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| 30 June 2020

Benefits of Online Learning – 16 Advantages to Learning Online

In fact, the pandemic has demonstrated what a practical, sustainable model online learning is. It keeps education accessible during a public health crisis, natural disaster, or other circumstance where students and faculty can’t travel. It can serve students across a wider geographic range, bringing in voices from across the country—and beyond. The online learning environment also promotes a better work-life balance. In this post, we outline the advantages of online learning and how you can leverage them to foster your personal and professional development.

Advantages of Online Learning

The format of online courses can help you thrive both personally and academically, helping you meet your goals.

1. You don’t need to relocate

With online classes, you don’t need to move to a different city or commute long distances in order to attend the program of your choice. You can stay where you are and keep your current job while you work toward enhancing your career with an online college or graduate degree (However, some programs require fieldwork experience, which may necessitate relocation.) 

On the other hand, if you want to become a digital nomad—someone who embraces a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle—online education may allow you to do that too. You can watch lectures and complete your coursework wherever you are—whether that’s at home, in a café, or on an exotic beach.

2. It’s easier to achieve optimal school-life balance

Whether you’re a full-time or part-time online student, the online learning experience allows for a much more flexible schedule. Some elements may be synchronous: You may need to attend live lectures, demonstrations, or discussion sessions. But many elements will be asynchronous, meaning that you can complete them at your own pace, learning at the time of day and in the place that works best for you.

When you’re more in control of your schedule, time management goes more smoothly. It’s easier to maintain an active social and family life while earning your college degree or graduate degree. It is possible to have it all: education, professional development, and a vibrant personal life.

3. It helps you develop and stick to healthy habits

Another benefit of online learning and a better school-life balance is that you can develop greater discipline about healthy habits. Not everyone enjoys squeezing in a workout or yoga session at the crack of dawn or right before bed. So if you’re learning from home, you can take a midday jog or online Pilates class. You can even take a power nap, which research has shown can benefit memory and learning .

Studying from home can also give you more time to focus on self-care. Whether through self-reflection , meditation, or yoga, practicing self-care can help boost your confidence and emotional intelligence.

4. You have more time to do the things you love

If you’re taking in-person classes but don’t live near campus, commuting can take up a significant amount of your time. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the average daily commute time is 54.2 minutes. If you’re like most people, you’d probably rather avoid traffic or crowded public transportation. And saving that 54 minutes per day (or more) will free up time you can spend working, exercising, having fun, or connecting with loved ones. In fact, spending time away from work has been shown to ultimately boost productivity and creativity .  

5. Online learning makes it possible to keep your job

Many graduate students can’t afford to take time off from work. Or they want to keep working on career advancement while staying in their current position, improving their credentials and applying their learning on the job. So if you want to continue working at your current job while earning your degree, online education is a great way to go. You don’t have to choose between school and work—you can do both.

6. You can create your own office

It’s an advantage to be able to create your own workspace. You can set up your desk at just the right height and find a supportive office chair—or you can work from your couch. Not only can your setup be more physically comfortable, but studies show that 42% of workers believe they’re more productive working at home.

7. It’s easier to concentrate and participate

Since different people are productive at different times of day, online learning allows you to work at the time when your brain is most engaged. Also, some people have trouble concentrating and participating in crowded classrooms. Online learning can make it easier for students to focus and for more introverted students to chime in with questions or ideas, which can help boost their confidence and positivity . 

Skills and Positive Traits Gained from Online Learning

8. Boost your time management skills

Staying organized is key to being a successful student. Find a method that works well for you, such as exploring these time management techniques , using planners , or trying out new virtual tools for productivity .

9. Learn new technical skills

Immersing yourself in the technology that powers online learning will enhance your technical literacy.

10. Enhance your communication skills 

Online learning creates opportunities to interact, participate, and communicate with your peers and instructors in different ways.

11. Develop self-motivation and self-discipline

In order to stick to a schedule and keep up with your coursework, you must learn self-motivation and self-discipline—qualities that will serve you well in your personal and professional life.

Additional Benefits of Online Learning

12. reduce your carbon footprint .

Not only do you save money on gas, which averages out to $1,300 per person annually in the United States—you can save paper by lessening your reliance on printed materials, ultimately reducing your carbon footprint. 

13. Reduce stress

Learning at your own pace, participating in ways that feel more comfortable, and not having an arduous commute can help you limit stress.

14. Cook at home more instead of eating out

Spending more time at home makes cooking easier, which is ideal for healthy eating and saving money.

15. Expand your horizons

Connecting with classmates from all around the world can help you share different cultural perspectives on your field, which makes you a more broad-minded practitioner. 

16. Network with your peers

Meeting classmates online can give you opportunities to network across a wider geographic region, which can help you advance your career. You might even find a mentor who can help support and guide you to apply your learning on the job.

Forbes Business Council. “3 Benefits of Remote Learning for Every Generation.” Forbes, 14 Oct. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/10/14/3-benefits-of-remote-learning-for-every-generation/?sh=3d7184e0528e . Accessed: March 20, 2024.

