2023 Best Online Associate Degrees in Elementary Education

Rio Salado College (RSC) is a public college offering a 60-credit online Associate in Arts in Elementary Education. Students complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at RSC is 100%, with 13% of students reaching their degrees.

At RSC, students use RioLearn for remote courses completed entirely online and asynchronously. This program contains enough credits for the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree in Arizona, with coursework covering community values, team collaboration, child development, and education policy. Core classes include Cultural Diversity In Education, Child Development, and Children's Literature. Most graduates apply for classroom instructional aide positions to gain field experience while pursuing a bachelor's degree.

College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring 60 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. CSN accepts all applicants, while 21% of students graduate.

CSN uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online through an asynchronous modality. The core curriculum develops students' understanding of classroom technology tools, instruction strategies, methods of educational psychology, and multicultural education techniques. Required classes include Introduction to Special Education, Principles of Educational Psychology, and Preparing Teachers to Use Technology. There are career opportunities in paraprofessional positions, such as teacher aides and assistants.

South Texas College (STC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Teaching - Education (EC-6 Generalist). This degree requires a minimum of 60 credits, which full-time students complete in approximately two years. Students are accepted into STC at a rate of 100%, with 31% graduating with a degree.

STC students use Blackboard as their primary learning management system, completing courses on a flexible online schedule. The curriculum features core classes such as Mathematics for Teachers, Introduction to Teaching Profession, and Introduction to Special Population. Upon completing this degree, including its field observation courses, students receive certificates to apply for substitute teaching roles in Texas. Or, graduates may pursue positions as teacher aides.

Pima Community College (PCC) is a public college that hosts an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate, which is done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. PCC has an open admissions policy and a 17% graduation rate.

Online students at PCC use Brightspace to complete their coursework, delivered online and on flexible schedules. The curriculum introduces students to classroom and teaching fundamentals with support studies in mathematics for elementary teachers and career training. All coursework matches the first two years of the University of Arizona's elementary education certification degree with courses such as Introduction to Education, Relationships in Classroom Settings, and Introduction to Education. Graduates of similar programs find employment as tutors, teacher assistants, and childcare workers.

Front Range Community College (FRCC) is a public institution featuring an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring 60 credits over four semesters. The typical completion time for this degree is approximately two years on a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at FRCC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 25%.

At FRCC, students use MyCourses as their learning management system, with classes delivered entirely online and asynchronously. The core curriculum explores the basics of elementary classroom teaching, including child development, children's literature, and teaching principles for multicultural classrooms. Examples of required coursework are Introduction to Education; Multicultural Education; and Teaching, Learning, and Technology. Career opportunities include teacher aides, childcare administrative assistants, and substitute teachers.

Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) is a public school that offers an online Associate of Arts in Education - Elementary. This degree requires 60 credit hours, generally completed in two years while studying full time. JCTC accepts 100% of applicants, while 21% of students achieve degrees.

The primary learning platform JCTC students use is Blackboard. Coursework is completed 100% online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. The curriculum is mainly filled with general education studies with elective options allowing students to focus on elementary education. There are classes such as Teaching and Learning in the Middle Grades, Orientation to Education, and Child and Adolescent Development. Jobs for graduates may be available as paraeducators, childcare workers, and counselor assistants.

Yavapai College (YC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring the completion of 62 credit hours. Typically, students finish all program requirements in approximately two years while studying full time. YC accepts all applicants, with 25% of students graduating.

All online courses at YC are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study completely online through an asynchronous modality. The AA in elementary education is also considered a teacher preparation program because it focuses on skills development in classrooms and communities. The core requirements feature Educational Technology: Teaching and Learning in a Digital Age, Cultural Diversity in Education, and Introduction to the Exceptional Learner. Graduates of this online program are guaranteed admission into state universities in Arizona, or they can pursue entry-level careers as teacher assistants, tutors, and childcare workers.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) is a public institution offering a 60-credit online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education K-8. Students complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at MGCCC is 100%, with 33% of students reaching their degrees.

