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Did you know that there's no such thing as a K-12 degree? Imagine you're getting ready to teach a kindergarten class but have to fill in as a 12th-grade teacher. The lesson plans would differ quite a bit, wouldn't you agree?
It's why colleges and universities offer degrees for certain ages, subjects, or students. Teachers choose the group of students they want to specialize in, and then gain the skills and knowledge to teach specifically that group. Future teachers typically accomplish this by earning a bachelor's degree and becoming a licensed teacher.
Online teaching degrees are widely available. These degrees offer more convenience and flexibility than traditional programs. The list of common online K-12 education degrees includes:
- Early childhood education
- Elementary education
- Secondary education
- Special education
- Math education
- Science education
- Music education
We'll explain more about these degrees, careers you can pursue, and how much money you can potentially earn as a teacher.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Types of Online K-12 Education Degrees
Online K-12 education degree programs explore theories and provide practical experience for teaching. These programs consist of courses covering general education, core coursework, instruction, assessment, and classroom management.
Teaching degree options at the bachelor's degree level include a bachelor of arts (BA) in education, a bachelor of science (BS) in education, and a bachelor of education (B.Ed.). The specific focus of these degrees depends on your concentration, such as the following examples:
Early Childhood Education
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education focuses on working with young children, typically from birth to age eight. The curriculum covers topics like child development, curriculum planning, classroom management, and how to foster positive learning environments for young children in classroom settings.
Elementary Education
A bachelor's in elementary education prepares you to become an elementary school teacher. Core courses may cover educational psychology, managing engaging learning environments, social and emotional learning, and inclusive classroom techniques. The focus of these courses relates to students in grades K-6.
Secondary Education
A bachelor's in secondary education prepares you for teaching roles at the middle and high school levels. These programs often focus on developing teaching skills, content knowledge in specific subject areas and classroom management techniques. Other courses may cover how to navigate the unique needs of adolescent learners in secondary schools.
Special Education
A bachelor's in special education provides the skills and knowledge to teach students with disabilities, from mild to moderate. The curriculum includes courses in education foundations, behavior management, advocacy and instructional techniques. Some programs prepare you to become special education teachers at various grade levels.
Math Education
A bachelor's in math education prepares you to teach math at various levels, such as middle or high schools. These programs typically include coursework in advanced mathematics, pedagogy and educational psychology. They also emphasize instructional strategies and content knowledge specific to math education, such as calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.
Science Education
A bachelor's in science education helps you become a science teacher. The area of focus depends on your program. Options may include chemistry, physics, earth science, or biological sciences. In each, you'll gain the knowledge, skills and credentials needed to teach the sciences and help young minds understand them.
Music Education
A bachelor's degree in music education prepares you for roles as a music teacher. Music education degrees typically include coursework in music theory, music history, conducting, pedagogy, and performance. It also includes education classes to develop teaching skills and knowledge related to music education.
Best Online K-12 Education Degrees 2024
#1 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
St. Andrews University
- Laurinburg, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $484
Out-of-State | $484
Credits to Graduate: 120
St. Andrews University's BA in education with a specialization in middle grades education prepares enrollees to teach students in grades 6-9. Learners can finish the degree fully online or take in-person courses at the school's Laurinburg or Pinehurst campuses. Classes explore classroom management, curriculum development, and educational technology.
Required courses include literature for children and youth, fine arts in the classroom, and educational psychology. Students also gain hands-on experiences in actual educational settings through 15 credits of professional applications coursework. Prospective enrollees can apply through the Common App.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
Asbury University
- Wilmore, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 124
Asbury University's BS in elementary education helps attendees learn the skills necessary to create engaging classes for students from preschool to grade 5. The program offers eight-week courses. Attendees must choose one of 11 concentration areas, including literature, social sciences, and math.
The program's 70 credits of major-specific coursework include classes like human growth and development, learning and performance assessment, and classroom management. Students also pursue 12 credits in their concentration area.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
Midway University
- Midway, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
Midway University's bachelor of arts in middle school education program offers concentrations in English, math, science, and social studies for students in grades 5-9. Program graduates fulfill Kentucky's teaching certification requirements.
In addition to courses like diverse perspectives in education, learning environments, and educational evaluation techniques, learners take up to 30 credits of concentration-specific classes. Enrollees can add a secondary learning and behaviors concentration by taking an additional 21 credit hours.
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
Peru State College
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $309
Out-of-State | $309
Credits to Graduate: 120
Peru State College's middle level education program prepares graduates to teach grades 5-9. Enrollees choose a language arts, math, science, or social science concentration, which requires 24-28 credit hours of specialized coursework. Regardless of concentration, all students in this program take classes like middle level teaching methods, a behavior management seminar, and professional collaboration with parents and families.
The school requires students to complete a human growth and development course as a prerequisite to enrolling in the education major. Attendees must keep a GPA above 2.75 to remain in teacher educator programs.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $204
Out-of-State | $912
Credits to Graduate: 120
Appalachian State University's online BS in middle grades education with a concentration in science and social studies teaches enrollees collaborative approaches to instructional planning and curriculum development for students in grades 6-9. The program meets North Carolina's requirements to pursue a teaching license or certification.