Cavanaugh, Joseph K. and Stephen J. Jacquemin. “A Large Sample Comparison of Grade Based Student Learning Outcomes in Online vs. Face-to-Face Courses.” Online Learning 19, no. 2 (February 2015). http://dx.doi.org/10.24059/olj.v19i2.454. Accessed: January 26, 2022

Shaw, Gabby. “Here’s How Much the Average Person Spends on Gas in Every State.” Business Insider. February 15, 2019. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-the-average-person-spends-on-gas-in-every-state-2019-2. Accessed: January 26, 2022

ManpowerGroup. “Closing the Skills Gap: Know What Workers Want.” 2019. https://workforce-resources.manpowergroup.com/closing-the-skills-gap-know-what-workers-want/closing-the-skills-gap-know-what-workers-want. Accessed: January 26, 2022

Levitz, Ruffalo Noel. “2018 National Student Satisfaction and Priorities Report.” 2018. http://learn.ruffalonl.com/rs/395-EOG-977/images/2018_National_Student_Satisfaction_Report_EM-031.pdf. Accessed: January 26, 2022

Roy, Robin, Stephen Potter, Karen Yarrow, and Mark Smith. “Towards Sustainable Higher Education: Environmental impacts of campus-based and distance higher education systems.” Design Innovation Group. March 2005. http://www3.open.ac.uk/events/3/2005331_47403_o1.pdf. Accessed: January 26, 2022

West, Robin L., Natalie C. Ebner, and Erin C. Hastings. “Linking Goals and Aging.” In New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance, edited by Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham, 439–459. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalie-Ebner/publication/287491758_Linking_goals_and_aging_Experimental_and_life-span_approaches/links/56773c0008ae502c99d2f10a/Linking-goals-and-aging-Experimental-and-life-span-approaches.pdf. Accessed: January 26, 2022

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2024 Online Learning Statistics

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Aug 23, 2024, 10:31am

Key Takeaways

• In 2022, about 10 million college students took at least one online class. 1
• Approximately 54% of college students took distance education courses in fall 2022, down from 75% during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in fall 2020. 1 , 2
• Primarily online colleges enroll around 1.1 million students. 3
• Black students make up 23.3% of students at primarily online colleges, versus just 12.5% of all college students. 3
• Out-of-state tuition rates are significantly cheaper at fully online public colleges than other public colleges. 4
• The e-learning market is projected to grow by 20.5% from 2022–30. 5

The past decade has transformed online learning. In 2012, 75% of college students took all their classes in person, with 13.1% taking some online classes and 12.4% taking all of their classes online.6 Those numbers flipped dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic, with just 26.6% of college students in 2020 reporting that they took no online classes.

What do remote learning statistics look like in the wake of the pandemic shutdowns? Instead of reverting to the pre-pandemic status quo, college students increasingly choose to take classes online. In 2022, more than half of college students enrolled in at least one online class. That adds up to around 10 million college students taking classes online.

Online learners are a diverse group made up of undergraduate and grad students; men and women; and learners of all races. The best online colleges meet high academic standards and hold institutional accreditation . And learning online can help degree seekers save money. Whether you’re considering an online degree or you’re curious about online higher education, these are the key statistics to understand online learning.

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Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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Online Learning by the Numbers

A growing number of college students take distance education courses. Digging into the data on online learning reveals a changing picture of higher education.

10 million: Approximate Number of College Students Enrolled in Distance Education Courses, Fall 2022 1

More than 10 million college students took at least one distance education class in the fall of 2022. Slightly less than half of those students took all of their courses online. Most of these online learners are undergraduates (8.4 million) attending four-year, public institutions (7.4 million).

75%: Approximate Percentage of College Students Enrolled in Distance Education Courses, Fall 2020 2

A significant majority of college students took classes online in fall 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. While only 36.3% of college students took online classes in the fall of 2019, that percentage more than doubled the following year.

54%: Approximate Share of College Students Taking Distance Education Courses, Fall 2022 1

The percentage of students taking online courses dropped between fall 2020 and fall 2022 as Covid-19 campus closures ended and in-person learning resumed. However, substantially more students chose online courses in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The shifts in distance learning enrollment indicate that while many students initially enrolled in online courses because of the pandemic, distance learning numbers remained high long after lockdowns ended.

26%: Approximate Percentage of College Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses, Fall 2022 1

More than 1 in 4 college students chose a fully online format for their courses in Fall 2022. Around 63% of those fully online learners attended in-state colleges, while 33% attended schools located in other states. In-state college students at public universities often benefit from subsidized tuition rates.

54.4% vs. 53.5%: Respective Shares of Undergraduate vs. Graduate Students Taking Distance Education Courses, Fall 2022 1

Undergraduate and graduate students enroll in online courses at similar rates––54.4% and 53.5%, respectively.

Undergrads are more likely to choose a hybrid option, however. While 23.9% take exclusively online courses, 30.5% take both online and on-campus courses. At the graduate level, 38.7% enroll fully online, while 14.8% take classes in a hybrid format.

For-Profit Private Schools More Likely To Enroll Exclusively Online Than Nonprofit Private Schools, Fall 2022 1

• Private, for-profit colleges: 64.8% of all students enrolled exclusively online
• Private, nonprofit colleges: 26.5% of all students enrolled exclusively online
• Public colleges: 23.6% of all students enrolled exclusively online

Students at private, for-profit colleges are much more likely to take their classes in a fully online format than students attending private, nonprofit colleges and public colleges. While public colleges enroll the largest share of online learners, with 3.1 million of the 4.9 million fully online students, they enroll the smallest percentage of exclusively online students.

States With Highest Online College Enrollment Rates: New Hampshire, Arizona, West Virginia, Utah, Alaska 6

Some surprising states top the list of the states with the highest online college enrollment rates. States such as Alaska and West Virginia likely appear because of the challenges of accessing higher education in more remote areas. Alaska, for example, is home to only eight degree-granting postsecondary institutions. 7

The appearance of Utah, New Hampshire and Arizona point to another factor: The three largest online colleges by enrollment are located in those states, and most students at these colleges are enrolled exclusively online. 8

• Western Governors University in Utah enrolls more than 150,000 students, all of whom are distance learners.
• Southern New Hampshire University enrolls around 145,500 learners, of whom 138,700 take exclusively distance courses.
• Arizona’s Grand Canyon University educates approximately 103,100 students, and 79,900 are distance learners.

Online Schools vs. Traditional College

Only a small fraction of colleges primarily enroll distance learners. Part-time students are more likely than their full-time peers to choose primarily online colleges.

3.7%: Share of Higher Education Institutions Considered Primarily Online Colleges, Fall 2022 3

Very few colleges meet the definition of a “primarily online college,” according to the NCES. The term only applies to colleges where 90% or more of students enroll online. Instead, many traditional colleges offer both online and on-campus courses.

