Online elementary education degree

If you're looking for a good online elementary education degree, I'd focus on three things: whether the program leads to a teaching license, how much it costs, and how well it fits around your work and family schedule.

Since you're in Virginia, one especially important detail is whether you want to become a licensed elementary school teacher in Virginia. An online degree can be a great fit, but not every online education degree qualifies you for a teaching license.

I'll narrow the options down based on program quality, flexibility, and the path to becoming a teacher—not just which school has the best advertising.

My top online elementary education programs for you

Compared for a prospective Virginia teacher · 2026

• 

1. Old Dominion University

(Best overall starting point)

Best for: Flexibility, transfer credits, and becoming a licensed teacher in Virginia.

• Online bachelor's program designed for Virginia elementary teacher licensure.
• Accelerated eight-week courses without scheduled class meeting times.
• Accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the bachelor's degree.
• Includes fieldwork and supervised teaching experience.

Listed Virginia resident tuition: $672 per credit for the relevant online program; verify the exact program rate and fees.

Explore ODU's online elementary education degree

Source: ODU program information.online.odu.edu+1

---

• 

2. Liberty University

Best for: An online-first program with a direct path toward licensure.

• Online Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education.
• Includes practicum and student-teaching requirements.
• Designed to prepare students for Virginia teaching licensure.
• Worth comparing if you need to complete most coursework from home.

Important: Student teaching and other practical requirements still need to be completed, and you'll want to confirm the current total cost.

Explore Liberty's online degree

Source: Liberty University.www.liberty.edu+1

---

• 

3. Western Governors University

Best for: Self-paced study and predictable term-based tuition.

• Online bachelor's degree in elementary education with teacher-certification preparation.
• Tuition is charged by six-month term, which may reward students who progress quickly.
• Requires classroom observation and a full-time student-teaching term.

Important: Confirm with WGU that your specific enrollment pathway meets Virginia's current licensure requirements before applying.

Explore WGU's online program

Source: WGU program information.www.wgu.edu+2

My initial recommendation is ODU if you want a Virginia teaching license and have college credits to transfer. Liberty is another strong option to investigate if studying online is your main priority. Virginia's Department of Education recommends checking that a program meets approved teacher-preparation and licensure requirements.www.doe.virginia.gov+1

Let me narrow it down to the best fit for you

I can give you a much more useful recommendation if I know just one thing first.

1. What is your current education level?

High school diploma or GED

Some college credits, but no bachelor's degree

Associate degree

Already have a bachelor's degree

---

2. What do you want to do with the degree?

Become a licensed elementary school teacher

I already teach and want to advance

Work in education without becoming a licensed teacher

I'm not sure yet

---

3. What's your ideal tuition budget?

As affordable as possible

Moderate cost; financial aid is important

Flexible if the program is worth it

---

4. How would you prefer to study?

Flexible schedule around work or family

Finish as quickly as possible

Regular classes with instructor support

[Find my best-fit degree]

Once you answer, I'll narrow the list to the programs that make the most sense for your situation, including the likely cost and time to graduate.

Absolutely! There are several reputable universities where you can earn an online bachelor's degree in elementary education, including programs designed for working adults, students transferring college credits, and people entering teaching for the first time.

The most important distinction is whether you want to become a licensed elementary school teacher or simply earn a degree in education. If you want to teach in a public school, you'll generally need a state-approved teacher preparation program, supervised classroom experience, and a teaching credential or license.

Here are the programs I'd recommend starting with, based on flexibility, program structure, and the path to teacher licensure.

Recommended online elementary education programs

• 

1. Western Governors University (WGU)

(Best for flexibility)

Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education

• Online coursework with in-person classroom observations and student teaching.
• Competency-based learning lets you progress as you master the material.
• WGU reports that 68% of students finish the program within 36 months.
• Published tuition: $3,825 per six-month term.

A strong option if you're working or have family responsibilities and want to control your pace.www.wgu.edu+1

Official program website

---

• 

2. Arizona State University (ASU) Online

Degree: Bachelor of Education in Education — Elementary Education

• Online academic coursework with supervised clinical placements.
• Includes a full-time student-teaching semester.
• Designed to prepare students for Arizona K–8 teacher certification.
• The published program lists 90 credit hours; ask admissions how this applies to your prior coursework and degree plan.

Worth considering if you want a large public university and a structured teacher preparation pathway.asuonline.asu.edu

Official program website

---

• 

3. LSU Alexandria through LSU Online

Degree: B.S. in Elementary Education

• 120 credit hours.
• Advertised as 100% online, with practical classroom experience.
• CAEP-accredited educator preparation program.
• Designed for elementary teacher certification in Louisiana.

A good option to investigate if you want a traditional bachelor's degree with a clearly defined certification pathway. Confirm eligibility if you plan to teach outside Louisiana.asuonline.asu.edu+5

Official program website

---

• 

4. Drexel University Online

Degree: B.S. in Elementary Education

• Fully online coursework.
• Designed around Pennsylvania PreK–4 teacher certification, with an additional special education certification option.
• Advertised duration of 2–4 years.
• Published tuition: $497 per quarter credit, for a 180-quarter-credit program.

Consider this if you prefer a private university and want a specialized early elementary teaching pathway. Check the total cost and your state's credential requirements carefully.www.online.drexel.edu

Official program website

---

• 

5. University of La Verne

Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education

• Offers an online option through its undergraduate program.
• Focuses on preparing for elementary classrooms, particularly grades K–6.
• Provides subject-matter preparation for students planning to pursue a teaching credential.

Particularly worth investigating if you live in California. Be aware that the bachelor's degree and the teaching credential may be separate steps, depending on your chosen pathway.www.laverne.edu+1

Official program website

Which program is best for you?

One important note about the costs: tuition rates and program requirements can change, and the amount you pay will depend on transfer credits, fees, and financial aid.

If you're planning to teach in California

Before enrolling, check the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's approved institutions and programs directory. California has specific requirements for earning a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, which is generally the credential used to teach elementary school. An online degree alone does not necessarily qualify you to teach.www.ctc.ca.gov+1

Let me narrow the list down for you

I can make a more targeted recommendation if you tell me a little about your situation.

1. What is your current education level?

High school diploma or GED

Some college credits, no degree yet

Associate degree

Already have a bachelor's degree

---

2. What is your main goal?

Become a licensed elementary school teacher

Earn an education degree without teacher licensure

I'm not sure yet

---

3. What is your approximate total tuition budget?

Under $15,000

$15,000–$30,000

$30,000 or more

I need financial aid or the lowest possible cost

---

4. What learning format works best for you?

Flexible / self-paced

Structured weekly classes

Either is fine

---

5. Where do you plan to teach?

California

Another U.S. state

Outside the United States

Not sure yet

[Find my best-fit programs]

Once I know these details, I can prioritize programs that fit your budget and help you avoid spending money on a degree that won't meet your teacher credential requirements.