An online bachelor's degree in education prepares students to make meaningful impact as successful educators.
Online learning programs can make education degrees attainable for students with work or family commitments.
Educators in Illinois earn an average of $60,410 per year. Secondary school teachers earn an average of $72,480.
Online Education Degrees in Illinois
Here are some of the best Illinois online education programs.
1. National Louis University
National Louis University offers an accredited online bachelor's degree in education that qualifies graduates to teach first through sixth grade. This program can help students obtain their teaching qualifications in a way that fits their busy schedules.
Students can choose to pursue any of the following teaching concentrations:
- English
- fine arts
- mathematics
- psychology
- science
- sociology/anthropology
Program graduates will earn an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
2. University of Illinois, Springfield
University of Illinois, Springfield, offers the following Bachelor of Arts degree programs:
- education, middle grades
- education, secondary English
- education, secondary history
- education, secondary mathematics
A degree for middle grades qualifies graduates to teach fifth through eighth grade, while a secondary degree qualifies graduates to teach at the high school level.
Each of these bachelor's programs takes approximately four years to complete.
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides a great opportunity to earn an Illinois online education degree. It offers an online bachelor's degree in early childhood professional education.
Applicants must have an associate degree in education and a Gateways Level 4 credential.
Students can choose between a licensure or a non-licensure track. The degree completion program can be finished in two and a half years.
4. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (SIU Carbondale), offers an online degree completion program for aspiring teachers.
Students will complete coursework and receive clinical experience teaching in the classroom. Graduates can work in child care centers or teach preschool, kindergarten, first grade, or second grade, and they will be licensed to teach children from birth to eight years old.
SIU Carbondale's bachelor's degree in early childhood is fully accredited and can be completed entirely online.
5. Greenville University
Greenville University offers an online bachelor's degree in elementary education and early childhood education.
The elementary education program offers student teaching placements, where participants complete 400 hours of classroom teaching.
Students in the early childhood education degree program can add elementary education to their licensure (to earn dual licensure) while completing the degree in four years.
Both 120 credit-hour degree programs can be completed in approximately four years and cost $470 per credit hour.
Other Online Colleges
Western Governors University
Western Governers University offers an online bachelor's degree in elementary education that qualifies graduates for licensure in any state, including Illinois. Students will learn about classroom management, curriculum planning, and educational theory.
This program costs $3,575 per six-month term. Students can complete as many classes as they wish within a term without paying extra fees.
Most students finish their degree in 30 months due to transferring credits and completing the program at an accelerated pace.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online bachelor's degree in education. Students will complete coursework online and find student teaching placements in locations that are convenient for them. This program prepares graduates for teaching at the elementary, middle, or high school level.
The online degree can be completed in three and a half to four years, depending on the pace of study.
Students will need to apply for teaching licensure in Illinois after completing the program.
University of Phoenix
Earning an online degree in education at the University of Phoenix (UP) is a great option for students who need to balance other commitments.
Classes are taken in five-week blocks and can be completed entirely online. Students can choose between a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or elementary education.
Many funding options are available, including scholarships, employer assistance programs, and military and veteran benefits.
UP offers 12 start dates per year.
FAQs: Earning an Online Education Degree in Illinois
Find answers to common questions about Illinois online education programs.
Can I Get My Teaching Degree Online in Illinois?
Yes, plenty of great education degrees can be earned entirely online in Illinois. Student teaching placements will most likely need to be completed in person.
What Are the Requirements for Teacher Licensing in Illinois?
Illinois' Professional Educator License requires applicants to complete an educator preparation program approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (typically a bachelor's degree) and achieve a passing score on the certification exam.
The degree and licensure required to become a teacher in Illinois varies depending on whether you teach at a public or private school. Some private schools do not require licensure.
What Is the Average Salary for Education Jobs in Illinois?
The average salary for education occupations in Illinois is $60,410. Secondary school teachers earn an average of $72,480.
Is an Online Education Degree Worth It?
A career in teaching typically begins with a bachelor's degree in education. Earning the degree online can be a worthwhile investment for students who wish to become teachers.
Start Your Education Program in Illinois Today
Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today and find the perfect Illinois online education program. Our team will help pair you with an online degree program that fits your needs, goals, and interests.