At MGCCC, students use Canvas for remote courses completed entirely online and through synchronous and asynchronous modalities. This program mainly contains general education studies, with options for humanities, laboratory science, physical education, and social science courses. Electives in elementary education may include Art for Elementary Teachers, Development of the Exceptional Child, and Physical Education and the Elementary School. Generally, graduates take roles in public or private schools as teacher assistants.

Monroe Community College (MCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education requiring between 61 and 65 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. MCC accepts 100% of its applicants, while 29% of students graduate.

MCC uses Brightspace to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online through web-enhanced remote courses (synchronous) or flexible online courses (asynchronous). The core curriculum is made for aspiring first through sixth-grade teachers. Coursework explores classroom fundamentals, teaching trends, and classroom diversity. There are required classes such as Introduction to the Teaching Profession, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, and Issues in Child Development and Health. Students are also required to complete a childhood field work experience. Career paths include paraeducators, counselor assistants, and childcare workers.

Allen County Community College (ACCC) is a public college with an online Associate of Arts in Teacher Education - Elementary. This degree requires 64 credit hours, which full-time students complete in approximately two years. Students are accepted into ACCC at a rate of 100%, with 23% graduating with a degree.

ACCC students log in to the Canvas learning management system to complete their courses online through synchronous and asynchronous modalities. The curriculum explores children's social and psychological traits alongside facets of the classroom, such as children's literature and elementary statistics. Required classes include Public Speaking, Early Childhood Growth and Development, and Foundations of Education. Graduates are likely to pursue entry-level careers as paraeducators.

Tyler Junior College (TJC) is a public college that hosts an online Associate of Arts in Teaching with Grades 4-8 Certification. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. TJC has an open admission policy, with 24% of students graduating with degrees.

Online students at TJC use Canvas to complete their coursework, delivered online and on flexible schedules. The curriculum introduces students to teaching while preparing for bachelor's degree transfers and Texas teacher certifications. Required courses include Introduction to the Teaching Profession, Mathematics for Teachers, and Introduction to Special Populations. Students must also complete field experience. Graduates may find employment as tutors, teacher assistants, and childcare workers.

Community College of Denver (CCD) is a public institution featuring an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring 60 credit hours. The typical completion time for this degree is approximately two years on a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at CCD is 100%, and the graduation rate is 15%.

At CCD, students use Desire2Learn as their learning management system for online learning. Coursework can be delivered through live synchronous classes or asynchronously with some live discussions. The core curriculum teaches the skills to educate young students in various subjects while encouraging their development and growth. Here are three examples of required courses: Child Development, The Exceptional Child, and Introduction to Education. Practical field experience is available as an elective. Graduates can transfer to any Colorado college with an elementary education program or join the workforce as paraeducators.

Northeast Community College is a public college that offers an online Associate of Arts in Education - Elementary. This degree requires 60 credit hours, generally completed in two years while studying full time. Northeast accepts 100% of applicants, while 48% of students achieve degrees.

Canvas is the primary learning platform Northeast students use for their coursework, completed 100% online through an asynchronous modality. The curriculum emphasizes real-world experience and professional educator training. There are required classes such as Elementary School Art, Educational Psychology, and Children's Literature. Northeast works with local Nebraska schools for students wishing to transfer to a bachelor's program. Additional credits are required for human relations training, allowing graduates to apply for employment as substitute teachers.

Brenau University is a private university with an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring the completion of 61 credit hours. Typically, students finish all program requirements in approximately two years while studying full time. Brenau accepts 89% of applicants, with 45% of students graduating.

All online courses at Brenau are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study flexibly and online. The curriculum develops foundational classroom skills and an understanding of the origins of teaching, child behavior, homeschooling, and tutoring. The core requirements feature Introduction to Multicultural Education, Developmental Psychology, and School and Society. Students may accept roles as tutors, elementary teacher assistants, and substitute teachers.

Three Rivers Community College - MO (TRCC) is a public institution offering an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring 65 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in two years. The acceptance rate at TRCC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 23%.

