25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Education Degree Programs [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Updated on August 29, 2024
If you want to inspire the next generation, an online bachelor’s in education can be just what you need to get your teaching career off the ground.
Additional certification might be necessary before you’re fully qualified to teach, but a B.A. or B.S. will be a great starting point.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Appalachian State University sits along the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving a beautiful view to all who visit since 1889. Students looking to excel in ambitious academics, while committing to making a difference using research and innovation pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at App State.
ASU’s pledge to public education helps shape the future of the next global leaders.
Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Arizona State University has marked its place among public education by providing students with world-class instruction that started in 1886.
Exceeding all expectations of curriculum development, research advances, and sustainability, ASU’s undergraduate and graduate degrees give students global awareness and personal direction so they can achieve career readiness and a sense of community.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Committee.
Whether students are just beginning their adult education or gathering the final pieces, Ball State University has unique opportunities that assist students on all levels to earn an associate, BA, BS, or graduate degree.
As a public university, Ball State has been encouraging students to learn using investigation strategies in all aspects of their education since 1918.
BSU is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Known as a military-friendly school and a leader in distance learning, Bellevue University has been providing public education since 1966. With a broad spectrum of BA, BS, and master’s degree programs, Bellevue has many flexible options for students around the world to pursue academic training. BU has Dr and Ph.D. programs as well.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Brenau University educates students from various areas around the world who are vigilant in their quest for continuing education.
As a private school that came together in 1878 for the betterment of women’s education, BU has formed into a co-ed institution that provides two-year degrees and beyond. Online and in-class courses help students reach all levels of educational degrees.
Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
As a Trojan State public school, Dakota State University takes honor in the various associate, bachelor’s, MA, and DR degrees that give students a sense of pride after completing an academic rich program.
Starting in 1881, DSU has advanced in research and technology to find its place among the top schools by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers programs in cybersecurity, education, business, and more.
Dakota State accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University began in 1891 with its sights set on advances in research and technology. Drexel was the first College to require the use of computers in 1984, starting a new fad in each of their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
As a private college, Drexel University works diligently to enhance out of the box learning activities.
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Providing cutting-edge education since 1907, East Carolina University is a front-runner as a public research facility. Extending outside of the borders of NC, ECU serves students worldwide who are looking to fulfill educational goals of gaining a BA, BS, master’s, or a doctoral degree.
Teaching through distance learning, co-ops, and study abroad, ECU excels in hands-on learning.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
As the rise of Florida International University, 1965 marked a new era for public education in Miami, Florida.
The need for schools that offer research programs grew during this time, causing FIU to develop bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to fulfill the increasing demands put forth by the world of science, education, engineering, and other career areas.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Starting in 1902, Fort Hays State University aids thousands of students yearly in earing one of its numerous bachelor and graduate degrees online or on-campus.
FHSU sets the standard for community outreach by providing volunteer programs, internship opportunities, and dual enrollment programs for area high school students to get an early start to their college careers.
FHSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
As a private, faith-based school that started in 1949, Grand Canyon University delivers academic advancement to students who wish to procure one of over two-hundred BA, BS, MA, or doctorate degrees that GCU has to offer. GCU has nine academic schools and an exceptional distance-learning platform that helps GCU reach students around the world.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana Wesleyan University started in 1920 as a private Christian postsecondary school that represents a variety of religious denominations from around the world.
It has over eighty undergraduate programs, over fifty graduate programs, and nine doctorate degrees to choose from. IWA’s inclusive atmosphere provides flexibility with online and in-class learning.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited as a whole by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Liberty University is a religious-based private school that commenced in 1771. Leading the way in an inclusive community environment, Liberty encourages all students to become involved in academic research for the betterment of humankind.
Hands-on education is a part of all degree levels at Liberty University, which includes its associate, bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral curricula.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Maranatha Baptist University is found in Watertown, Wisconsin, where it provides a private liberal arts education to students over five colleges, a Bible institute, and a Baptist Seminary school.
MBU supplies 2- and 4-year degree programs and master’s degrees to students looking to improve their educational status. They also have an outstanding Army ROTC program.
