The Best Online Bachelor’s Programs: Elementary Education Your guide to earning an elementary education degree online in 2019
A degree in elementary education qualifies graduates for rewarding and influential careers as elementary school teachers. Elementary teachers provide young children with the foundational academic and social skills they need for success. They offer critical instruction and support to children and their families during a time of rapid growth and development.
Elementary school teachers enjoy stable jobs with good benefits. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $57,980 in 2018. Additionally, the BLS projects that these positions will grow by 3% between 2018 and 2028 due to rising student enrollment.
Best Online Elementary Education Programs:
- Western Governors University - Salt Lake City, UT
- Liberty University - Lynchburg, VA
- East Carolina University - Greenville, NC
- Fort Hays State University - Hays, KS
- Calvary University - Kansas City, MO
- Kansas State University - Manhattan, KS
- University of Illinois at Springfield - Springfield, IL
- University of South Carolina-Columbia - Columbia, SC
- Regis University - Denver, CO
- University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC
2019’s Best Accredited Online Teaching Programs
Finding the right school is an important decision only you can make after careful consideration of your needs and options. Ranked lists of schools like the one below offer a place to start your search for the best online elementary education programs. These descriptions provide an overview of each school and program in addition to degree highlights and links to further information. Make sure to contact each school for more details about admissions, costs, and transfer policies.
| Rank | School | Location | Cost | Graduation Rate | Description | Toggle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Western Governors University |
Salt Lake City, UT | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 38% |
Western Governors University is a nonprofit, online university founded in 1997. The school offers competency-based degrees in business, education, information technology, and health and nursing. WGU's BA in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in elementary education prepares prospective teachers to become licensed educators in their state. The online elementary education degree combines theoretical concepts and practical experience to prepare graduates to plan a curriculum and manage a classroom. Students complete all coursework online, but they also acquire in-class experience through WGU's demonstration teaching (DT) component. The DT component is a full-time, intensive clinical experience that lasts 12 to 20 consecutive weeks and is hosted by an experienced teacher and supervised by a clinical supervisor. Students enrolled in this online bachelor's degree in elementary education complete 40 courses, and the program expects students to complete at least 12 competency units per six-month term. At the start of each term, students map out the next six months with an academic adviser to determine which competencies remain. Learners complete courses on the foundations of teaching; effective teaching practices; and elementary education methods for teaching the language arts, math, science, and social studies. The curriculum also requires 12 courses in general education and at least 75 hours of preclinical in-classroom observation. As a competency-based degree, the time it takes to complete program requirements varies by student. Over 75% of students complete the WGU online elementary education degree in less than four years. On average, students transfer 28 credits into the program. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 2 |
Liberty University |
Lynchburg, VA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 47% |
Founded in 1971, Liberty University is a Christian liberal arts institution that serves approximately 100,000 students across 16 colleges and schools. The university offers more than 550 programs of study, with over 250 of those programs available to online learners. Liberty began offering distance education in the 1980s and launched its first exclusively online program in the 1990s. Liberty's 120-credit bachelor of science in elementary education is an interdisciplinary program that provides pre-teacher preparation for aspiring teachers throughout the country. The program equips learners with the foundational skills in methodology and learning theory to teach elementary students in public and private schools. The online elementary education degree requires no campus visits. Students can progress through the degree requirements at a pace that fits their schedule and accommodates their prior commitments, such as family responsibilities or full-time work. Prospective teachers study critical learning theories, teaching best practices, and the latest technology used in the classroom. The program also offers an optional 300-hour practicum, during which online learners gain hands-on experience. To fulfill licensure requirements, students can complete a fifth year, as part of Liberty's online master of arts in teaching. Liberty offers one of the most generous transfer credit policies among online colleges for an elementary education degree. Liberty allows students to transfer up to 90 of the required 120 credits. Students take an average of 3.5 years to complete all degree requirements. Liberty courses run for eight weeks, which allows for accelerated learning. Liberty University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 3 |
East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 62% |
