Most importantly, an online master’s degree in elementary education is really a great way to advance your career. Especially if you desire to become an exceptional teacher, principal, administrator or school psychologist. For example, School principals earn an average salary of more than $94,000, and the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts an 8% growth in the field over the next 10 years. For this reason, we urge you to make the right choice by applying to one of these Cheapest Online Masters Degree in Elementary Education. Because each of these online courses gives you a deep understanding of a key aspect of K-6 teaching and learning.

What Can You Do with an Online Masters in Elementary Education?

In truth, obtaining an online master’s degree in elementary education may be ideal for teachers and education professionals who wish to hold management positions. Employment opportunities in the education sector continue to grow at the same rate as the national average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for elementary school teachers are expected to increase by 7% between 2016 and 2026. In addition, the jobs of elementary school principals are expected to increase by 8% and those of 10% instructional coordinators. percent during the same period. Unlike a master’s degree in arts in teaching, which assumes that students are not certified teachers, an online master’s degree in education is a good option for educators. Especially those who wish to improve their skills and advance their careers. Above all, a master’s degree program in elementary education online provides flexibility to students who are also working. Web-based programs often follow the same rigorous programs as traditional options, creating similar advancement opportunities for graduates. The online format is also ideal for students facing additional commitments, such as a child or family care, in addition to their work schedules and class.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education?

Online courses give you the flexibility to advance your career without interrupting your current work tasks and participate in an online learning community with a variety of teaching experiences. An online master’s degree in Elementary Education generally includes between 30 and 36-course credits. Meanwhile, these programs can be completed in 16 to 24 months by full-time students. Most times, you can complete your course work in just 21 months and you will only take one course at a time so that you can balance your training with your life.

How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree in Elementary Education Cost?

Basically, the cost of a master’s degree in primary education online depends on several factors. Residence in a state is an important consideration, as many colleges and universities require higher tuition fees for non-state students. However, some schools charge tuition fees for flat-line students, regardless of their residence. Technology rates are another key factor; These rates often apply to students online, but not to their traditional counterparts. The credit costs of an online elementary degree generally range from $250 to $615. Students should expect to pay between $8,000 and $22,000 for tuition.

What is the Online Master’s in Elementary Education Admission Requirements

To be frank with you admission requirements for any online degree in elementary education is very simple. You don’t need to struggle to be admitted. Firstly, all applicants for online master’s programs in elementary education must often have a certification or a degree in teaching, some programs that require this license to be in elementary education. They must also have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and some programs require that the degree is in elementary education. Finally, some programs require satisfactory results in GRE or MAT.

How Can I Choose an Accredited Online Elementary Education Master’s Degree Program

Before making any choice of the school to apply in, the first thing you should be able to know is if the school has accreditation. It’s either that the school is regionally accredited or nationally accredited. Above all, accreditation status is one of the most important factors for future students. Colleges and universities in the United States are accredited by organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education. The accreditation process involves a thorough review of the school’s educational programs and student services. The accreditation of a school affects the transferability of course credits, as well as the eligibility of students to receive federal financial assistance. Students should ensure that the school offering the program has national or regional accreditation.

Early Childhood Education vs. Elementary Education: Which Environment is Right?

When you love children, it is difficult to choose between a group of cute children with open eyes and more independent, intelligent (and equally adorable) elementary students. Choosing a degree that takes you to the career of your dreams is an important decision. It is not something that someone should take lightly. Early childhood education (ECE) focuses on the academic, social and cognitive skills that develop in children from birth to kindergarten. Elementary education refers to the primary education that comes after preschool but before college (usually from kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade). There are precise distinctions between the two sectors that are important to understand. We are here to help you make an informed decision between early childhood education and primary education. We have combined government information, real-time labor market data and expert information to provide a side-by-side comparison below.

Cheapest Online Masters Degree in Elementary Education

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching field, this master’s program allows you to become a certified primary school teacher. It will prepare you with the knowledge of the content and instructional skills you need to manage your own class. As well as to develop your skills in the development, design, and evaluation of the curriculum. Better yet, you will be ready to meet the accreditation requirements in any of the 50 states. But most times, the challenge that the candidate faces is being able to afford to pay for the program. This challenge of cost has been one of the reasons why elementary teachers do not go forward in their careers. But we are here to solve that with these Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. With this regard, we have selected these degree programs based on the tuition fees and the number of courses offered. As well as the quality of the program, accreditations, and reputation of the schools.