Students at TRCC use the Blackboard learning management system to access their entirely online courses. The curriculum highlights student growth and development, instruction strategies, classroom motivation, communication techniques, and educator professionalism. There are required courses such as Math for the Elementary Teachers, Educational Psychology, and Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society. Field experience and capstone projects are also needed. Graduates may become teacher assistants, tutors, and childcare workers or pursue an elementary education bachelor's degree at a four-year university in Missouri.

Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) is a public college offering a 60-credit online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education. Students complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at NWCC is 100%, with 25% of students reaching their degrees.

At NWCC, students use Canvas for remote courses completed entirely online and on a flexible study schedule. This program teaches classroom fundamentals while exploring various subjects such as mathematics, history, reading, and science from an educator's perspective. Required classes may include Art For Elementary Teachers; Early Childhood Profession; and Methods, Materials, and Measurements. Field experience is optional. Graduates of similar programs explore roles as teacher assistants, childcare workers, and substitute teachers.

Wilson Community College (WCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Applied Science in School-Age Education requiring 66 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. WCC accepts all students who apply, while 31% of students graduate.

WCC uses Moodle to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees entirely online and on a schedule that meets their needs. The core curriculum combines education theory with practical skills development in communication, nutrition, computer technology, and child guidance. Required classes include Learners with Behavior Disorders, Child Development, and Classroom Management and Instruction. Students are also required to participate in an internship experience. Career opportunities may be available in after-school programs, public and private schools, and recreation centers.

Western Wyoming Community College is a public college with an online Associate of Arts/Science in Elementary & Early Childhood Education. This online associate degree requires 64 credit hours, which full-time students complete in approximately two years. Students are accepted into Western Wyoming at a rate of 100%, with 34% graduating with a degree.

Western Wyoming students log in to the Canvas learning management system to complete their courses 100% online and asynchronously. The curriculum features training in lesson design, classroom technology, special education, and practical teaching. Additional areas of study include Introduction to Classroom Management, Foundations of Education, and Educational Psychology. Practicums are available but not required. This program sets the foundation for students wishing to transfer to a bachelor's degree before pursuing teaching roles from kindergarten to fifth grade.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) is a public institution that hosts an online Associate in Arts in Elementary Education. Specializations are available in K-6, 7-8, or 7-12, with the latter two areas allowing for subject endorsements in math, English, science, social studies, or special education. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. Co-Lin has an open admissions policy, with 36% of students graduating with degrees.

Online students at Co-Lin use Canvas to complete their coursework, delivered online and in asynchronous formats. The curriculum introduces students to the skills not only needed to manage classrooms but also to understand the development of young students. Required courses include General Psychology, Public Speaking, and Human Growth and Development. Transfer opportunities are available for several state universities in Mississippi. Graduates may also seek employment as teacher assistants, tutors, and substitute teachers.

Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) is a public institution featuring an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring a minimum of 60 credits. The typical completion time for this degree is approximately two years on a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at ICCC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 33%.

At ICCC, students use Canvas as their learning management system, with courses delivered entirely online and asynchronously. The core curriculum teaches how to design curriculums that promote development and how to build relationships with families and community members. This transfer degree offers endorsements in a range of subjects, including reading, English, math, science, social studies, and special education. Here are three examples of required courses: Technology in the Classroom, Educational Psychology, and Introduction to Education. Typically, career opportunities become available as tutors, teacher assistants, and childcare workers.

Hawkeye Community College is a public school that offers an online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Pre-K–12 Education. This degree requires 60 credit hours, generally completed in 60 years while studying full time. Hawkeye accepts 100% of applicants, while 24% of students achieve degrees.

Canvas is the primary learning platform Hawkeye students use for their coursework, completed fully online through an asynchronous modality. This elementary education curriculum emphasizes practical classroom experience and subject-matter studies in history, mathematics, literature, and social science. Required classes include Developmental Psychology, Foundations of Education, and Including Diverse Learners. One additional credit is required for field experience. Jobs for graduates may be available as substitute teachers, human resources specialists, and after-school program organizers.

