The independent, trusted guide to online education for over 28 years!

Accredited Online General Education Degrees

Online Degrees General Education

Tony Huffman
April 9, 2026
Teachers play a vital role in shaping how individuals understand and interact with the world. If you’re passionate about education but unsure which subject, age group, or specialization to pursue, an online general education degree program offers a flexible and versatile starting point.

An online general education degree provides a broad foundation in teaching methods, student development, and core academic subjects. It allows you to explore multiple academic disciplines while building key career skills needed to work in classrooms or transition into a more specialized role later in your career. This degree program supports personal and professional goals by fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills.

Ready to find your program? Browse over 225 general education degree listings below.

View Education Degree Programs

What Is General Education?

General education is a broad, flexible approach to studying education that does not focus on a specific subject or specialization.

Professionals in this field:

  • Learn teaching strategies across multiple subjects and grade levels
  • Study student development at different age stages
  • Build foundational classroom management and instructional skills
  • Explore various educational pathways before specializing

Unlike more focused degrees, general education emphasizes versatility and exploration, making it ideal for students who want to customize their degree plan and develop a broad range of foundational knowledge.

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore

What You Can Do With a General Education Degree

A general education degree prepares you for entry-level roles and pathways into teaching careers.

Common career paths include:

  • Elementary or middle school teacher (with licensure)
  • Teaching assistant or instructional aide
  • Tutor or education support specialist

Many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone toward more specialized teaching or leadership roles, leveraging their general education credits to further education.

Students exploring related fields may also consider:

View Education Degree Programs

Career Paths in General Education

General education provides flexibility in both subject matter and age group focus.

Examples include:

  • Elementary Teachers
    Teach multiple subjects to younger students and build foundational skills
  • Middle School Teachers
    Help students transition into more structured academic learning environments
  • Teaching Assistants
    Support classroom instruction and gain hands-on experience

These roles allow professionals to explore their strengths and interests before committing to a specialization or advanced degree.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Education remains a stable and essential career field with promising job prospects.

  • Average teacher salaries exceed $55,000 annually
  • Demand for educators remains steady across many regions
  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with some college credits earn about 10% more annually than those with only a high school diploma
  • The unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders in education-related fields was 2.2% in 2023, compared to 3.9% for those with only a high school diploma

General education degrees provide a pathway into a field with long-term stability, meaningful impact, and opportunities for advancement.

View Education Degree Programs

Why Choose General Education

This field is ideal for individuals seeking flexibility and exploration in their education career.

Key benefits include:

  • Ability to explore multiple subjects, teaching styles, and educational theories
  • Flexible career pathways within education and related fields
  • Opportunity to specialize later in your career or pursue graduate study
  • Strong foundation for teaching, educational leadership, or curriculum design

What You’ll Learn in a General Education Program

Programs focus on foundational teaching skills, student development, and interdisciplinary knowledge.

Common coursework includes:

  • Principles of education and pedagogy
  • Educational psychology and human development
  • Classroom management and instructional strategies
  • Multicultural education and diversity in learning
  • Literacy, social sciences, and other core general education classes

Many programs also allow you to tailor coursework toward specific interests such as literacy, social studies, or science education.

View Education Degree Programs

Is General Education Right for You?

This field suits individuals who want to explore education broadly before specializing.

You may be a good fit if you:

  • Are passionate about teaching but undecided on focus area or age group
  • Enjoy working with a variety of subjects or student populations
  • Want flexibility in your degree plan and career path
  • Have strong communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills

General education is especially useful for those entering the field, seeking to transfer previously earned credits, or transitioning careers.

Education Path and Degree Options

There are several pathways depending on your career goals.

To become a licensed teacher, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree, supervised student teaching experience, and state licensure.

View Education Degree Programs

Certifications and Career Advancement

Certification requirements vary by career path and state.

Common requirements include:

  • State teaching licensure for K-12 teachers
  • Supervised student teaching or practicum experience
  • Continuing education and license renewal

Advanced degrees and certifications can lead to roles in administration, curriculum design, special education, or educational leadership.

GetEducated has many resources available to teachers, or those wanting to enter the profession.  Articles include:

View Education Degree Programs

How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online general education degree program, consider:

  • Whether it prepares you for teacher licensure and meets general education requirements
  • Opportunities to explore multiple subject areas and customize your degree plan
  • Accreditation by recognized bodies such as CAEP or NCATE
  • Flexibility and online learning options that allow you to study at your own pace

Programs that offer personalized advising and transfer credit evaluation can help you maximize previously earned college credits and complete your degree faster.

GetEducated has many ranking reports for education related degrees:

View Education Degree Programs

Cost of General Education Degrees

Costs vary depending on degree level and institution.

  • Bachelor’s degrees typically range from $30,000 to $50,000 in total tuition
  • Master’s degrees generally cost between $15,000 and $30,000

Additional expenses may include licensure exams, certification fees, and textbooks.

Compare Accredited Online General Education Programs

Use resources like GetEducated to find programs aligned with your personal and professional goals.

You can:

  • Compare accredited online degree programs and tuition rates
  • Review program features such as transfer credit policies and course formats
  • Explore flexible learning options, including accelerated terms and asynchronous online courses
  • Find programs that support licensure pathways and career advancement

Browse accredited programs below to get started on your education journey.

View Education Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a general education degree?

A general education degree provides a broad foundation in teaching methods, student development, and multiple subject areas, allowing flexibility before choosing a specialization.

What is the difference between general education and elementary education?

General education is more flexible and exploratory, focusing on foundational knowledge across subjects and age groups. Elementary education specifically prepares students to teach core subjects to younger children in structured classrooms.

Can you become a teacher with a general education degree?

Yes, but you will need a bachelor’s degree, student teaching experience, and state licensure to teach in public schools.

What jobs can you get with a general education degree?

You can work as a teacher, teaching assistant, tutor, or education support specialist, depending on your level of education and certification.

How much do general education professionals make?

Teachers typically earn more than $55,000 annually, while entry-level roles like teaching assistants earn less depending on experience and location.

Is a general education degree worth it?

Yes, especially if you want flexibility in choosing your teaching focus or are exploring different career paths within education.

Is general education a good starting point for teaching?

Yes. It provides a strong foundation and allows you to transition into more specialized areas as your career develops.

Can you specialize after earning a general education degree?

Yes. Many professionals go on to specialize in areas like elementary education, special education, curriculum design, or educational leadership.

Found 225 Accredited Online Education Degree Programs
FILTER:
Sponsored Listing

National University

Education Specialist

With an overall teacher shortage across varying organizations, NCU’s online EdS program is intended to serve the worldwide demand for professionals. The goal of the program…
READ MORE