Online Elementary Education Degrees by Program Level

Online elementary education bachelor's and master's degree programs develop a student's curriculum planning, classroom management and subject matter knowledge for teaching lower grades. The online components of these degree and degree completion programs are accompanied by student teaching.

Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Through an online elementary education (El Ed) program, future teachers gain practical experience developing curricula, assessing student's abilities and leading a classroom in kindergarten through eighth grade. The majority of these programs require a high school diploma, although an associate degree may be required for some online degree completion programs.

Online Program Information and Requirements

An online elementary education bachelor's degree program takes 2-4 years to complete, depending on whether or not it's a degree completion program, and may be entirely online or a hybrid program with some on-campus class sessions. Student teaching experiences must be completed in person at an assigned or arranged school. Students can log onto the school's Web-based application any time of day to watch video lectures, interact with other students and complete assignments.
The online program requires Microsoft Office, as well as plug-ins, including Adobe Reader, Flash and QuickTime. Reliable Internet connectivity and a working computer are also necessary.

List of Online Elementary Education Classes

Students complete general education classes in addition to the major courses and a student teaching experience.

Methods of Teaching Elementary Science Course

This class introduces natural and physical sciences covered in the elementary science classroom. Future science teachers examine materials and curriculum for lower grades.

Exceptional Children Course

Students compare the mental, physical, emotional and social behaviors of exceptional children with those of average children. They learn what makes children different, examine signs and learn to work with special-needs students.

Teaching Language Arts Course

This class introduces teachers to techniques in reading, writing, spelling and grammar. They learn specific techniques for teaching language arts classes.

Career Information for Graduates

Elementary schools teachers are responsible for teaching their students reading, writing, mathematics and sciences. According to Payscale.com, the typical annual salary for teachers with a bachelor's degree was about $30,000-$45,000 in 2010. Entry-level teachers started out at the lower end of that range, with typical salaries of $29,066-$39,357.

Elementary Education Licensing

Teachers in public elementary schools must have a teaching license or certification through the state in which they teach. Each state sets minimum educational standards for licensing elementary school teachers, but typically require a bachelor's degree in elementary education and student teaching experience. Elementary teaching licenses may allow a teacher to instruct students up to sixth or eighth grade. Master's degrees are required for maintaining a teaching certification over the long term in some states.

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Online Master's Degree in Elementary Education

An online master's degree in elementary education, while uncommon, trains teachers to develop an effective curriculum and learning strategies. Students assess curricula and create environments that enhance learning. Eligibility for the master's program requires a bachelor's degree or a teaching license.

Online Program Information and Requirements

The master's program takes about two years to complete. Classes are available online in most cases, but future teachers without teaching experience may also have to complete a student teaching requirement at a local elementary school. Students can log onto Web-based applications where they can complete lectures and assignments. They can also interact with other students.
Computers, Internet access and basic office software are necessary to complete the online program. Required plug-ins, including Adobe Reader, QuickTime and Flash, can be downloaded for free online. Some programs may also require a webcam.

List of Common Online Courses

Online elementary education classes can be accessed any time and completed through a self-paced program or along with other students at scheduled meeting times, depending on the professor's preferences.

Early Childhood Curriculum Course

Through this course, students develop and assess the theories and principles of curriculum development. They also discuss ways to implement the curriculum.

Education Issues and Trends Course

Students study current issues in education, including topics related to historical views on education and trends. They discuss finances and economic trends that influence teachers.

Research and Development Course

Students study research methods pertaining to creating curricula for elementary students that incorporate math, science, language arts and social students. They discover ways to implement lessons effectively.

Career Information for Graduates

The BLS stated the demand for elementary education teachers is expected to grow by 13% between 2008-2018, which is as fast as the average anticipated growth for all careers. With an elementary education master's degree, students can also find careers as reading specialists. According to the BLS, elementary teachers' salary ranged from $47,100 to $51,180.