6%: Approximate Percentage of College Students Attending Primarily Online Schools, Fall 2022 3

While more than half of college students now take online classes, only a small fraction attend primarily online colleges. As of Fall 2022, just 6% of all students attended one of these schools.

1.1 Million: Approximate Number of Students Enrolled at Primarily Online Colleges, Fall 2022 3

Over 1 million students attend primarily online colleges. Part-time students are more likely to enroll at one of these institutions than full-time students.

At the undergraduate level, 7% of part-time students attend primarily online schools, compared with 4.4% of full-time students. Similarly, 10.7% of part-time graduate students attend primarily online colleges, compared with 8.1% of full-time graduate students.

8.5 Million: Approximate Number of Students Not Enrolled in Any Distance Education Courses, Fall 2022 1

While more than 10 million students take at least some distance education courses, 8.5 million do not take any online courses.

Online learning data indicates that private, nonprofit institutions enroll the highest percentage of fully in-person students, with 56.2% of learners not taking any online courses. By contrast, 45% of public school students and 33.3% of private, for-profit learners do not participate in online learning. 6

Online Learning Through the Years

While the Covid-19 pandemic had a major impact on remote learning, the last decade has brought many other significant changes as well.

In 2012, 74.5% of college students took no online courses. That number declined to 63.7% in 2019. At the same time, the percentage of students exclusively enrolled in online courses grew. In 2012, 12.4% of college students enrolled fully online, while 13.1% took at least one online class. By 2019, the share of fully and partially online learners grew to 17.2% and 19.1%, respectively.

The pandemic upended remote learning, with the share of students not taking online classes plummeting to 26.6%. While that number rebounded in the following years, reaching 41.4% in 2021 and 46.7% in 2022, most college students are still not enrolled exclusively online.

46.7%: Share of College Students Enrolled Exclusively in Online Courses, Fall 2020 2

As the Covid-19 pandemic closed schools, many switched to a remote learning model. From 2019 to 2022, the share of fully online learners more than doubled. However, when schools closed their campuses, most students did not have a choice in how they attended classes, and a significant number of degree seekers dropped out of college during this period.

28%: Share of College Students Enrolled in Some, But Not All, Online Courses in Fall 2020 2

Nearly three in 10 college students enrolled in a hybrid format in fall 2020. Combined, distance learners made up around 75% of all college students at that time, with only 25% taking exclusively in-person classes.

21.3%: Decline in Distance Learning Enrollment Between Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 2,1

The percent of students taking online classes dropped significantly between fall 2020 and fall 2021 as many campuses reopened following the early pandemic lockdowns. During the same period, total college enrollment declined 2%, with public colleges losing more students than private colleges.

9.9%: Decline in Distance Learning Enrollment Between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 1

After the sharp decline from 2020 to 2021, distance learning enrollment dipped by nearly 10% from 2021 to 2022. During that period, total college enrollment dropped by around 0.5%.

20.5%: Projected Annual Growth of e-Learning Market From 2022–30 5

Overall, the e-learning market brought in an estimated $214.26 billion in 2021. By 2030, the e-learning industry will top $1 trillion in revenue. Still, higher education makes up only part of the total e-learning market.

Online Degrees

Online degrees make up a significant share of all degrees, with nearly 280,000 graduates earning their degrees at primarily online colleges in 2022. 3 This is about 6.8% of all degrees earned in the U.S that year. However, these figures undercount the total number of online degrees, because they do not account for online degrees awarded by colleges that also offer in-person degrees.

279,162: Number of Degrees Conferred by Primarily Online Colleges in the 2021–22 School Year 3

• 46,753 associate degrees
• 132,274 bachelor’s degrees
• 94,159 master’s degrees
• 5,976 doctoral degrees

A bachelor’s degree is the most common degree to earn online, representing 47.4% of all online degrees awarded by primarily online colleges in 2021–22. More than 94,000 graduate students also earned master’s degrees online, making up 33.7% of all online degrees conferred. Associate and doctoral degrees make up smaller fractions of online degrees.

6.8%: Percentage of All Degrees Conferred by Primarily Online Colleges, 2021–22 3

• 4.6% of all associate degrees
• 6.6% of all bachelor’s degrees
• 10.7% of all master’s degrees
• 2.9% of all doctoral degrees

Primarily online colleges awarded less than 7% of all degrees awarded in 2022; they confer master’s degrees at a comparatively higher rate. However, many traditional colleges also award online degrees, indicating that online degrees make up a larger share of total degrees than the 6.8% awarded by primarily online colleges.

66%: Percentage of Degrees Conferred From Primarily Online Colleges to Female-Identifying Students, 2021–22 3

Women make up the majority of all college students and an even larger share of graduates from primarily online colleges. At the bachelor’s level, women made up 58.5% of the class of 2022 and 63.6% of primarily online bachelor’s graduates that year.

20.9%: Graduation Rate Within Six Years Among Full-Time, Bachelor’s-Seeking Students at Primarily Online Colleges, 2021–22 3

At the bachelor’s level, primarily online colleges report relatively low graduation rates compared to other types of colleges. While just over 20% of undergraduate students enrolled at primarily online colleges earn their bachelor’s degrees within six years, the graduation rate for similar students at other institutions was 64.6%.

However, online students at two-year schools graduate at higher rates. Primarily online, two-year institutions saw a 45.6% graduation rate as of 2019, compared to 34.1% at all two-year institutions.

Online Learning by Race 3

Overall, around 6% of college students attend primarily online colleges. However, Pacific Islander, Black and Native American students enroll in these institutions at higher rates.