Ranking Factors

To better meet the needs of future students, we offer more and more ranking factors that will help you make the right choice of school to study. Also, the reputation of the university where it was acquired is an important measure of the value of a degree. These complement our ranking criteria for online Cheapest Schools and they include: Tuition Fees: We consider this as one of the major criteria for ranking these online cheapest schools. Any online school that is considered affordable and cheap should have low tuition. Accreditation: This criterion is very much important because a school can be cheap but yet do not have quality. So we consider the body of accreditation as well as certification for each of these schools before ranking them. Whether they fall in the category of regional or national accreditation. Graduation & Employment Rate: Here, we consider if these schools have a high tendency of graduating their students. Some can get enrolled but get stuck at the end. also, we put into consideration whether the school graduates are employable by great institutions. These factors are equally very much important.

List of 10 Cheapest Online Masters Degree in Elementary Education

#1. Western Governors University

WGU Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships

#2. American Public University

Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships

#3. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

#4. University of Mississippi Online

Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships

#5. Delta State University

#6. Eastern Kentucky University

Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships

#7. University of North Carolina Charlotte

Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships

#8. University of Phoenix

Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships

#9. Regent University

#10. West Virginia University

In most states, elementary school principals must be licensed school administrators and are therefore required to earn a master’s degree. … Students pursuing a master’s degree in elementary education may also be qualified to work as a counselor at the elementary level. Low tuition and the ability to accelerate make WGU more affordable than most other schools. Basically, when compared to other programs, the WGU Online Masters Program (5 to 9 months) offers rigorous programs. Specifically, this master’s program in primary education adds theoretical depth and practical experience to your curriculum planning and classroom management skills. Most importantly, the WGU Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education program is recognized nationally by the International Early Childhood Education Association (CIRA). In addition, teacher licensing programs offered through WGU Teachers College have been fully accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) until June 30, 2026. Above all, employers, industry leaders, and academic experts value their graduates and their quality has been recognized. Hence, we advise you to apply to Western Governors University and earn your master’s in elementary education online and prepare for your teaching license. Most importantly, this non-licensure master’s program will not lead to eligibility for teaching certification and is intended for those who do not seek a teacher license. However, this Master’s program complies with the West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards (WVPTS). As well as the National Content Standards for Elementary Education and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). All UMC graduate programs require that you have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Master of Education degree from UNC Pembroke in Elementary Education prepares the experienced teacher to participate fully in the profession of his choice as leader, researcher and practicing teacher. Basically, the Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Elementary Education allows students to continue their studies after obtaining a bachelor’s degree and obtaining a teaching permit for grades K-6. However, the MAT Elementary education program offers hybrid and online courses. And the program lasts 39 hours: 12 courses of 3 credits and an internship of 3 credits. The first 6 courses lead to the first permit and the other 6 courses to M – advanced course. At the graduate level, the department offers a completely online program for the Master of Education (MAE) in Elementary Education. In particular, the mission of the Master’s Program in Primary Education is to prepare the experienced teacher to participate fully in the profession of his choice as leader, researcher and practicing teacher. Above all, UNC Pembroke’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). While the Graduate Elementary Education program is approved by the NC State Board of Education.   In addition, the program is based on the basic preparation received by teachers and requires more study, reading, and research. This 30-hour online degree program is designed to be completed in five semesters. Above all, students who graduate from this program will earn a master’s degree in elementary school from kindergarten through sixth grade. All courses offered in this program are selected from our M.Ed. in the primary education program and are taught by the faculty of the School of Education. Also, students must complete 45 hours of field time and a turnkey project during their last semester. Above all, the University of Mississippi is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS). While their School of Education has been continuously accredited since 1954 by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The number of credits available for each semester is a total of 45 credits. In addition, the program lasts for 2 years but it’s online. In order words, it is self-paced. Basically, the MAT program is designed for those who do not have a degree in education and wish to become teachers. The alternative route program lasts approximately 13 months and leads to a master’s degree in teaching and a Mississippi AA licensure. The program runs from summer to summer and has three priority areas: Elementary education, Secondary education, and non-licensure. Delta State University is accredited to grant bachelor’s, master’s, specialization and doctoral degrees from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Also, the EKU’s online masters of arts in education degree with elementary education focus is designed to help teachers get certified to teach in elementary schools (P-5). In order to improve their professional skills as well as expand their subject knowledge. And also increase their understanding of the intellectual, philosophical, and cultural foundations of effective education. In addition, the program requires 30 hours of study. While the career options you can do after this program are elementary education teacher, specialist or coach (P-12), teacher leader educator. Finally, program graduates certified in Kentucky will be