What degree is best for elementary education?

A targeted bachelor's in elementary education degree makes an ideal academic background for an aspiring K-6 teacher. Once you earn yours, you may want to consider upgrading to a master's degree in education. Teachers with graduate degrees tend to earn higher salaries.

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

If you enter as a first-time, full-time student, you can earn your degree in roughly four academic years. You can save time by overloading a full-time course schedule or studying year-round instead of taking summers off. If you have eligible college coursework, you can also seek credit for it and reduce your graduation timeline.

Is elementary education worth it?

Even though many observers consider elementary teachers to be underpaid, Pew Research Center data from 2023 shows high levels of job satisfaction among teachers. Among the teachers polled by Pew, 81% said they were somewhat, very, or extremely satisfied with their job.

How do I become a licensed teacher?

The exact process to becoming a licensed teacher varies by state, but you'll need at least a licensure-track bachelor's degree in education that includes practice teaching experiences. These components will satisfy the main conditions you must meet to qualify for your teaching license, which you apply for through your state's board of education.

Bachelor's in elementary education

Pursuing a bachelor's in elementary education degree marks an important first step in your journey to becoming an educator. Get started on this journey by researching curricula, admissions processes, career paths, and more.

Explore online elementary education programs

Why get a bachelor's degree in elementary education?

Flexibility

Online delivery formats offer scheduling flexibility, making it easier to balance schoolwork with personal and work responsibilities.

Employability

A bachelor's degree satisfies the primary educational requirements needed to eventually obtain your teaching license.

Affordability

Many online programs offer cost advantages. These vary by provider but may include lower tuition fees and in-state rates for out-of-state students.

What can I do with a bachelor's in elementary education degree?

A bachelor's in elementary education degree can support your entry to multiple employment paths. With this degree, you can enter the workforce as a childcare worker, pursue your teaching license, or seek a non-licensed career path in training and development or educational consulting.

Bachelor's degrees in elementary education also pair well with undergraduate or graduate degrees in adjacent fields, such as library science, counseling, social work, and psychology. With schooling and certification or licensure in these areas, you can seek employment as a school librarian, school psychologist or counselor, or youth social worker.

Educators earn salaries that roughly align with average levels for the broader labor market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), working professionals with a bachelor's degree in education had a median annual salary of $59,940 in 2023.

However, pay rates vary based on your job title, your education level, and the number of years you've been working in the field. Your location can also have a strong impact on your earning power, with employers in areas with higher living costs typically offering higher salaries.

Here are some common roles you can pursue with a bachelor's in elementary education degree, with salary and job outlook data from the BLS:

Online elementary education program overview

Bachelor's programs in elementary education usually cover the standard 120 semester credits or the equivalent. If you enter as a first-time student and study full time, you can graduate in about four academic years.

Formal degree concentrations are more common at the master's level, but some bachelor's programs offer them. They can take the form of specialized learning tracks or endorsements in areas like:

Content areas, such as English, math, or science
Curriculum and instruction
English for speakers of other languages
Special education

Programs typically include fieldwork requirements, such as classroom observation experiences and practice teaching assignments. You'll need to complete these in person, even if your coursework is otherwise entirely online.

Learn more about admissions requirements

Admissions requirements vary among institutions, but schools generally make bachelor's in elementary education programs accessible to anyone with a high school diploma or the equivalent. Grade point average (GPA) requirements may apply.

You'll usually need to provide:

Academic transcripts
Personal statement explaining your interest in the program
Two or more letters of recommendation

Depending on your school and your location, you may also need to pass a criminal background check as part of the admissions process.

Discover common elementary education courses

Elementary education bachelor's programs usually feature a combination of required and elective courses, plus fieldwork components and a capstone or other culminating experience.

Schools configure their elementary education curricula in unique ways, and you should seek out programs that match both your personal interests and your career development plans. That said, many programs cover a comparable set of core topics. Some of the courses you may encounter include:

Classroom management: This course highlights strategies for gaining and maintaining control over classrooms populated by young students. It may also explore alternatives to traditional disciplinary actions.
Digital learning tools: Computers and other digital technologies offer educators cutting-edge options for engaging students. This course explores both established and emerging examples, highlighting their use cases and educational effectiveness.
Teaching diverse and exceptional students: In modern school environments, teachers make targeted efforts to address each student's unique needs. In this course, you'll learn about methods for engaging and including students with diverse exceptionalities.

Get started on edX

Take the first step toward becoming an elementary educator: Connect with bachelor's in education programs offered by edX partner providers and start your journey today.