Established in 1907 as a teaching school, East Carolina University is now a regionally accredited public university in Greenville, North Carolina. The school's total enrollment approaches 29,000 students, with over 23,000 learners studying at the undergraduate level. Today's ECU students hail from all 100 North Carolina counties, 48 states, and 44 countries. The College of Education at ECU offers eight undergraduate and 17 graduate degree programs, 12 certificate programs, and 25 fully online programs. Through the university's Partnership East (PE) program, students who begin their education at a partnering community college in North Carolina can complete the final two years of their online teaching degree in elementary education, middle grades education, or special education. Students in ECU's online bachelor in elementary education program can enroll in either a part- or full-time cohort. Part-time cohorts begin each fall, and full-time cohorts start in the summer. The program requires 125 credits, split between general education requirements, professional studies, a specialty area, and an academic concentration. Courses include technology in education, diversity in the classroom, and foundations of American education. Additionally, all PE students earn a concentration in reading, which prepares them for additional certification in reading and literacy. Students receive practicum placements each fall and spring. The program culminates with a year-long supervised internship in a K-6 public classroom. Applying to this online elementary education degree completion program is a two step process. Transfer students must first gain acceptance into PE, then they can apply for ECU admission. Applicants must demonstrate a 2.5 GPA or higher in community college coursework. For admission tests, applicants can submit PRAXIS I, ACT, or SAT scores. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 4 |
Fort Hays State University |
Hays, KS | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 44% |
Located in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University is a comprehensive regional university that serves over 15,000 on-campus and online students. Founded in 1902 as a training school for teachers, FHSU attained university status 75 years later. Students can earn degrees from FHSU's "virtual college" at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The 127-credit online bachelor of science in elementary education qualifies candidates for licensure to teach grades K-6 in Kansas. Out-of-state students must check with their state's board of education to determine transfer requirements and degree compatibility. Courses for this online elementary education degree are split between non-restricted and restricted courses; the latter are only accessible to students admitted to the teacher education program. Restricted courses explore pedagogical topics, such as instructional tech for teachers, curriculum and assessment, and educational psychology. Similar to most other online elementary education degree programs, FHSU requires teaching students to complete a field experience. FHSU students enrolled in this online elementary education degree must complete 12 credit hours of student teaching in a K-6 classroom. In order to qualify for a student teaching placement, learners must attain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and must earn a C or better in all professional education courses. Program candidates who already hold a bachelor's degree can waive general education (GE) requirements and apply directly to FHSU's teacher education program. GE prerequisites differ for first-year students and transfer students with more than 45 credit hours. FHSU holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 5 |
Calvary University |
Kansas City, MO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 67% |
A nondenominational Christian university based in Kansas City, Missouri, Calvary University offers on-campus and online programs in several fields, including Bible studies and theology, intercultural studies, business administration, theater arts, and education. In total, Calvary offers more than 45 majors. The school's 145-credit bachelor of science in elementary education is one of seven teaching programs that Calvary offers to both online and on-campus learners. Additionally, every Calvary degree begins with required biblical foundation courses. Calvary's online elementary education degree includes 21 credit hours in biblical education, 50 in general education, and 74 in professional education. In the professional part of the curriculum, aspiring teachers take on topics such as teaching methodology, educational assessments, classroom management, and educational technology. Two field experiences and a student teaching practicum in the student's local community account for 10 of the 74 required professional education credit hours. Online learners at Calvary enjoy the same educational experience as students who attend class on campus. Asynchronous learning occurs through Calvary's recorded course lectures and online course materials, and online and on-campus learners regularly collaborate on projects. With roots dating back to 1932, Calvary emerged in 1961 following a merger between two Bible colleges: Kansas City Bible College and Midwest Bible College. The school grew once more in 1987 after Citadel Bible College joined Calvary. To apply to Calvary, prospective undergraduates must submit ACT or SAT scores, official school transcripts, and two references: one personal and one pastoral. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 6 |
Kansas State University |
Manhattan, KS | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 70% |
