Online Elementary Education Degree
Advance Your Career as an Educator
Transfer your associate degree credits, earn a bachelor’s degree, and prepare to teach elementary school in Illinois with this CAEP-accredited, ISBE-approved program.
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
- Duration 2 Years
- Cost per Credit $470
- Credit Hours 120
Program Benefits
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- 99% edTPA pass rate
- 400 hours of practical classroom experience
- No application fee or ACT/SAT scores required
Become a Licensed Elementary School Teacher in Two Years
The online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Greenville University is designed for students who have an AA or AS degree from one of Greenville’s five Illinois community college partner institutions. You can transfer up to 90 previously earned credits to earn your bachelor’s degree and pursue licensure in just two years.
Our bachelor’s in elementary education online program is delivered in a flexible online learning environment. It takes a faith-based approach to educating young learners and is grounded in Christian values.
Greenville University students have a 99% pass rate on the edTPA exam, surpassing the national average. Because the online elementary education degree is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, you can be confident you’re earning a credential that’s recognized statewide for academic excellence.
Partnerships
Greenville University has special partnerships with five institutions to allow a seamless transfer of associate degree credits into the B.S. in Elementary Education program. Partners include:
- Kaskaskia College
- Lake Land Community College
- Lewis and Clark Community College
- Lincoln Land Community College
- Southwestern Illinois College

Curriculum
Coursework explores relevant education topics like lesson planning, data-driven assessment, literacy, teaching methods, and more. As a student, you will complete 400 hours of fieldwork to make meaningful connections between coursework and real-world classroom experience. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the edTPA exam and pursue initial licensure for elementary education in Illinois.
Curriculum DetailsProgram Outcomes
When you complete Greenville University’s online elementary education degree, you will be able to:
- Design lesson plans around student needs and interests.
- Prepare engaging lesson plans.
- Engage students in learning.
- Use data-driven assessment to make instructional decisions.
Career Outlook
Graduates of Greenville University’s two-year elementary education degree are prepared for successful careers teaching elementary school in the state of Illinois. In fact, 90% of our School of Education students find employment within the first year after graduation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois is a top employer of elementary teachers nationwide and the median annual salary for these educators is $66,140.
Explore Career OutlookAdmission Requirements
To apply for the online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program, you’ll need:
- A completed online application
- An AA or AS degree from one of Greenville’s five Illinois community college partner institutions
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- A 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Tuition Details
Tuition for this program is $470 per credit hour. Our online elementary education degree is designed to include the seamless transfer of up to 90 degree credits, allowing you to finish your degree faster and for a lower cost.
Greenville University is proud to offer high-quality online degrees with competitive tuition. We will work with you to ensure that your educational dreams are within reach.
Tuition and FeesFaculty Spotlight

Heather-Johnson Gilmore, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education, Program Director for Elementary Education
Heather teaches undergraduate courses in Reading and Language Arts methods, Corrective Reading, Measurement and Assessment, and Music and Art Integration.
She has a passion for diversity issues in education and serves as the university liaison for Project Lead: Leaders in Education Advocating for Diversity, as part of an Illinois partnership of leaders called the Center Partnership. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Society for Key Women Educators, as well as IDEA, Illinois Digital Educators Alliance.
- Program Association: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work; Alternative Teaching Certification, Elementary Education
- PhD in Educational Leadership: Reading, Language & Literacy Expected June 2023
Learn From Education Experts
Greenville University’s distinguished and caring faculty bring years of relevant teaching experience to the online classroom, so you gain valuable skills for your career as an educator. They offer one-on-one encouragement and guidance as you complete your master’s in elementary education online degree.
Study in a format that fits your life with our flexible and convenient online programs. Online learners receive personal support from application to graduation and experience the same academic rigor as on-campus students.
Online Learning BenefitsYour education is an investment in your future. With our competitive tuition and transfer credit options, you can make your degree affordable. Learn more about federal aid, military benefits, and scholarships to fund your studies.
Tuition and AidFrequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated admissions team is here to help. If you have additional questions that aren’t covered here, contact us or call (855) 582-1233.
This program is designed to be completed in two years when you transfer in the maximum number of associate degree credits. Visit our courses page to review the curriculum.
Total tuition for the B.S. in Elementary Education program is $56,400 with no transfer credits applied. With the transfer of an AA or AS degree from one of Greenville’s five Illinois community college partner institutions, the estimated total tuition cost is $28,200. You can learn more about tuition and fees here.
Greenville University is an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved education provider, and the B.S. in Elementary Education is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Students must have an AA or AS degree from one of Greenville’s five Illinois community college partner institutions for admission to this program. We will accept up to 90 total transfer credits toward our online B.S. in Elementary Education program. Students who transfer the maximum amount of credits could complete their program in approximately two years. Find out more about our admission policy on the program admissions page.
Graduates of this program are qualified to sit for the edTPA exam, pursue initial licensure, and teach elementary school (grades one through six) in the state of Illinois.