A bachelor’s degree in elementary education prepares you to work as a K-5 or K-6 teacher. An online bachelor’s degree in elementary education provides the skills to teach children from kindergarten to fifth grade. Coursework involves curriculum planning, instructional methodologies, and learning assessment tools while requiring practical teaching experience in real-world classrooms. Many programs are designed to meet the criteria of state teacher licenses, allowing students to pursue teaching careers by obtaining credentials upon graduation. Concentrations may be available in pre-K teaching or special education.
Online Colleges For Elementary Education Degree
In an elementary education program, you’ll study instruction techniques and ways to teach specific subjects like literature and social studies. Your coursework will also prepare you for certification exams. Many schools require a certain amount of college education credits to pursue an elementary education bachelor’s degree.
Sterling College – KS
Location – Sterling (KS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Courses: Elementary Art Methods, English Language Arts for K-2, Methods of Teaching Elementary Math I
SC is the top online school for elementary education bachelor’s degrees due to its low tuition of $4,350, nearly $3,000 cheaper than other options. Students receive an average package of $19,729 in financial aid, ranking in the top 21% for generosity. SC is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education, meeting high standards. The licensure offered is well-regarded in many states, broadening job prospects. SC merges Christian values with educational excellence, providing a nurturing environment for personal growth.
Southern Utah University
Location – Cedar City (UT)
Online degree: Bachelor of Elementary Education
Courses: Educational Psychology, Foundations of Elementary Literacy Instruction, Educating Exceptional Students
SUU is a top-ranked college for affordability and long-term return on investment, offering a top-tier elementary education bachelor’s degree program with a median salary of $46,941. Graduates are in the top 20% of earners, and tuition is significantly lower than the national average at $7,200 per year. SUU’s past students have a high review rating and 95% recommendation rate, indicating the value of their education. Additionally, students can earn endorsements in ESL, Math Ed, and Library Media.
Wichita State University
Location – Wichita (KS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Arts in Education – Early Childhood Unified/Elementary Education Apprentice
Courses: Universal Design for Learning, Classroom Management & Pedagogy, Learning & Educational Assessment
WSU offers an online education program for Para Educators, allowing them to transition from a Para Educator to a licensed teacher without leaving their current job. The Teacher Apprentice Program elevates skills and credits work experience towards the degree. WSU collaborates with Kansas community colleges and technical schools, with dedicated success coaches. The program is ranked in the top 18% of schools for remote student enrollment.
Fort Hays State University
Location – Hays (KS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Courses: Foundations of Education, Human Growth & Development, Educating Exceptional Students
FHSU’s affordable annual tuition of $7,283 and high percentage of students receiving financial aid (in the top 53% among all schools) make it a top choice for education accessibility. With a review rating of 3.79 and a recommendation rate of 77%, FHSU’s elementary education program is highly regarded by aspiring educators. It also ranks in the top 11% for high online enrollment.
Hobe Sound Bible College
Location – Hobe Sound (FL)
Online degree: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Courses: Teaching Bible, Audio Visuals, Intro to Special Education
HSBC’s education approach incorporates a Christian worldview, preparing students academically and spiritually for teaching in Christian settings. With a student-to-faculty ratio of top 2%, HSBC provides personalized support for educators, preparing them for real-life classroom situations. The college also offers an average financial aid package in the top 11%, making a teacher’s dream more accessible. This unique approach to education ensures a well-rounded education.
Southwestern College – KS
Location – Winfield (KS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Courses: Foundations of Education, Educational Technology, Fine Arts in the Elementary School
SC offers an affordable online elementary education bachelor’s degree in 12-week sessions, catering to full-time students and working professionals. With an average financial aid package ranking in the top 12% of U.S. schools, 100% of students receive some form of aid. SC’s student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 ensures more support, allowing students to focus on their studies and future careers in elementary education.
Western Governors University
Location – Salt Lake City (UT)
Online degree: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Courses: Elementary Science Methods, Children’s Literature, Educational Foundations
WGU’s online bachelor’s program in elementary education has a large student body of 112,807, making it a top choice for distance learning. This enrollment demonstrates the program’s widespread acceptance and trust, and the robust online community it fosters. The program offers a unique competency-based education model, allowing students to progress through their degree as quickly as they master the material, allowing them to adapt their pace to fit their life’s demands.
Central Methodist University
Location – Fayette (MO)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Education – Elementary Education
Courses: Classroom Management, Child Development, Reading Assessment & Instruction
CMU offers an online elementary education program that equips students with skills for a successful career, focusing on teaching methods, child development, and specialty areas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the program is affordable with a low tuition of $8,100 and comprehensive financial aid packages, ranking in the top 23% for generosity.
Bemidji State University
Location – Bemidji (MN)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Courses: Math Methods, Literature for Children, Lifetime Fitness
BSU’s Distributed Learning in Teacher Education (DLiTE) program offers quality teacher education for those juggling responsibilities. The program offers endorsements in Communication Arts & Literature, Math, Pre-Primary, Science, and Social Studies, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests. Despite low graduation rates, BSU’s commitment to meeting Minnesota teacher licensure requirements ensures graduates are well-prepared for the teaching profession.
