Elementary education is normally the first phase of formal education. Depending on the locality, primary education is provided in first and middle schools, elementary schools, or primary schools.
Elementary Education programs are to equip teachers to work with pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade. A wide range of subjects is often covered in these programs, such as curriculum creation, assessment, teaching strategies, and child development.
Since learning has gone beyond the traditional classroom settings, online education, also known as e-learning, is a fantastic way to gain knowledge and qualifications through the internet. It offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn at your own pace and schedule.
This article explains the Top Online Elementary Education Programs in 2024, the cost of enrolling for a bachelor’s degree in an online elementary education program, some of the course outlines for elementary education as well as other useful information. As you read ahead, you will get know Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education,
The Elementary Education degree program helps you gain expertise in developing and supervising young children. You will gain knowledge about variety, behavior, relationships, and child development. and you will learn how to design curricula and provide kids with constructive feedback.
Top Online Elementary Education Programs 2024
If you’re considering an online elementary education degree, explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
1. University of Northern Iowa
Situated in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on an urban campus, the University of Northern Iowa is a medium-sized public university. With an 86% acceptance rate, admissions are selective, and there are 7,967 undergraduate students enrolled overall. The institution has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, and 105 bachelor’s degree programs, with an average graduation rate of 69%. In-state students pay $7,780 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $18,480.
2. The University of South Carolina–Columbia
This public institution is situated in Columbia, South Carolina, on an urban campus. There are 26,864 undergraduate students enrolled overall, and 62% of applications are accepted. Admissions are rigorous. The institution has an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, average graduation rate of 78%, and 85 bachelor’s degree programs available. In-state students pay $12,288 in tuition and fees, and out-of-state students pay $33,528.
3. Drexel Institution-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel Institution is a medium-sized private institution with an urban campus. There are 14,413 undergraduate students enrolled overall, and 83% of applications are accepted. Admissions are rigorous. The institution has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, 110 bachelor’s degree programs, and an average graduation rate of 78%. $54,766 is the total cost of tuition and fees for students.
4. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State Institution is a large public institution located in a rural area of Stillwater, Oklahoma. With 20,216 undergraduate students enrolled, it has a 68% acceptance rate and a relatively difficult admissions process.
The institution offers ninety-three bachelor’s degree programs, with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average graduation rate of sixty-six percent. Out-of-state students must pay $20,937 in tuition and fees, while in-state students must pay $5,417.
5. University of North Carolina- Charlotte
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, on an urban campus, the Institution of North Carolina at Charlotte is a sizable public institution. 24,116 undergraduate students are enrolled overall, and admissions are selective, with a 79% acceptance rate.
The institution has a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, an average graduation rate of 66%, and offers 70 bachelor’s degrees. For in-state students, the cost of tuition and fees is $3,812, however, out-of-state students must pay $17,246.
6. Kansas State University
Situated on an urban campus in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State Institution is a sizable public institution. With a 96% acceptance rate, it has 15,619 undergraduate students enrolled overall. Admissions are competitive.
The institution has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, and 94 bachelor’s degree programs, with an average graduation rate of 68%. The cost of tuition and fees is $9,489 for in-state students and $25,560 for out-of-state students.
7. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public university with a moderately large student body. Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, it offers a bustling city environment. While admissions are somewhat selective (acceptance rate around 90%), UND boasts a wide variety of undergraduate programs (over 100 bachelor’s degrees).
With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, students benefit from more personalized attention. The graduation rate is 62%, and in-state students can expect to pay an affordable $8,882 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $13,323.
8. Viterbo University
With a total number of 1,660 admitted candidates, Viterbo University situated in La Crosse is a small privately owned institution.
Newly admitted candidates are to pay a tuition fee of $29,230, offering over 53 bachelor’s degrees with an average graduation rate of 65%, and a student-faculty ratio of 11:1.
9. Buena Vista University
Situated in Storm Lake, Iowa, on a rural campus, Buena Vista University is a small private university. With 1,506 undergraduate students enrolled overall, admissions are selective, with a 66% acceptance rate. With an average graduation rate of 63% and a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, the institution grants 73 bachelor’s. Students will pay $37,518 in tuition & fees.