14% of All Pacific Islander College Students Attend Primarily Online Colleges

A relatively large fraction of Pacific Islanders enrolls at primarily online schools. As for students from other racial and ethnic groups:

• 11.3% of Black college students attend online colleges
• 8.8% of American Indian/Alaska Native college students attend online colleges
• 6.4% of white college students attend online colleges
• 5.8% of college students who identify as two or more races attend online colleges
• 4.3% of Hispanic college students attend online colleges
• 3.1% of Asian college students attend online colleges

College Enrollment by Race: Online Colleges vs. Traditional Colleges 3

While white students attend online and traditional colleges at approximately the same rate, Black students make up a larger share of online students. In contrast, Hispanic and Asian learners make up more of the traditional college student body.

Online Learning Costs, 2022–23 4

Tuition rates differ between online and in-person colleges. In addition, the institution type and residency status also play a major role in the cost of college. While online learning can cost less than in-person learning, that is not always the case. The following tuition rates compare fully online colleges against the median for all colleges.

$8,254 vs. $5,941: Median In-State Tuition and Fees at Public Online Colleges vs. All Public Colleges

Public online colleges charge a higher median tuition rate for in-state learners than all public colleges. That means degree seekers may save money by choosing an in-state, public college over a fully online school. Keep in mind that many public colleges offer both in-person and online learning.

$8,400 vs. $10,760: Median Out-of-State Tuition and Fees at Public Online Colleges vs. All Public Colleges

Out-of-state students attending public colleges pay significantly higher tuition rates than their in-state counterparts. However, choosing an online learning format can save out-of-state learners money. Overall, out-of-state learners pay lower tuition rates at online public colleges compared to the median out-of-state tuition cost at all public colleges.

$10,002 vs. $27,730: Median Tuition and Fees at Private, Nonprofit Online Colleges vs. All Private, Nonprofit Colleges

Online learners save the most when choosing a private, nonprofit college. While the median cost of tuition and fees at primarily online colleges in this category is around $10,000, the overall cost of tuition and fees reaches nearly $28,000, indicating that degree seekers interested in private, nonprofit institutions can cut costs with an online format.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Number and percentage of students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by distance education participation, location of student, level of enrollment, and control and level of institution: Fall 2021 and fall 2022
• NCES, Number and percentage of students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by distance education participation, location of student, level of enrollment, and control and level of institution: Fall 2020 and fall 2021
• NCES, Selected statistics for degree-granting postsecondary institutions that primarily offer online programs, by control of institution and selected characteristics: Fall 2022 and academic year 2021–22
• Integrated Postsecondary Education System (IPEDS), Statistical Tables
• Polaris Market Research
• NCES Trend Generator, Percent of students enrolled in distance education courses by distance education status of student
• NCES, Degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by control and classification of institution and state or jurisdiction: Academic year 2022-23
• NCES, Total enrollment and enrollment in exclusively distance education courses of the 120 largest degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by selected characteristics and institution: Fall 2021

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Learning

What is online learning.

Online learning refers to a distance education model in which learners complete course requirements in a virtual environment. Online students may attend live lectures, connect on discussion boards or watch recorded content.

What is the best online learning platform?

The most popular online learning platforms include Coursera, Canvas, Blackboard and Moodle. Colleges often use Learning Management Systems to deliver online courses.

How can I learn online?

You can learn online by enrolling in online courses offered by colleges or learning organizations. For example, many accredited colleges offer online classes and degrees.

Why is e-learning effective?

E-learning can be effective for many students because it offers a flexible, accessible environment to learn. Online learning can also be more cost-effective for students.

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Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure at the University of Louisville. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in higher education, Genevieve provides practical, research-based advice on college degrees, career training and other higher education topics.

With five years of experience as a writer and editor in the higher education and career development space, Ilana has a passion for creating accessible, relevant content that demystifies the higher-ed landscape for traditional and nontraditional learners alike. Prior to joining Forbes Advisor's education team, Ilana wrote and edited for websites such as BestColleges.com and AffordableCollegesOnline.org.

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• What Will You Study?

Liberty’s BEd degrees online are designed to provide you with the best in quality, affordability, and flexibility. Here, you won’t just earn a degree – you’ll have the opportunity to cultivate skills that can help you make a positive impact in your corner of the world.

As you progress through the program, you’ll delve into specialized subjects tailored to your interests and future teaching goals. Whether you’re drawn to early childhood education, special education, or subject-specific teaching for older students, the B.Ed. program offers a range of electives and specialization tracks to meet your aspirations. You can study how to design engaging lesson plans, utilize technology in the classroom, and meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that every child can learn effectively. By the end of your studies, you can have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to inspire the next generation of learners.

Liberty’s licensure-track online bachelor’s degrees in education are designed to help you take on a variety of positions in Christian, private, and public school settings. As a licensed educator, you may have a wide range of job opportunities available to you. Working as a licensed teacher in the classroom is just one option – there are many other critical roles open to graduates with an online BEd degree.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 201 – Introduction to Education and Classroom Technology
• EDUC 360 – Foundations of Education
• EDUC 425 – Content Measurement and Evaluation
• EDUC 435 – Content Curriculum Fundamentals

B.Ed. Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Education .
• View the  Undergraduate Education Course Guides   (login required) .
• Review our  licensure information and resources .
• Through this Bachelor of Education online degree, you can complete licensure requirements approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) – allowing you to pursue teaching opportunities in the Commonwealth of Virginia upon graduation. You may also apply for your teaching license in another state through reciprocity.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online B.Ed. Degree?

At Liberty, our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ . In keeping with that mission, we strive for excellence in all that we do – our academics, our professors, our standards, and more. Here is what you can expect when you pursue your online Bachelor of Education degree with us:

• This is one of the first bachelor’s programs in the nation – and the first program in Virginia – to offer an online degree that can help prepare you for initial teaching licensure. Our B.Ed. courses online are designed to offer maximum flexibility without sacrificing quality.
• Our education professors are invested in your success as a student, dedicated to teaching your courses from a Christian perspective, and have years of real-life experience in the classroom.
• Liberty University’s School of Education meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the  Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ( CAEP ) .
• By completing 90+ practicum hours and at least 1 full semester of student teaching as part of your degree, you can gain valuable experience.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Online

Depending on which Bachelor of Education degree online you choose, here are some of the careers you could pursue upon graduation:

• Christian or private school teacher
• Curriculum coordinator
• Educational nonprofit employee
• Homeschool teacher
• Licensed elementary school teacher
• Licensed high school teacher
• Licensed middle school teacher
• Licensed special education teacher
• Licensed teacher in a specific subject (business, ESL, English, math, physics, social studies, etc.)

