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Online Elementary Education Programs

Online Elementary Education Programs

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Step 1: Educational Interests

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Overview

Prepare for Your Teaching Career or Licensure

Our online elementary education programs are designed to help you prepare for a variety of careers within kindergarten and elementary school, including preparing you to earn your initial teacher licensure. Most education programs offer field experiences; however, those leading to licensure involve more hours of in-depth hands-on learning. We’re here to support you every step of the way as you work toward your teaching career and strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of young students.

Programs

GCU’s Online Degrees for Elementary Education

online degrees in elementary education offer a flexible path to certification, equipping you with the skills to pursue roles in the classroom. Online programs reflect the same educational standards as on-campus offerings, with opportunities to learn from experienced instructors and engage with diverse peers.

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Our online degrees in elementary education offer a flexible path to certification, equipping you with the skills to pursue roles in the classroom. Online programs reflect the same educational standards as on-campus offerings, with opportunities to learn from experienced instructors and engage with diverse peers.

Bachelor’s

An online bachelor’s degree in elementary education offers a solid foundation for starting your career in education. We provide a variety of online pathways, allowing you to choose the one that best aligns with your goals.

Online elementary education degrees for bachelor’s students include:

in Elementary Education

in Elementary Education and Special Education

BS in Elementary Education

English as a Second Language Emphasis

BS in Elementary Education

Teaching Reading Emphasis

BS in Elementary Education

BS in Elementary Education

Christian Education Emphasis

Master’s

Earning an online master’s degree in elementary education can help you build skillsthat may expand your career possibilities and deepen your impact as an educator. You’ll be taught advanced, innovative teaching methodsthat can support your efforts to influence the next generation of learners.

Online master’s degrees for elementary education include:

in Elementary Education (Licensure)

in Elementary Education (Non-Licensure)

in Elementary Education and Special Education (Licensure)

in Elementary Education and Special Education (Non-Licensure)

Elementary Education Emphasis

Doctoral

GCU offers online doctoral degrees for experienced educators ready to lead and innovate in the field. These advanced online programs emphasize research, transformative practices and strategic leadership, providing flexibility.

Online doctoral education programs include:

EdD: Organizational Leadership

K-12 Leadership Emphasis (Qualitative)

EdD: Organizational Leadership

K-12 Leadership Emphasis (Quantitative)

EdD: Organizational Leadership

Special Education Emphasis (Qualitative)

EdD: Organizational Leadership

Special Education Emphasis (Quantitative)

in K-12 Leadership

in Teaching and Learning

Jaden Busse

BS in Special Education and Elementary Education, Class of 2024

Sarah Gallé

Elementary Education, Class of 2021

Critical Thinking and Lasting Connections

"I got to engage in deeper level thinking and critical thinking with my peers, and I developed a really awesome relationship with my tutor and with my directors."
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" I got to engage in deeper level thinking and critical thinking with my peers, and I developed a really awesome relationship with my tutor and with my directors. "

Jaden Busse

BS in Special Education and Elementary Education, Class of 2024

Support Beyond the Screen

"At GCU, the quality of education extends beyond the convenience of online classes; it’s about surrounding yourself with people who support you."
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" At GCU, the quality of education extends beyond the convenience of online classes; it’s about surrounding yourself with people who support you. "

Sarah Gallé

Elementary Education, Class of 2021

Critical Thinking and Lasting Connections

"I got to engage in deeper level thinking and critical thinking with my peers, and I developed a really awesome relationship with my tutor and with my directors."
">
" I got to engage in deeper level thinking and critical thinking with my peers, and I developed a really awesome relationship with my tutor and with my directors. "

Jaden Busse

BS in Special Education and Elementary Education, Class of 2024

"I got to engage in deeper level thinking and critical thinking with my peers, and I developed a really awesome relationship with my tutor and with my directors."
">
" I got to engage in deeper level thinking and critical thinking with my peers, and I developed a really awesome relationship with my tutor and with my directors. "

Jaden Busse

BS in Special Education and Elementary Education, Class of 2024

Careers

Career Possibilities After Graduation

Online elementary education courses can help you prepare for a career teaching young learners in public and private elementary and secondary schools. They help you identify students' strengths and needs, enabling you to tailor content and instructionto diverse interests while fostering an inclusive, engaging learning environmentthat supports all students' growth.