10. Campbell University
Situated near Buies Creek, North Carolina, on a suburban campus, Campbell Institution is a small private institution. 3,325 undergraduate students are enrolled overall, and 87% of applicants are accepted through rigorous admissions. The institution has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, 79 bachelor’s degree programs, and an average graduation rate of 56%. Students will pay $35,580 in tuition & fees.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor in Elementary Education Cost?
As with other college degrees, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education requires money. Public and private institutions both require significant sums of money to finish, although public organizations are usually less expensive.
Tuition & Fees -$17,709
Total Cost- $30,884
Fortunately, scholarships are available to students majoring in education, making their degree more inexpensive. Loans for students are available from both federal and private sources. Numerous educators are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) if they are holding federal student debts.
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Coursework
Earning an online elementary education degree requires a significant amount of time and money. So it’s important to understand what these programs entail before committing. In this section, we cover some common program elements to help you make an informed decision.
While coursework can vary from school to school, most elementary education curricula cover similar topics to prepare you for the classroom.
Some of the outstanding courses include:
- Educational Technology
- Children’s Literature and Literacy Instruction
- Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom
- Reading and Language in the Elementary Classroom
- Classroom Management
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Elementary School Settings
Specializations
In addition to foundational core coursework, some schools also offer specializations like:
- Special Education
- Gifted and Talented Education
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Reading and Literacy
If you’re looking for an online elementary school degree, you usually need to finish your student teaching experience to graduate and get your license, just like with other K–12 education degrees.
Typically lasting a full semester, student teaching is an obligatory, unpaid component of the degree program. Remember that each state has different requirements for the precise amount of time, so you should check with your board of education for additional information.
Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Teaching positions for preschoolers or elementary school pupils are frequently available to those with a degree in elementary education. Nonetheless, graduates have access to occupation options beyond those mentioned here. A few graduates could teach young children in literacy classes or run neighborhood youth initiatives.
They educate students well for a variety of relevant occupations, whether in or out of the classroom because many primary education programs require students to perform many hours of student-teaching in real classrooms to graduate.
With a bachelor’s degree in elementary teaching, the following are some of the most popular professions to enter.
1. Elementary School Teacher: This is the most obvious choice. With a bachelor’s in elementary education and appropriate state certification, you can teach in public or private elementary schools.
2. Special Education Teacher: You might choose to specialize in special education, working with students who have special needs. This can involve teaching in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, or specialized schools.
3. ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher: With the increasing number of English Language Learners (ELLs) in schools, there is a high demand for teachers who can teach English to non-native speakers.
4. Tutor: You could work as a private tutor, providing one-on-one instruction to students who need extra help in specific subjects.
5. Reading Specialist: As a reading specialist, you would work with students who are struggling with reading and literacy skills, providing targeted instruction and interventions.
6. Curriculum Developer: You could work for school districts, educational publishers, or educational technology companies, developing curriculum materials, lesson plans, and educational resources.
7. Education Consultant: Education consultants work with schools and school districts to provide advice and support on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational policies.
8. Childcare Center Director: With a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience, you could become a director of a childcare center, overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring compliance with licensing regulations.
9. Education Administrator: With further education and experience, you could move into administrative roles such as principal, assistant principal, or district administrator.
10. Community Educator: You might work for community organizations, museums, or libraries, developing and delivering educational programs for children and families.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other career paths you can pursue with a bachelor’s in elementary education. Your specific interests, skills, and experiences will help determine the best fit for you.
For people who want to work as elementary school teachers, getting a bachelor’s degree in elementary education is worthwhile. To become a teacher, one must get an elementary education degree in some states. Along with finishing your student teaching experience, you’ll also be ready for any required licensure examinations.
It’s essential to take your interests and financial circumstances into account when determining if a bachelor’s degree in education is worthwhile for you. A college degree is a significant investment, thus you should calculate its return on investment (ROI).