Chadron State College
Location – Chadron (NE)
Online degree: Bachelor in Elementary Education
Courses: Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Classrooms, Observation & Participation, Educational Psychology
Chadron State College prioritizes student holistic development with support tools and services, including academic advising and financial assistance. Graduates earn median salaries of $46,161, ranking Chadron State College in the top 24% of elementary education colleges. The college has a 100% recommendation rate, indicating its ability to deliver quality education that meets students’ needs and expectations.
Dickinson State University
Location – Dickinson (ND)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Education – Elementary Education
Courses: Teaching Language Arts in the Elementary Curriculum, Elementary Education Science Methods, Teaching Mathematics in Elementary & Middle School
Dickinson State University bachelor’s in elementary education offers a 12-week student teaching experience and the option for additional endorsements in reading, early childhood, and middle school. The program has a top-tier median earnings and a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, ranking Dickinson State University in the top 36% of schools for small class sizes. This ensures graduates thrive in their careers as elementary teachers, with more attention and help from teachers.
University of Wisconsin – Superior
Location – Superior (WI)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Courses: Developing Literacy, Teaching Music in the Elementary School, Lifetime Fitness
The University of Wisconsin has a yearly tuition of $9,570, making them highly accessible. University of Wisconsin established as a teacher education college, offers a 100% online bachelors in elementary education program. The curriculum equips students to teach grades K-9, with licensure options expanding into early childhood education, early childhood special education, and K-12 special education. With an overall review rating of 4.14 and 100% recommendation rate from students, University of Wisconsin ensures students are involved and making a difference from the start.
University of Southern Mississippi
Location – Hattiesburg (MS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Courses: Foundational Studies in Early Childhood Education, Early Literacy Instruction K-6, Classroom Management
The Teacher Assistant Program at University of Southern Mississippi is a CAEP-accredited program designed for working teacher assistants. It offers endorsements in English, social studies, and science, and electives like Child Psychology and Classroom Management. Students can customize their path and qualify for scholarships like the Online Student Scholarship to minimize student debt.
University of South Carolina – Columbia
Location – Columbia (SC)
Online degree: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Courses: Schools in Communities, Introduction to Exceptional Children, Issues & Trends in Teaching & Learning
The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers a mentorship network, advanced technology, and a community focused on success. The program emphasizes field experiences for practical application in classrooms. With a graduation rate of 78% and a retention rate of 90%, the University of South Carolina-Columbia is among the top 8% of schools, ensuring students are likely to complete their degrees. This dependable program provides confidence in making a strong choice for future success.
Lynn University
Location – Boca Raton (FL)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
Courses: Cross-Cultural Communications, Sheltered Content Instruction for English Language Learners, Inclusive Education
Lynn’s online bachelor’s program uses iPad applications for teaching, preparing students for the digital age and empowering them to use technology effectively. Despite being the 15th most expensive program, it offers an average financial aid package of $19,353, ranking in the top 21% of institutions. Additionally, 99% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Liberty University
Location – Lynchburg (VA)
Online degree: Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education – Middle Grades English
Courses: Instructional Design: Elementary, Teaching Reading to Diverse Learners, Modern Grammar
Liberty, a Lynchburg-based 100% online program, is one of the first to offer a curriculum for Virginia teacher licensure. With 35,243 undergraduates, Liberty is a unique institution in the online education landscape, offering a blend of teaching passion and spiritual purpose. The program offers a strong sense of community and a variety of resources for online learners.
Kansas State University
Location – Manhattan (KS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Courses: Art for Elementary Schools, World Geography and Globalization, Early Field Experience
Kansas State University offers an accredited Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, which combines online learning with practical application in accredited elementary schools. This blend ensures students practice teaching techniques in real classroom settings, using modern technology like tablets and video recordings. Instructors can observe and provide feedback on teaching through video, making online education a game-changer. Emphasizing areas like Literature for Children, Art for Elementary Schools, and Music for Elementary Teachers enriches preparation.
Midway University
Location – Midway (KY)
Online degree: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (P-5)
Courses: Learning Environments, Science Teaching Methods, Human Growth & Development
Midway offers a supportive academic environment with a 100% recommendation rate and special opportunities like the Learning Behavior Disorders add-on coursework. It focuses on practical skills and has interstate certification reciprocity. Midway’s retention rate is 39%, indicating student satisfaction. The college also provides a generous average financial aid package of $17,934, higher than 77% of colleges.
University of Phoenix
Location – Nationwide
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Education – Elementary Education
Courses: Models & Theories of Instruction, Classroom Management, Elementary Methods: Mathematics
The University of Phoenix ranks in the top 1% for online enrollment, demonstrating high trust in their programs and a diverse student body. They also rank in the top 1% for GI Bill enrollment for military members, demonstrating their commitment to supporting veterans. UoP also provides support for teacher licensure and student teaching placements.
Friends University
Location – Wichita (KS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Courses: Brain-Based Learning, Learning How to Learn, Educator Effectiveness Using Technology Support
Friends University’s program in elementary education focuses on building positive relationships with students, the community, and schools. It covers essential topics like reading, science, diversity, and technology. With a high recommendation rate of 94%, graduates are likely to recommend the program to others. Friends University is a strong choice for an affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
The required coursework for an elementary education major involves disciplines ranging from a child’s psychology to practical instruction methods. Students must understand the biological development of the children that will make up their classrooms just as much as the subjects they plan to teach.
