[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online bachelor’s degree in education prepares students for teaching roles in public and private K-12 settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]high school teachers[/hen-ui-link] to decrease by 1% between 2023 and 2033. High school teachers made a median annual salary of $62,360 in 2023, and the top 10% of earners made a median of $106,380 during the same timeframe.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide ranks the best online bachelor’s in education programs to help you find the right programs for your goals. You’ll find important information for prospective students like common courses and potential careers and salaries so that you can create a customized path.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]Featured Online Bachelor’s Teaching Degrees[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Education Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/education-degrees/”]online education degree programs[/hen-ui-link], students should consider several factors, such as program cost, transfer policies, and on-campus requirements. We cover several important considerations for prospective students below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s in Education Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Teaching Jobs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in education can pursue teaching jobs in public and private schools. They can work as elementary, middle, and high school teachers. With further study through a master’s degree, graduates can also assume administrative education roles. Doctoral graduates can pursue research and faculty positions at colleges and universities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Elementary School Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm”]$63,670[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers/”]Elementary educators[/hen-ui-link] typically work with K-6 students, ensuring they understand the fundamentals of basic subjects before moving to middle school. These teachers create and deliver lesson plans, teach students how to interact with their peers, provide evaluations, and communicate with parents and guardians about their child’s progress. Elementary teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. Those who want to work in public schools also need licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”High School Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]$65,220[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#high-school-teachers/”]High school teachers[/hen-ui-link] instruct 9-12-grade students. They provide instruction in specific content areas, administer assignments and grades, and help learners prepare for standardized tests. They may also write letters of recommendation for students applying to college. Like elementary school teachers, high school educators need a bachelor’s degree at minimum. They also need a teaching license if they work in a public school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Middle School Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Annual Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm/”]$64,290[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm/”]1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#middle-school-teachers/”]Middle school teachers[/hen-ui-link] typically work with students in grades 6-8. They create lesson plans, collaborate with other teachers and administrators on issues around student success, prepare learners for standardized tests, and communicate with parents. Middle school educators need at least a bachelor’s degree. They also need a license when teaching in a public school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s in Education Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should only consider accredited schools. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, academic rigor, and student learning outcomes. Only students at accredited schools can receive federal financial aid, and many schools only accept transfer credits and degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates with an accredited degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools may receive regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions, while national accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational, and technical schools. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Programs within a school, such as business, social work, and education programs, may also receive accreditation. The[hen-ui-link href=”https://caepnet.org/”] Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link] accredits teaching programs. Students can verify a school’s accreditation status through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”faq”]Popular Questions About Education Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in education typically takes four years of full-time study to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is It a BA or a BS in Education?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can earn a BA or a BS in education. BA programs focus more on liberal arts, while BS programs focus more on the sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Bachelor’s Degree Should I Get to Become a Teacher?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in liberal arts topics should choose a BA program, while learners interested in STEM topics should select a BS program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Much Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Education?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of a bachelor’s degree in education depends on several factors, such as type of school, residency requirements, and transfer policies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I Teach Without a Teaching Degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many states provide alternative paths to teaching certification for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated subject.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Become a Teacher With an Online Degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, as long as the degree comes from an accredited school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Articles[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1192,1293,183″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]
#1 The Best Online Education Degrees
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$9,120
- Out-of-state$26,991
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$9,264
- Out-of-state$25,363
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled30,014
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Education Degrees
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$30,888
- Out-of-state$30,888
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$21,696
- Out-of-state$21,696
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled993
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Education Degrees
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$9,735
- Out-of-state$25,251
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$10,212
- Out-of-state$23,050
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled21,719
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Education Degrees
Biola University
- La Mirada, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$41,976
- Out-of-state$41,976
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$11,394
- Out-of-state$11,394
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled6,103
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Education Degrees
North Greenville University
- Tigerville, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$21,120
- Out-of-state$21,120
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$10,800
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled2,426
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
[hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Best Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”not-prose”]Bachelors in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2023[/hen-ui-text]
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[/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online Bachelor’s in Education Programs Ranking Guidelines[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We ranked the following online bachelor of education programs based on quality, curricula, faculty strength, school awards, rankings, and reputation, including the school’s reputation for providing online degree programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”] Rankings Methodology[/hen-ui-link]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Understand what is an education degree” href=”/degrees/education-degrees/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-else”]What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Education Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students pursuing an online bachelor’s in education develop knowledge and skills in lesson planning and classroom management. They also learn how to work with exceptional students, support diverse classrooms, and develop innovative instructional methods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many bachelor’s in education programs offer concentrations in areas like elementary education, secondary education, special education, and science education. Students should ensure their prospective programs offer concentrations aligned with their goals and interests.[/hen-ui-text] - Program Cost: Typically, public schools cost less than private schools, and in-state students pay less than out-of-state students. However, many schools allow all online students to pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
- Transfer Policies: Many schools offer transfer credit for prior academic, professional, and military experience, which often saves time and money on a degree.
- School Size and Type: A school’s size and type can affect factors like class sizes, tuition rates, and student engagement. For example, a small, private school may have higher tuition rates but also offer more one-on-one attention from faculty than a larger public school.
- Program Length: Most programs take four years of full-time study to complete, but some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to graduate in 2-3 years.
- On-Campus Requirements: Many bachelor’s in education programs exist completely online, while others require learners to visit campus for in-person components. Students should ensure they can meet all on-campus requirements before committing to a program.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements: Nearly all bachelor’s in education programs require a student-teaching practicum. Students should choose a program with practicum opportunities aligned with their interests and goals.
- Child Development: Child development classes examine the principles of human growth and development and how they affect learning. The curriculum focuses on development from conception through adolescence, exploring aspects of cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.
- Literacy: This course teaches students how to provide literacy instruction across grade levels. Students learn about developmental processes associated with literacy and reading while building knowledge and skills in effective instruction methods.
- Subject-Specific Curricula: Subject-specific courses prepare students to instruct a particular subject, such as math, English, or social studies. These classes vary based on the student’s intended content area.
- Theories of Learning: This class examines the various theories and methodologies related to different learning modalities. Students learn when to use different methods and how to determine what strategy is best for a particular class or pupil.
- Instructional Methods: This course explores teaching and assessment methods, teaching students how to make informed decisions about leading their classrooms and educating pupils.