a teacher who understands their unique needs and can create instruction plans that challenge them.

Reading

One of the cornerstones of solid instruction, reading is vital to every aspect of academic success. This concentration focuses on helping children understand the value of reading, techniques to make reading easier, and help in becoming a reading coach for those who need a little extra push.

Special Education

This concentration helps guide aspiring teachers in the best ways to teach students who have mental, emotional, learning or physical disabilities or challenges. Graduates will finish the program with a comprehensive list of skills by which to help the children who need it most.

STEM

This concentration focuses on teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the classroom (note that some might be called “STEAM” for the addition of the arts in the curriculum). This focuses on helping graduates understand how the disciplines fit together.

Supporting Language Learners

For those learning English as a second language, or those who are learning a different language from their native tongue, this concentration helps ensure teachers have the proper tools to help those students thrive in a traditional classroom setting.

Technology in the Classroom

As tech becomes more common in the classroom, this concentration embraces the movement by teaching students how to incorporate multimedia in instruction design.