The idea of earning an education online has been debated for nearly a decade, and now it seems that society is accepting it. In fact, Forbes published an article arguing for online education and the inspiration it brings to adult learners in 2018 that demonstrates how society’s views on online degrees are changing. Still, some working adults who want to become teachers are worried that it wouldn’t be feasible to complete their degree online. Not only is it possible, an online bachelor’s in education is one of the easiest programs to apply for. Here’s a quick rundown on how online education degrees work.
Online Undergraduate Education Degrees
Online bachelor’s in education degrees are surprisingly easy to come by; along with business, education degrees were one of the first programs to go online. Most schools will offer this degree at the undergraduate level; however, some specializations may not be available online yet. Most state schools and private institutions may also make it possible to double major in education and another field, something that is of interest for students who wish to become researchers after graduation.
Accreditation
Accreditation is offered for many online bachelors in education degrees. The most common form of this qualification is from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education; most programs are also recognized by the United States Department of Education. Students who wish to work as educators in school settings must complete a program that is approved by the Department of Education and the NCATE; this is for licensure reasons. Please note that not all degrees are accredited, and it is important for students to confirm that the course of study they have chosen does have the qualification.
Licensure
Students who wish to become educators will have to earn licensure in order to be a teacher in any state in the country. This means that they must choose a degree that leads to licensure. Most programs state upfront on their program website that the program leads to sitting for licensure. Programs who do not lead to licensure, or who have programs that only lead to licensure in the school’s home state, also have disclosures on the program website with this information. Out-of-state students will need to check with their state’s Department of Education to ensure that they can use the degree from their online school to meet the requirements for licensure in their state of residence.
Residency and Practicum Requirements
There are some online bachelors in education programs that are completed online, with a practicum being completed in their community. However, some schools do require residency throughout the program. Residencies usually last between three days to a week on a semester or yearly basis; most are completed during the summer. All programs that lead to licensure as a teacher will require practicums, as it is a national requirement for sitting for licensure. This is all information that is usually on the program’s website, but students may want to check directly with the school for confirmation.
Related Resource: 15 Cheapest Online Programs in Educational Leadership and Administration
Pre-professional and professional educators deserve to have the ability to attend an online program; they are, after all, the professionals who educate American children. While there are a few hurdles to go through in order to graduate with an online degree, it is well worth it. Hopefully, now inspiring educators will find the school that meets their needs so that they can become part of the American education workforce.
