Best Online Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education Programs of 2025

What You Should Know About This Degree

When you’re comparing programs, it’s important to look at the type of certificate the school offers. If you’re wanting to specialize in a certain area or qualify for higher-level positions, you’ll need to make sure the certificate supports that.

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

To obtain a teaching position after graduation, you’ll need to be licensed as a teacher in your state. Requirements and deadlines vary, so you’ll need to check with your local board of education.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online graduate certificate in elementary education programs:

• Am I eligible for this program? Most graduate programs only require an appropriate undergraduate degree and GRE scores to be admitted. However, some post-bachelor’s certificate programs may require you to have an active teaching license or a certain amount of work experience before getting accepted.
• How long does it take to complete this online degree? The certificate programs on our list range from only 6 credits all the way up to 36 credits. It’s possible to complete your certificate program in just one semester if the credits required are on the lower end, but most programs take one to two years.

As you’re narrowing down programs to your top choices, make sure to pay attention to deadlines. There will be due dates for applications as well as paperwork such as undergraduate transcripts and letters of recommendation. If you require assistance to pay for your education, you’ll also need to visit the financial aid office to see what’s available to you.