An online bachelor’s degree in education may equip individuals with the skills and training required for organizing and providing classroom instruction. In this four-year program, students may learn how to build a lesson plan, manage classroom functions, and instruct students with special needs. Popular areas of concentration include special education, secondary education, and early childhood education.

Upon graduation, students may either seek entry-level employment or pursue an education graduate degree. Baccalaureate-level graduates may seek employment in educational settings, including public, private, and charter schools.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 17% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A baccalaureate-level education degree program may consist of general education requirements, specialized education electives, and core coursework for the chosen area of concentration. Students may take courses such as child and adolescent development, educational psychology, and curriculum and instruction design. Possible areas of concentration for a bachelor’s in education degree may include the following:

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Education and Public Policy
• English as a Second Language
• Secondary Education
• Instructional Design
• Mild to Moderate Intervention Specialist

Career Options

Baccalaureate-level education graduates may gain employment in public school systems, charter school districts, private school systems, religious schools, and magnet schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in special education are projected to increase by 17% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Preschool Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Elementary Teacher
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Secondary Educator

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete an online education degree program may wish to continue their education by enrolling in a graduate-level degree program. An education graduate degree may prepare students for educational leadership opportunities. Employers may require a bachelor’s degree at minimum for employment in most educational positions.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook