Teaching elementary school students offers the opportunity to shape young minds during their most formative years. If you’re considering a career change or advancing your education to become an elementary teacher, an online elementary education degree provides a flexible pathway that fits around work, family and other commitments.
Programs like the online Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in Elementary Education program from Arkansas State University (A-State) offer CAEP-accredited preparation for aspiring K-6 teachers through 100% online coursework combined with hands-on clinical experiences. Understanding what these programs provide — from accreditation standards to career outcomes — helps you make an informed decision about this meaningful career investment.
What Is an Online Elementary Education Degree?
An online elementary education degree, a B.S.E. prepares you to teach students in kindergarten through sixth grade. These programs cover child development theory, instructional methods, literacy education, elementary mathematics and science, classroom management, and assessment strategies.
These programs include general education courses, professional education requirements and clinical field experiences. Quality online programs deliver coursework through virtual classrooms while requiring supervised student teaching in actual K-6 classrooms.
Accreditation ensures program quality. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation, according to the CAEP. Accredited programs meet rigorous standards in content knowledge, pedagogical skills and clinical experiences, ensuring graduates enter classrooms prepared to teach effectively. Many programs accept transfer credits. For example, students can transfer up to 90 credit hours in A-State’s program, reducing time and costs.
Career Outcomes: Salary and Job Prospects
Elementary teaching offers stable employment with meaningful work. The median annual wage for elementary school teachers was $62,340 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while kindergarten teachers earned a median of $61,430 annually.
Despite a projected 2% employment decline from 2024 to 2034, about 103,800 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, according to BLS. These openings result from replacement needs as teachers retire, creating consistent opportunities for new graduates.
Job stability remains strong. In fall 2022, there were 3.2 million full-time equivalent teachers in public schools according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and 84% of public school teachers in 2020-21 stayed at the same school in 2021-22. There were 49.6 million students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools in fall 2022.
What Are the Key Features of Quality Programs?
When evaluating online elementary education programs, prioritize accreditation. The CAEP evaluates programs on content knowledge, clinical partnerships, candidate quality, program impact and continuous improvement.
Quality programs provide comprehensive instruction in literacy methods, elementary mathematics pedagogy, science and social studies integration, classroom management strategies, and working with diverse learners. Clinical experiences separate theoretical knowledge from practical classroom readiness through observation hours, supervised student teaching and mentorship from experienced teachers.
Understanding the Path From Degree to Classroom
The journey from enrollment to your own classroom typically spans four years of full-time study, though transfer credits can significantly shorten this timeline. Coursework is divided into general education requirements, professional education core and specialized elementary education courses.
Clinical experiences intensify as you progress. Early courses include observation hours in local elementary schools. Middle stages incorporate tutoring or small group instruction. The final year culminates in student teaching or residency, an extended, supervised period of classroom responsibility under an experienced mentor teacher’s guidance.
State teacher certification requires passing examinations, undergoing background checks and completing a certification application. A-State’s online program structures residency across two semesters in the senior year — 18 hours weekly in fall and full-time participation in spring — ensuring you develop practical skills in lesson planning, classroom management and student assessment.
What to Know Before Pursuing Your Degree in Elementary Education From A-State
Online elementary education programs work well for self-motivated learners, working adults needing flexibility, parents balancing responsibilities and career changers with previous college credits. Consider the financial investment carefully; online programs often reduce costs, and federal financial aid, state grants and teacher-specific scholarships may be available.
State residency requirements merit attention. A-State’s online B.S.E. in Elementary Education degree requires Arkansas residency and completion of residency experiences locally. Teaching elementary students demands genuine enjoyment of children’s company, patience, strong communication skills and commitment to ongoing learning. Research CAEP-accredited options, contact admissions offices and review state certification requirements where you plan to teach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an online elementary education degree cost?
Online elementary education degrees typically range from $250 to $500 per credit hour. For a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, total tuition ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. A-State accepts up to 90 transfer credits, potentially reducing costs significantly. Federal financial aid, state grants, teacher scholarships and loan forgiveness programs may be available.
Can you teach in any state with an online elementary education degree?
Teacher certification is state-specific. Most states have reciprocity agreements that facilitate certification transfer, though requirements vary. Arkansas State University’s online program prepares students for Arkansas K-6 teaching certification. Verify your target state’s reciprocity policies to understand any additional requirements.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
Full-time students typically complete the degree in four years. Transfer credits significantly reduce this timeline. For example, those in A-State’s program transferring 90 credits could complete the remaining coursework in approximately one year. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline but accommodates work and family responsibilities.
Is an online elementary education degree respected by school districts?
Online elementary education degrees from CAEP-accredited institutions are widely respected when graduates meet the same certification requirements as those from traditional programs. Hiring administrators prioritize competency, state certification status and clinical experience performance, not delivery format.
Can you work full-time while earning the degree?
Many students work full-time during the coursework phase, as asynchronous courses provide schedule flexibility. However, clinical requirements — particularly student teaching — typically demand significant daytime hours in K-6 classrooms, making full-time work challenging during those semesters.
Do online elementary education programs require in-person components?
Most programs require in-person clinical components, including classroom observations and student teaching in local K-6 schools. Arkansas State University’s program includes a two-semester residency requirement during the senior year, with supervised teaching experiences in Arkansas elementary schools.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education program.