Just in case you are wondering if there is a necessity for you to acquire a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Think less because a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education offers a great number of advantages in the teaching profession, especially online. These cheapest online Master’s Degrees in Elementry Education will show you everything you need.
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 Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education because each of these online courses gives you a deep understanding of a key aspect of K-6 teaching and learning.
Table of contents
- What Can You Do with an Online Masters in Elementary Education?
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education?
- How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree in Elementary Education Cost?
- What is the Online Master’s in Elementary Education Admission Requirements
- How Can I Choose an Accredited Online Elementary Education Master’s Degree Program
- Early Childhood Education vs Elementary Education: Which Environment is Right?
- Cheapest Online Masters Degree in Elementary Education
- List of 10 Cheapest Online Masters Degree in Elementary Education
- #1. Western Governors University
- WGU Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships
- #2. American Public University
- #3. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- #4. The University of Mississippi Online
- #5. Delta State University
- #6. Eastern Kentucky University
- #7. University of North Carolina Charlotte
- #8. University of Phoenix
- #9. Regent University
- #10. West Virginia University
- Online Master’s Degree in Elementary Education FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Author’s Recommendation
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. Per cent 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 child or family care, in addition to their work schedules and class.
Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher
In particular, elementary school teachers work with children ages 5 to 12 and provide basic education. Such as math and reading, and supervising daily classroom management.
All their daily assignments include scoring, lesson planning, communication with parents, application of class rules, and student preparation for standardized tests.
Elementary School Principal
These education professionals supervise the daily activities of the school. Principals administer the programs, supervise teachers and other staff, and support students by maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.
This position generally requires a master’s degree in education and sometimes requires a permit or certification.
Instructional Coordinator
Specifically, Instructional coordinators support teachers and students by supervising the curriculum and teaching standards. This position consists of designing teaching materials, working with teachers and staff to implement this material and assessing school progress.
Above all, these professionals must have a master’s degree and related work experience, with some roles that also require a state license.
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, full-time students can complete these programs in 16 to 24 months.
Most times, you can complete your coursework in just 21 months, and you will only take one course at a time so that you can balance your training with your life.
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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 teaching degree; some programs 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 to, 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 and 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 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 labour market data and expert information to provide a side-by-side comparison below.
Elementary Education vs ECE: Education Required
Elementary Education
Obtaining a degree with a state permit is the most common route for future elementary teachers. But if you want to teach in a private school, you don’t necessarily need a state license.
If you have a diploma other than education, for example, in math or science, you can become a primary teacher after passing an alternative teacher certification exam.
Early Childhood Education
The degree requirements for ECE depend on the school and its role in the classroom. You can get a job at an early childhood centre or as a teaching assistant by obtaining an EPE certificate. If you want to become a preschool teacher, the most common requirement is an associate’s degree.
Elementary Education vs ECE: Job Outlook
Elementary Education
Currently, the BLS projects that jobs in kindergartens and elementary schools will increase steadily by six per cent until 2024. Just as you know, education is often closely linked to districts and state governance; some states have better prospects than others. To see where your state is, see the Employment of elementary school teachers by state.
Also, BLS offers more opportunities for elementary teachers with degrees and certifications. Job prospects are also increasing in urban and rural school districts in relation to suburban school districts.
Early Childhood Education
Preschool teacher employment is expected to increase by 7% until 2024, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It is almost as fast as the average of all occupations.
While the preschool population is expected to increase, its overall population participation will likely remain constant, which explains the projected steady growth.
The BLS adds that earning a degree will likely increase your job prospects for these positions.
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 developing, designing, and evaluating 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 candidates faces are being able to afford to pay for the program. This cost challenge has been one reason why elementary teachers do not go forward in their careers. But we are here to solve that with these Cheapest Online Master’s Degrees 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 program’s quality, accreditations, and reputation of the schools.
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Ranking Factors
To better meet future students’ needs, we offer more ranking factors that will help you choose the right 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 the following:
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 not have quality. So we consider the accreditation and certification body for each of these schools before ranking whether they fall in the regional or national accreditation category.
Graduation & Employment Rate: Here, we consider if these schools have a high tendency to graduate 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 Teachers College is the first online competency-based university that received accreditation for its degree programs. Which basically leads to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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.