Degree Options for Our Online B achelor of Education

With our online B.Ed. degrees, you can prepare to become an elementary school, middle school, high school, or special education teacher. Learn more about what you can gain from each of our Bachelor of Education online degrees below.

Business Education (6-12)

If you are interested in teaching business to secondary students or becoming a business owner or operator, our  B.Ed. in Business Education 6-12  can help get you there. By completing courses in the licensure track, you can earn a degree that can help prepare you to teach business classes in public and private school settings. Because our degree contains a core set of business classes, you can also be prepared for work in the business industry.

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Elementary Education

By pursuing Liberty University’s  B.Ed. in Elementary Education , you can gain knowledge in foundational subjects like math, science, English, and history that you can pass on to your young students as a licensed teacher. Additionally, you’ll study how to prepare a curriculum for primary students as well as how to effectively communicate with and teach them. You can also choose an optional endorsement if you’re interested in further honing your teaching abilities.

Specializations

• Middle Grades English
• Middle Grades Mathematics
• Middle Grades Science
• Middle Grades Social Science
• Special Education General Curriculum K-6

English as a Second Language Education (P-12)

Liberty University’s  B.Ed. in English as a Second Language (ESL) Education P-12  helps provide the education courses, hands-on classroom experience, and support system you need to become a licensed teacher. Teaching ESL students is a rewarding career path that gives you the chance to learn about new cultures while sharing your own.

View the  Degree Completion Plan . 

English Education (6-12)

Our  B.Ed. in English Education 6-12  can help prepare you to teach middle and high school students the analytical skills they need to become well-rounded, thoughtful adults. Grounded in a biblical worldview, this program combines academic excellence with practical, hands-on experience in the classroom. As an English teacher, you will have a unique opportunity to directly influence the values and worldviews of your students.

Mathematics Education (6-12)

Imagine having a career where you inspire the next generation of business professionals, engineers, and educators. By earning your  B.Ed. in Mathematics Education 6-12 , you can do just that! Your ability to communicate the complexities of math to young minds will have a lasting impact. The advances we are making in society and technology today are just the beginning – we need more bright minds involved in the discoveries of tomorrow.

Middle Education

The  B.Ed. in Middle Education  can help equip you with the tools, knowledge, experience, and skills you’ll need to be a successful, licensed teacher in middle schools. You can gain basic knowledge in subjects like geography, physics, literature, and more. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a specialization and further concentrate your teaching abilities.

• Social Sciences

Physics Education (6-12)

Do you want to share your passion for physics with the next generation? If so, Liberty’s  B.Ed. in Physics Education 6-12  can help! This program can equip you to teach physics to middle and high school students. You will dive into effective teaching methods and gain practical, hands-on experience in the classroom. As a physics teacher, you can inspire your students to appreciate the wonder of God’s creation.

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Physics Education – Earth Science (6-12)

Do you want to share your passion for physics and earth science and become a successful middle or high school science teacher? If so, Liberty’s  B.Ed. in Physics Education – Earth Science 6-12  can get you there! This degree can help you learn the fundamentals of teaching, gain classroom experience, and earn your teaching license. You can take your interests and turn them into a career that changes lives and positively impacts future generations.

Social Studies Education (6-12)

Do you have a passion for history, geography, and economics and a desire to share this passion with the next generation? If so, Liberty University’s  B.Ed. in Social Studies Education 6-12  may be the degree for you! This program is designed to help you become a licensed educator and will cover the critical knowledge points you’ll need to teach social studies to middle or high school students.

Special Education

If you have a heart for children with special needs, Liberty’s online  B.Ed. in Special Education  can help provide you with the skills, experience, and credentials you’ll need to successfully connect with your students. You can gain knowledge in basic subjects like math, English, and science, and you’ll take specific BEd courses online that can help you teach students with special needs.

State Licensure Requirements

Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements .

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education,  electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Pursuing one of our online Bachelor of Education licensure-track programs may make you eligible for the  Federal TEACH Grant .

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admissions Information for Our Online B.Ed. Programs

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account ) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

Transcript Policies

High school transcript policy.

Applicants may submit a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.

• Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.

Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.

The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.

Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)

Unofficial College Transcript Policy

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9595 Fax

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected] Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get a teaching degree online.

Yes! Liberty’s B.Ed. degree provides a clear path toward teacher licensure, and the courses are offered online. This means you won’t need to travel to Liberty’s campus for any of your classes – and any field experience requirements (such as practicums and student teaching) can be completed at an approved location near you.

We’ve designed this online bachelor’s degree in education to fit your busy schedule. As long as you submit your assignments by the due date, you can complete your coursework when it’s most convenient for you – without needing to log in at specific times.* And with 8-week courses and 8 different start dates each year,* you’ll have the freedom to start your online BEd courses whenever you’re ready.

*May exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences

What bachelor’s degree is best for teaching?

That depends on what your specific career goals are and what you hope to accomplish in the field of education. If you’re confident that you don’t need teaching licensure (e.g., if you’re primarily looking to teach in a private school), you may want to consider one of Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in education degree tracks (available for  early childhood ,  elementary , and  special education ).

However, if you think you may want to pursue licensure positions (especially if you want to teach in a public school), the Bachelor of Education online is your best option. This program can help you meet the requirements for state licensure, and the knowledge you gain can help you teach in a variety of settings – from private to public schools. This degree can also help you become eligible for certification through the Association of Christian Schools International ( ACSI ) – equipping you to teach in Christian schools.

