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Elementary Education

Online B.S.E. Program

$350
per credit hour

Quality
education by experienced faculty

Convenient
online courses

OBU’s online Elementary Education program prepares future teachers to build strong instructional foundations for young learners in grades 1–8. This program mirrors the high-quality curriculum of the on-campus Elementary Education degree while offering flexible online delivery for adults, paraprofessionals, and traditional-age students who need a nontraditional college format.

This program focuses exclusively on preparing elementary teachers (1–8) with deep content knowledge, strong classroom skills, and extensive field experience. Unlike the dual-certification option, it does not include special education training; instead, it delivers the same high-quality curriculum as OBU’s on-campus elementary degree in a flexible online format designed for future classroom teachers.

“The biggest takeaway I have from my four years here at OBU has been my relationship with my professors. The level of intentionality, care, professionalism and expertise they offer has greatly prepared me to enter the world of work. Even after I leave OBU, I know these people will remain in my corner.”

Gracie Pipes
Class of 2023

Benefits of the Online Elementary Education Program

You will learn to design differentiated lessons, manage classrooms effectively, and foster literacy, mathematics, and content-area skills in diverse learners. Grounded in the Christian faith, the program encourages future teachers to approach education as a form of service and ministry, honoring the God-given value of every student.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

As you pursue your Elementary Education degree online, we recommend you apply for FAFSA to assist with the cost of your education. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. If you have further questions, our team of financial counselors are happy to assist you.

Due to the already-reduced tuition rate for this online degree, additional OBU scholarships do not apply. However, state and federal aid may be available to those who qualify. Be sure to complete the FAFSA to find out if you qualify.

Program Information

Program Format and Structure

  • Asynchronous online coursework
  • Synchronous Zoom meetings once per week during upper-level methods courses
  • Designed for working adults and school staff who need flexibility
  • 14-week student teaching internship required for licensure
  • Courses offered fall, spring, and summer terms
  • This program provides the same curriculum as our traditional on-campus Elementary Education degree.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

Graduates may become:

  • Elementary classroom teachers (grades 1–8)
  • Reading or math interventionists
  • Small-group instructional specialists
  • Curriculum or instructional support staff

National Accreditation

Accredited through CAEP and approved by the State of Oklahoma, this program leads to initial certification and is recognized nationally and internationally.

Field Experiences

Students complete over 80 hours of field experiences throughout the program. These include tutoring, teaching small groups, and whole-class instruction.

Internship (Student Teaching)

The student teaching internship is completed near program completion and may be arranged near your home community when possible.

Faith Integration

Faculty help preservice teachers connect faith with practice by exploring how Christian character forms the foundation of excellent teaching, compassion, and service to diverse learners.

Start Dates

As you consider earning your degree, you can plan ahead and choose the start date that works best for you. We offer classes starting every Spring, Summer, and Fall semester.

Spring 2026

  • January 9
  • March 6

Summer 2026

  • May 8
  • June 3

Fall 2026

  • August 28
  • October 23

Spring 2027

  • January 8
  • March 5


Program Options

Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE)

  • Elementary Education (Online Program)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Annie Keehn

Annie Keehn

Chair, School of Education
Assistant Professor of Education
Co-Director, Master of Arts in Teaching and ACCESS Programs
Lawrence C and Marion Harris Chair of Education

Dr. Jeanne Akin

Dr. Jeanne Akin

Mary A. White Professor of Education

Jalonda R. Bengs

Jalonda R. Bengs

Associate Professor of Education
Director of Educational Partnerships

Dr. Rebecca Farley

Dr. Rebecca Farley

Associate Professor of Education

Ronnie Titsworth

Ronnie Titsworth

Visiting Assistant Professor of Education

Dr. Kellie D. Young

Dr. Kellie D. Young

Violet Sturgeon Minton Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education

Become a Future Shaper

Have questions? Fill out the form below for more information.