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Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Education

Online Education Degree Overview

Several colleges and universities offer online degrees in education. A majority of online education degree programs cover theories and practical methodologies for teaching, and many typically include an in-person component, such as practical classroom teaching experience. Students may decide to pursue a general education degree or more specialized degrees in special education or early childhood education. Other online education degree options may offer a curriculum that focuses on instruction of specific grade levels or subject areas. For example, English, mathematics, social studies, or science.

Online education degree programs require students to have access to a computer and the internet to take advantage of various online learning tools (video instruction, email communication with professors and peers, forums, assignments, etc.). To be successful in a distance learning program, students are usually self-starters with the potential to gain transferable time-management, communication, technical, and organizational skills.

The Top Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Education

After analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Education and assessing each school for accessibility and affordability, Learn.org has assembled this list of the top online bachelor's degrees in education. These schools are all fully accredited and offer quality professors, unique specialization options, flexible schedules, and connections for hands-on training or experiences. Whether your goal is traditional classroom teaching or an alternative like organizational training, you're sure to find a good fit from our list.

1. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Tuition Acceptance Rate Graduation Rate Financial Aid % Placement Services Career Services Accepts
$21456 88% 45% 98% Yes Yes AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

The top school on our list is Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, which has a practical and faith-based approach to preparing future teachers for a mission-focused career. This fantastic school offers three options for students seeking an online bachelor's program in education: a non-licensure Bachelor of Arts in Education (a pre-professional program for those interested in working outside the classroom), a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts/Reading (Middle and Secondary Teaching) and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies Education (Middle and Secondary Teaching). SAGU places students directly into real classroom scenarios, such as creating lesson plans for a diverse audience and assessing their effectiveness.

2. Liberty University

Tuition Acceptance Rate Graduation Rate Financial Aid % Placement Services Career Services Accepts
$16118 51% 47% 99% Yes Yes AP / NCCRS Credits

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University has 12 online programs to choose from - in fact there are nine Bachelor of Education programs that prepare one for state licensure in areas like business education, elementary education, math education, and special education. There are also three Bachelor of Science programs that set learners on track for a master's degree: a BS in Education in Early Childhood Education, a BS in Education in Elementary Education, and a BS in Education in Special Education programs. All of these online programs are designed to create positive role models and mentors for children. We also like that Liberty U's eight-week terms and eight start dates allow students to start at almost any time during the year.

3. Maranatha Baptist University

Tuition Acceptance Rate Graduation Rate Financial Aid % Placement Services Career Services Accepts
$16660 77% 55% 93% Yes Yes AP Credits

For those who may only be interested in working within a Christian school system, Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies that is accredited by both the American Association of Christian Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International. While this program doesn't lead directly to licensure as a teacher, it is a great option for those on the alternative certification path and it can be completed fully online! Students may also speed to an advanced degree by completing one-half of their graduate course requirements as an undergraduate. Their Master of Education in Teaching and Learning includes preparation for non-teaching roles in Teaching and Learning, Organizational Leadership or Biblical Studies.

4. University of Missouri - Columbia

Tuition Acceptance Rate Graduation Rate Financial Aid % Placement Services Career Services Accepts
$10477 81% 71% 89% Yes Yes AP Credits

Schools aren't the only employment option for someone with a bachelor's degree in education, so we are really impressed with the University of Missouri's Bachelor in Educational Studies. Offered through its Columbia campus, the virtual program takes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare graduates for alternative careers in education leadership and policy or games and simulations. Students have the flexibility to design their own programs based upon their interests; however, this degree plan does not prepare graduates for teacher certification.

5. Kansas State University

Tuition Acceptance Rate Graduation Rate Financial Aid % Placement Services Career Services Accepts
$10800 95% 65% 88% Yes Yes AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, is another option that offers online education bachelor's degree programs - these even include field experiences that meet the teacher certification requirements for Kansas and other states that can be completed in any state! Their certification programs include BS programs in early childhood education and elementary education, and for those not interested in teaching, the Bachelor of Science in Education Studies enables learners to pursue careers outside of classroom teaching in areas such as education policy and youth program leadership. An internship is a part of the program and provides real-world experience to prepare graduates for gainful employment.

