Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Programs

One of the best online elementary education degree programs can be found at ECU, located in Greenville, North Carolina. ECU offers a competitive elementary education degree online. The bachelor's degree prepares students to teach kindergarten through sixth grade and offers program concentrations such as reading or math. ECU's college of education provides technical support to students pursuing an online elementary degree, and the Instructional Technology Center guarantees a response within 24 hours. The school provides training to college educators to ensure that online students receive the best distance learning instruction available, and it strives to shape successful leaders with multicultural awareness and skills in innovation. More than 28,000 students attend ECU, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 18:1. With completely online coursework and an emphasis on student support, ECU provides one of the best online elementary education degrees available.

One of the best online elementary education degree programs for assistant teachers can be found at the USM. The school was founded in 1910 and has since provided students with a quality education with an emphasis on innovative research and community involvement. Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USM offers an elementary education bachelors degree online uniquely designed for assistant teachers. The Teacher Assistant Program allows assistant teachers to pursue their bachelor's degree in education while continuing to work in the classroom. The online elementary education degree prepares students to work in a kindergarten through fifth grade setting. To be a candidate for the elementary education degree online, students must have 44 hours of coursework completed prior to admittance. Assistant teachers who have earned their online elementary education degrees often go on to teach, but other career avenues are available as well, such as curriculum specialist and reading interventionist.

FHSU is located in Hays, Kansas, and has a student population of roughly 14,000 with over 6,000 online students. Its highly competitive online elementary degree program prepares students to teach kindergarten through sixth grade. The university provides extensive support to eLearners including a brief survey to help students determine if distance learning is right for them. The online elementary education bachelor's degree at Fort Hays emphasizes the connection between theory and experience, and provides students with the knowledge necessary to utilize skills in education environments. An elementary education degree online fits within students' busy schedules and provides flexibility in learning that is not possible in traditional face-to-face settings. At FHSU, students will find one of the best online elementary education degree programs available. The program prepares students for licensure in Kansas, which can often be transferred to the student's state of residence.

Located in Longview, Texas, LeTourneau is a private Christian college that offers one of the best online elementary education degrees available to distance learners, as well as East Texas residents whose schedules demand alternatives to traditional face-to-face education. LeTourneau's elementary education bachelors degree online prepares students to be educational generalists in either kindergarten through fourth grade or fourth through eighth grade. Students pursuing an online elementary education degree at LeTourneau will be well prepared to pursue teacher licensure, as 100% of LeTourneau graduates of the online elementary education degree program passed the state certification exam. LeTourneau's Christ-centered curriculum sets its program apart from other online elementary education degrees. The format of the elementary education degree online emphasises the importance of work and home balance when pursuing an education, and four global admissions counselors are available to assist students.

Founded in 1801, UofSC is one of the largest public university systems in the state. In addition to on-campus programs, the university offers a growing number of online degrees, including a bachelor of arts in elementary education. The curriculum for the online elementary education degree emphasizes issues and trends in teaching, schools in communities, curriculum in elementary schools, and subject-specific instruction.

Applicants must have earned at least 45 hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prospective students should contact an admissions representative to ensure their prerequisite courses will transfer. UofSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Wilmington on the eastern shores of North Carolina, UNCW offers one the best online elementary education degrees. UNCW's distance education program includes an online elementary education degree with an emphasis on teaching kindergarten through sixth grade. Students will gain skills in both core areas of study as well as specialized areas, including reading, math, and social studies. UNCW was ranked 6th Best Public University in the South by U.S. News and World Report. The school's elementary education degree online embodies its values, and students are provided with an education that promotes excellence and integrity. The elementary education bachelors degree online is formatted to meet the needs of distance learners. The flexibility of online elementary education degrees allows students to excel while juggling busy schedules. UNCW's Office of e-Learning assists students in all their technological needs.

Based in Flagstaff, NAU enrolls more 30,000 students. The university's online programs allow distance learners to complete coursework at their convenience. The bachelor of science in elementary education program leads to teacher certification in the state of Arizona and provides students with the skills and foundational knowledge required to be successful teachers in K–8 classrooms.

Students gain hands-on experience during a 135-hour practicum. Students earning NAU's early elementary education degree online complete at least 120 units, including 66 units of major courses and 12 units of concentration coursework. Students work with a departmental academic advisor to customize a program that meets their academic goals.

UNI students can earn an elementary education bachelor’s degree online. The program is ideal for students with personal and professional commitments. Students complete the first two years of coursework at Des Moines Area Community College before transferring to UNI. The elementary education program is primarily online, but the program does require some on-campus instruction.

Students complete UNI's elementary education program with a cohort of peers. Courses cover subjects including methods of teaching early literacy, educational technology and design, middle-level instruction, and classroom management. Full-time students who enroll in summer semesters can earn the degree in two and a half years. UNI is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UIS enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate students. The university's small class sizes create opportunities for individualized instruction. As one of the most respected online colleges for elementary education, UIS offers a primarily online bachelor of arts in elementary education. With the exception of a few mandatory weekend campus conferences throughout the program, students complete coursework off campus, at their convenience.

The program includes coursework in child development, educational psychology, technology for teaching, and managing diverse classrooms. Applicants must have at least 30 documented hours of service learning with school-aged children in an educational setting. Applicants must complete health and safety training and reporter training through the Department of Child and Family Services.

Based in Manhattan, K-State offers an elementary education online degree that prepares pre-service teachers to become effective educators and caring decision-makers. The fully online bachelor of science in elementary education covers topics including arts for elementary schools, core teaching skills, dual language methods, teaching literacy, and literature for children. Graduates are eligible for K–6 teaching licensure and may be certified to teach English as a second language.