Based in the Kansas city of Manhattan, Kansas State University's online branch offers over 70 programs tailored to distance learners from all over the world. Students can choose from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, certificates, endorsements, and credits in professional development. The BS in elementary education prepares future K-6 teachers for careers as knowledgeable, ethical, and caring educators for elementary-aged students. Online learners receive instruction that reflects the latest technology used in teaching. Coursework for this 120-credit online elementary education degree is available entirely online, while students complete the required field experience at an accredited school near them. After completing 52-53 credits of general requirements, students complete the remaining 68 credits in major or professional coursework. This usually takes about two years to complete. Upon program completion, graduates may sit for an initial teaching license to teach K-6 in the state of Kansas; out-of-state students must check the degree against their own state's licensure requirements. Students pursue the elementary education major as part of a cohort, with new cohorts beginning each May. Optional concentrations include English, mathematics, science, special education, and an open option which students can tailor to their interests with the help of an adviser. Students who choose the English as a second language or K-12 online teaching concentrations must complete their concentration courses at K-State. Among online colleges with an elementary education degree, K-State is likely one of the oldest. Opened in February of 1863, K-State was the state's first public institution of higher learning. The university holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 7 |
University of Illinois at Springfield |
Springfield, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 50% |
The University of Illinois at Springfield became an official campus of the University of Illinois in 1995, and today it has become a leading provider of online education in the state. The school offers over 50 online programs designed for students to complete their degree, learn a new skill, advance their career, or transition to a new profession. The BA in elementary education is one of more than 30 bachelor's degrees available to online learners at UIS. All students accepted into an online program at UIS pay a flat e-tuition rate, regardless of where they live. The accredited UIS bachelor of arts in elementary education consists of six categories: general education, introductory courses, core courses, methods courses, clinical practice, and concurrent major content. Prospective students must apply separately to the Department of Teacher Education (TEP), meeting the specific criteria for GPA and prerequisite coursework. Transfer students with an associate degree can apply directly to TEP and begin their studies at UIS as a junior. TEP candidates take introductory courses in child development and working with exceptional children. Core courses explore technology for teaching, classroom management, and curriculum planning. Methods courses include the core content areas of elementary education, such as reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, the humanities, and science. This UIS online teaching degree in elementary education culminates with a concurrent capstone and student teaching clinical experience. Working with a TEP faculty adviser, students may apply for student teaching at an approved local school upon completing all TEP coursework. Students then complete assignments relative to student teaching as part of their final capstone. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 8 |
University of South Carolina-Columbia |
Columbia, SC | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 75% |
Palmetto College is the online branch of the University of South Carolina System, offering online degree completion programs for students with at least 45 credit hours of previous college work. In partnership with two-year colleges throughout the state, students in Palmetto's online learning programs can pursue their college degree without the need to relocate or commute. The 120-126-credit online BA in elementary education prepares graduates to teach children in grades 2-6. Prospective teachers explore topics like student engagement; curriculum development; and how to collect, analyze, and interpret student data to inform instruction. To apply to this online elementary education degree, applicants must have completed at least 36 credits of coursework with at least a 2.5 GPA. Once admitted to the program, online learners complete 62 credits in major requirements and participate in extensive field experiences at South Carolina's P-12 schools. To enroll in upper-level courses, students need a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Students may need to travel to complete the field experiences. Full-time students take an average of 2-3 years to complete the degree. Palmetto College enrolled its first students in 2013 with the goal of making a UofSC college education accessible for as many students as possible. UofSC holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 9 |
Regis University |
Denver, CO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 71% |
Based in Denver, Colorado, Regis University serves more than 10,500 students a year. The Jesuit university's undergraduate liberal arts division, Regis College, offers over 55 programs to nearly 2,000 full-time students. Online learners can choose from more than 20 bachelor's programs in such areas of study as accounting, business, healthcare, education, and computer science. Students admitted into Regis' 120-credit hour BA in elementary education with an initial license may take courses on campus or online. However, learners must complete all field experience and student teaching hours in the state of Colorado. Through this online bachelor's degree in elementary education, students simultaneously fulfill Colorado's state standards for specific teaching license and endorsement areas. Learners must pass the PRAXIS exam before they can apply to student teach in their final year. Regis' online elementary education degree develops teachers who are data literate, can think critically, and apply the latest instructional technology. The program consists of 45 credits of core requirements, 30 credits of foundational requirements, 18 credits of upper division requirements, 24 credits of professional sequence requirements, and three credits of general electives. Students can transfer up to 75 credits into the program and may take up to seven years to complete the accredited program of study. To apply to the teacher preparation program at Regis, prospective students must submit transcripts of any prior college coursework and demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants who progress through the admissions process must also sit for a candidate interview. Regis holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 10 |