Maranatha is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Prescott College opened in 1960 as a prestigious leader in higher education. Students attending Prescott college take part in one of four pathways to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree. This private University requires all students to design their own study program and complete a senior project before graduation.
Prescott College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Opening in 1927, Regis University challenges students to critically think hello while exploring the meaning undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs offered. Regis University is a private postsecondary school that brings hands-on learning and innovation to the forefront of each degree path.
Students at Regis can attend classes both online and in-person.
Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Gaining a BA, BS, master’s, or doctorate is vital to the thousands of students who choose the University of Alabama- Birmingham every year.
As one of the most esteemed public universities in the world, UofA- Birmingham started in 1856 to assist the local area in training new medical students. Today it trains students globally in a diverse choice of majors.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
In 1819, Ohio gained an addition to its education system by adding The University of Cincinnati. Now one of the most attractive campuses in the state, the school raised the bar of public education by offering a research-based curriculum that results in undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees for a globally competitive job market.
The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Becoming a public research university is not an easy feat, but the University of Missouri took on the challenge when it began in 1839. The founders did not know the university would rise to become a large postsecondary school that aids students in obtaining various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. It leads the nation in nuclear medicine.
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
As the birthplace for ecology, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln began in 1869 and has expanded to include eight schools with more than 100 facilities and research areas.
With undergraduate and graduate degrees offered in a multitude of majors, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln links students with experts in their fields to provide practical experience during the education process.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Gaining an undergraduate or graduate degree at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington means students become immersed in a culture of discovery, methodology, and personal development that will affect all aspects of the learning process.
Since opening as a public school in 1947, UNC-Wilmington has been working to address global concerns to make a difference.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
With roots that extend from 1910, the University of Southern Mississippi began as a public, academic institute that excels in research and scholastics.
Southern Miss. gives students a world-renowned educational major where they can earn bachelor’s, certificates, master’s, and postmaster’s education, including doctoral. Its distance learning opportunities and study abroad options make learning more flexible.
The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Toledo started offering what has become a globally recognized public education in 1872. It leads the way in medical discovery and innovative practices while giving students a sound education in an array of fields that lead to undergraduate and graduate. There are many opportunities for those considering a doctoral degree as well.
The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Offering degree programs form five discipline areas that allow students to procure a bachelor’s degree to a doctoral degree, Walden University has served students since 1970. Catering to working adults is essential to Walden, and with its fully flexible online and accelerated instruction course options, it can do just that.
Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Delivering a solid education since 1915, Webster University offers students a means of gaining undergraduate and graduate in a global economy.
With in-person and online course work, students are introduced to a supportive educational experience that allows them to thrive. Webster works to include all students in activities that help grow positive citizenship in their educational community.
Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Before you enroll in a teaching program, you should consider the various degrees and specializations that are available to education majors. Not only can it improve your chances of employment, but it can also impact your readiness for things like state licensing exams and teaching certifications.
Here are just a few potential paths for an education major:
This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but it covers some of the most popular college majors.
This is the generalist version of an education degree and is often the quickest degree you can get in this field. It’s available at every level of study.
Most states require their teachers to have a bachelor’s degree. A few states even require master’s degrees.
You can learn a lot from a general education degree, including things like curriculum design, classroom management, instructional technology, teaching strategy and educational law and legislation. There’s usually a psychology element as well; you should expect to take classes like childhood development and growth.
Since it’s a general degree and not a specialized one, you probably won’t take a lot of in-depth courses. However, you can always major in education and minor in a related field if you want to teach a specific subject or age group.
Educational leadership is meant for principals, deans, registrars, district administrators and school board chairmen. It isn’t a teaching degree, but it’s closely related.
Educational leadership degrees tend to focus on the business side of the educational industry. Instead of learning how to teach, you can learn how to support teachers through budgets, policies, curriculum guidelines, performance assessments and more.
You don’t have to get an educational leadership degree to become a principal. However, if you already know that you’re interested in this kind of work, it can give you a leg up in the field.
Note that some colleges refer to this degree as “education management” or “school leadership.” It teaches the same things, but it’ll have a different label for your major.
