100% Online
5 Courses in the Bible Minor
$375 Per Credit Hour
6 Start Dates Per Year
Why Study Primary (P–5) Education Online at Cedarville?
Do you have a passion for shaping the next generation? Cedarville University’s online education degree in primary (P–5) education prepares you to enter the classroom as a compassionate, Christ-centered teacher who makes a lasting impact in the lives of students.
This distinctly Christian, accredited online elementary education degree equips you to teach pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in both public and private school settings. Through academically rigorous, biblically integrated coursework, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to teach with excellence for the good of your students and the glory of Christ.
Designed for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality, Cedarville’s online primary education degree offers the same academic standards, biblical worldview, and faculty expertise as the on-campus program, delivered in a format that allows you to pursue your calling without setting foot on campus.*
*Program availability is subject to state and territory approval.
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Online Primary (P–5) Education Degree Highlights
- Biblically Grounded Curriculum – The Bible is the authority for research and study in every course you take, preparing you to thoughtfully integrate biblical truth into your classroom and instructional practice.
- Experienced, Credentialed Faculty – You’ll be taught and advised by highly qualified professors with extensive experience in early childhood and elementary education who are committed to your success as an online learner.
- Strong Career Outcomes – Graduates of Cedarville’s education degree programs consistently achieve excellent placement outcomes in teaching positions and graduate programs.
- Hands-On Preparation – Field experiences and clinical practice are integrated throughout the online elementary education degree to help you apply theory in real classroom settings.
- Flexible Online Format – Complete coursework online while fulfilling required field experiences in approved local schools.
Program Curriculum
Building on a foundation of liberal arts and your Bible minor coursework, the online primary education degree includes education foundations and methods courses that lead to a semester-long student teaching experience.
The curriculum is intentionally designed to prepare students in the online elementary education degree program for licensure, classroom leadership, and lifelong professional growth.
Are there field experience or student teaching requirements?
Yes. Teacher candidates will engage in hands-on classroom experiences early and often. Online students complete field experiences in approved local school settings, culminating in a student teaching placement. By graduation, candidates complete more than 600 hours of classroom experience.
Approved States and Territories for Online Study
Cedarville University’s online education degree programs are approved for students living in select states and territories. Authorization requirements vary by location and by program, particularly for degrees that lead to professional licensure.
Use the map below to see where students are currently eligible to enroll in the online primary (P–5) education program.
The online primary P–5 education program currently meets the educational requirements for licensure in the following states: Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Authorization status is subject to change. Students are responsible for understanding licensure and authorization requirements in their state of residence. For questions regarding licensure, please reach out to one of the program contacts below.
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Explore the Dual Enrollment PathwayWhat Sets Cedarville Apart?
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Biblical Worldview
Every undergraduate Cedarville student earns a Bible minor! You’ll be equipped to know God more deeply throughout all of life. Beyond this, your professors will weave biblical truth into each course you take. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to see your work through the lens of Scripture.
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Caring Faculty
You’re more than just a number in your online courses. Cedarville’s faculty have both experience in their fields and dedication to helping you succeed. They’ll encourage you not only academically but also personally and spiritually.
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Flexible Pathways
Want to study on campus at Cedarville after a couple years of studying online? Good news — your credits transfer directly to Cedarville’s residential programs! You’ll have the flexibility to complete your degree however it works best for you and your family.
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Vibrant Community
As an online student at Cedarville, you’ll have opportunities to grow your friendships and your faith. You will build lasting relationships with faculty and fellow students in your courses. Each day, you can engage with and watch chapel alongside the rest of the Cedarville community.
Online Program Format
What is the format of the online courses?
Your studies will be completely asynchronous*, meaning you'll never need to tune in for any live lectures or at any specific times. Courses will be self-paced based on completing weekly modules in Canvas, our learning management system, and you'll engage with your professors and classmates there as well.