6. Webster University

Tuition Acceptance Rate Graduation Rate Financial Aid % Placement Services Career Services Accepts
$28700 57% 58% 96% Yes Yes AP / NCCRS Credits

Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies that brings together the fields of philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Students may select from electives in sustainability, international human rights, entrepreneurship, and community engagement or stick with general education courses

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page

Types of Online Education Degrees

Online degrees in education are offered in some form at every degree level and you'll even find certificates in a variety of education-related areas. We'll cover each degree level in more detail below.

Online Associate Degrees in Education

An online associate degree in education is typically a two-year degree that includes about 60 credits of general education or liberal arts courses in math, reading, writing, and science. Associate degrees in education aim to provide students with a foundational knowledge of effective learning tools and childhood communication skills for entry-level education careers, such as paraprofessionals or pre-school teachers. Some schools offer an associate degree in education with a paraprofessional certification, allowing students to work in schools in a capacity other than a teacher.

An associate degree in an education program typically culminates in an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Arts (AA). Students with online associate education degrees usually decide to continue their higher education schooling in a bachelor's degree program.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Education

For students who are certain they want to be certified or licensed educators, the online bachelor's degree in education is where you will begin. If you are going to school full-time, you should anticipate taking classes for four years to complete your bachelor's degree in education, which is the minimum amount of education required to become a teacher in most states.

Although online education degree curriculums may be completed primarily in a digital format, many bachelor-level programs include an in-person practicum or student teaching experience because it's a requirement to be eligible for a teaching license. Depending on the program and state teaching requirements, students may be obligated to fulfill a specific number of instructional hours before graduating.

Students who pursue bachelor's degrees in education typically obtain a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).

Online Master's Degrees in Education

Even if your particular state does not require you to obtain a master's degree to become a teacher, it could still be beneficial for students to continue their education in a graduate program. Students with online master's degrees in education may be eligible for career advancement (school counselors and administrative positions, for example); or a higher salary grade.

A master's degree in education can be completed fully online, but it's important to note that these types of programs may not lead to licensure. Most of these programs are designed to provide flexibility around a working teacher's normal schedule. These degrees are usually comprised of 30 to 36 credit hours and have a research or thesis component at the end. If a teacher decides to obtain a master's degree while working, they can typically expect the program to take about three years to complete.

An online master's degree in education is typically a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Education (M.Ed.); however, students may also obtain a Master of Arts (MA) in Art Education or a related humanities subject area.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Education

After obtaining a master's degree in education, students can continue their education in an online doctoral program in education. This additional degree enables a person to become a postsecondary teacher or researcher at the college or university level. If an individual chooses to remain in their current elementary, middle, or high school teaching position, a doctorate may provide an additional supplement to their pay, as discussed earlier.

Online doctoral programs in education can take anywhere from two to four years to complete, and candidates may pursue a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. The difference between the two degrees is that a Ph.D. requires a thesis/dissertation and is research-based, while the Ed.D. does not and is practice-based. A Ph.D. also typically requires more credit hours than an Ed.D., which is another reason why it takes longer to complete. The distinction between Ed.D. and Ph.D. really lies in what the student wants to do with their degree. If a student wants to teach education at the university level and continue educational research, a Ph.D. is the appropriate degree path to follow. If, however, a person wants to go into school administration, develop curriculums, or lead other education professionals, an Ed.D. degree path would be most appropriate.

Online Certificates in Education

In addition to education degrees, students have the option to earn several online education certificates. Certificates are ideal for students and graduates who wish to improve or gain new skill sets, seek career advancement, or stay abreast of industry trends and teaching practices.

