Online Education Degrees

Learners can pursue an online education degree to qualify for careers as high school, elementary, and special education teachers. Master's degree-holders can also work as principals, administrators, and program directors.

Online education programs explore education theories and teaching fundamentals. Degree-seekers learn to write lesson plans, teach various topics, and administer tests.

Applicants to online education programs typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Learners pursuing a master's-level education degree online generally need an education-related bachelor's degree.

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Questions About Education Degrees

What kind of education degrees are there?

Students can pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. Some online education programs offer specializations such as special education and high school teaching.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's in education degree?

Most full-time students can earn their bachelor's-level education degree online in four years.

What jobs can I get with an education degree?

Graduates of online education programs can become teaching assistants, teachers, administrators, program directors, and principals.

Featured Online Education Programs

Why Earn an Education Degree?

Individuals interested in working in educational settings can benefit from earning an online education degree. Graduates can pursue various careers in education. Degree-holders often become teachers, principals, administrators, and program directors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for education, training, and library occupations to increase 10% from 2020-2030. Professionals in these fields earn a median annual salary of $57,220, compared to the median salary of $45,760 for all occupations.

Busy students often pursue their education degree online. Asynchronous online education programs offer the most flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework at convenient times. Learners in these programs often work full time while earning their online education degree.

How Much Does an Education Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), bachelor's degree-seekers at public schools paid an average of $9,400 in tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 academic year. The average cost of tuition and fees at private institutions was $36,700 for the same year. Full-time students typically complete a bachelor's degree in four years.

For the same academic year, the cost of tuition and fees for public school graduate programs averaged $12,410, according to NCES data. The average cost at private nonprofit schools was $28,430. Graduate programs vary in length, generally lasting 1-3 years.

Students earning their education degree online often save money on commuting and relocating. Online education programs may offer discounted tuition rates.

Additional Online Student Fees

Although students may save money by earning an online education degree, distance learners often pay additional costs. For example, online education programs require reliable technology and an internet connection. Students must also pay for books and supplies.

Many programs also require some campus visits. Education students complete in-person experiences such as student teaching. Learners should consider transportation costs and potential lost wages.

Additionally, students may need to pay graduation fees. Graduates typically pay to obtain teaching licensure or certification.

How Much Do Education Majors Make?

A graduate's earning potential depends on their position. For example, teacher assistants earn a median salary of $29,360 per year, according to the BLS. On the other hand, special education teachers and high school teachers both earn median salaries of $61,820 per year.

Teachers often increase their earning potential by pursuing higher education. Postsecondary teachers, who typically need a doctoral degree, earn a median annual salary of $79,640. Additionally, some school districts base teachers' pay on their experience and degree level.

Courses in Education

Online education programs cover teaching and education fundamentals. Degree-seekers learn about education theories and gain practical knowledge for working in a classroom. Learners prepare to write lesson plans, construct curricula, and assess students.

Some programs offer specialized coursework in areas such as teaching diverse populations or English language learners. Aspiring high school teachers may specialize in a particular topic, such as mathematics or science.

Not every program offers the courses below. However, students often encounter these classes in online education programs.

• Educational Foundations

  Introductory education courses explore educators' lives and professions at various academic levels. Coursework introduces challenges associated with academic settings. This class helps students assess whether teaching is the right profession for them.

• Educational Psychology and Child Development

  This class covers human development from childhood to adolescence. Degree-seekers study development from physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social perspectives. Teachers use this knowledge to apply age-appropriate instruction and assessment techniques. Educators also use these theories to teach diverse populations.

• Elementary Reading Methods

  Aspiring elementary school teachers generally take this class. Coursework covers the best practices for teaching reading, writing, and literacy skills to young learners. Students learn how to identify and guide readers who need intervention and extra help.

Specializations for Education

Many online education programs offer specializations, also called concentrations or tracks. Some schools also offer separate majors in areas such as elementary or secondary education. Students in many programs complete foundational education courses before choosing a specialization.

Learners in programs without specializations can focus on an area by choosing relevant electives. Many online education programs feature the following specialization options. However, available specializations vary by program.

• Special Education

  This specialization prepares degree-seekers to work with students with disabilities and special needs. Enrollees learn to teach students with varying developmental abilities. Graduates can work as special education teachers at various school levels.

• English as a Second Language

  Graduates with this specialization can teach students whose first language is not English. Learners pursuing this specialization prepare to teach English and other topics to non-English speakers. Graduates often teach English as a second language or teach general topics to non-English speakers.

• Elementary Education

  This specialization prepares students to teach young learners. Degree-seekers learn about child development and relevant instruction and assessment methods. Graduates can become kindergarten and elementary school teachers.

How to Become a Teacher

To become a teacher, graduates of education programs must follow their state's guidelines for obtaining licensure. Educators need licensure to teach at public schools and some private schools. Some states set different licensure requirements for high school and elementary school teachers.

Typically, teaching licensure requires a bachelor's degree in education. However, some states award licensure to individuals who have completed a non-education bachelor's degree and an alternative teacher preparedness program. Teach.org details licensure requirements for each state.

Teachers' responsibilities include instructing students, administering exams, grading assignments, and assessing learners' needs and progress.