University of North Carolina Wilmington |
Wilmington, NC | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 72% |
The University of North Carolina Wilmington enrolls nearly 17,000 students a year, and is a member of the UNC System. The coastal research university also offers several undergraduate and graduate programs delivered exclusively through online and blended courses. These programs make a UNCW college degree accessible to students throughout North Carolina. The bachelor of arts in elementary education at UNCW prepares students for careers as K-6 teachers. Aside from the field experiences, online learners can complete the online elementary education degree entirely online. Becoming a teacher through UNCW's online degree program is a two-step process. Students must first gain admission to the university, then near the end of their sophomore year or entering their junior year, students apply for admission to the Watson College of Education (WCE). Upon completing general education requirements in their first two years, admitted WCE students take 64 total credits in the major. This includes 16 credits in the professional core, 17 credits in professional education, 17 credits in content areas known as "the block," and 14 credits in the final year internship. The practicum includes classroom visits, tutoring, and student teaching. Available concentrations include the behavioral sciences, English as a second language, early childhood, fine arts, international studies, math and technology, and language arts. Founded in 1947, UNCW began offering distance education programs in 1995. The school also maintains a generous transfer credit policy. Students can transfer up to 64 credits from two-year schools, and up to 93 credits from four-year institutions. UNCW holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 11 |
LeTourneau University |
Longview, TX | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 60% |
LeTourneau University is an accredited, interdenominational Christian university in Longview, Texas with an enrollment of nearly 3,200 students. The school welcomes students from over 46 states and 35 countries. LETU offers over 140 programs of study in aviation and aeronautical science, engineering, business, arts and sciences, nursing, theology, and education. LETU offers the bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies with a choice of four certification options, including a concentration in early childhood through sixth grade. This flexible, fully online elementary education degree prepares students for licensure in the state of Texas to teach at the K-6 level. Learners who take the upper-level course on English language learners and bilingual literacy methods can also sit for the TExES certification exam for English as a Second Language instruction. After completing 45 semester hours, a student may apply to the LETU Education Preparation Program, for which they must interview. A grade lower than a C in any teaching courses, concentration courses, reading courses, technology courses, or education courses disqualifies the applicant from consideration. Applicants must demonstrate basic skills in reading, written communication, and math through ACT, SAT, THEA, or Accuplacer test scores. The BA in interdisciplinary studies requires students to complete 122 semester hours. LETU gives students seven years to complete all degree requirements. As part of the curriculum, every student must take 12 semester hours in theology and vocation. Students begin to acquire field experience in their freshman year and end their studies with a semester in student teaching during their senior year. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 12 |
Mississippi State University |
Mississippi State, MS | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 58% |
Mississippi State University offers a BS in elementary education to students anywhere in the world. This accredited online elementary education degree offers concentrations in early childhood or middle school. All courses are available online, and the curriculum, assignments, and requirements parallel that of the on-campus program. The online learning format allows students to continue their professional commitments through the end of their junior year, at which time they transition to field experiences. As is the case with other online elementary education degree programs, students work full time as student teachers in their final semester. MSU allows students to complete their field experiences and internship locally at an approved elementary or middle school. Prospective students should note that MSU cannot place students in internships in Georgia. Through this online elementary education degree, prospective teachers learn the latest in evidence-based practice. Students admitted to the teacher education program can start in the fall or spring; any student that must still complete one or more core courses can begin in the summer. The school primarily delivers its coursework asynchronously. Distance learners do not pay an out-of-state tuition fee. Admission criteria for the MSU teacher education program include a 2.50 cumulative GPA, a minimum 2.75 GPA for core curriculum coursework, 40 hours of work experience with children, and satisfactory ACT or PRAXIS Core exam scores. MSU holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 13 |
