Online Colleges with Elementary Education Programs: How to Choose

Choosing an online elementary education program will depend on several factors, such as physical attendance requirements, field experience requirements and certification options. Students should consider the program delivery method, the school location and their personal career goals when selecting an online program.

How to Choose an Online Elementary Education Program

Program Type

When selecting an online elementary education program, one thing for students to consider is the type of delivery method the program uses. Many schools offer hybrid programs that deliver part of the course online and part of the course on-campus or at an off-site location. Depending on the school, students may have to travel to the campus or off-site location from several times a semester to up to every weekend.

Field Experience

Most online elementary education programs require practicum or field experience hours where students can observe and interact with elementary classrooms. These requirements can't be completed online. Some schools will arrange the practicum for students, while others require that students find their own, local elementary education setting.

Career Goals

Another consideration for students interested in online elementary education programs is career goals. First, many schools prepare students for certification in the state where the school is located; therefore, students should pick a school that can offer certification requirements for the state in which he or she wishes to find employment.
Additionally, there are some elementary education programs offered online that do not fulfill certification prerequisites for any state. Students who are already certified or looking to simply enhance their education may be interested in these programs. However, students who wish to be certified to teach should verify that schools fulfill state requirements.

List of Online Elementary Education Degrees

Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

A distance learning bachelor's degree in elementary education can be completed mostly online. Core topics include child growth and development, early literacy and literacy development, and instruction for elementary children in basic studies such as math, science, social studies and language. Some elementary education programs require that students attend campus or an off-site location periodically for part of the program.

Online Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education

An online master's degree in elementary education may be offered to students who have a bachelor's degree and are interested in furthering their education and career opportunities. Coursework may include methodologies for teaching math, science and social studies in a K-8 classroom. Students will also stud music and art curriculum development, classroom management and discipline and literacy in young children. Most programs also require student teaching field experience at an elementary or middle school.