A Bachelor’s Degree in Education is one of the most sought-after degrees in the country and globally. It is a well-known field that leads to a rewarding and fulfilling career path. Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree in Education would lead to a teaching career.
Today, Education offers a wealth of career opportunities. Graduates become part of a community that fosters positive growth and makes a difference in society.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an alarming shortage of teachers across the country. Because of this trend, employment in the profession, particularly elementary-age education, is projected to grow by 7% between 2020 through 2030.
Demands for middle school teachers, special education professionals, and high school teachers will remarkably increase in the coming years. Licensure is a prerequisite to being eligible to practice the profession.
An online bachelor’s degree in Education requires immersive and holistic coursework. Programs emphasize courses in child development, educational policy and law, curriculum development, instructional technology, educational psychology, and social justice.
Among the popular specializations include Mathematics, Reading, Foreign Language, Special Education, Art, and Music. Students are required to complete a pre-approved teaching practicum to graduate. And in some states, there are additional requirements imposed by federal law.
Page Jumps!
- Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Education
- Regis University
- Arizona State University
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Indiana Wesleyan State University
- Walden University
- Grand Canyon University
- Liberty University
- Brenau University
- Regent University Online
- Fort Hays State University
- Ball State University
- University of Nebraska–Kearney
- Prescott College
- California Baptist University
- Appalachian State University
- Florida International University
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- Arkansas Tech University
- University of North Carolina-Wilmington
- Bellevue University
- Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Our 20 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Education presents the academic institutions offering the undergraduate degree 100% online. We highlight the flexible yet rigorous coursework and extensive program curriculum that is a determinant of the overall quality of instruction. We also put the spotlight on the virtual learning platform to gauge student experience.
Adult learners are drawn to online schools because they usually offer the fast-track option. We emphasize the duration of the degree programs offered by the 20 top-rated schools on our list. The below-mentioned schools are listed in random order so you can find a degree program that fits your specific needs.
In addition, the following factors were considered:
- Offering affordable, cost-effective program options; such as Grants, Scholarships and Military Discounts,
- Online and/or Hybrid learning formats,
- Encourages lifelong learning, passion for teaching, and community-based involvement,
- Instructed by exceptional Professors experience in the field of Education, ranging from ages birth through adult learning,
- Programs designed to offer collaborative practical courses and presentations, in addition to, online theory coursework and the use of innovative teaching techniques,
- Promotes creativity, confidence, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills,
- Properly regionally accredited,
- Positive reviews listed on accredited resources listing college and university statistics.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Education
Regis University
Online BA in Elementary Education (Teacher Licensure)
The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Regis University includes initial licensure that allows graduates to practice their profession right after graduation. This is an excellent foundational course for those who wish to devote their expertise to teaching grades K-6.
There is no required prior college-level education to qualify for the program. Students are expected to complete the 120 credit hours to graduate successfully.
At Regis, graduates develop excellent oral communication skills, gain extensive knowledge about the educational system, and the humanities and sciences. Graduates are expected to have a holistic viewpoint in education and earn a successful educational career.
**********
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education
You can earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Arizona State University (ASU) by completing a total of 40 classes at an average of seven and a half weeks per class. You can also choose to advance and speed up your classes through consultation with your academic supervisor.
ASU does not provide a teacher certification program because the institution believes that careers in education are not only limited to the four corners of classrooms but can also benefit businesses, offices, and civic organizations. Further, the university offers financial assistance for its online students.
ASU’s Education undergraduate degree focuses on the socio-political areas of the community.
**********
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Online BS in Early Childhood Education
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education through its online program. To earn the degree, students must complete the 120 credit hours required in the program.
Despite being an online class, students experience high-quality education because the program covers a comprehensive curriculum including a practicum. Also, the faculty members in their online courses are the same professors and researchers that teach on-campus lectures.
The online program requires students to pass not only the admission test but also the specific qualifications to major in Early Childhood Education.
**********
Indiana Wesleyan State University
Bachelor’s in Education Degree Major in Early Childhood Education
Indiana Wesleyan University Online offers a Bachelor’s in Education degree major in Early Childhood Education. A total of 120 credit hours, which shall run for 24 months, are needed to complete the online course. Aside from Childhood Education, their degree in education also offers a minor in Reading.
The Education program of the online university prepares students to become licensed educators in the state. A non-licensure program is also offered. Financial aid in the form of a loan, a scholarship, or housing benefits are available.