The Baptist College of Florida |
Graceville, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 47% |
Founded in 1943 in Graceville, Florida, The Baptist College of Florida has in recent years expanded its academic scope to include a range of distance education programs. The school now offers an online bachelor's degree in elementary education which prepares graduates for Florida teaching licensure. The 124-credit curriculum includes 51 general education and elective credits, 12 credits in theological studies, and 61 in major classes. Of the 51 required non-major credits, 33 may apply to a specialization in math, science, or the performing arts. Major coursework comes in two sequences: professional education and elementary education. The first sequence includes field experiences and focuses on general educational methods and concepts; the second concentrates on elementary-specific educational methods and concepts. Elementary-specific coursework covers topics such as theoretical underpinnings of English to speakers of other languages, teaching diverse classrooms, and diagnosis and remediation in elementary reading. The degree culminates in two internship sequences. In the first, students take 15 credits of preparatory coursework on concepts and methods for teaching math, language arts, and other foundational subjects. In the second, students complete a 10-credit internship and two-credit practicum. Florida students must pass all three sections of the state's teacher certification exams before enrolling in their culminating internship, while out-of-state students must pass their own state-specific certification requirements. Applicants must present a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify for admission. The Baptist College of Florida holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 14 |
University of Northern Iowa |
Cedar Falls, IA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 68% |
Based in Cedar Falls and founded in 1876, the University of Northern Iowa offers distance learning programs tailored to nontraditional learners. Many students choose to earn the online bachelor's degree in elementary education at UNI through its unique 2+2 program, which allows them to fluidly transition from a Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) associate program to UNI's bachelor's program. The 137- to 142-credit program combines online and in-person coursework, typically taking two years to complete. UNI offers elementary education students the option to double major in elementary and middle school teaching. Elementary education course topics include schools and American society, classroom assessment, and teaching content literacy in the intermediate grades. The program culminates with two, eight-week supervised teaching placements. Students on the single-major track complete a K-3 placement, followed by a classroom placement teaching grades 3-6. Double-major students first teach grades 3-6, then grades 6-8. Typically, students complete the culminating student-teaching experience at an Iowa elementary school, but they may also do so out of state with special department approval. Students must demonstrate a 2.0 minimum GPA for admissions consideration. UNI currently only offers its elementary education program to graduates of and current enrollees in DMACC associate of arts programs. The University of Northern Iowa holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Delivery Contact |
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| 15 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe |
Monroe, LA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 41% |
Founded in 1913, University of Louisiana at Monroe builds on its solid record as a high-quality public university through an array of online education programs which emphasize flexibility. Many nontraditional students pursue the school's online elementary education degree as preparation to sit for licensure. The 120-credit degree covers general studies, professional and pedagogical studies, content studies, integrative studies, and field experiences. After introductory educational coursework and general studies requirements, students typically take content studies coursework in teaching methods for subjects such as science, social studies, and mathematics. Courses in professional and pedagogical studies include assessment principles and practice, foundations for multicultural learning environments, and instructional management. Some courses in pedagogical studies require a minimum number of observation hours, along with regular course materials. The program culminates in two residencies in elementary teaching settings with an approved mentor. Students must complete virtually all graduation coursework before completing their second residency, though the program permits them to finish one final online course during the residency period. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.0 for consideration. ULM allows students to submit transcripts for unofficial evaluation of previously earned credits before officially applying to the program. Students may also access several prior learning assessment options, including a portfolio evaluation, standardized exams, and course-specific skill exams. ULM's elementary education degree holds accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 16 |
Wichita State University |
Wichita, KS | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 48% |
