BestOnlineCollege.org is an advertising-supported website. Many of the school and program listings that appear on this site are from partners who compensate us, and this compensation may affect how, where, and in what order listings appear (such as featured placements). This compensation does not influence our editorial content, evaluations, or rankings, which are determined independently using publicly available data. We do not review or feature every school or program available in the marketplace. Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so you can make informed decisions. Read our full Advertiser Disclosure.
Online Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree
An online elementary education bachelor’s degree prepares students to teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade, combining coursework in child development, subject-area teaching methods, and classroom management with a supervised, in-person student teaching placement. Most programs are designed to lead directly to a state teaching license when paired with a state-approved teacher preparation track.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA in Elementary Education, while others award a BS, so compare curriculum and state approval before enrolling.
Figures shown are medians from the cited public data sources (such as the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and reflect previously reported outcomes. They are estimates, not a guarantee of future earnings, debt, cost, or results. Individual outcomes vary by program, institution, location, enrollment status, and personal circumstances.
Quick answers
What is an online elementary education bachelor’s degree?
It is an undergraduate degree that prepares students to teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade, generally paired with a state-approved teacher preparation program leading to licensure.
Is a BA different from a bachelor’s in elementary education?
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with an elementary education major. Both can lead to licensure if the program is state-approved.
How are online bachelor’s programs typically structured?
Most programs include general education, an education core, subject-area teaching methods courses, and a culminating supervised student teaching placement.
What classes are common in an elementary education bachelor’s?
Coursework typically includes child development, literacy instruction, elementary math methods, classroom management, educational technology, and assessment, though exact courses vary by school.
What admissions requirements are common?
Requirements vary by school, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, and in some programs a background check before student teaching placement.
Can transfer credits reduce required coursework?
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, particularly general education credits, but policies and maximum transfer limits vary by institution.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education
- Typical duration: 4 years full-time
- Credits: ~120 semester hours
- Online availability: 82.5% of bachelor’s-level education programs offered online (College Scorecard)
- Licensure: Generally requires the program to be state-approved plus passing scores on state exams
- Median debt: $23,352 (College Scorecard)
For a full map of this program area, start here: Elementary Education Program Guide, where you can compare accredited schools offering elementary education programs.
How online bachelor’s programs are structured
Core degree components
Most online elementary education bachelor’s programs follow a similar structure:
- General education courses, such as communication, math, and social science
- An education core covering child development, learning theory, and classroom management
- Subject-area methods courses for teaching reading, math, science, and social studies at the elementary level
- A culminating supervised student teaching placement, completed in person at a local school
How online delivery typically works
Coursework is typically delivered asynchronously online, but the student teaching component is in-person. To compare how format works in more detail, see: How Online Elementary Education Degrees Work
If you are trying to move faster through coursework, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Elementary Education Programs
Typical curriculum in an elementary education bachelor’s
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Child and Adolescent Development | Cognitive, social, and emotional development from early childhood through adolescence |
| Literacy Instruction | Methods for teaching reading and writing at the elementary level |
| Elementary Math Methods | Strategies for teaching foundational math concepts |
| Classroom Management | Techniques for structuring a positive, productive elementary classroom |
| Educational Technology | Integrating digital tools into elementary instruction |
| Assessment of Student Learning | Formative and summative assessment methods for K-6 students |
| Student Teaching Practicum | Supervised, in-person classroom teaching experience |
Skills and outcomes to compare
Program outcomes vary, but you can compare:
- Depth and length of the student teaching placement
- Subject-area methods coverage (literacy, math, science, social studies)
- Support with local placement for the required in-person practicum
- Exam preparation support for state licensing tests
For pacing and delivery comparisons, see: How Online Elementary Education Degrees Work
Admissions requirements
Requirements vary by school and student type. Common elements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Background check, typically required before student teaching placement
- Transfer credit evaluation for applicants with prior college coursework
Licensure considerations for bachelor’s students
Bachelor’s vs other elementary education degree levels
| Level | Typical Credits | 1yr Median Earnings | 5yr Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | ~60 | $24,507 | $33,878 | $12,695 |
| Bachelor’s | ~120 | $42,026 | $47,588 | $23,352 |
| Master’s | 30-45 | $56,255 | $63,222 | $29,724 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, education program aggregate, latest academic year.
If you are comparing degree levels, these pages can help:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is an Elementary Education Degree Worth It
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Elementary Education Degrees Guide: Levels and Licensure