Top 10 Online Education Degree Programs

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