One of the oldest and largest public universities in Kansas, enrolling over 19,000 students, Wichita State University offers more than 60 undergraduate programs across six colleges. Recently, the school has expanded to offer a range of affordable online undergraduate and graduate programs to nontraditional learners. These include an online elementary education degree which serves nontraditional and transfer students who work as teacher apprentices and want to bolster their credentials and earn teaching licensure. The 120-credit program tailors strongly to transfer students and offers a shorter, 67-credit degree track for students who already hold associate of arts degrees. Course topics include principles of successful mentor-mentee relationships, differentiated instruction for diverse learners, and linguistics for elementary teachers. The degree culminates with a year-long, eight-credit internship during which students must accumulate 600 hours of experience. The program also gives students the option to pursue a non-credit internship to enhance their educational experience and accumulate field experience before their culminating internship. The degree qualifies graduates for Kansas' early childhood unified or elementary education licensure — and to receive English for speakers of other languages endorsement. The school only offers its elementary education program to students over the age of 21, or those who hold at least 24 transferable college credits. Learners must be employed as a para-educator and demonstrate either a minimum GPA of 2.0 or a minimum GED score of 680 for consideration. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 17 |
South Dakota State University |
Brookings, SD | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 55% |
Located in Brookings and founded in 1862, South Dakota State University represents the state's largest and oldest continually operating public university. With over 12,000 enrolled every year, SDSU often attracts nontraditional students returning to school. Many students pursue SDSU's affordable, partially online program in early childhood education — developed in partnership with Dakota State University (DSU). The 141-credit program typically takes five years to complete and tailors to learners seeking dual certification for teaching elementary and middle school students. SDSU structures its early childhood education program around the National Association of the Education of Young Children's learning benchmarks. Students learn to promote children's cognitive, social, and emotional development, coordinating effectively with parents and the greater community. Major coursework includes topics such as pedagogy and curriculum, play and inquiry, and child development from the prenatal stage to age eight. Students take coursework in a combination of online, in-person, and hybrid formats, which sometimes require in-person meetings at SDSU's Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education. The program culminates with a two- to 16-credit supervised teaching experience in an approved early childhood education setting, and two credits in a two-part practicum sequence. The school requires students to complete 35 credits through the partnering campus at DSU. Students must demonstrate a minimum 2.6 GPA for admissions consideration and maintain that GPA to graduate. SDSU's early childhood education program holds accreditation from the National Association of the Education of Young Children and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 18 |
University of Southern Mississippi |
Hattiesburg, MS | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 47% |
Founded in 1910, USM remains one of the top destinations in the state for students who want to work as teachers. The school was founded with a focus on teacher-training programs and now offers an affordable online elementary education degree tailored heavily to working professionals. The 124-credit program serves teacher assistants looking to qualify for teaching licensure while maintaining their current employment. Course topics include foundational studies in early childhood education, computer applications in education, and research and pedagogy in content area literacy. The program's unique general education requirements include required credits in aesthetic values and communication skills. Students can complete the program in a fully online course of study, but they should plan carefully with an adviser. Graduates from this program automatically qualify for a supplemental reading endorsement in Mississippi, but may need to take additional coursework to qualify for a second endorsement if they plan on teaching in the state. USM's elementary education program requires students to complete at least 30 credit hours of field experience, comprising 15 practicum credits and 15 observation credits, to qualify for licensure. Students must demonstrate a minimum 2.75 GPA and work full-time in a K-6 teaching assistant position at an approved school for consideration. Online students at USM pay in-state tuition. USM's elementary education program holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 19 |
Midway University |
Midway, KY | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 52% |
Midway University began as women's college in 1847 and remained Kentucky's last all-women's college until 2016. The school's inclusive philosophy encompasses a range of online programs, including its affordable online bachelor's degree in elementary education. The 120-credit program readies graduates to teach students from preschool to fifth grade in Kentucky. Major course topics include technology in the educational setting, the exceptional child and legal aspects of special education, and human growth and development. Students take courses through the school's Moodle-based learning management system in an asynchronous format. Midway's elementary education program allows students to pursue the degree at an accelerated pace. Some courses come in a four- or six-week format, rather than following the typical eight-week semester timeline. Students who take at least two courses per eight-week semester and demonstrate financial need may qualify for financial aid. The program gives students the option to pursue dual certification in elementary and middle school teaching. Midway's student success center provides all online students with access to virtual tutoring. All students must complete at least 12 hours of supervised teaching to qualify for licensure. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum 2.75 GPA and submit two letters of recommendation from active educators. Transfer students receive an unofficial evaluation of transferable credits prior to admission and can transfer up to 21 credits based on a prior learning assessment. Midway University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 20 |