Laramie County Community College (LCCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Education - Elementary Education requiring the completion of 62 credit hours. Typically, students finish all program requirements in approximately two years while studying full time. LCCC accepts 100% of applicants, with 26% of students graduating.

All online courses at LCCC are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study completely online through synchronous and asynchronous modalities. This degree focuses on practical experience through hands-on activities, inquiry projects, and fieldwork in public schools. The core requirements feature Intro to Early Childhood Education, Public Speaking, and Foundations of Development and Learning. Additionally, students must complete a three-credit practicum in teaching. LCCC has transfer agreements with the University of Wyoming and Valley City State University. Or, students may accept roles as childcare workers, substitute teachers, and nannies.

Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) is a public institution offering a 65-credit online Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education - Elementary Education (K-6). Students complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at ANC is 100%, with 33% of students reaching their degrees.

At ANC, students use Brightspace for remote courses completed entirely online and on a flexible study schedule. This program contains an elementary education foundation and includes coursework such as Introduction to Teaching, Survey of Exceptional Children, and Child Growth and Learning. Students choose which areas of emphasis they wish to take additional coursework related to mathematics, history, and fine arts. Graduates may explore roles in public and private schools as paraeducators.

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a private, Christian institution with an online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education requiring 63 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. NNU accepts 88% of its applicants, while 63% of students graduate.

NNU uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online and asynchronously. The core curriculum features foundations in teaching and instructional design and various electives in history, writing, finance, and statistics. Required elementary education classes include Educational Psychology, Cultural Diversity in Education, and Innovative Instruction. Students must also take a series of faith-based courses. Immediate career opportunities are tutors, teacher assistants, and childcare workers.

NNU is not LGBT-friendly because it identifies "sexual conduct outside of heterosexual marriage" as grounds for discipline.

Veritas Baptist College (VBC) is a private, Baptist school with an online Associate of Christian Education: Elementary Education. This degree requires 60 credit hours, which full-time students complete in approximately two years. Students are accepted into VBC at a rate of 100%, with 34% graduating with a degree.

VBC students log in to the Canvas learning management system to complete their courses online and asynchronously with weekly deadlines. The curriculum prepares students to work in Christian schools by featuring a 19-credit bible and theology core along with its general education requirements. Required education classes include Instructional Technology; Human Growth and Development; and Methods and Materials. Students must also complete a three-credit classroom practicum. Careers may be available in the ministry as childcare workers, classroom assistants, and librarian assistants.

VBC is not an LGBT-friendly college. Its handbook policy states that LGBT behavior will result in immediate suspension.

God's Bible School and College (GBS) is a private college that hosts an online Applied Associate of Science in Elementary Education. Students must complete 60 to 65 credit hours to graduate, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate is 65%, with 45% of students graduating with degrees.

Online students at GBS use Buzz to complete their coursework, delivered online in flexible formats. The curriculum introduces students to foundational knowledge in elementary-level subjects and training for career success. There are core education classes such as Christian Philosophy of Education, Classroom Management, and Exceptional Learners. Graduates will likely find employment as Sunday school teacher assistants, ministry childcare workers, and Christian education tutors.

GBS is not an LGBT-friendly school, as its student handbook states that "cross-dressing," gender affirmation surgery, and same-sex marriage are prohibited.

Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) is a public institution featuring an online Associate of Arts in Education - Elementary requiring 60 credit hours. The typical completion time for this degree is approximately two years on a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at EWC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 39%.

At EWC, students use Canvas as their learning management system, with courses delivered entirely online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. The core curriculum covers physical education, arithmetic, and literature and provides public speaking and diversity training. Here are three examples of required courses: Intro to Special Education, Teaching With Technology, and Human Lifespan Development. Students must also complete a practicum in teaching worth three credits. For graduates who wish to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, roles may be available in public or private schools as substitute teachers and teacher assistants.