**********
Walden University
BS in Early Childhood Studies and BS in Elementary Education (Teacher Licensure)
Walden University offers two majors in their online Bachelor’s degree in Education, namely Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Teacher Licensure).
The university approves flexible learning arrangements for students, and train them to excel in their field. The university takes pride in its instruction techniques that motivate and mold young students to be competent, socially involved, and civic-minded. New students are welcome to try the 2-week risk-free trial to get a feel of the program.
**********
Grand Canyon University
Online Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Secondary Education
Grand Canyon University (GCU) claims to be the leading university for teaching, both in traditional and distance learning programs. It has been fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1988, including the university’s online Bachelors in Education program.
GCU offers three majors in the field of education namely:
- Early Childhood Education,
- Elementary Education,
- Special Education,
- and Secondary Education.
The program is focused on molding young educators through the implementation of Christian values in their curriculum. The Education Department maintains curriculum standards by updating the coursework and hiring competent faculty and staff.
**********
Liberty University
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education: Majors in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies, and Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberty University is offering various education programs under its School of Education. The university features an online Bachelor’s Degree in Education with majors in:
- Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies,
- Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies,
- and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies.
A total of 120 credit hours should be completed to earn an undergraduate degree online.
Usually, students take about three and a half years to earn an online degree. Applicants need to complete their requirements, determine their financial plan, and wait for confirmation to begin their term. Tuition can be significantly reduced through scholarships and financial plans.
**********
Brenau University
Online Bachelor of Science (BSECE) in Early Childhood Education
Brenau University provides a 100% online experience for students who wish to take a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education through the university’s distance learning platform. They offer students convenience without sacrificing the quality of education that they provide. It is a non-profit institution that has an average of 85% of students receiving financial aid from various agencies.
The program is a four-year course designed suitable for students seeking a convenient academic timeframe that accommodates their needs. Brenau University equips students with the skills and knowledge to become competent in the field of education. The school is known for producing quality graduates and skilled teaching professionals.
**********
Regent University Online
Online BS in Early Childhood Education and BS in Professional Studies-Teacher Education (IDS)
Regent University promises its students a work-life balance that allows them to succeed in the field of education. Under the College of Arts and Sciences, the university offers a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies-Teacher Education (IDS) which are fully online courses.
Each program runs for 120 credit hours. The program integrates Christian principles into its curriculum. Regent University has been awarded the Best Online School for Early Childhood Education by the Successful Student organization.
**********
Fort Hays State University
BS in Early Childhood Unified Distance Learning Degree Program
Fort Hays State University offers a wide range of online undergraduate degrees in Education. Students are free to choose from:
- Early Education Unified,
- Elementary Education,
- and Elementary Education with a Special Education minor.
Whatever the specialization, students of the program are exposed to the general education core subjects, clinical experience, professional education curriculum, and pedagogical theory.
Graduates of BS in Early Childhood Unified are ready for careers in early childhood. The BS in Elementary Education major qualifies graduates for teaching positions from Kindergarten through sixth grade.
**********
Ball State University
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Ball State University (BSU) has established itself as an online institution for Education majors since the 1990s. Students who wish to be admitted to their educational programs may face some fierce competition as the university expects applicants to meet their standards of excellence.
Ball State’s Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education requires 120 credit hours to graduate and comes with a customized plan to fast-track completion.
**********
University of Nebraska–Kearney
Online BA in Education – Early Childhood Inclusive Program
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) holds the coveted rankings as the top ten best public universities in the region and has consistently been tagged as the best online university in the country. UNK offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Education – Early Childhood Inclusive program, which incorporates supervised school-based experiences and student teaching.
The program prepares students to become effective educators of children from birth to eight years of age. Students may choose to major in specific courses, and specialize in one or both minor areas.
**********
Prescott College
Online BA in Education and Teacher Preparation
Earn an online teaching degree from Prescott College, an interdisciplinary educational institution that promotes experiential learning and self-directed study pace. The Bachelor of Arts in Education and Teacher Preparation exposes students to a pool of opportunities after graduation.
A curriculum that is aimed at helping students earn an undergraduate degree and teaching credentials makes it a practical choice for an online degree. Students are required to finish a total of 120 credit hours to graduate.
**********
California Baptist University
Distance Learning BA in Early Childhood Studies
California Baptist University (Cal Baptist) is a Christian-centric private institution that offers a wide array of online programs. Cal Baptist has an intensive Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies under their education department. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in as early as sixteen months which opens doors to teaching opportunities. Graduates grow to be critical thinkers and effective educators
Cal Baptist’s online curriculum is designed to prepare students for the tedious process of educating young students under the K-12 programs. The school produces graduates who are beacons of Christian values and empower their young minds with spiritual transformation.