University of Alaska Southeast |
Juneau, AK | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 24% |
Established in 1972 with campuses in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, University of Alaska Southeast serves around 3,500 students yearly, many of them low income and from marginalized groups. UAS offers an affordable online elementary education degree tailored to its student body's unique needs. The 120-credit degree prepares graduates for kindergarten through eighth grade teaching licensure. Major coursework covers topics such as introduction to educational technology, multicultural education, and children's literature. The program also features unique required coursework on issues relating to Native Alaskan culture and history, which bolsters curriculum requirements on multicultural classrooms and prepares students to educate disadvantaged Alaskan populations. Students take coursework through UAS's online learning management system, which combines asynchronous and synchronous formats. The program culminates with a nine-month, seven-credit student-teaching experience in learners' senior year. To qualify for the student-teaching experience, learners must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and submit an application for student-teacher candidacy, including a personal essay and letter of recommendation from a certified teacher. Once they complete the teaching experience, students must present a professional portfolio documenting their experience. The school requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 for admissions consideration. UAS also offers students access to its Fresh Start GPA program, which allows students returning to school at UAS after a hiatus of three years or more to petition for a reset cumulative GPA. The University of Alaska Southeast holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 21 |
Asbury University |
Wilmore, KY | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 69% |
Established in 1890 in Wilmore, Kentucky, Asbury University represents an affordable, high-quality public university, maintaining liberal arts values rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. The school has expanded its credentials into online learning; many prospective teachers earn elementary education licensure in Kentucky through Asbury's online bachelor's degree in elementary education. The 124-credit degree prepares graduates to teach students from preschool to fifth grade in Kentucky; it comprises 36 general education credits, 82 credits in major coursework, and six in electives. Among the program's 36 required foundational credits, students must take nine in theological coursework. Asbury's elementary education program caters to students who already hold associate degrees, allowing them to transfer up to 75 prior credits. Major coursework covers topics such as human growth and development, interventions for differentiation, and technology for education. Students complete coursework online using the Discovery learning management system, which combines asynchronous and synchronous elements. The program culminates in a two-part, 12-credit student-teaching experience. Asbury requires students to complete their student-teaching sequence at a Kentucky school, for which reason the program best suits residents of Kentucky or neighboring states. Students must demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA and good academic standing for consideration, though Asbury does sometimes admit students with lower GPAs on a conditional basis. Asbury University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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| 22 |
Old Dominion University |
Norfolk, VA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 54% |
Old Dominion University, founded in 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia, houses over 24,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the state. This highly regarded public university's online program offerings draw nontraditional learners. ODU now offers an online bachelor's degree in elementary education, intended to transition into a master of science education program for teaching licensure in Virginia. The 120-credit elementary education program serves associate degree holders looking to earn their online bachelor's in education quickly before moving on to a master's, as the school allows students to transfer up to 90 prior credits toward their degree. The school's guaranteed admission agreement with Virginia community colleges also streamlines the process for in-state applicants who hold associate degrees. Major coursework covers topics including language acquisition and reading for students with special needs, human growth and development, and preK-12th grade instructional technology. Virginia students benefit from a three-credit course on state history, required as part of the social studies content area within their general education. Students take all coursework completely online in a combination of asynchronous and synchronous formats. The degree culminates in two practicums that integrate instruction across curriculum and classroom management and practice. These practicums require 40 and 70 hours of supervised teaching, respectively. ODU only offers its master's in elementary education program to residents of Virginia and Washington State. Students from Virginia community colleges must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify for guaranteed admission. Old Dominion University holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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Ottawa University - Kansas City |