Early childhood education refers to the teaching of very young children. It usually focuses on toddlers and preschoolers who aren’t old enough for kindergarten, but there are no hard-and-fast rules about this. Some early childhood education programs extend their umbrella to any students in the early grades.
At this level of teaching, there’s little emphasis on subjects like math and social studies. Instead, educators teach how to learn things in general. They guide students into asking questions, waiting for answers, working on assignments and collaborating with other students. They might also introduce them to daily school routines.
You might teach some basic things like colors and shapes. However, the goal at this stage isn’t information retention. It’s familiarizing students with how school works and what will be expected of them when they enter it.
It takes a lot of patience to be an early childhood educator, but the rewards are usually worth it. Enroll in this program if you adore kids and want to help them grow and develop at the critically early stages of their education.
Elementary education is for elementary school students aged 5 – 12. It’s distinguished from early childhood education in the sense that students are older and more experienced in a classroom environment, and they’re ready to start learning specialized subjects to build their foundation for advanced grades.
Elementary education classes can cover many topics, but here are a few that an online degree in elementary education might put on your course map, including:
Elementary educators usually teach a wide range of subjects to their students, so it’s also common for teaching programs to require things like “Mathematics for K-6 Teachers” or “Science for the Elementary Classroom.”
That said, there are some elementary schools that separate teachers by subject. It’s something to consider if you’re thinking about degree specializations.
Higher education refers to any schooling beyond high school. From community colleges to prestigious four-year universities, it’s a wide-ranging term that encompasses many types of teachers.
It takes a lot of schooling to become a college professor. A master’s degree is the minimum, and a doctorate is expected and encouraged.
You’ll also need to have a genuine passion for the subject that you teach. Since most colleges anticipate their professors bringing money and acclaim to their institutions, they usually participate in research projects, grant proposals, book writing and other involved pursuits.
The silver lining is that higher education teachers are some of the best-paid in the business.
While elementary school teachers make an average of $60,940 per year, college professors make an average of $80,790, and that figure can rise to $180,360 for tenured professors (Bureau of Labor Statistics). It has its challenges, but a career in higher education can definitely be a profitable one.
Secondary education is a catch-all term for middle and high schools. With an average salary of around $62,870 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics), it doesn’t bring in as much money as university teaching, but it’s a step above elementary teaching.
The goal of most secondary teachers is to prepare their students for college. There are more tests, including standardized tests, and there’s more individualized attention given to a student’s unique interests and academic goals.
You’ll have several degree options if you want to become a secondary teacher. For example, you can major in education with a minor in the subject that you want to teach, or you can get a bachelor’s degree in that subject with a master’s degree in education.
You could also explore majors, minors and specializations until you find the combination that works for you. It all depends on your plans after graduation.
Special education refers to the teaching of students with special needs. They might have learning disabilities, mood disorders, developmental delays or sensory processing problems.
You’ve probably heard of “special needs” in the context of things like autism, but that’s far from the only condition that can classify a child as special needs. They could also be deaf, blind or speech impaired, or they could struggle in a traditional classroom environment because of something like dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Special education degrees are offered on both the undergraduate and graduate levels, though it’s more common as a master’s degree specialization than anything else. However, you can find plenty of programs that have special needs as a major, minor, concentration or certificate.
Every child deserves an education, including those who might require a little more help than usual. Consider a bachelor’s degree in this field, or even an online masters degree in special education, if you want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
Degrees are usually divided into general education credits, major-specific credits and elective credits. You may or may not have a choice about which classes to take within specific categories.
Here are a few potential courses for education majors –
Keep in mind that different specializations will require different coursework.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, post-secondary teachers earn the highest salaries at an average of $80,790 per year. High school teachers are right behind them at an average of $62,870 per year, and middle and elementary school teachers round out the list at $60,810 and $60,940.