eligible to apply for the Kentucky Teacher Leader Endorsement and advancement in Rank. Above all, the programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Firstly, the M.Ed. in Elementary Education is designed for licensed teachers in order to prepare you to take your teaching skills to the next level. Above all, this Master’s Degree program is fully online and the estimated time to complete the program is 2+ years. The program has 32 credit hours. Most importantly, UND’s M.Ed. in Elementary Education program prepares you to advance your career and increase your earning potential as an elementary school teacher. Secondly, UND’s online Master of Science in Elementary Education program offers exceptional preparation for a teaching career at the K-8 grade level. For this program, the estimated time to complete the program is 2+ years with 32 credit hours. Thirdly, UND’s Elementary Education (Accelerated B.S.Ed./M.S. in Reading Education) online program is combined (Major and Master’s) program. For this program, the estimated time to complete the program is 2+ years with 32 credit hours. Basically, with an accelerated Elementary Education degree from UND, you’ll leave UND with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Reading Education. Indeed, UND elementary education graduates are currently working as classroom teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and teacher educators. Above all, all teacher education programs at UND are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Finally, a master’s degree in UND not only expands your opportunities for career advancement but also increases your salary potential. Most importantly, the Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education (MAEd/TED-E) prepares applicants for the first permit to teach as an elementary school teacher. Because the licensing requirements may vary from state to state, it is your responsibility to learn and comply with the licensing requirements in all states where you wish to practice. To be frank, this program is quite affordable with a lot of scholarships and financial aid. That basically covers the whole tuition. Above all, the College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), a specialized accrediting body. Following a merger of accreditors, NCATE accreditation is administered by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). After completing this course, the students will have career opportunities as a Pre-K-6 Teacher, Curriculum Developer and so on. Regent Education Teachers (M.Ed.), available online and on-campus in the Virginia Beach campus, can help you open up new opportunities and give you a competitive edge. For this program, the estimated time to complete the program is 8 weeks with 43 credit hours. And the program is not fully online because one of the courses will have to take place in the school. Most Importantly, Regent’s programs ranked among the top five best online graduate education programs in Virginia, according to U.S. News & World Report 2019. Above all, all Elementary education programs at UND are accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Also, the program serves educators in the elementary (early/middle) school setting. And the school is regarded as one of the cheapest and most affordable online schools in Elementary Education. Most importantly, the Advanced Master of Arts in Elementary Education requires 30 credit hours to complete. Above all, students who graduate from WVU Online with the Advanced Elementary Education M.A. degree may be prepared for the following careers. For example, Elementary school teacher, Special education teacher, and so on. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions. Thus, West Virginia University’s Professional Education Preparation Unit is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Students can take from two to four years to complete online programs. Considering the four years it took for the bachelor’s degree program and the two to four years for the master’s indicates that it can take up to eight years to earn the master’s degree in education administration. If you are a teacher wanting to increase your earning potential, getting a master’s degree is probably worth the cost. Master’s programs in the U.S. can cost anywhere from about $30,000 to more than $120,000 depending upon the school and program you choose. The average high school teacher earns $56,760. Typically, a Master in Education program will take around 2 years to complete as a full-time student. For online students, it can take anywhere from 3 to 4 years. Some schools make offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. A master’s education doesn’t automatically equal licensing. Each state has its own educational requirements for certification. Before enrolling in any master’s program, be certain to check teaching-certification.com for your state’s requirements for your particular teaching specialty, as well as for approved programs in your state. Your ability to become certified in another state depends on that state’s particular requirements. Also, depending on which state you’re considering, you may need to be qualified both for subject matter and for grade level. In addition, it’s worth remembering that certification isn’t totally contingent upon what education you’ve completed; you may also need to pass Praxis tests or other state-specific tests in your area(s) of specialty. In order to become a certified teacher you will have to have a teaching certificate. You don’t necessarily have to have a background in education but, you will have to go through a certification program in order to be considered a certified teacher. It’s your responsibility to verify whether your graduate credits will be accepted with your district or state prior to enrollment. If you’re currently teaching, be sure to obtain prior approval from your state, district or school’s personnel office to ensure that your graduate credits meet the requirements for licensing or salary advancement. It’s not necessary to obtain an additional master’s degree in Education Leadership. However, different states have different requirements for licensure as a principal, and thus certain leadership courses may be required prior to issuance of a principal (or administrator) license. There are non-degree programs available to provide aspiring leaders the opportunity to meet requirements for leadership positions in public or private schools in their states.

Conclusion

According to the NEA, most teachers now have a master’s degree. Above all, graduates with a master’s degree in primary education can hold positions as teachers, principals, trainers, and administrators. They also pursue careers in the design, writing, and implementation of programs and manuals. For this reason, this article will show what you will learn and expect from an online master’s degree in elementary education. Basically from courses to career outlook, including jobs and salaries for graduates.

References

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