How much can I make with a bachelor’s in teaching degree online?

Your salary may depend on a number of factors, such as where you live/work and how much experience you have – learn more .

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at  Education, Training, and Library Occupations  (viewed online April 5, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

What types of Bachelor of Education degrees does Liberty offer?

We offer a wide range of bachelor’s degrees in education online, so you can pick the program that best matches your interests and goals.

Here is a basic breakdown of the BEd degrees available at Liberty:

• Elementary education  – designed to equip you to teach students in grades preK-6 (some degree tracks also offer an endorsement in teaching middle school)
• English as a second language (ESL) education  – designed to help you work with P-12 students whose native language is not English and help them gain strong command of the English language
• Middle education  – designed to help you teach effectively at the middle school level
• Secondary education  – designed to help you teach specific subjects to middle and high school students, such as business, English, mathematics, physics, or social studies
• Special education  – designed to offer specialized training in teaching students with special needs and helping them thrive

How can I gain hands-on experience from an online B.Ed. program?

• Complete 90+ practicum hours and at least 1 full semester of student teaching prior to graduation.
• Observe and teach in a variety of school settings with your required practicum and student teaching hours.

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Online Education - United States

• United States
• Revenue in the Online Education market is projected to reach US$87.51bn in 2024.
• Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 10.52%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$144.30bn by 2029.
• The Online University Education market has a projected market volume of US$82.30bn in 2024.
• In global comparison, most revenue will be generated in the United States (US$87.51bn in 2024).
• The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Online Education market is projected to amount to US$1.45k in 2024.
• In the Online Education market, the number of users is expected to amount to 87.6m users by 2029.
• User penetration in the Online Education market will be at 17.6% in 2024.

Definition:

Additional Information:

• University designed and delivered courses and credentials such as public/private universities, Harvard Business Online
• Online learning platform courses and credentials such as Coursera, Udemy, Babbel
• Professional certification offered through institutes and study prep companies such as PMI, Kaplan.

out-of-scope

• Learning management systems
• Virtual learning environments
• Exclusively B2B companies

Online Education

• Online University Education
• Online Learning Platforms
• Professional Certificates
• Analyst Opinion

The Online Education market in the United States has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Customer preferences: One of the main reasons for the growth in the Online Education market in the United States is the increasing preference for flexible learning options. Many individuals, including working professionals and students, are looking for ways to enhance their skills or pursue higher education without the constraints of traditional classroom-based learning. Online education provides the flexibility to study at one's own pace and from any location, making it an attractive option for many. Trends in the market: Another trend driving the growth of the Online Education market in the United States is the increasing availability of high-quality online courses and programs. Universities and educational institutions have recognized the potential of online education and have started offering a wide range of courses and degree programs online. This has made education more accessible to a larger population, including those who may not have the means or opportunity to attend a physical university. Furthermore, technological advancements have played a crucial role in the development of the Online Education market in the United States. The widespread availability of high-speed internet and the proliferation of smartphones and tablets have made it easier for individuals to access online educational content. This has opened up new opportunities for online education providers to reach a larger audience and deliver their courses through user-friendly platforms. Local special circumstances: The United States has a highly developed education system, with a large number of prestigious universities and colleges. However, the cost of education in the country is often a barrier for many individuals. Online education provides a more affordable alternative, allowing students to pursue their educational goals without incurring significant debt. This affordability factor has contributed to the popularity of online education in the United States. Underlying macroeconomic factors: The strong economy of the United States has also played a role in the growth of the Online Education market. With a thriving job market and increasing competition for skilled workers, individuals are seeking ways to improve their qualifications and stay competitive in the job market. Online education offers a convenient and cost-effective way to acquire new skills or obtain a degree, making it an attractive option for many. In conclusion, the Online Education market in the United States is experiencing significant growth due to customer preferences for flexible learning options, the increasing availability of high-quality online courses, technological advancements, the affordability of online education, and the strong economy. These factors have contributed to the popularity and success of online education in the United States, and the market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

• Methodology

Data coverage:

Modeling approach / Market size:

Additional notes:

• Global Comparison
• Key Market Indicators

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• Get immediate access to all Market Insights, reports & statistics
• Download data in multiple formats for collaborative research
• Includes usage & publication rights for sharing data externally

Top trends, takeaways point to online learning’s staying power

The bestcolleges report aims to identify and track long-term trends in online education at u.s. colleges and universities.

Key points:

• Student satisfaction with online learning programs remains steady
• From crisis to catalyst: Online education four years later
• Continued demand for online learning demonstrates a “major shift”
• For more news on online learning, visit eCN’s Teaching & Learning hub

The convenience and flexibility associated with online learning continue to make the learning modality a popular option for students, with existing work and family commitments the biggest motivators of online enrollment, according to BestColleges’ 10th annual Online Education Trends Report .

The survey of 1,001 online students and 184 college and university administrators presents findings in five categories: the online learning experience, marketing online programs and recruiting online students, online student satisfaction, AI in online education, and planning for the future.

