Best Online Bachelor Degrees in Education

The field of education presents a wide range of job opportunities spanning from teaching and administration to curriculum development and educational research. If you’re enthusiastic about igniting curiosity in students and helping them develop essential skills, a bachelor’s degree in education can pave the way for a fulfilling career. With various education specializations available, you can cater your academic journey to align with your unique skills and professional ambitions.  

Online education is increasingly popular, and many reputable universities offer online programs that allow you to pursue your educational goals while accommodating a busy lifestyle. With an online degree, you can access coursework from anywhere with an internet connection and complete assignments on your own schedule. Because these programs don’t involve expenses like housing and meal plans, online degrees are often more cost-effective than traditional on-campus ones.

Featured Online Bachelor's in Education Programs

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Western Governors University

Bachelor’s in Education

Location: Online (based in Salt Lake City, UT)

Fastest time to graduation: 19 Months

Average time to graduation: 2.5 years on average

Acceptance rate: 100%

Graduation rate: 50%

Cost of attendance: $3,825 per six-month term for School of Education programs

Accreditation: Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Admission requirements

  • High GPA
  • SAT/ACT scores plus writing
  • $60 application fee

Unique offerings

  • Competency-based education; charges by the term rather than by the credit so students can graduate faster and control the total cost of their degree
  • Known for excellent distance learning
  • Awarded for high performance
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Wilmington University

Bachelor’s in Education

Location: Online (based in New Castle, DE)

Average time to graduation: 4 years

Cost of attendance: $409 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Admission requirements

  • Completed Undergraduate Application with a $35 application fee
  • Official Transcripts from any schools you’ve attended
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Liberty University Online

Bachelor’s in Education

Location: Online (based in Lynchburg, VA)

Average time to graduation: 4 years

Acceptance rate: 92%

Graduation rate: 52.7%

Cost of attendance: $390 per credit hour for full-time students; $455 for part-time students

Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation

Admission requirements

Online admission

  • Fill out online application
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Complete High School Self-Certification form (waived if you have an associates degree)
  • Have a 2.0 GPA (for undergraduate) or 2.5-3.2 (for graduate)
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Kansas State University

Bachelor’s in Education

Location: Online (based in Manhattan, KS)

Average time to graduation: 4 years

Acceptance rate: 95%

Graduation rate: 64%

Cost of attendance: $11,876 annually for Kansas residents; $28,348 for nonresidents

Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Admission requirements

  • Cumulative high school GPA (weighted or unweighted) of 3.25 or higher
  • $40 Application Fee
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Arizona State Online

Bachelor’s in Education

Location: Online (based in Scottsdale, AZ)

Acceptance rate: 88%

Graduation rate: 67%

Cost of attendance: $15,437 per 12 credits

Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Admission requirements

  • High school GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Application form
  • Nonrefundable application fee of $70
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Official transcripts

How Online Education Programs Work

Online degree programs vary widely. Some universities offer entirely self-paced programs where students log in and complete coursework anytime, day or night.

These programs typically include prerecorded video lectures, online discussion boards, and other digital learning tools. Other programs involve live online classes in which students log in at specific times. Online degree programs can be full-time or part-time, with the latter providing more scheduling flexibility but taking longer to complete.

Online Bachelor in Education FAQ

What can you do with an education degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in education can open the door to numerous career opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. While many graduates become teachers, others obtain jobs involving curriculum development, childcare, or student guidance. Individuals with an education degree possess the knowledge and skills to excel in many different roles, including:

  • Elementary school teacher 
  • Middle school teacher 
  • High school teacher  
  • Special education teacher  
  • Instructional coordinator 
  • Academic advisor 
  • Student coordinator 
  • Curriculum developer 
  • Childcare professional 

Is a bachelor's degree enough to be a teacher?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in education is typically the first step toward becoming a teacher. State licensure is also required for many public school positions. This involves completing a formal process that verifies a prospective teacher’s qualifications. Many online degrees include certificate programs.

There are also teaching jobs that don’t require a license or certification. For example, a bachelor’s degree alone may qualify individuals for certain substitute teaching or childcare roles. Noncertified graduates can also channel their passion for leading and supporting young minds into tutoring or teaching English language skills to children in other countries. Additionally, many private schools offer teaching opportunities without the same licensure requirements as public schools.

What are admission requirements for bachelor's in education programs ?

Admission requirements for universities vary. Generally, prospective students need to submit their high school transcripts and an application to apply to a university and begin an online bachelor’s degree in education. Some colleges accept applications at any time; others have specific application deadlines. There may also be GPA requirements for college admission.

Additionally, students may need to submit a self-reflective essay about their aspirations or reasons for attending a particular college. While not required, applicants should also research scholarships and financial aid opportunities that can reduce their out-of-pocket education costs. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can determine a student’s eligibility for numerous financial aid and federal student loan opportunities.