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- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
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- Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
Education is a fulfilling career path that allows an individual to make a significant impact in the lives of others. Even though teaching is a relatively common career, a slew of positions is available outside of the traditional educational context as well. One can influence policy and the system from the inside by working in administration, curriculum development, or leadership positions. No matter where the career takes an educator, Online Teaching Degree programs can get them ready for everything from the classroom to the boardroom. Leadership skills and real-world experience from instructors with decades of experience can help people succeed in their careers within education. An online bachelor’s degree in education is a typical 4-year undergraduate program that can be tailored to match one’s professional goals. With the wide availability of online teaching degree courses and specializations, a bachelor of education is designed to prepare individuals to make a difference in the well-being and care of children in various settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an expansion in education occupations of 10% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as average for all occupations. This in-depth guide sheds light on various aspects of the teaching degree, including the best schools and colleges for online education degrees, career options, available certifications, funding alternatives, and much more.
Best Online Colleges for
Teaching Degrees
Prospective students frequently search for the best online college for teaching degree or online classes for education major that are both high-quality and cost-effective. To be ranked on the top charts, various characteristics of colleges or online education programs must be considered, including the faculty’s qualifications and teaching experience, the institution’s infrastructure, accreditation status, availability of student support services, affordability, the breadth of courses offered, and more. FBD’s experts have picked some of the best colleges for teaching degrees and best online education programs based on all of these and other considerations.
Here are the best online bachelor’s degree in education programs: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Online Bachelor’s Degree
in Teaching Near Me
While some students want to attend a college that provides a high-quality bachelor’s degree program in education at an affordable price regardless of location, others may prefer to attend a college in their city or close to home. When other factors such as in-state and out-of-state tuition prices, transportation costs, boarding, and so on are taken into account, location becomes even more important. Furthermore, some students might want to find a program based on some specific criteria, such as the best online teaching credential programs California, as an example. FBD staff have compiled a list of ‘ teaching degree near me’ to assist students in finding the finest program based on their location across the United States:
How to become a Teacher after
High-School
What to expect From an Online
teaching degree Program?
Types of Online Teaching
Degrees
Specializations and Concentrations for
Bachelors in Education
Several concentration and focus areas are available within the field of education. The concentration one chooses will impact the career pathways available to them, especially if they plan to enter the workforce soon after graduation. The following are examples of bachelor in education specializations:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree program provides the skills necessary to effectively engage, educate, and empower diverse learners between the ages of infant/toddler and grades K-3. The program emphasizes child development, English language learners, and family-centered practices.
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
The Elementary Education bachelor’s degree program provides students the skills and credentials to educate and care for diverse learners. Students learn how to handle unique educational situations, understand social and emotional development in children, introduce technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom, and become better teachers.
Bachelor’s degree in Special Education
The Special Education bachelor’s degree program prepares students to become licensed teachers and work with children who have a wide range of disabilities and learning needs. Students learn how to utilize unique learning techniques and strategies to help such children learn to function as best they can.
Examples of a few more specializations in education include:
- Online History Teaching degree
- Online Library Science degree
- Bachelor degree in teaching English as a second language online
- Bachelor’s degree in Child Development
- Bachelor’s degree in Health Education
- Physical Education Teacher online degree
- Art Teacher Education degree online
- General Education degree online
- Drama Teaching degree online
- Physical Education degree online
- Educational Technology degree online
Should I Get an Online Bachelors
in Education?
How to get a Teaching
Degree?
How to get a teaching degree? A high school diploma or GED and GPA, ACT, or SAT scores are required for admission to an online bachelor in education degree program. Before formal acceptance to an education degree program, certain institutions may need candidates to complete some prerequisite courses, especially if they have no prior work experience in the education field. Here are some of the primary teaching degree requirements for admission into a bachelor’s program:
Students pursuing a degree in education should always check with the admissions office of the school they plan to attend to find out the exact prerequisites for admission. These requirements may fluctuate depending on the institution, and program one chooses. In general, prerequisite courses may include subjects such as U.S. History, English, Math, and Science.
How long does it take to get a
Teaching Degree?
Accreditation for Online Bachelors
in Education Programs
Accreditation is the process of a third-party agency evaluating and determining the quality of a college or university’s educational program. Although accreditation is not a government process, most educational institutions have adopted it as a criterion for providing financial aid, licensure, and other benefits to students. A college or university must meet specified accreditation standards, including providing students with relevant education and enough information to make an informed decision. Accreditation is crucial because it lends validity to colleges and universities and because employers will usually accept degrees only from accredited online schools for education. Any of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can accredit a college that offers an online bachelor’s degree in education. The following are the six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students can visit the official U.S Department of Education website or CHEA website to check a school’s accreditation status or whether the college they are applying to offers accredited online teaching degree programs.
Aside from regional accreditation, many colleges and education programs also seek accreditation from a specialized accrediting agency to verify that their degrees are recognized and valued. The following are some examples of specialized accrediting bodies that may accredit either an institution or degree program or both:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Through evidence-based accreditation, the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) promotes equity and excellence in educator preparation by ensuring quality and promoting continuous improvement to improve P-12 student learning. The CAEP continually evaluates and improves internal regulations, processes, and procedures to ensure openness, accountability, fiscal effectiveness, and high-quality service and assistance, as well as to set an example of equity and diversity.
Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) is a membership organization and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation and formative support to educator preparation programs of all types. High-quality educator training that increases educators’ ability to serve all children, schools, and communities equally are encouraged and recognized by AAQEP.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was created to assist schools across the country in developing, retaining, and recognizing outstanding teachers while also encouraging ongoing growth. It is the highest and most respected teaching credential available.
More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.