A few select general education courses will be 16 weeks long, but most of your classes will be completed over eight weeks. Your online degree program has been championed, developed, and supported by caring Cedarville faculty, ensuring that the course content is specifically designed for your needs as a remote learner.
*Some courses may require synchronous group assignments.
How will I be supported as an online student?
Your admissions counselor will guide you through each step of the application process. Once you are accepted, you'll have a dedicated academic advisor who will not only aid you in your academic decisions but also encourage you in your walk with the Lord.
You’ll be supported by The Centennial Library, The Writing Center, The Cove (academic enrichment center), Counseling Services, and Career Services. With over a decade of experience serving online dual-enrolled and graduate students, these teams know how to meet your unique needs as an online student.
At Cedarville, you won’t just be a number. You’ll be challenged, encouraged, and equipped to become who God has made you to be by a supportive, Christian community.
Can I start online and finish on campus (or vice versa)?
Yes! We’d love for you to join us on campus if you’d like to and you’re able. Or, if you’re a current residential student facing constraints that don’t allow you to continue studying on campus, we welcome you to complete your degree online. In both cases, your courses will directly transfer between your online and residential programs.
How can I experience the Cedarville community as an online student?
Online students are a valuable part of the vibrant Cedarville community. Through daily chapel and engagement with professors and classmates, you’ll have opportunities to plug into the Cedarville experience from wherever God has called you:
- Each day at 10 a.m. ET, you can tune in live to experience chapel alongside your campus community. In hearing truth from God’s Word each day, you’ll be challenged and strengthened in your walk with the Lord.
- In your classes, you’ll be able to deepen and refine your thinking about God’s Word with an iron-sharpens-iron community of believers. You’ll be taught by caring, Christian faculty who are personally dedicated to helping you succeed. They’ll pour into you not just as a student but also as a Christian and a future professional.
When are the start dates?
There are six start dates each year that you can choose from to begin your online studies:
- August
- October
- January
- March
- May
- June
What technology is required, and what if I have tech problems?
Your computer should meet these hardware recommendations as outlined by IT. If you ever have questions or run into an issue, Cedarville’s IT team offers an extensive knowledge base and individualized support through their service catalog. In addition, there is 24/7 support for Canvas, our learning management system.
Licensure and Certification Pathways
Graduates of the online primary education degree program must complete licensure exams to qualify for teaching certification. Cedarville teacher candidates are well prepared for these exams, as demonstrated by strong pass rates.
As a graduate of Cedarville’s Teacher Education Program, you may be eligible to pursue:
- State Teaching Licensure — Graduates may apply for an Ohio teaching license, which may be transferable to other states provided all requirements are met.
- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Certification — Graduates are eligible to apply for ACSI teacher certification — a nationally recognized credential among Christian schools.
Licensure requirements vary by state and territory. Students are responsible for verifying licensure requirements in their location.
What Can I Do With an Online Primary (P–5) Education Degree?
A degree in primary (P–5) education is an opportunity to change young lives for eternity. Graduates of Cedarville’s online elementary education degree are prepared to teach in public, private, Christian, urban, and mission schools around the world.
Career paths include:
- Elementary and primary classroom teaching
- Christian and private school education
- Urban and international education settings
- Graduate and professional programs
Some career paths may require additional education, experience, or licensure beyond the online education degree.
Career and Graduate Outcomes
Cedarville education graduates are known for their academic preparation, commitment to teaching, and diverse experiences. 100% of recent education graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Apply Now!
Ready to combine your passion for teaching with the flexibility to fit your life? Take the next step toward a meaningful career with an online program that’s shaped by a biblical worldview.
From Our Students:
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The primary education degree at Cedarville has given me the tools to view education as a whole from a Christian worldview. In every class, we talk about the current landscape of education and how to prepare to be professional, qualified teachers on mission with Christ. My faculty members truly care about the lives of their students, and they often ask how they can pray for me. My time at Cedarville has shown me how much I need the Lord in all things as my Good Shepherd.
Abigail Reinhard '27, Education 
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