Many certificates include 15 to 18 credits and can be obtained in about one year. Certificates usually indicate the completion of a course or in-depth training that demonstrates proficiency in the certificate topic. Some common certificates a teacher can earn are:

  • Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
  • Preschool Studies
  • K-12 Virtual Education
  • Algebra 1 Education
  • Educational or Instructional Technology
  • Classroom or Behavior Management
  • Special Education
  • Google Certified Teacher and/or Trainer

Education Specializations/Concentrations

Educators can choose from a variety of specializations and concentrations that can drive their careers and really hone in on particular interests and passions. The following concentrations are typically offered in online bachelor's education degree programs:

  • Special Education
  • Severely Disabled Education
  • Gifted and Talented
  • Instructional Technology
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Instructional Design and Delivery
  • Educational Leadership and Administration
  • English Language Learners
  • Counseling
  • Literacy/Reading Specialist
  • Library Media Specialist

Curriculum/Coursework for an Education Degree

Though there are many different courses one can take while studying for a degree in education, there are some that are almost always required components of any education degree program. A student pursuing an online degree in education should expect to take the following courses, in no particular order:

  • Introduction to Education
  • Behavioral Management
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Development and Design
  • Teaching Exceptional Children
  • Educational Philosophies
  • Child Psychology and Development (for Elementary Education)
  • Adolescent Psychology and Development (for Middle and Secondary Education)
  • Practicum and Student Teaching Mentorship

Behavior Management

This course is designed to teach students different behavioral management strategies for individuals and classroom behaviors. Typically, students may gain a better understanding of behavioral assessment practices, behavioral support plans, positive interventions, and replacement behavior strategies. The course may also cover long-term behavioral analysis and metrics to improve student learning.

Classroom Management

This course aims to teach students different instructional methods and classroom management styles to promote effective learning environments. Students may explore several course topics about on-task behaviors, bully prevention, and fostering effective communication with other education professionals, parents, and students.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Education?

Most bachelor's degree programs (online, hybrid, or in-person) take about four years to complete if a person goes to school full-time and enrolls in at least 15 credit hours (or five classes) per semester. The majority of bachelor-level programs require that students complete 120 credits.

Program lengths may also be determined by how quickly students fulfill their teaching practicum, seminars, or other program requirements. Depending on the school, distance learning students may have the opportunity to take 12-week or eight-week courses, as well as summer course offerings. These factors, among others, may further accelerate or prolong education curriculums.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Education Degrees

Students seeking federal financial aid, scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and gainful employment should attend an accredited college, university, or program. Accreditation is granted by recognized accrediting agencies to higher education institutions that meet several criteria for academic excellence.

When surveying potential education programs for enrollment, it is important to keep in mind that each state has its own requirements for accepted teacher preparation programs. In other words, teacher-prep programs aren't universal or one-size-fits-all. It is important to make sure that the program has at least a regional accreditation from an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and is accepted by the state Department of Education as an approved program.

Before committing to a specific online degree program in education, students should search for the school or program's accreditation information by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited colleges and universities.

Additionally, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the CHEA, may grant accreditation to distance learning programs that provide high-quality online curriculum, instruction, and learning tools.

Education Licensure & Certification

Licensure indicates that a person has met all of the requirements and is granted permission to be hired as a teacher in the state that issued said license.

Each state has different licensing requirements but most require a bachelor's degree, a teacher preparation program, one or more exams and a background check. Generally states will require you to take a certification exam in your area of teaching. In California prospective teachers need to take the CSET/CBEST exam, and in Texas you will take the TExES exam. Many states utilize the Praxis exam which is a national teacher certification exam. To determine what the licensure eligibility requirements are for a particular state, students can visit their state's Department of Education website. Another source of licensure information is Teach.org, a state-collected information hub for teacher preparation programs, career resources, and certification guidelines.

Generally, after completing an accredited teacher education program along with student teaching and practicum experience, there are some testing requirements that a prospective teacher must pass before applying for a license/certificate in the state in which they wish to teach. Common tests required for prospective teachers are Praxis I and Praxis II (content-specific), which is required in 34 states.

Education Career Information

Teaching is a field that typically offers a lot of job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the expected job growth for most teachers consistently hovers around 4%. In terms of sheers numbers, the BLS predicts the field for kindergarten and elementary school teachers will add the most positions (56,100 between 2019 and 2029).

