Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Education: Top Programs for 2017

Getting an online bachelors degree in education can be a great way to enhance your earnings potential. Before doing so, though, you might want to consider the ins and outs of getting a degree. The process is simpler than you think, but it is always important to go into a situation with all the necessary information.

The Ultimate Guide To Online Education Degrees 

Course Of Study

The typical course of study for an online bachelors degree in education will require a student to complete both general education courses as well as education-oriented courses. For first time students, this means taking a variety of classes that allow individuals to sample several disciplines as well as those classes that relate directly to teaching. Those teaching a secondary education class will also have to complete classes within another major — generally the subject to be taught in high school or middle school.

Why Pursue The Degree

A degree in education is a great way to change your future for the better. There is always a need for teachers, and districts around the country continue to hire on a yearly basis. Once you find a job, you stand a very good chance of keeping it even in an often-tumultuous economy. Aside from the economic benefits, there is the very real need of children around the country to be taught by consummate professionals. If you have what it takes, you can benefit both yourself and your community.

Coursework

The coursework within a bachelors degree in education online varies from school to school, but there are a few likely subjects that will be discussed. Most teachers receive extensive training in classroom management, literacy and teaching methodology. Most teachers will also receive some background in educational law, public speaking and (in some cases) various assessment measures. Most classes will rely on written papers for coursework, though most also require field observations. Towards the end of the program, those students seeking teaching licensure will also be required to complete a period of student teaching that varies by state.

Related Programs

Career Opportunities 

An online bachelors degree in education offers many different career opportunities. The most common, of course, are those involved with teaching. Many states allow individuals with bachelor’s degrees to teach directly after college, even if they might be required to move towards obtaining a master’s degree. If you do not want to teach, this degree might be useful as a first step towards a career in academic research. It is impossible to get a doctorate without starting with a bachelor’s degree, so this is always the first step for a would-be researcher. There are also jobs that value that degree outside of traditional education, especially in human resources and training positions within major companies. Putting the degree to work simply takes a bit of experience and imagination.

The Online Advantage

Getting your bachelors degree in education online has a few major advantages over getting it in person. First and foremost, it allows any given student to obtain the degree at his or her own pace. This might be faster or slower for some, but it is a great choice for any individual with prior work or family commitments. Getting a degree online also means avoiding college campuses, allowing individuals the chance to get a degree from a prestigious university without requiring those individuals to relocate. Finally, an online degree tends to offer students a better chance of attending important classes, allowing most to iron out scheduling difficulties far in advance.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirement vary by schools, but there are a few key factors that most will look at before admitting a student. A student must score well on the SAT or ACTs, have a relatively high high-school GPA or GED score and must have shown some sort of leadership or educational skill in his or her community. It also helps to have educational experience, be it in a church class or in a daycare. Anything that a student can do to show that he or she has educational potential will be weighed in favor of the student during this process.