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Key takeaway: Online elementary education degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level by accredited schools nationwide, and a bachelor’s degree from a state-approved teacher preparation program is the standard path to an elementary teaching license. Elementary school teachers earned a median $63,970 a year, with 91,000 projected annual openings nationwide (BLS OEWS, May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034)1. Compare accredited programs below.
An online elementary education degree prepares students to teach children roughly in kindergarten through sixth grade, combining child development theory, subject-area methods, classroom management, and supervised student teaching. Accredited online programs deliver the same coursework and degree requirements as campus programs, though the supervised student teaching component is completed in person at a local school; browse the best accredited online colleges to compare schools that offer elementary education degrees. Programs seeking teacher-preparation accreditation are generally reviewed by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).
These accredited schools offer elementary education programs. Request information to compare curriculum, licensure pathways, and format.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Browse elementary education programs by degree level below.
An elementary education degree covers child development, literacy and math instruction methods, classroom management, curriculum planning, and educational psychology, along with supervised student teaching in a K-6 classroom.
Common levels include an associate degree (often a transfer step), a bachelor’s degree paired with a state-approved teacher preparation program, and a master’s degree for licensed teachers seeking advancement or an alternative licensure path.
Yes. Public elementary schools require a state teaching license, which typically requires a bachelor’s degree from a state-approved educator preparation program, completion of supervised student teaching, and passing scores on state-required exams (such as Praxis). Requirements vary by state.
Student teaching is a supervised, in-person requirement even in online programs. Most online elementary education programs help place candidates with a local school or cooperating teacher near where the student lives.
Students should verify institutional accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database. For the teacher preparation program itself, look for review by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) or a state-specific approval process.
Degree level and licensure status affect both program cost and career options in elementary education.
| Degree Level | Typical Duration | 1yr Median Earnings | 5yr Median Earnings | Median Debt | Leads to Licensure? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 2 years | $24,507 | $33,878 | $12,695 | No (transfer step) |
| Bachelor’s | 4 years | $42,026 | $47,588 | $23,352 | Yes, with state approval |
| Master’s | 1-2 years | $56,255 | $63,222 | $29,724 | Yes, initial or advanced license |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, education program aggregate, latest academic year.
A bachelor’s degree in elementary education, paired with an approved teacher preparation program, is the standard entry path to a state teaching license. Some states also allow candidates with a bachelor’s in another field to pursue licensure through a master’s-level alternative certification track. For the full cost picture, see Affordable Elementary Education Programs and Is an Elementary Education Degree Worth It.
Online elementary education programs blend child development theory, subject-area teaching methods, and supervised classroom practice. Core coursework typically spans foundations of education, child and adolescent development, literacy instruction, elementary math methods, classroom management, educational technology, and assessment of student learning. Most programs culminate in a supervised student teaching placement, completed in person at a local school.
See how this coursework differs by level on the Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Master’s in Elementary Education pages.
Elementary education graduates most commonly become classroom teachers, but the degree also supports related roles in tutoring, instructional support, and (with additional experience or credentials) school administration.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Administrator, Kindergarten through Secondary | $105,870 | -1.5% | 20,800 |
| Special Education Teacher, All Other | $76,580 | 1.1% | 2,900 |
| Middle School Teacher | $64,370 | -2.0% | 40,500 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor | $64,330 | 3.5% | 31,000 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,970 | -2.0% | 91,000 |
| Tutor | $43,350 | 0.6% | 37,100 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Job growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Education administrator roles generally require several years of classroom experience plus an additional credential or master’s degree; they are not an entry-level outcome of an elementary education degree alone.
Public school teaching requires a state-issued license, and requirements differ by state. A typical path includes:
Alternative paths include post-baccalaureate or master’s-level licensure programs for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject.
Elementary education or a related field? Choose elementary education for a direct classroom teaching path; explore psychology or healthcare if you are more interested in child development from a clinical or support-services angle.
Compare programs by level or format:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034. ↩︎
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