Key findings include:

The online learning experience

• Dealing with unexpected life events (25 percent) and paying for higher education (24 percent) are the top challenges to online program completion, as reported by online program graduates
• The biggest concern about the online learning experience is work-life-school balance, reported by 29 percent of student respondents overall and more than one-third (34 percent) of prospective students
• Seventy-seven percent of students currently enrolled in fully online programs are enrolled full time. Of that group, 53 percent are also employed either full time (43 percent) or part time (10 percent)

Marketing online programs and recruiting online students

• Making a decision about online enrollment can be challenging–prospective students’ top concerns are tuition costs and program fees (52 percent) and finding a program that meets [their] needs and interests (34 percent)
• Online program graduates say that if they could go back, they would do more research about program costs and financial aid (27 percent), compare more programs before enrolling (26 percent), have better technology resources (20 percent), and better understand how long it would take to complete the program (19 percent)
• Online students say that skills-based training and education are important to them (88 percent), and 58 percent of prospective students would consider microcredential and certificate programs in the future

Online student satisfaction

• Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong–93 percent of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI
• Ninety-seven percent of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others
• Eighty-one percent of student respondents say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning

AI in online education

• Most administrators (73 percent) see AI as a beneficial innovation in online education, and 58 percent of currently enrolled online students say they are already using it to complete class assignments and exams
• Existing institutional policies for faculty use of AI are only reported by 17 percent of administrators, but 66 percent say there is training available for those interested in exploring the use of AI tools for online teaching
• Use of AI in online program admissions seems to be in the early stages, but 41 percent of students surveyed say they would trust schools to use it to sort applications, and 39 percent would trust schools to use AI to make admissions decisions

Planning for the future

• Forty percent of administrators say their institutions are planning to increase online program development budgets in the coming year; this is a decrease from 47 percent in 2023, but an increase from 35 percent in 2021, the first full year of the COVID-19 pandemic
• College and university administrators predict the most online enrollment growth over the next five years will be in health professions (29 percent), computer sciences (26 percent), and business (15 percent) programs
• Most online program graduates (73 percent) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 31 percent say they were extremely well prepared

The report also offers valuable takeaways and considerations for higher-ed leaders.

Online students encounter challenges in reaching graduation as they also seek work-life balance: The convenience of online learning continues to motivate students who are already managing other commitments, including jobs. Other concerns related to staying on track academically and not going into debt need to be actively addressed as institutions develop support services for these learners.

Meet online students where they are with what they need: To reach prospective students, institutions should focus on providing details about the financial aspects of enrollment as well as what kinds of personalized support they can expect while enrolled. School websites and program webpages should be accurate, up-to-date, and easy to use.

Career and employment goals make microcredentials attractive to students: Short-term, skills-based learning is new to many students, but investing in these programs could attract those concerned about the cost of time and money required for traditional degree programs. Program design and development should consider hiring trends and be coordinated with institutional career development services.

Student satisfaction with online education is positive and steady: Overall, students who make the decision to enroll in online programs do so with high expectations for the value of the experience. This holds for those who are currently enrolled and those who have graduated from these programs. Tapping into these recommendations at the institutional level may be helpful for those conducting outreach to older potential applicants.

AI adoption in higher education brings benefits and ethical concerns: While many higher education professionals and students acknowledge the benefits of AI tools in their work, there are also challenges related to ethical use, privacy, and plagiarism. Institutions that have initiated training and policies for stakeholders must strive to stay current, and those that have not yet addressed these areas must do so quickly.

Online education success requires purposeful and effective institutional support: Higher education is changing faster than ever before for all stakeholders. Planning for the future should include a focus of all resources on the development of programs and services that not only meet the needs and preferences of students but also serve to prepare those students to prosper in a rapidly changing world of work.

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• Students continue to demand online learning options - August 27, 2024
• Top trends, takeaways point to online learning’s staying power - August 21, 2024
• How does higher ed use AI for teaching and learning? - August 12, 2024

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Two-thirds of colleges are prioritizing online versions of on-campus programs, poll finds

The ninth Changing Landscape of Online Education survey offers a glimpse into the distance education marketplace.

Dive Brief: 

• Roughly two-thirds of colleges are making it a priority to create virtual versions of on-campus classes and programs, according to an annual survey of chief online learning officers . 
• College officials likely see creating online versions of existing programs as easier than launching entirely new academic programs, according to the report. 
• However, 48% of chief online learning officers still said their priorities included launching new online programs with no campus equivalent. 

Dive Insight: 

The ninth Changing Landscape of Online Education report — from Eduventures Research, Quality Matters and Educause — offers a look at how colleges are approaching online education. 

“ While institutions exhibit varying approaches and priorities in their online strategies, there appears to be a common acknowledgment of the driving forces behind the expansion of online offerings and associated marketing efforts : recruiting new students and fulfilling current students’ needs ,” the report’s authors wrote. 

The survey found 69% of respondents said it’s a priority to create online versions of face-to-face classes. 

A slightly lower share, 65%, said the same about launching virtual versions of entire in-person degree programs.

This result suggests launching online programs may be a growing priority. In last year’s CHLOE survey, 42% of chief online learning officers said they were focusing on creating virtual versions of popular in-person programs. 

The vast majority of respondents, 92%, said online offerings allow them to recruit students within their institutions’ regions, while 87% said it enables them to reach students outside of their traditional borders. 

Almost half of respondents, 46%, said online enrollment at their colleges is outpacing growth in on-campus programs. 

The survey asked respondents to forecast their top three online student markets for the future. More than three-quarters of respondents, 78%, listed adult undergraduates pursuing college degrees. 

Adult students are typically considered those ages 25 and older. Colleges have been ramping up their efforts to recruit this population to prepare for the demographic cliff — a sharp decline in the number of high school graduates expected to start around 2025 due to lower birth rates during the Great Recession. 

Graduate students pursuing degree programs are another area of focus. Over half of respondents, 53% — including colleges that don’t currently have graduate programs — deemed this group an important future market. Only 23% of respondents said the same of traditional-age students interested in fully online degrees. 

The survey was conducted in January and February and drew responses from 324 institutions. 

The report also offers insights into online program management companies, or OPMs. 

These companies help colleges launch and run online programs, often in exchange for a share of their tuition revenue. However, critics of the sector contend that these deals push OPMs to aggressively recruit students and drive up the price of online education. 

Scrutiny over OPMs has mounted after 2U — one of the sector’s most high-profile companies — declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July. 

2U has said it doesn’t expect the Chapter 11 process to disrupt its services to colleges and their programs, but student advocates are pushing for policies to protect students in the event an OPM collapses altogether. 