Elementary education graduates may be prepared to pursue careers such as:

Elementary school teacher

Special education teacher

Teaching assistant

Over 97,400

Students who graduated from GCU’s College of Education since 2009 ^{(See disclaimer
1 )}

$63,670

Median annual wage for kindergarten and elementary school teachers as of May 2023 ^{(See disclaimer
2 )}

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're considering an online elementary education degree, we've gathered answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What degree is best for elementary education?

Are online elementary education degrees legitimate?

programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and are designed to support your growth as a future educator by emphasizing relevant skills and knowledge. This accreditation also adds credibility to your qualifications, with many employers viewing accredited online degrees as a flexible and worthwhile option for both aspiring and current teachers.³

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Yes, online elementary education degrees from accredited institutions like GCU meet high academic standards. Many of our education programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and are designed to support your growth as a future educatorby emphasizing relevant skills and knowledge. This accreditation also adds credibility to your qualifications, with many employers viewing accredited online degrees as a flexible and worthwhile option for both aspiring and current teachers. ^{(See disclaimer
3 )}

Can you take online elementary education courses?

At GCU, you can take elementary education courses online, offering you flexibility while juggling life’s other demands. Besides the core benefits like learning from experienced faculty, you'll also enjoy the freedom to study anywhere — whether that’s your cozy couch or a favorite coffee shop. Plus, the online community lets you connect with classmates from all over, bringing unique perspectives to your studies. Licensure programs require in-person practicum/field experience hours.

Why GCU

Online Learning Benefits for Aspiring and Working Teachers

Online students can still experience the sense of community found in a traditional campus setting. Our Learning Management System is built to keep you connected, offering interactive discussion forums and collaborative projects. Whether you're engaging with classmates, sharing ideas or reaching out to your professor for extra support, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stay engagedand build meaningful connections. Whether you're balancing work, family or both, our online programs offer the support, instruction and community to help you move forward — on your schedule.

Admission Requirements

The College of Education offers a straightforward admission processtailored to each program, with requirements varying based on your chosen pathand whether you study online or on campus. As a new college student or transferring from another school, our admission team will guide you through the process and answer your questions about life as a Lope. We are here to support your every step.

Review Requirements

University Accreditation

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the HLC since 1968 and prioritizes quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. They help guide our commitment to developing skilled and knowledgeable educatorsthrough our online teaching and education degrees.

View Accreditation

Innovative Courses

As an online student, you’ll take interactive courses that build the skills needed for a career in teaching and educational leadership. Engage with coursework that balances theory and practical applicationthrough virtual classrooms, multimedia content and collaborative discussions. With flexible courses and online learning resources, GCU helps you stay connected with instructors and peers.

More on Online Learning

More Resources

Online Learning Resources

Through our Learning Management System, you can engage with peers and professors in forums and group projects, while also using tools like eBooks, calendar reminders and technical support. Dedicated student services counselors are here to guide you throughout your academic journey.

College of Education

Online Scholarships

Make an Impact on Future Generations

Our online education degrees are designed to provide the skills and tools needed to help make a lasting impact on the next generation of young learners.

Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.

Alumni from 1961 to March 21, 2024. Includes students who have graduated or completed their program. This does not include students in Bridge Programs, High School Dual Enrollment, Non-Degree Studies or Continuing Education. Alumni count is based on count of unique graduates. If a student completed more than one program within the timeframe stated, they are only counted as one graduate.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, as of May 2023, retrieved April 7, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as kindergarten and elementary school teachers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
Sun, K.L. (2025, April 4). Do Employers Care About College Accreditation? Yes — Here’s Why. Accredited Schools Online. Retrieved April 7, 2025.

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If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.

Alumni from 1961 to March 21, 2024. Includes students who have graduated or completed their program. This does not include students in Bridge Programs, High School Dual Enrollment, Non-Degree Studies or Continuing Education. Alumni count is based on count of unique graduates. If a student completed more than one program within the timeframe stated, they are only counted as one graduate.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers , as of May 2023, retrieved April 7, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as kindergarten and elementary school teachers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
Sun, K.L. (2025, April 4). Do Employers Care About College Accreditation? Yes — Here’s Why . Accredited Schools Online. Retrieved April 7, 2025.

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