However, what if you aren’t interested in becoming a teacher? Or what if you want to become a non-traditional kind of teacher? Here are just a few avenues that you can explore with a degree in education.
| Careers |
Annual Median Salary |
| School Administrator |
$98,490 |
| Grant Writer |
$74,650 |
| High School Counselor |
$64,960 |
| Training Coordinator |
$62,700 |
| Special Education Teacher |
$61,420 |
| Career and Technical Education Teacher |
$59,140 |
| Guidance Counselor |
$58,120 |
| Adult Educator |
$55,350 |
| Junior College Career Counselor |
$51,660 |
| Tutor |
$40,590 |
These numbers are just averages, so they can be both higher and lower depending on things like education, experience, location and job demand. For example, ESL teachers in a large, diverse city might be in greater demand than ones in a rural town.
If you already know what kind of teacher that you’d like to be, you can specialize in a related field. You can get a stronger education in your area of interest with a concentrated degree program, and it will give your resume a boost when it’s time to hit the job market.
Here are just a few specializations that can complement an education online degree –
Some of these specializations are offered on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Others might be more commonly found in master’s programs than in bachelor’s programs. It all depends on your chosen college.
With so many programs to choose from, how are you supposed to decide on a single education degree?
The first step is figuring out where your interests lie. If you love working with kids, for example, you might prefer an early childhood education degree as opposed to a post-secondary education degree. If you have a strong interest in art, music, history, math or science, you might want to concentrate your degree on that type of teaching.
You should also give some thought to the school that you’ll attend. Do they have an entire department or college for education? Do they offer the degrees and specializations that you want? Are their classes available online?
Finally, consider your state and its teacher licensure requirements. If you can find a degree program that readies you for state licensing exams or certification programs, that might be a worthwhile investment for the future.
What does it take to get into an education program? Admission requirements vary, but generally speaking, they look a little something like this –
If you’re unsure about the admission requirements for your school, email them. They should be more than happy to send you an informational brochure.
While there are many career opportunities for someone with a degree in education, it’s true that becoming a teacher is still the #1 choice for many students.
There are different types of teachers depending on the subject that you want to teach and the age group that you want to work with, too.
Elementary teachers work with the younger half of the K-12 spectrum. Rather than teaching specialized subjects, they work on developing the basic learning skills of their students. They teach them how to understand concepts, visualize ideas, retain information and sit for tests.
They build the foundation that their young students will rely on as they progress through every level of schooling.
This area of study has several different names –
At their core, however, they’re the same thing. They’re dedicated to teaching non-native speakers the intricacies of the English language.
High school teachers are considered “secondary teachers.” This simply means that they teach at the high or junior high level.
They’re the ones who will be prepping their students for college, so they teach focused, curriculum-based subjects such as algebra, biology, history and world literature. They usually teach just one or two subjects at a time.
Another class of “secondary teachers,” middle school teachers help their students transition out of the looser structure of elementary school while also readying them for the stricter standards of high school.
They’re usually devoted to a single subject.
Music teachers can range from choir leaders to band directors. They’re part of well-rounded educational programs that promote the arts just as much as the sciences.
Elementary music teachers focus on the basics of songs and instruments while secondary music teachers ready their students for college degree programs and music-based scholarships.
You’re probably aware of this, but there’s so much more to a teaching career than just standing in front of kids and pointing at a blackboard. You’ll need to be uniquely and specially prepared for the kind of teaching that you want to do.
Finding an accredited school will be one of the most important parts of your college search. Fortunately, it’s easy – Just use the searchable database at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
If you want to become a bit more familiar with accreditation, however, here’s what you need to know:
As you can see, it’s worth the trouble to find an accredited school.
As for the accreditation itself, there are three types:
If you have any more questions about accreditation, check out the CHEA website.
Professional organizations can be a valuable resource for you as an education major. They can provide a lot of support while you’re in school, and they can help you socialize, network, job search and stay current with your licensure once you graduate. Here are just a few organizations that might interest you as a future teacher:
There are more organizations for teachers, including subject-specific ones such as the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). Don’t be afraid to poke around and explore your options.
There are no federal requirements to become a teacher. Instead, everything is handled on a state level, and they all have their own rules for future educators.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement in most states. Some will want a master’s degree. Sometimes, a state might not officially necessitate a master’s degree, but it’ll be an unspoken expectation in a competitive job market.
Most states will require students to complete a teacher preparation program. You can usually find a list of approved programs on the state government’s website.
