Elementary education teachers instruct students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade. In most cases, they instruct the same group of children during an entire academic year and teach all the subjects in their school district's curriculum.
Elementary education differs from early childhood education because early childhood education focuses on the academic, cognitive and social skills that children develop from birth through preschool. While elementary education teachers typically find employment at public and private elementary schools, early childhood education teachers often work in daycares or childcare centers.
Although you may pursue a degree program in elementary education, you may also be able to teach kindergarten through sixth grade if you've earned a degree and teaching credential in another subject. Check out our ranking of the best online colleges for teaching credentials for more information.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that as the enrollment of students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade increases, so does the demand for teachers. Below, we'll take a closer look into accredited online elementary education degree programs and discuss the following:
A few examples of the agencies that accredit colleges with elementary education majors include the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). However, there are several types of accrediting agencies that can award accreditation to colleges and programs; these are more thoroughly detailed on our "What is College Accreditation?" page.
We've compiled two lists: one for the best undergraduate online colleges for elementary education majors and one for the best graduate online colleges for elementary education. Each list provides a brief profile of a selected school, how it supports online students and the types of accredited online elementary education degree programs available. Our lists are designed to assist students who would like to pursue elementary education degree programs in finding the ideal college and program for their specific needs and preferences.
GBC's Academic Focus: Great Basin College offers associate and baccalaureate-level instruction in academic, career and technical education areas. The college seeks to enrich people's lives by providing student-centered, post-secondary education to rural Nevada.
Featured GBC Resource: GBC offers student online workshops which include courses on building good study habits, dealing with test anxiety, knowing your learning style and finals week survival.
Elementary Education at Great Basin College
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education - Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certificate
LU's Academic Focus: Liberty University (LU) is a private, evangelical Christian university. It's considered one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private nonprofit institutions in the United States.
Featured LU Resource: LU offers an urban education club to prepare students taking elementary education classes online for teaching success in urban environments. It provides them with insight on urban education and the social issues that affect students who live in low-income, urban settings.
Elementary Education at Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education
WNMU's Academic Focus: Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is a public university and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, as more than 50 percent of WNMU's undergraduate students are Hispanic.
Featured WNMU Resource: Students taking elementary education classes online may receive help on their papers via the school's writing center. They can email drafts and get feedback on their papers' strengths and weaknesses as well as suggestions for improvement.
Elementary Education at Western New Mexico University
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
JSCC's Academic Focus: Founded in 1960, James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) is a community college named after a Scottish immigrant who became a teacher. The college ensures quality programs and services by providing students with useful facilities, equipment and technology. JSCC is also involved in addressing community needs and goals.
Featured JSCC Resource: Through the online Career Center, students can enjoy assistance with career exploration, study skills, job search techniques, resume and cover letter writing and job market exploration.
Elementary Education at James Sprunt Community College
Associate of Applied Science
NCCU's Academic Focus: NCCUaims toprepare students to succeed in the global marketplace. This Historically Black College or University offers programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts with the intention of sustaining a future-focused modern university.
Featured NCCU Resource: Students can use the Upswing Online Tutoring service to access tutoring resources. Tutoring and academic coaching is done either with peer coaches or school personnel.
Elementary Education at North Carolina Central University
Bachelor of Arts
SMWC's Academic Focus: Known as the oldest Catholic college in Indiana, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college. It strives to "empower young women and men to emerge as strong leaders preparedfor life's opportunities."
Featured SMWC Resource: Students can join SMWC's chapter of Future Teachers of America(FTA).The club offers volunteer opportunities at local schools,education workshops and other networking events for future teachers. < /p>
Elementary Education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College < /p>
Bachelor of Science in Education < /p>
PCC's Academic Focus: Pima Community College (PCC) is a two-year school with six locations. It is an open admissions school that focuses on workforce development, career training programs and adult education.
Featured PCC Resource: Students can enroll in tutoring sessions online via PCC's tutoring center. Tutoring is available for subjects such as math, reading and writing from PCC students who work as peer tutors.
