What Are the Different Types of Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Education?

There are three major types of online bachelor’s degree programs in education, which are categorized based on the kind of teacher a student wishes to become. Someone interested in teaching primary school, which is also called grade school, usually pursues a degree that teaches numerous subjects within the appropriate age range. A student who wants to teach secondary education, such as high school, has to choose a subject and then complete an online degree in that curriculum. There are also online bachelor’s degree programs in education in a more general sense, for those students who want to focus on educational theories and teach other teachers.

One common type of online program in education is a curriculum that focuses on students interested in teaching in primary school. This level of education can also be called “K-6” as it usually refers to grade schools that teach students between kindergarten and sixth grade. A student interested in teaching in primary education takes courses that focus on different subjects that are taught in this age range, including arithmetic and reading. Online programs are available for students who want to work at this level and can also include special education or a focus on English as a Second Language (ESL).

There are also online bachelor’s degree programs in education for students wishing to teach at a secondary school. This level of education usually covers from seventh grade through 12th grade, in which students are in secondary education. A student interested in teaching at a high school or a similar institution chooses a particular subject to teach, such as chemistry, algebra, or English. Young people in this class range attend courses that focus on only one subject, and so teachers are similarly expected to have a degree in that field. Online classes are usually designed to focus on both education and the subject, so that teachers are prepared to handle a classroom and teach the curriculum.

Other courses and opportunities are also available for teachers who want to learn about educational theories in general and then teach other teachers. These types of online bachelor’s degree programs in education are usually intended for students who want to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate afterward. Such a postgraduate degree is usually necessary to teach at a college or university, which is where many education majors end up. The other types of programs can also be completed and then used to work toward a postgraduate degree in education.