Applicants must have earned at least 44 college credits with a 2.0 GPA. Concentration options include English as a second language and social science. Students must complete at least 81 or the 125 required credits through K-State.

A public university based in Starkville, MSU offers flexible online programs. Of the more than 21,000 students enrolled at MSU, more than 3,000 are earning education degrees. MSU students can earn an elementary teaching degree online, taking courses remotely and completing field experience hours in their hometown.

MSU's online bachelor of science in elementary education has the same requirements as the on-campus program. Students complete teaching internships in local classrooms during their junior and senior years. The curriculum includes coursework in teaching areas such as English, mathematics, and social and natural sciences. The program requires at least 123 credit hours.

Just north of West Palm Beach, HSBC is located in Hobe Sound, Florida. The school's educational philosophy is Bible-centered, holistic, and service-oriented. The online elementary education degree offered by Hobe Sound is a flexible program that promotes learner independence while simultaneously facilitating discussion forums where diverse approaches to problem solving and group support can flourish. The elementary education bachelor's degree online is 129 credit hours and is divided into biblical education, general education, professional education, and elementary education. Hobe Sound Bible College emphasizes the necessity of self-discovery for effective ministry, and the online elementary education degree promotes self-reflection and faith exploration within the context of a virtual learning environment.

NMSU enrolls more than 15,000 students at its Las Cruces campus and online. The university offers a fully accredited online elementary education program that equips students to teach in public and private educational settings. The bachelor of science in elementary education program prepares students to obtain licensure and certification in New Mexico. The curriculum provides students with skills in areas such as early childhood education, bilingual education, special education, and secondary education.

Students complete 132 credit hours, including 48 upper-division hours. Applicants to the teacher education program must have completed general education coursework; the program comprises courses at the 300 level and above. Applicants must submit a portfolio of completed college work. NMSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

WilmU enrolls more than 18,000 students and offers classes in various sessions and formats; the university offers courses in 15-week semesters, 7-week sessions, and weekend modules. Students can complete programs in on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats. WilmU students can earn a non-licensure elementary education degree online. The bachelor of science in education studies with a concentration in elementary education prepares students to obtain certification.

The program emphasizes technology and teaches students how to use digital portfolio tools. Required courses include instructional technology, leadership and collaboration, learner development and literacy, and instructional strategies in elementary education. The 120-credit program requires no clinical courses; the program does not lead directly to certification or licensure.

Midway is a private, Christian institution in Kentucky. The university enrolls about 1,000 students in associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. Midway students benefit from a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Midway offers an online elementary education degree as part of its Teacher Education Program, to which students must be admitted separately.

Applicants to the Teacher Education Program must pass the PRAXIS exam, submit letters of recommendation, and provide proof that they have completed prerequisite requirements. Graduates of the BA in elementary education program meet the state requirements for teaching certification. Prospective online students should ensure the concentration they wish to pursue is available online. Midway is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in northeastern Louisiana, ULM offers one of the best online elementary education degree programs in the southern U.S. The school's elementary education bachelor's degree online is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and emphasizes the relationship between theory and practice. The elementary education degree online prepares students with critical skills necessary for effective teaching and provides students with knowledge to bridge theory and practice in the classroom setting.

SPC provides accessible, flexible programs for a diverse student body. SPC has 10 campus locations across Pinellas County in southeast Florida and offers a variety of fully online programs. The college's online campus is the largest of any Florida institution. SPC students can earn an elementary education bachelor’s degree online that meets all requirements for teaching certification.

Students earning the bachelor of science in elementary education gain experience in public school settings. Students have access to free extracurricular professional development experiences. Applicants must have earned at least 60 credits or an associate degree. Students earn at least 60 credits through SPC. To meet state certification guidelines, the program requires a supervised internship.

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University is a coastal school with a rich history in public research education. Founded in 1930, Old Dominion values collaboration and data-driven solutions. The university has over 400 research projects and generates $88 million in annual research funding. With its emphasis on research and evidenced-based training, Old Dominion offers one of the best online elementary education degree programs for students in Virginia and Washington. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach. Students pursuing the online elementary education degree will find valuable online resources at Old Dominion's Teacher Education Service and Advising Office webpage. The elementary education bachelor's degree online is designed for students who wish to continue their education in the future, and prepares students to enter a graduate program or pursue teacher licensure.

In addition to five physical campuses in Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri, Ottawa offers fully online programs with no in-person requirements. Ottawa offers an online bachelor of arts in elementary education program that emphasizes skills in professional education and methods. Students gain field experience through clinical practice courses, during which they complete student teaching and research.

Transfer students can apply up to 80 eligible credit hours toward the degree. Along with a liberal arts general core, students complete licensure-based courses in subjects including world history, physical science, psychology, and college algebra. Online students must reside in Arizona, Kansas, or Missouri. Arizona residents must take two courses on the Arizona State Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.

With more than 12,000 students, SDSU is the largest higher education institution in the state. The university's 80 undergraduate majors are available at its campus in Brookings, at satellite locations, and online. SDSU's bachelor of science in early childhood education, offered in partnership with Dakota State University, prepares students to teach elementary and middle school in the public school system.

Most students complete the cooperative program within five years. The curriculum includes major coursework and field experience necessary for licensure and certification. After passing the Praxis content exams, graduates are eligible to apply for a South Dakota teaching license. Students earning their elementary education degree online at SDSU complete 141 credits and student teaching internships at the Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education and at a local public school.