Elementary Education at Pima Community College
Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
HCC's Academic Focus: Holmes Community College (HCC) is a comprehensive public institution that provides educational and cultural opportunities through campus-based and distance education programs. The college seeks to prepare its students for university transfer, productive employment and lifelong learning. Holmes offers affordable, equal access to higher education in an attractive, secure, multi-campus environment.
Featured HCC Resource: The online Trek Center at HCC provides elementary education students with academic and career coaching. It can help students with resume and interview skills and offers workshops related to academics, financial aid, graduation, life skills and career opportunities.
Elementary Education at Holmes Community College
Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
The curriculum is designed to review basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics as preparation for the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators examination -- an assessment that's recommended prior to transferring to a four-year program
EMCC's Academic Focus: Originally known as East Mississippi Junior College, East Mississippi Community College, this public school that offers a variety of career and technical programs in a number of disciplines, including education.
Featured EMCC Resource: Through the EMCC library there are several online resources available to students including a 24/7 Librarian; access to e-books, databases, and other electronic resources; learning kits; and much more.
Elementary Education at East Mississippi Community College
Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
FTCC's Academic Focus: Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) has a diverse student population and strives to provide affordable educational programs that can prepare students for the workforce.
Featured FTCC Resource: The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program gives students enrolled in an elementary education program online the chance to apply classroom knowledge in both paid and non-paid work experiences related to their career goals. Through the program, students can earn college credit while gaining real-world experience, network with current teachers and establish solid job references.
Elementary Education at Fayetteville Technical Community College
Associate in School-Age Education
Diploma in School-Age Education
GCU's Academic Focus: Grand Canyon University is a private Christian college that focuses on preparing learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders. They provide an academically challenging, value-based curriculum from the context of a Christian heritage.
Featured GCU Resource: All students can take advantage of the extensive academic resources on their online library.
Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University
Master of Education in Elementary Education (MEd)
CU's Academic Focus: Concordia University is a private, Christian liberal arts university in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is one of the ten universities affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Featured CU Resource: Elementary education graduate students can receive access to the Handshake online job platform, which features various internships, part-time jobs and full-time opportunities in the education sector. It also includes information about career fairs for current and aspiring teachers.
Elementary Education at Concordia University-Saint Paul
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
NSU's Academic Focus: Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) is a public university that in its early years offered two-year degree programs for those who wanted to become teachers. It continues to support students in the education field by offering a number of online master's in elementary education programs.
Featured NSU Resource: The University Counseling Center offers complimentary career counseling and career development services, counseling and outreach services and part-time employment services to students enrolled in an online master's in elementary education program.
Elementary Education at Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Mild/Moderate Special Education
Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP)
LU's Academic Focus: Liberty University (LU) offers graduate education programs that are centered on Christ. It promotes a Christian worldview, an understanding of the Western tradition and a solid foundation in the liberal arts.
Featured LU Resource: The Online Writing Center at LU helps elementary education graduate students improve their papers via Skype appointments. Students can also upload their Microsoft Word drafts and receive suggested edits as well as access to writing aids.
Elementary Education at Liberty University
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Elementary Education
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MED) - Elementary Education
45 Credit Hour Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Elementary Education
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Elementary Education
Education Specialist (EDS) - Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Education
UWG's Academic Focus: University of West Georgia (UWG) is one of seven schools in the state that has been named a Doctoral Research University. Its College of Education features a Comprehensive Community Clinic, which offers services to the community related to special education, counseling, language, literacy and mathematics.
Featured UWG Resource: Students pursuing an elementary education program online can receive career counseling services and participate in resume workshops and mock interviews. They can also use WolfWorks and PeopleAdmin, two websites with job postings to find internship and full-time opportunities.
Elementary Education at University of West Georgia
Master of Education with a Major in Elementary Education
Specialist in Education with a Major in Elementary Education
Online Teaching Endorsement
Reading Endorsement
Concordia University's Academic Focus: Concordia University is a private, Christian liberal arts university. It is one of the ten universities affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Featured Concordia University Resource: Elementary education graduate students can receive access to the Handshake online job platform, which features various internships, part-time jobs and full-time opportunities in the education sector. It also includes information about career fairs for current and aspiring teachers.
