Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Teacher Education
Choose a Flexible and Affordable Online Teaching Degree
Online
3–4 Years
77–78 Credit Hours (Major)
$305 per Credit
Request More Information
Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Earn Your Elementary Teacher Education Degree and Gain Hands-On Experience
The online BS in Elementary Teacher Education degree from Southwest Minnesota State University provides hands-on classroom experience and innovative teaching skills, empowering you to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners.
Those interested in earning an elementary teacher degree online can select SMSU’s program to prepare for teaching licensure in Minnesota. Additionally, the courses can be taken on your schedule when it’s convenient.
This BS in Elementary Teacher Education program is also offered on campus.
Program Details
- 16-week terms
- Highly skilled faculty
- Accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Elementary Teaching Degree: Explore Online Classes
Field Experience
25 Courses
While earning your elementary teacher education degree online with SMSU, you’ll complete 25 online classes and a selection of student teaching and lab courses or fieldwork for 77–78 credit hours. The online classes for this PELSB-accredited teaching degree explore a variety of subjects taught in elementary schools and help you prepare to pursue MN teaching licensure.
Course Highlights
- ED 312: Human Relations for Teachers
- TESL 431: Foundations of Teaching ESL and Lab
- ED 459L: Pre-Student Teaching Experience
SMSU Admission Requirements
Start Date August 26, 2024 Fall Term 2024
Take the next step toward unlocking your professional potential by completing your application for the online bachelor’s in elementary teacher education degree today. Support is available from the SMSU enrollment team.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $20 waivable fee* |
| Official Transcripts | Send official high school transcripts. Transfer students must send transcripts from each institution attended |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 minimum, 3.0 recommended |
International Students
Additional information and requirements may be necessary for international students. Please contact our enrollment team to learn more.
It’s always the right time to invest in your education with SMSU. Contact an enrollment counselor by calling 1-800-201-2944 to get started today.
Admissions DetailsThis is a Minnesota Teacher Licensure program. Student must reside in or near the state of Minnesota due to the PELSB licensing board requirements regarding field experiences, practicums and student teaching must take place in a Minnesota public school, under the supervision of a Minnesota licensed teacher.
Tuition and Aid: Financing Your Online Elementary Teacher Education Degree
Calculate your cost for attending SMSU Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Whether you’re applying for a college degree for the first time or picking up where you left off in your education, SMSU’s tuition and aid packages can assist you. With scholarships available and competitive tuition, we can help make your degree program affordable.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $305 |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 120 |
| Total Estimated Cost** | $36,600 |
| Other Costs | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors such as textbooks, supplies, or additional fees and expenses |
Military Benefits
SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students. We accept the GI Bill™ and VA education benefits. Learn more by contacting an enrollment counselor or by visiting our military benefits page.
Financial Aid Options & Support
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of solutions to help you invest in your education. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with a variety of financial services, including military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.
Take your next step in financing your education by completing your FAFSA today. Use SMSU’s school code: 002375
Tuition Details
Where Will Your Online Elementary Teacher Education Degree Take You?
Demand remains high for elementary school teachers who can help young learners establish foundations for academic success. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that about 857,000 new teaching jobs will be created every year from 2022–2032.1 Prepare for your MN teaching licensure and open the door to opportunities in elementary education by completing an online teaching degree program with SMSU.
Career Outlook for Elementary Teacher Education Degree Graduates
Elementary Teacher $61,690 per year2
Kindergarten Teacher $60,490 per year2
Program Outcomes
SMSU’s community of diverse students and expert industry leaders is here to support students wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education online. By graduation, you’ll have the credentials to pursue teaching licensure in Minnesota and advance in your education career.
What You’ll Learn
- Engage in educational theory, research, inquiry, critical reflection, and application in pursuit of excellence in a culturally responsive education
- Demonstrate real-world experience in diverse classroom settings from field placement courses
- Become a teaching leader through specific offerings from the degree’s online classes
Meet Our Faculty
SMSU employs a faculty of experts who are top-skilled in their fields. Our educators are fully committed to providing each student with personalized and thoughtful instruction to help you succeed academically and professionally.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sonya Vierstraete
Dr. Sonya Vierstraete has served as the Chairperson for SMSU’s School of Education for seven years and has previously served as the University’s Faculty Athletics Representative. Additionally, she teaches and advises undergraduate and graduate students with a focus on elementary education, literacy, and TESL.
She collaborates with colleagues throughout the year in a variety of areas, including the Southwest Teacher Preparation Partnership (SWTPP), as well as SoE assessment, accreditation, and licensure.
Learn Online with Southwest Minnesota State University
Whether you’re enrolling in a degree program for the first time or completing a degree you previously started, learning online with SMSU provides the flexibility you need to be successful. Our online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum delivered on campus, plus the convenience of studying on your schedule from the location of your choice.
Discover SMSU OnlineSources and Disclaimers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Educational Instruction and Library Occupations, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm (visited October 12, 2023).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, at from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-5 (visited October 10, 2023).
*Contact our enrollment team for more details!
**Only Minnesota residents are eligible to receive in-state tuition rates for licensure programs due to field requirements. Tuition costs and fees will vary based on semesters of enrollment and number of transfer credits accepted. Contact our enrollment team to learn more.