WGU Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships
- Teachers of Tomorrow Scholarship – $2,500
- K–12 Partner Scholarship – $2,500
- HEY TEACH! Scholarship – $2,000
- WGU NACCTEP Scholarship – $2,000
- Become a Teacher Scholarship – $2,000
- Back to School Scholarship – $2,000
#2. American Public University
Indeed the Master of Education in Teaching: Non-Licensure Concentration in Elementary Education program is ideal if you want to obtain a master’s degree while studying the theory and practical applications of teaching K-6 students.
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).
Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships
- Federal Student Aid (FSA)
- Military Tuition Assistance & other military aid
- Veterans benefit
- Scholarships, private loans, and employer vouchers
#3. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina, Pembroke officially offers 2 Online Master’s in Elementary Education programs. They include M.A.T. with a specialization in Elementary Education and M.A. Ed Elementary Education.
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 a leader, researcher and practising teacher.
M.A.T. with a specialization in Elementary Education
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 courses.
M.A. Ed Elementary Education
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 a leader, researcher and practising teacher.
Above all, UNC Pembroke’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). While the NC State Board of Education approves the Graduate Elementary Education program.
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#4. The University of Mississippi Online
The online Master of Education (M.Ed.), emphasising Elementary Education, reinforces excellence in teaching by encouraging individual growth and the application of research-based techniques and new teaching class theories.
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).
Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships
- Teacher Education Scholars Loan/Scholarship – $15,000 annually
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (TEACH)
- North Mississippi Education Consortium (NMEC) Graduate Leadership Scholarship – 50% of the cost of tuition
#5. Delta State University
Specifically, the Master in Education program in elementary education prepares quality teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions. That allows them to provide effective instruction at all levels of primary school.
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, leading 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.
#6. Eastern Kentucky University
Specifically, EKU online offers more than 15 online master’s degree options, including Elementary Education. And it is a fully online program.
Also, the EKU’s online master 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, expand their subject knowledge, and increase their understanding of effective education’s intellectual, philosophical, and cultural foundations.
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), and 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).
Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships
Also, you can check this: 13 Best Masters in Library Science Online Programs in 2023 | Programs, Requirements, Cost
#7. University of North Carolina Charlotte
The University of North Dakota basically offers 3 Master’s programs in Elementary Education.
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 a 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 expands your career advancement opportunities and increases your salary potential.
Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships
- Nancy & Michael DiDonato Memorial Scholarship (undergraduate majoring in Elementary Education)
- Wm & Marilyn Guy Scholarship (major in Elementary Education/Educational Leadership)
- Rita Foundation Memorial Scholarship (Elementary Education major)
- Mark & Gloria Sanford Scholarship (major in Elementary Education/Secondary Ed)
- Teach Grant/Loan Forgiveness Information
#8. University of Phoenix
The MAT Elementary Education program offers hybrid and online courses. Meanwhile, the program has an approximately 21-month program length with 40-44 credit units. And also, their tuition costs $540 per credit hour.
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 many 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).
Available Masters Elementary Education Scholarships
- Military Police Regimental Association (MPRA) Scholarship – Full Tuition covered
- Teaming up for Education Scholarship – Full Tuition covered
- EANGUS Future Phoenix Scholarship – Full Tuition covered
- Las Vegas Campus 25th Anniversary Scholarship – Full Tuition covered
#9. Regent University
Specifically, the Regent Master of Education in Elementary Education with an initial license will prepare you to obtain pre-K-6th-grade teacher licensure. The school is regarded as one of the cheapest and most affordable online schools in Elementary Education.
After completing this course, the students will have career opportunities as Pre-K-6 Teachers, Curriculum Developers, etc.
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).
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#10. West Virginia University
The College of Education and Human Services offers the online Advanced Master of Arts in Elementary Education degree in order to certify teachers who want to advance their knowledge of content, curriculum, and classroom management.
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 an Advanced Elementary Education M.A. degree may be prepared for the following careers. For example, Elementary school teachers, Special education teachers, etc.
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).
Online Master’s Degree in Elementary Education FAQs
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 counsellor at the elementary level.
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 on your chosen school and program. 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 speciality, 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 the subject matter and for the grade level. In addition, it’s worth remembering that certification isn’t totally contingent upon your education; you may also need to pass Praxis tests or other state-specific tests in your area(s) of speciality.
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 designing, writing, and implementing 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
- Top 15 Cheap Online Master’s in Elementary Education Degree Programs – bestvaleschools.com
- Early Childhood Education vs Elementary Education: Which Environment is Right for You? – rasmussen.edu
- 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Elementary Education Online Degrees – bestmastersdegrees.com
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