Elementary Education at Concordia University-Saint Paul
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
MSU's Academic Focus: Missouri State University (MSU) is a public university with three campuses in Missouri and one in Dalian, China. It focuses on educating students to be global citizen scholars committed to public affairs.
Featured MSU Resource: The Bear CLAW (Center for Learning and Writing) is available to online master's in elementary education students. It offers tutoring, assistance with papers and various workshops and presentations to help students excel in their programs.
Elementary Education at Missouri State University-Springfield
Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education
Ball State's Academic Focus: Ball State University is a public research university that aims to instill the importance of community engagement, sustainability and accessibility in its students. Ball State is one of the first schools to earn the learner support certification from Quality Matters for its success in online and blended learning programs.
Featured Ball State Resource: A career coach at Ball State can help students make valuable connections with those in the education industry, assist them with resume and cover letter writing and support them through the interview process.
Elementary Education at Ball State University
Graduate Certificate in Literacy Instruction
Graduate Certificate in Enhanced Teaching Practice for Elementary Teachers
Master's Degree in Elementary Education
Ed.D. in Elementary Education
Ph.D. in Elementary Education
GSU's Academic Focus: Georgia Southern University (GSU) is a public research university. The school strives to bridge theory with practice and promotes hands-on learning opportunities.
Featured GSU Resource: The online library is offered to students who are in search of course guides, online newspapers, government documents, online reference tools and a number of other resources.
Elementary Education at Georgia Southern University
M.A.T. in Elementary Education
Master of Education in Elementary Education
GSU's Academic Focus: This open-access institution combines a foundation of liberal arts education with professional programs and career and technical preparation in a diverse, inclusive and caring community of learners.
Featured GSU Resource: Their course management system, Canvas, provides 24/7 tech support and they have 24/7 online tutoring.
Elementary Education at Western New Mexico University
M.A.T. in Elementary Education
Here's what you can expect if you decide to pursue an online bachelor's degree program in elementary education or an online master's degree in elementary education. While these degree programs do have notable differences, there are several similarities among them.
Program Details
An online bachelor's in elementary education usually takes about four years to complete. Before enrolling, you must hold at least a high school diploma or GED. You may also a transfer in from another educational institution as long as you meet the minimum GPA requirement, which is usually 2.0.
With this degree, you can set yourself on the path to obtaining teaching licensure and being able to teach in an elementary school environment. In addition, the valuable hands-on experience through student teaching or practicum opportunities can show you what it's like to teach elementary school students for a living.
Program Details
The typical online master's in elementary education takes about two years from start to finish. However, some programs can be completed in less time. To enroll in an online master's in elementary education program, students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Some master's programs for elementary education accept students with bachelor's degrees in other academic disciplines, especially those designed to transition students from another field to elementary education.
Online master's elementary education programs typically grant students the opportunity to choose a specialty such as Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership and Policy and Special Education. Programs at this level also give you the chance to earn a National Board Certified Teacher designation and transition into a leadership position.
A number of other fields of study may be beneficial to your career goals if you're enrolled in an online elementary teaching degree program. While some of these can be pursued as double majors, others can be studied as minors or in just a few additional courses on the side.
Child development refers to the social and behavioral sciences of how children develop in their family, community and culture. It focuses on how different settings and groups affect the way children interact and make decisions.
This field of study can improve your ability to work with children or their parents in your education-related profession of choice. Many colleges offer child development as a minor or double major for students in an elementary education program online by only requiring several extra courses.
The subject of educational technology is designed to help you learn how to integrate technology in the classroom. Through this field of study, you can discover the benefits of technology for teaching and learning.
While some colleges with elementary education majors offer education technology as a minor, others allow you to double major in it. Several additional courses are required to receive a minor or double major in this discipline.
Child psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the development and behavior of children. It encompasses milestones, social skills and behavior issues as well as mental and emotional well-being and development.
Learning about child psychology can help you as an elementary school educator better understand your students' emotions and actions. Child psychology is usually offered by the best elementary education colleges as a minor or you can pursue it by taking a few additional courses on the side.
English as a Second Language or ESL studies can prepare you to work with students whose first language is not English. It may be a good option for you if you're interested in working in diverse elementary school environments or with individual students from various countries who need to master the English language. You may double major or minor in ESL by taking extra courses.
After graduating from an elementary education program online, many students decide to earn their teaching credential. This type of credential allows you to teach elementary school students in public schools. A credential program typically takes another 1½ years to complete if it's not included within the education program you earned.
Although they're often used interchangeably, a teaching credential and certificate in education are different. A teaching credential is another term for the license required to teach in public schools. A certificate of education, however, is awarded after you complete an academic program.
In an online teaching credential program, the courses for the credential can be taken through the distance education means offered by the school. Meanwhile, the student teaching portion of the credential can be completed at a number of other schools that the college has made agreements with. This allows students to enroll in a credential program offered in another city or even another state without forcing them to pack up and move.
While the process of earning a teaching credential can vary from state to state, most states require you to possess at least a bachelor's in elementary education, complete an Educator Preparation Program and pass certain state examinations. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect when earning a teaching credential in three different states.
| California | Texas | New York | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree, approved teacher preparation program | Bachelor's degree, approved teacher preparation program | Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, approved teacher preparation program |
| Documentation Requirements | Fingerprints and background check, transcripts | Fingerprints and background check, transcripts | Fingerprints and background check, transcripts |
| Fees | $50 application fee and $1.38 service fee | $134 test fee | $50 for applicants who qualify for certification by completing a New York State approved program or $100 for applicants who qualify via another pathway |
| Test Requirements | California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) | The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) and the Texas Examinations for Master Teachers (TExMaT) | Educating All Students (EAS) Test, edTPA and Content Specialty Test (CST) |
| Renewal Requirements | Complete the requirements for a Clear Credential within 5 years or become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards | Complete 150 continuing professional education (CPE) hours every 5 years | Complete 3 years of teaching to earn a 3 Professional Certificate or request a request a one-time Initial Certificate Reissuance, which lasts for 5 years |
For the most up-to-date requirements for becoming a teacher, if you're enrolled in an elementary education college, you should check your state's Department of Education website.
The Praxis exams are designed to measure your academic skills and content knowledge of specific subjects such as math, reading and writing, which are required for teaching. This important test can determine whether you can earn your teaching licensure and teach in a public school classroom.
Most state education agencies in the United States use the Praxis exams to make decisions regarding the licensing of new teachers. Visit the official Praxis website for more information on particular state requirements.
In some states, if you have graduated from an elementary program online you can become credentialed as an elementary school teacher without receiving licensure.
Louisiana, for example, allows you to teach full-time while you're completing your master's degree program via the Practitioner Teacher Alternate Certification Program as long as you take the Praxis exams for the grade level and subjects that you wish to teach.
In Florida, if you have a bachelor's degree that was not completed at an approved preparation program or was completed outside of Florida, you may receive a Temporary Teaching Certification while you complete your remaining licensure requirements. This certification is valid for three years and accepted by Florida school districts.
New Mexico offers an Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL) where you can earn a teaching certification through a review of your portfolio. You must meet the specific portfolio requirements, take a minimum of three credit hours of reading courses and pass three required New Mexico Teacher Assessments.
A credential isn't always necessary to teach elementary school students at a private school. This is because private schools are not required to adhere to a state's set standards for education. They have the freedom to hire teachers as they wish.
However, most private schools still want to ensure they hire well-trained and qualified teachers and therefore set forth requirements that those who have graduated from elementary education colleges must meet. For example, they may have their own certification program or teacher-training program that allows teacher candidates to understand the school's specific learning focus.
There are a number of careers that a student taking an elementary education online program can pursue after graduation. While you may find employment in a traditional elementary classroom setting at a public or private school, you can also work in child welfare agencies, hospitals, community development corporations or private practices.
Here's a look at some of the most common careers for students who have earned an elementary education degree online. We'll outline the requirements of each career choice as well as its job duties and responsibilities.
Professional organizations may be useful to you if you're in the process of earning your online elementary teaching degree. They can help you stay up-to-date on the field and make valuable connections with other elementary school educators and administrators.