Classes include teaching science in middle and high schools, social studies in the middle grades, and foundations of educational equity. The science curriculum requires learners to pursue a themed sequence of courses, with options like the physics of self-expression, the blue planet, and biology in society.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465
Out-of-State | $465
Credits to Graduate: 120
Buena Vista University's elementary education degree teaches enrollees about learning models for elementary students. Core coursework includes history of American education, methods of teaching differentiated curriculum, and literacy foundations.
Attendees must pursue at least one educational endorsement to deepen their knowledge of specific subfields within elementary education. Options include early childhood special education, coaching, and English as a second language.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $566
Out-of-State | $581
Credits to Graduate: 120
The bachelor of science in early childhood education at the University of Cincinnati explores early childhood education through the lens of children from birth through five years old. The degree covers topics like educational technology, child development, and literature. Enrollees choose from four concentrations: preschool, infant and toddler, nature-based early learning, and administration. Each concentration includes nine credits of specialized coursework.
Core classes include creative arts in early care and education; families, communities, and schools; and assessment and evaluation in early care and education. The school offers flexible scheduling, including part-time and full-time options. Graduates do not receive teaching licensure.
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $210
Out-of-State | $210
Credits to Graduate: 120
The elementary education BA degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington covers topics like psychological foundations, instructional design, and classroom management. Enrollees choose from 10 concentrations, including international studies, language arts, and special education.
The curriculum includes courses like teacher, school, and society; teaching diverse learners; and instructional technology. In their final year, students complete a semester-long teaching internship. The program helps enrollees meet eligibility requirements for a K-6 North Carolina teaching license. Attendees must take the state licensure exam before graduating.
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online K-12 Education Degrees
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $428
Out-of-State | $428
Credits to Graduate: 120
Mississippi State University's bachelor of science in elementary education provides a fully online environment to learn evidence-based methods that assist young students. Enrollees complete in-person field experience hours and an internship at a school near them. The program offers concentrations in early childhood and middle school education.
Students can add additional subject area endorsements to their plan of study by completing an additional 18 credits. Graduates receive a Mississippi state teaching license. Due to state reciprocity laws, learners in Georgia and Hawaii cannot attend this program.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Should You Get Your Teaching Degree Online?
Pursuing a teaching degree online offers many benefits and advantages for aspiring educators. Online teaching degrees offer flexible scheduling, accessibility, and a diverse variety of program options. Consider the following reasons:
- Flexibility: Online programs generally offer flexibility. Some programs offer asynchronous learning, meaning you can study at your own pace and manage your time around other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities. However, some programs are synchronous and have set times, so choosing the one that works best for you is key.
- Convenience: Learning can take place from anywhere, so there's no need for commuting or relocating if you have reliable home internet. Having flexibility is particularly helpful if you live in a remote area or have limited access to traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
- Personalized Learning: Online programs often provide individualized attention and support. This allows you to tailor your studies to your specific needs and interests.
- Cost-Effective: Online degrees often have lower tuition fees and can save on other expenses such as commuting, housing, and textbooks.
- Diverse Program Options: Online teaching degrees cover a wide variety of specializations, grade levels, and subjects. This allows you to find a program that aligns with your career goals.
How Much Do Online K-12 Education Degrees Cost?
Tuition costs for online K-12 education degrees vary based on several factors, such as the institution and the student's residency status (in-state or out-of-state).
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and fees for online bachelor's degrees in education costs $6,472. For comparison, a traditional (in-person) degree costs $9,022.
Costs of Online vs. In-Person Bachelor's in Education Degrees
Source: NCES
What Can You Do With Online K-12 Education Degrees?
An online bachelor of education degree can help you pursue many careers. You could become a certified classroom teacher, with specific qualifications for subjects or grade levels. For example, you might be a science or elementary school teacher. Other common careers include instructional coordinator and English as a second language (ESL) teacher.
Education Careers and Salaries
Education Role |
Median Entry-Level Salary |
High school teacher |
$62,360 |
Kindergarten and elementary school teacher |
$61,620 |
Middle school teacher |
$61,810 |
Special education teacher |
$62,950 |
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL Teachers |
$58,590 |
Instructional coordinator |
$66,490 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online K-12 Education Degrees
What is the Career Outlook for Teachers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects little to no change for teaching positions. For example, the BLS projects job growth for middle school teachers to increase by 1% from 2022-2032.
Despite the limited job growth, most teaching positions should have many openings. The BLS expects about 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers each year during that period. Similarly, the BLS projects about 67,100 openings for high school teachers and 42,000 for middle school teachers.
How Do You Become a Certified Teacher?
Becoming a certified teacher requires several steps. Specific requirements can vary significantly between states. You should research and consult with the education department or certification board in your state to ensure you meet all the requirements.
Generally, you must earn a bachelor's degree in education or specific subject areas. Then, you must complete a teaching preparation program, gain practical classroom experience, complete teacher certification exams, and complete any necessary background checks. Finally, you can apply for certification.
Additionally, you must enroll in an accredited bachelor's program that meets your state's teacher certification requirements.
What is the Fastest Way You Can Get a Teaching Degree?
The fastest way to get a teaching degree is through an accelerated program. These programs take around 1-2 years to complete and are for people who already have a bachelor's degree in a related field and want to switch careers to teaching. It focuses on education coursework and student teaching.
Otherwise, it typically takes between 4-5 years to become a certified teacher. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years to complete, though part-time programs may take longer.
Page last reviewed Februar 15, 2024.