Licensure for Teachers

Every state requires public school teachers to hold licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary by state. However, all states require licensure candidates to possess formal education and passing exam scores.

Licensure in most states requires a bachelor's degree in education. However, some states offer alternative pathways for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field. Educator training typically requires student teaching or shadowing.

After completing the necessary education, candidates demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a state-approved examination. Candidates submit paperwork to their state's education board. Licensed teachers must apply for licensure renewal every few years. Educators typically need continuing education credits to qualify for renewal.

Online Education Degrees 2022

#1 Online College in Arizona

Prescott College

School Information
Location	Prescott, Arizona
Admission Rate	97%
Graduation Rate	33%
Instituation Type	Private
Accreditation	Yes Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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Prescott College delivers 56 academic programs, including an online bachelor's degree in education. Distance learners communicate with faculty and peers in a virtual learning environment. Most undergraduate students need about four years to graduate. 

Online degree-seekers pay affordable tuition rates. The institution charges in-state undergraduate students $30,888 annually and out-of-state undergraduates $30,888 per year. Distance learning can reduce or eliminate costs related to transportation and housing, making bachelor's studies even more affordable. Prospective learners can check the school's website for information about transferring credits.

Online learning allows professionals to maintain full-time employment while advancing their education. The school accepts 97% of learners. Students receive a respected education because of the school’s accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

#2 Online College in Missouri

University of Missouri-Columbia

School Information
Location	Columbia, Missouri
Admission Rate	81%
Graduation Rate	71%
Accreditation	Yes Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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The University of Missouri-Columbia offers programs that prepare students for new job opportunities and career advancement. The school's enrollment includes 9,722 distance learners, and its online bachelor's programs meet high standards for quality. Online students complete rigorous curricula. Bachelor's degree-seekers in the education track take general education and major classes. Students can learn about course requirements for each program through the institution's website.

Online degree-seekers enrolled in the institution's bachelor's programs pay affordable tuition rates. In-state undergraduate learners pay $9,120 annually, and out-of-state undergraduates pay $26,991 per year. Online learning can reduce or eliminate transportation and housing costs. The institution's website provides details about how to transfer credits.

The flexible learning schedule makes the program more accessible for busy students. Many advanced positions require a bachelor's degree. The University of Missouri-Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution accepts 81% of undergraduate learners.

#3 Online College in California

Biola University

School Information
Location	La Mirada, California
Admission Rate	70%
Graduation Rate	74%
Instituation Type	Private
Accreditation	Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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Biola University provides a comprehensive catalog of 86 online and on-campus programs, including an online BS in early childhood education. Undergraduate students with transfer credits may complete the program in less than four years. The format is high quality thanks to virtual communication with faculty and peers. Test scores may strengthen student applications.

Learners pay low per-credit tuition rates while earning their bachelor's degree. Many bachelor's degree-seekers qualify for financial aid. The school charges in-state and out-of-state undergraduate learners $41,976 per year. Students can check the school's website for details about transferring previous credits or earning credit for experience.

Online learning appeals to students with children or full-time employment. Professionals with a bachelor's degree often benefit from increased earning potential and career opportunities. The institution reports that 70% of hopeful students receive admission. Biola University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission. 

#4 Online College in South Carolina

North Greenville University

School Information
Location	Tigerville, South Carolina
Admission Rate	63%
Graduation Rate	59%
Instituation Type	Private
Accreditation	Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment	16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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North Greenville University offers a comprehensive catalog of 60 online and on-campus programs, including an education bachelor's program. The institution enrolls 396 online students. 

Online students at the school receive the same high-quality education as on-campus learners. Undergraduate degree-seekers complete general education and major coursework. The institution provides information about required coursework on its website.

The institution makes online learning more accessible through affordable tuition rates. For undergraduate students, in-state tuition costs $21,120 per year. Online degree-seekers often save on costs related to transportation and housing. Prospective students can check the school's website for information about transferring credits.

Professionals often benefit from the flexible learning schedule. A bachelor's degree can lead to advanced, high-paying professional roles. The school reports an admission rate of 63% for incoming students. North Greenville University receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#5 Online College in Virginia

Liberty University

School Information
Location	Lynchburg, Virginia
Admission Rate	51%
Graduation Rate	47%
Instituation Type	Private
Accreditation	Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment	92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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The programs at Liberty University prepare graduates for new job opportunities and career advancement. Of the school's degree-seekers, 78,511 study online. The school's online bachelor's programs meet the same educational standards as its on-campus programs. The bachelor of science in early childhood education features rigorous coursework requirements. Undergraduate degree-seekers take major classes and also complete general education requirements. Prospective degree-seekers can learn about in-person requirements through the school's website.

Online students enrolled in the school's bachelor's programs pay affordable tuition rates. The institution charges in-state degree-seekers $15,417 annually. Distance learning can reduce or eliminate expenses such as childcare and meal plans, making bachelor's studies even more affordable. Prospective degree-seekers can check the institution's website for details about transfer credit requirements.

Working professionals often benefit from the flexible learning schedule. Bachelor's degree-holders often qualify for promotions and raises. According to the school, 51% of undergraduate applicants receive admission. The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.