Free Programs providing Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Education
Free courses do not lead to universally recognized online teaching bachelor’s degrees. Sites that claim to offer free online teaching degrees may also be dubious and are best avoided. However, free courses are valuable resources to get new knowledge and broaden one’s viewpoint on a specific topic in the field of education. Here are several websites that provide free courses that may be helpful to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education online:
Course | Description | Offered by |
---|---|---|
Education and topics related to Education | Coursera offers several courses on education from both theoretical and applied perspectives. Topics include Instructional Design, Special Education, Pedagogy, Educational Technology, etc. | Coursera |
Education and topics related to Education | Alison offers free courses on various topics in education that are self-paced and do not require any previous experience or knowledge. Topics include Introduction to the Learning Process for Teachers and Trainers, Physical Education – Coaching Styles and Techniques, Special Needs School Shadow Support, Understanding Student Development and Diversity, Managing Safety and Health in Schools, Effective Communication Techniques for Teachers and Trainers, and more. | Alison |
Education and topics related to Education | Class Central has paid and free online courses and MOOCs from reputed institutions such as the University of Michigan, University of California, Irvine, John Hopkins University, etc. | Class Central |
Accelerated Online Teaching
Degrees
Accelerated and fast-track education degree programs are tailored for students who want to complete their studies and enter the workplace as soon as possible. With accelerated programs, students can typically start at any time of the year, giving them more flexibility when enrolling and completing semesters. Furthermore, because accelerated classes are almost twice as fast as ordinary sessions, they offer a unique advantage over regular classes. A typical 16-week semester can be completed in as little as eight weeks, and a typical 4-year degree can be completed in as little as two to three years (depending on transfer credits and course load per term). However, students must keep in mind that the fastest online education degree programs can be rather demanding and time-consuming.
Accelerated programs may also combine a 4-year bachelor’s and 2-year master’s degree in a total of 5 years, instead of the usual 6 years. Here is an example of an accelerated program:
Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers a Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education degree that leads to teacher licensure. The program can be potentially completed within 36 months (3 years).
How much does an Online Bachelor’s Degree
in Education cost?
The online teaching degree cost varies depending on the school one opts for and other factors such as state residency, type of institution, enrollment status, and program format. In general, as reported by Education Data Initiative, tuition for a bachelor’s degree for in-state students averages $38,496 and for out-of-state students $54,183. Tuition at private colleges averages $60,593.
How to Pay for Online
Education Programs?
Scholarships for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Education
Prospective students can apply for a number of scholarships for a bachelor’s degree in education, provided by nonprofit organizations, universities, or individuals. Listed below are a few examples:
Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship | The AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship is awarded to students currently enrolled in or working towards a degree in any discipline in an accredited post-secondary institution. | $500 | March 31, 2023 |
Student Teacher Scholarship Sponsored by the Helen McKay Memorial | The Student Teacher Scholarship Sponsored by the Helen McKay Memorial is awarded to two student teachers intending to teach in the Hawaii State Department of Education who are enrolled in a state-approved Teacher Education Program as a full-time undergraduate or post-baccalaureate candidate in any state-approved or nationally accredited institution of higher learning. | $2,000 x 2 awards | TBA |
Trythall Family Scholarship for Excellence in Continuing Education | The Trythall Family Scholarship for Excellence in Continuing Education fund assists individuals in the pursuit of excellence while maintaining a career. The scholarship is meant to aid older, non-traditional students who have taken the initiative to reach a goal and have demonstrated a commitment to that goal. | $3,000 | June 02, 2023 |
FAQs about Online Teaching
Degrees
How to get an online teaching degree?
What are the best bachelor’s programs in education?
What can you do with a teaching degree?
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
Can you get a teaching degree online?
What classes do you take to become a teacher?
What type of degree does a teacher need?
How many credits to become a teacher?
Where can I study to become a teacher?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
In addition to a bachelor’s degree in education, teaching professions will typically require training, certification, and licensure. Education bachelor’s degree holders can work in various teaching positions or administrative and training roles within academic institutions or elsewhere.
So, what can you do with an education degree? Several roles are available for bachelor’s in education degree holders, including:
As for pay, graduates of the bachelor’s degree in education earn well and have a healthy job outlook in most occupations. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that Preschool Teachers earn an annual median salary of $31,930 and can expect jobs to expand 18% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than average.
Here are some job titles, salaries, and job outlook details in education, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Skills Required | Job Description | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
---|---|---|---|
Middle School Teacher | A Middle school teacher educates students, typically between the sixth and eighth grades. They help students build on the fundamentals taught in elementary school and prepare students for high school. A Middle School Teacher also creates lesson plans to teach students a subject and grades students’ assignments and exams. | $60,810 | 7% (as fast as average) |
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | A Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher prepares young pupils for middle school by teaching them basic subjects like math and reading. They take a hands-on approach to teaching children how to understand abstract concepts, solve issues, and build critical-thinking abilities while also teaching them how to interact with others. | $60,660 | 7% (as fast as average) |
Career and Technical Education Teacher | A Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher provides training in subjects such as auto repair, cosmetology, and culinary arts. They teach vocational and technical content to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to enter an occupation by showing them how to apply classroom knowledge through hands-on activities. | $59,140 | 5% (slower than average) |
High School Teacher | A High School Teacher helps prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college or to enter the job market. A High School Teacher may also plan lessons and instruct their students in the subject they teach, and train students for standardized tests required by the state. | $62,870 | 8% (as fast as average) |
Special Education Teacher | A Special Education Teacher caters to students with learning, mental, emotional, or physical challenges. They customize general education lessons and teach individuals with mild to moderate disabilities a variety of subjects. A Special Education Teacher may also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities. | $61,500 | 8% (as fast as average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Bachelors in Education
Additional Resources for Online
Teaching Degrees
Author Bio:
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.