Overland Park, KS | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 46% |
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University commands respect as one of Kansas' best private schools for small class sizes and quality instruction. It also boasts online programs tailored to busy professionals, including an online bachelor's degree in elementary education. Ottawa University developed this 124-credit online bachelor's program to serve busy working professionals on limited timetables, allowing students to transfer 80 prior credits toward their degree. The elementary education program prepares students to obtain their teaching licensure in Kansas and Arizona through a rigorous curriculum mixing method coursework, professional education and pedagogy coursework, and field experience — which informs OU's liberal arts curriculum. Major-specific coursework includes the exceptional child, educational psychology, and integrating the fine arts. Students take coursework through OU's online learning management system, usually in an asynchronous format, which emphasizes flexibility. Some of the program's content knowledge courses, such as elementary methods for mathematics, require a certain number of field experience hours along with regular course materials. Students residing in Arizona also take two additional courses on the Arizona and U.S. constitutions. This bachelor's program culminates in a two-part capstone field experience that requires 12 hours of teaching and research in an elementary education setting. Ottawa University offers its elementary education program to students residing in Kansas, Arizona, and Missouri. First-year and transfer students with fewer than 30 transferable credits must pass the school's AlcoholWise and Haven online courses on student ethics before beginning coursework. OU's online bachelor's in elementary education holds accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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Mayville State University |
Mayville, ND | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 35% |
Established in 1889, Mayville State University remains one of the oldest and most affordable public universities in the North Dakota University system. The school builds upon its solid reputation with an array of online and distance degrees and certificates, which include a partly online bachelor's in elementary education. MSU designed this 123-credit program, which usually takes four years to complete for working professionals returning to school to earn their bachelor's in elementary education. Students earn the degree through a combination of online and on-campus elements. Major coursework includes theories of learning and management, teaching English language learners, and special needs in an inclusive environment. Students access courses both online in a synchronous format and at several on-campus sites through the school's interactive video network. The program concludes with a 10-credit, 15-week student-teaching experience in either North Dakota or a neighboring state. Afterward, students present an electronic portfolio documenting their student-teaching experience to the department. The school allows students to pursue specializations in reading, special education, and early childhood, along with a kindergarten endorsement. Articulation agreements with many community colleges in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wyoming make the degree-earning process easier for transfer students and graduates who hold associate degrees. MSU only offers its elementary education program to residents of North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.0. MSU's online elementary education bachelor's program holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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Bemidji State University |
Bemidji, MN | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 47% |
Since 1919, Bemidji State University has worked to provide students in North-Central Minnesota with affordable and convenient quality instruction. Likewise, the school's highly flexible online bachelor's degree in elementary education often appeals to practical graduates who want to update their associate degrees. The 63-credit program, which typically takes students three years to complete, serves associate degree holders and returning students who have completed general education requirements. Graduates qualify to obtain certification to teach K-6 students in Minnesota. Major coursework includes health and drugs in society, human relations in education, and learning environment design. Students take coursework online in an asynchronous format and must attend three in-person meetings at Anoka-Ramsey Community College's campus in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. These meetings typically take place over 1-3 days. The program culminates in a one- to 12-credit student-teaching experience taken over a minimum 16-week period in either a Northern Minnesota elementary school or an out-of-state location with special department approval. Students typically work with mentor-coaches and cooperating teachers in their culminating practicums. Students must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA for admissions consideration and must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to graduate. The school does not allow students to transfer equivalency credits from other institutions for Standards of Effective Practice major requirements. The program allows students to transfer some equivalency credits for math and physical health-related courses. Bemidji State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Delivery Admission Requirements Contact |
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