Bachelor's in education
Explore how an online bachelor's in education can jumpstart your teaching career. Learn about program options, career paths, and the steps to apply today.
Explore online education programs
Why earn an online education bachelor's?
Flexibility
An online delivery format allows you to balance the obligations of school, work, and home, making it easier to jumpstart your education career.
Employability
A bachelor's in education is a versatile degree that can open doors to teaching, education technology, and administration careers.
Affordability
Many online programs have lower tuition costs and may eliminate commuting expenses, making them a more affordable option.
What can you do with a bachelor's in education?
An online bachelor's in education is the primary pathway for careers in teaching and the education field. These programs can prepare you to teach students or pursue roles in curriculum development, educational technology, and administration.
Here are a few roles you can pursue after earning a bachelor's in education:
High school teacher
These essential education professionals work with young adults as they prepare for college, technical training, and the job market. High school teachers typically gain expertise in academic areas like English, math, science, and foreign languages.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $65,220
Special education teacher
Special education teachers work alongside students with mental, emotional, physical, and learning disabilities. These professionals help students develop academic, social, and life skills.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $65,910
Types of education bachelor's programs you can pursue
Education majors traditionally choose between a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA). Offerings can vary between schools, but a BS typically emphasizes STEM pathways, while a BA often encompasses a broader liberal arts education.
Some programs may offer academic specializations like special education, early childhood education, elementary education, and secondary education. Secondary education teachers may further specialize in topics like English, history, or math.
What can you learn in an online education program?
Most bachelor's in education program curricula include teaching methodologies, curriculum design, classroom management, and child development.
The standard online education program includes 120 credits, which can be completed in about four years of full-time study.
Specialized academic pathways include:
- Elementary education
- Secondary education
- Early childhood education
- Special education
- Educational technology
- English as a second language (ESL)
- Art or music education
- STEM education
- Physical education
- Career and technical education
Learn more about admissions requirements
Standards and application materials can vary slightly between programs, but most schools have the following admissions requirements:
- Prior education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with official transcripts.
- GPA requirements: Can vary, but typically around 3.0.
- Test scores: Some schools require SAT/ACT scores, while others may waive this requirement.
- Experience: Professional work is not required, but schools may assess extracurricular and volunteer experience.
- Written materials: Submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Discover common education courses
Online education programs offer a diverse catalog of courses, combining core requirements with specialization classes. Below are a few common courses:
- Introduction to education: This foundational course explores everything from the historical roots of the discipline to the legal and ethical issues at the heart of education.
- Application of technology in education: Undergraduate students learn how to use technology as a vital teaching tool and understand how it can enhance the learning process.
- Educational psychology: This class examines how students learn, covering vital elements like cognitive, emotional, and social development. Online learners also work to understand diverse learning styles and motivational techniques.
Take the next step in your education career
Jumpstart your education career — explore edX degree programs or enroll in a course today.