If you are interested in a career in education, you need to obtain the right credentials first. Going to school online makes good sense, and the schools listed on our list of the best online education degree programs allow you to study at a time that works best for you.
#1 University of Massachusetts
Executive Summary
UMass Online is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It has been recognized for excellence in
Tuition
At $385.00 per credit hour, tuition at UMass has one of the most affordable rates for an undergraduate degree in education online.
Unique Features
The school offers credit for life experience. Students will be given up to 30 credits for life and work experience toward their undergraduate degree.
Concentrations
Children’s Learning and Development
Early Care and Education
#2 Western Governors University
Executive Summary
Western Governors University was founded in 1995 by a group of U.S. governors. The school is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition
Tuition is set at a flat rate of $2,890.00 per six-month term.
Unique Features
WGU’s Teaching programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Students at this school are graded based on the number of tests, assignments and exams they complete instead of the number of hours they spend in class.
Concentrations
Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
Special Education (k-12)
Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
Science (5-9)
Science (Chemistry, 5-12)
Science (Biological Science, 5-12)
Science (Geosciences, 5-12)
Post-BaccalaureateTeacher Preparation, Elementary Education (K-8)
Post-BaccalaureateTeacher Preparation, Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
Post-BaccalaureateTeacher Preparation, Science (5-9 or 5-12)
Post-BaccalaureateTeacher Preparation, Social Science, (5-9 or 5-12)
#3 Liberty University
Executive Summary
The University has the distinction of being the largest Christian university on the planet. It was founded in 1971 and is dedicated to training Champions for Christ. The school is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition is $325.00 per hour.
Unique Features
Liberty University’s online BS in Education degree programs are taught from a Christian perspective. Students have the option of adding a minor if they wish.
Concentrations
Early Childhood Education in Interdisciplinary Studies
Elementary Education in Interdisciplinary Studies
Special Education in Interdisciplinary Studies
#4 Drexel University
Executive Summary
Drexel University was founded in 1891 and is a top-ranked private university. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition at Drexel is $680.00 per credit.
Unique Features
The online Bachelor’s degree in Education gives students the option of obtaining their PK-4 certification.
#5 Walden University
Executive Summary
Walden University has been offering degree programs since the 1970s. The University was founded by two educators who wanted to offer a way for adult learners to earn their doctoral degrees without leaving the workforce. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition is $290.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the BS in Educational Studies program complete a capstone project as one of the requirements to graduate.
#6 Grand Canyon University
Executive Summary
Grand Canyon University welcomed its first students in 1949. The school offers programs from a Christian viewpoint and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Online College of Education students pay $435.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
GCU offers a BS in Elementary Education and a BS in Secondary Education online. Students should be prepared to complete a teaching component as one of the requirements for graduation.
Concentrations
Elementary Education:
English
Math
Science
Secondary Education:
Business Education
English
Math
#7 Northcentral University
Executive Summary
Northcentral University offers a highly personalized model to its students by offering a One-to-One Teaching Model. The school is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Students attending Northcentral pay $417.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The online Bachelor of Education program offered by the University is for students who have attended Rio Salado College. They transfer 90 credits to NCU toward their Bachelor’s degree.
#8 Keiser University
Executive Summary
Keiser University was established in 1977 and is a non-profit institution. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition at Keiser is $440.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education online program take one class at a time. This format allows them to focus their attention on one section without the distraction of deadlines from several courses at once. This program includes a student teaching clinical component and an internship.
#9 University of Wisconsin
Executive Summary
The University of Wisconsin was founded in 1895. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
State residents pay $435.44 per credit hour, and non-residents pay $1,112.51 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the online Elementary Education degree program must travel to the University campus for a student teacher interview. Two required courses must be completed on campus and are offered during the summer in a three-week block.
Concentrations
Adaptive Education/Special Education
Broadfield Language Arts/Reading Teaching
Early Childhood
Geography
Health Education
Library Science
Social Studies Teaching
#10 Ashford University
Executive Summary
Ashford University has been offering degree programs since 1918. The School is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Undergraduate students pay $402.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants must be at least 22 years of age or hold an Associate’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution. The University allows learners to transfer up to 90 semester credits to fulfill the requirements for their online education degree.
Concentrations
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Administration
Education and Public Policy
Education Studies
English Language Learner Studies