Additional median salaries (2019-2029) for education careers at the bachelor level or below include:

  • Special Education Teacher: $61,030
  • Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers: $54,350
  • Career and Technical Education Teachers: $58,110
  • Teacher Assistant: $27,920

Of course, other factors will impact this figure: cost of living, the state in which a person teaches, whether a person teaches elementary, middle, or high school; the highest level of education, and years of experience.

How to Become a High School Teacher

Graduates with bachelor's degrees in education may decide to pursue employment as secondary teachers. Teaching in middle school or high school means completing a degree in the field you wish to teach, finishing a teacher prep program, logging practical teaching hours and then passing your state's licensure exam. Then, you can then apply for a teaching license; this usually includes submitting documentation, paying a fee and undergoing a background check.

Aspiring teachers who have a bachelor's degree in another area can often take an alternative teacher certification path by completing a teacher prep program and fulfill other requirements. These vary significantly by state. Specifics are listed on each state's Department of Education website.

According to the BLS, the expected job growth for high school teachers is 4 percent (2019-2029).

How to Become an Elementary School Teacher

Teaching elementary school is a bit different than teaching middle and high school because the teacher is typically not focusing on one discipline. A person interested in becoming an elementary school teacher should first get their bachelor's degree in elementary education, then go on to complete their practicum and student teaching experiences in an elementary school classroom. There are also specific tests that need to be passed before being granted licensure.

Common responsibilities of elementary school teachers include but are not limited to developing lesson plans in math, reading, and science; assessing students' learning strengths and weaknesses, communicating with legal guardians about the child's progress and learning challenges, and implementing classroom rules to manage behaviors.

According to the BLS, the expected job growth for elementary school teachers is 4 percent (2019-2029).

Career Advancement in Education

There are ways teachers can advance in the profession beyond the classroom. Educators can get their master's degree in educational leadership, which allows them to take on an administrative role. This doesn't necessarily mean they have to become a principal or vice-principal. A degree in educational leadership might allow them to work at a central office, where they can take roles as heads of instruction for a particular discipline. For example, some school districts employ a person who is in charge of all English teachers and librarians in the county.

Other ways teachers can advance their careers is by obtaining a master's degree in their subject area (for middle and high school) or education. Graduates with master's degrees may seek career opportunities as adjunct educators in education at a local community college. Teaching as an adjunct educator at a community college is something a teacher can do part-time and online to supplement their pay at their home school, or it can be a full-time job. These openings usually depend on the need of the community college and in what direction that particular teacher wants their career to go.

There are many free online courses that a teacher can sign up for and take to improve a skill, get certified in a skill, or just earn professional development points. However, these types of courses typically do not offer college credit or a degree.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Education Degrees

Financial aid is the assistance given to students to help offset the cost of post-secondary education. Usually, a college or university will offer some students a financial aid package to make their college or university more affordable.

Federal financial aid is available to students who are either U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, attending an accredited school, and can demonstrate financial need. These grants do not need to be repaid. Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much federal financial aid they qualify for.

Another way to help pay for college tuition is by applying for scholarships. The U.S. Department of Labor has a scholarship finder that allows people to search for all sorts of scholarships, grants, and fellowships that offer monies to students wishing to further their education. Other good places to check for scholarships is with the school of choice's financial aid office and with admissions counselors or school counselors.

Future Educator Scholarship

The Future Educator Scholarship is available to incoming or current college students who are majoring in education. To apply, students should fill out the form on the scholarship website, submit their transcripts or college acceptance letter, and answer an essay question about what they believe they can offer to future students. One winner will be selected for a $1,000 award that can be applied to tuition and other academic expenses.

Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship

The annual Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship is available to students currently attending a college or university who have declared their major in elementary education. To apply, students should submit the online application, official transcripts, an updated resume, and an essay explaining what inspired them to pursue teaching and how their personality traits will benefit them in their teaching careers. Winners will receive a $1,000 award for their educational costs.

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Additional Bachelor's Degrees Programs

Online Bachelor's in
Early Childhood Education
Degrees
Online Bachelor's in
Elementary Education
Degrees
Online Bachelor's in
Special Education
Degrees

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