Some places will want you to sit for special exams or earn special certifications. For example, Maryland has a tiered system for teachers where they can move up the chain from Standard Professional Certificate (SPC I and II) to Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) depending on their completed semester hours.
All states require a teaching license. It’s valid for the issuing state only, though many places have reciprocity agreements with their neighbors, and special programs exist for out-of-state teachers to become qualified quickly.
If you can’t afford college on your own, financial aid can help.
The gold standard is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s open to both new and current college students, and it will automatically detect if you’re eligible for assistance. Depending on your income levels, you might qualify for any or all of the following:
Another option is scholarships. Despite what you may think, you don’t need to be an academic superstar to apply; there are plenty of scholarships available for students of all ages, genders, nationalities, majors and GPAs.
For example, the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation offers money to students who complete online quizzes. Teacher Education Scholarships are for future instructors at any level of a degree program.
If you already know what subject that you’re going to teach, you can look into specialty scholarships like the National Council of Teachers for Mathematics Scholarship and the Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship.
Cost doesn’t have to be a prohibitive factor of going to college. With the right financial aid, you can make it happen.
Many schools offer online bachelor’s programs in education. It’s slightly less common than master’s degree programs, but you’ll still have plenty of options. Just make sure that you choose a good university by asking yourself the following questions:
You’ll also want to consider things like tuition, admission rates, graduation rates, faculty-to-student ratio and degree types and specializations.
It’s entirely possible to get a teaching degree online. Most of your coursework can be done remotely, and you can visit the appropriate websites to register for state licensing exams and other education-related credentials.
The one thing that can’t be done virtually is student teaching. This is a required component of many education degrees, and it has to be completed in an actual classroom environment so that you can get real-world experience as an instructor.
The good news is that student teaching is usually the last part of getting an education degree. It’s a practicum that you take in your final semester.
You’ll have plenty of time to talk to your school and figure out how to satisfy these requirements despite your status as an online student. Oftentimes, they’ll let you teach at a local school after it’s been submitted for approval.
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in education from any number of schools. The best ones have accredited, highly-ranked programs that will prepare you for the unique licensing requirements of your state.
For example, if you live in New York, you’ll need to take two separate exams known as the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) and the Educating All Students (EAS). If you live in Minnesota, you’ll need to complete the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE).
A good degree program will ensure that you’re ready for these tests without the need for additional study.
A bachelor’s degree in education is the minimum requirement for teaching in most states. It asks for a certain number of classes in things like psychology, childhood development and classroom management, and it often includes a student teaching component to prepare you for the realities of wrangling students.
For teachers, a bachelor’s degree is often the first step towards getting a master’s or doctorate. Some schools expect it, and in a competitive job market, every advantage counts. However, this isn’t a universal goal.
A bachelor’s degree in education usually requires around 120 credits. Depending on your school, you could pay anywhere from $300 – $1,000 per credit, so it’s worth the effort of shopping around and finding an affordable program.
Just keep in mind that tuition isn’t the only price associated with a degree. As an online student, you’ll spare yourself room and board costs, but you’ll still need to pay for textbooks, student fees, technology fees and other related expenses.
Most bachelor degree programs take around four years to complete. The only thing that might slow you down with an education degree is the semester-long student teaching requirement, but as long as you plan for it in advance, you shouldn’t have a problem graduating on time.
Another thing to think about is a dual degree. Also known as an “accelerated degree,” “concurrent degree” or “4+1 degree,” it can allow you to finish a combined bachelor’s and master’s in education program in five years instead of six. It can be a real time saver for future teachers.
You’ll have several options when it comes to teaching degrees. The most straightforward is a bachelor’s degree in education or one of its specialties:
Another possibility is earning a bachelor’s degree in the subject that you want to teach and a master’s degree in education. This is a common track for people who want to become secondary or post-secondary teachers.
A bachelor’s degree in education is the first step to standing in front of a classroom. It can prepare you for the rigors of the job and satisfy the biggest requirement of in-state teaching programs.
If you love kids and dream of inspiring and instructing them to greatness, consider enrolling in a university program for education.
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