**********
Appalachian State University
Online BS in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, or Special Education
The Appalachian State University’s (ASU) competitive online education degree programs are among the top-rated degrees in the country.
Among online undergraduate learners, ASU’s top choices are:
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education,
- Middle Grades Education,
- or Special Education
Whether you are looking into expanding your education to land a top-paying job or you are securing a part-time education load, ASU is a perfect choice. Finish your Bachelor’s in Education degree in two to three years and a half.
The university emphasizes the importance of leadership as reflected in its curriculum. Students can expect to gain a strong foundation in the practical application experience on top of the foundational theory as incorporated in the curriculum.
**********
Florida International University
BS in Early Childhood Education (BECE) Distance Learning Degree
Florida International University’s (FIU) Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (BECE) is a fully online program that focuses on learning the various stages of developmental processes in early childhood years. It is under the university’s College of Arts, Sciences & Education department, an inclusive division that emphasizes the cultural, social, and psychological foundations of education.
Students take classes in:
- the methods of teaching elementary,
- classroom management,
- special needs of children and families, among others.
The curriculum is a blend of professional education courses and teaching methods. Graduates receive career opportunities in childcare, education, child development, early education, and K-12 programs.
**********
University of Missouri-Columbia
Online Bachelor of Educational Studies
The University of Missouri is the state’s largest college that offers both traditional on-campus and online programs. The university’s Bachelor of Educational Studies under the College of Education is an exhaustive 120-credit undergraduate education program that prepares students to become adult educators.
Graduates are well equipped with the knowledge and skills to face real-world problems. They are welcome in:
- community colleges,
- human resource management departments,
- and workforce development.
However, the online program does not qualify for state licensure.
The curriculum focuses on the study of human learning, introduction to special education, psychology, vocational education for special-needs learners, and occupational analysis. Finish the program in as short as three years by transferring up to 59 credit hours from an accredited institution.
**********
Arkansas Tech University
Online BS in Elementary Education
To become part of a child’s early educational background, the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education offered by Arkansas Tech University is perfect. The program is delivered through the university’s fully online platform.
Arkansas Tech University’s College of Education produces successful and innovative educators who are committed to diversity and their ever-evolving community of learners.
The faculty members specify hands-on learning experience so for experiential learning, so they are well trained to become:
- effective teachers,
- tutors,
- advisors,
- or counselors.
**********
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Fully Online BA in Education (K-6)
Student-centered learning is at the core of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington’s (UNCW) mission and vision. The UNCW’s Watson College of Education offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Education (K-6) and utilizes a collaborative partnership among the various sectors of the university and public schools.
Students are exposed to an in-depth teacher preparation curriculum with a focus on:
- elementary school practice,
- psychological foundations of teaching,
- instructional design and evaluation,
- and instructional technology.
Students may choose to specialize in English as a Second Language (ESL), International Studies, Science and Health, Math and Technology, and Social Studies. Before graduation, students are required to complete methodological coursework to prepare them for practicum or apprenticeship.
**********
Bellevue University
BS in Adult Education Distance Learning Degree
Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Adult Education. The degree includes a comprehensive curriculum that enhances critical thinking skills, expertise in creating effective instructional materials, and techniques for instruction.
The prospective jobs graduates can venture after graduation include, but are not limited to:
- Human Resources Manager,
- Education,
- Training and Library Occupations,
- and Training Development Managers.
Applying to the university’s education program is easy and convenient. Applicants should complete an application for admission and other necessary documents and pay an admission fee of $50. Get your Education degree from Bellevue University!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why take an online Bachelor’s degree in Education?
A degree in Education leads to a fulfilling career in teaching. Holders of the undergraduate degree end up becoming the country’s sought-after educators, counselors, and advisors.
It provides students with the necessary foundational knowledge in education and the entire educational system, so they become effective and innovative teachers.
Should I match my degree specialization with the subjects I want to teach?
Ideally, yes. It will help you once you start with your teaching career. For better mastery of the subject, you can always opt to take up a master’s degree.
How long can an online Bachelor’s degree in Education be completed?
The Education degree will usually take students four to six years to complete. The actual duration or completion time depends on the institution, but most allow students to take as much as ten years to finish the bachelor’s degree.
Various factors come into play such as financial troubles, personal reasons, and time. It is essential to complete within the 10-year time frame or risk rendering the academic credits void.
Additional Information: