Elementary Education Major - Online

At Illinois College, tuition costs 36,870 USD per year.

This fully online Elementary Education Major prepares students to teach grades 1 through 6 in Illinois schools. It is grounded in professional standards and evidence-based practices, focusing on developing strong content knowledge, lesson design skills, and the ability to create inclusive learning environments. The program includes required clinical field experiences and student teaching in approved elementary school settings.

The program requires 78 total credits, distributed across foundational courses, lab science, social science electives, professional education coursework including student teaching, and language or global awareness requirements.

Graduates are prepared to obtain their Professional Educator License (PEL) for teaching in grades 1 through 6 in Illinois schools.

Admission requires completion of a minimum of 30 undergraduate credit hours and at least one year of classroom-related experience.

The programme totals about 78 credit hours. Fully online. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 75% of applicants.

Illinois College has been part of Jacksonville for almost 200 years. Its Hilltop campus combines winding walks and an ancient grove with buildings and traditions that bring old and new together. Students can join more than 80 clubs, organizations and teams, creating opportunities to find community and develop leadership experience. The campus also supports hands-on learning beyond the classroom, including internships, research experiences and global travel.

Academic programs connect study with practical preparation. Every student participates in internships or other hands-on learning, while selected programs offer focused opportunities from the first year. Mechanical engineering students begin with design process, robotics and computer-aided design. Biology students take part in research, including continuing work in the Florida Keys. Nursing, neuroscience, psychology, education, business administration, finance, economics and computer science are among the fields represented by student and alumni pathways. Illinois College also promises that students will graduate in four years or receive coverage for the cost of remaining courses. For students coming from abroad, global travel, research and internship access can add experience beyond regular coursework. The range of campus organizations offers ways to connect with other students and take on leadership roles while studying in Jacksonville.