In the new survey, 68 chief online learning officers answered questions about their relationships with OPMs. 

Some 15% of respondents said they currently work with an OPM, while 9% said they work with at least two OPMs. More than half of respondents, 52%, said they had never worked with one of these companies and don’t plan to. Another 15% said they previously worked with one or more OPMs and are not considering working with one again.

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House Republicans urge Cardona to implement Trump executive order on antisemitism

The Education Department plans to propose amended regulations next year in response to the 2019 executive action.

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West Texas A&M University is one of the latest institutions exploring using more open educational resources. 

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Academic Referencing: How to Cite a Research Paper

Learning how to conduct accurate, discipline-specific academic research can feel daunting at first. But, with a solid understanding of the reasoning behind why we use academic citations coupled with knowledge of the basics, you’ll learn how to cite sources with accuracy and confidence.

When it comes to academic research, citing sources correctly is arguably as important as the research itself. "Your instructors are expecting your work to adhere to these professional standards," said Amanda Girard , research support manager of Shapiro Library at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

With Shapiro Library for the past three years, Girard manages the library’s research support services, which includes SNHU’s 24/7 library chat and email support. She holds an undergraduate degree in professional writing and a graduate degree in library and information science. She said that accurate citations show that you have done your research on a topic and are knowledgeable about current ideas from those actively working in the field.

In other words, when you cite sources according to the academic style of your discipline, you’re giving credit where credit is due.

Why Cite Sources?

Citing sources properly ensures you’re following high academic and professional standards for integrity and ethics.

“When you cite a source, you can ethically use others’ research. If you are not adequately citing the information you claim in your work, it would be considered plagiarism ,” said Shannon Geary '16 , peer tutor at SNHU.

Geary has an undergraduate degree in communication  from SNHU and has served on the academic support team for close to 2 years. Her job includes helping students learn how to conduct research  and write academically.

“In academic writing, it is crucial to state where you are receiving your information from,” she said. “Citing your sources ensures that you are following academic integrity standards.”

According to Geary and Girard, several key reasons for citing sources are:

• Access. Citing sources points readers to original sources. If anyone wants to read more on your topic, they can use your citations as a roadmap to access the original sources.
• Attribution. Crediting the original authors, researchers and experts  shows that you’re knowledgeable about current ideas from those actively working in the field and adhering to high ethical standards, said Girard.
• Clarity. “By citing your sources correctly, your reader can follow along with your research,” Girard said.
• Consistency. Adhering to a citation style provides a framework for presenting ideas within similar academic fields. “Consistent formatting makes accessing, understanding and evaluating an author's findings easier for others in related fields of study,” Geary said.
• Credibility. Proper citation not only builds a writer's authority but also ensures the reliability of the work, according to Geary.

Ultimately, citing sources is a formalized way for you to share ideas as part of a bigger conversation among others in your field. It’s a way to build off of and reference one another’s ideas, Girard said.

How Do You Cite an Academic Research Paper?

Any time you use an original quote or paraphrase someone else’s ideas, you need to cite that material, according to Geary.

“The only time we do not need to cite is when presenting an original thought or general knowledge,” she said.

While the specific format for citing sources can vary based on the style used, several key elements are always included, according to Girard. Those are:

• Title of source
• Type of source, such as a journal, book, website or periodical

By giving credit to the authors, researchers and experts you cite, you’re building credibility. You’re showing that your argument is built on solid research.

“Proper citation not only builds a writer's authority but also ensures the reliability of the work,” Geary said. “Properly formatted citations are a roadmap for instructors and other readers to verify the information we present in our work.”

Common Citation Styles in Academic Research

Certain disciplines adhere to specific citation standards because different disciplines prioritize certain information and research styles . The most common citation styles used in academic research, according to Geary, are:

• American Psychological Association, known as APA . This style is standard in the social sciences such as psychology, education and communication. “In these fields, research happens rapidly, which makes it exceptionally important to use current research,” Geary said.
• Modern Language Association, known as MLA . This style is typically used in literature and humanities because of the emphasis on literature analysis. “When citing in MLA, there is an emphasis on the author and page number, allowing the audience to locate the original text that is being analyzed easily,” Geary said.
• Chicago Manual of Style, known as Chicago . This style is typically used in history, business and sometimes humanities. “(Chicago) offers flexibility because of the use of footnotes, which can be seen as less distracting than an in-text citation,” Geary said.

The benefit of using the same format as other researchers within a discipline is that the framework of presenting ideas allows you to “speak the same language,” according to Girard.

How to Ensure Proper Citations

Keeping track of your research as you go is one of the best ways to ensure you’re citing appropriately and correctly based on the style that your academic discipline uses.

“Through careful citation, authors ensure their audience can distinguish between borrowed material and original thoughts, safeguarding their academic reputation and following academic honesty policies,” Geary said.

Some tips that she and Girard shared to ensure you’re citing sources correctly include:

• Keep track of sources as you work. Writers should keep track of their sources every time an idea is not theirs, according to Geary. “You don’t want to find the perfect research study and misplace its source information, meaning you’d have to omit it from your paper,” she said.
• Practice. Even experienced writers need to check their citations before submitting their work. “Citing requires us to pay close attention to detail, so always start your citation process early and go slow to ensure you don’t make mistakes,” said Geary. In time, citing sources properly becomes faster and easier.
• Use an Online Tool . Geary recommends the Shapiro Library citation guide . You can find sample papers, examples of how to cite in the different academic styles and up-to-date citation requirements, along with information and examples for APA, MLA and Chicago style citations.
• Work with a Tutor. A tutor can offer support along with tips to help you learn the process of academic research. Students at SNHU can connect with free peer tutoring through the Academic Support tab in their online courses, though many colleges and universities offer peer tutoring.

Find Your Program

How to cite a reference in academic writing.

A citation consists of two pieces: an in-text citation that is typically short and a longer list of references or works cited (depending on the style used) at the end of the paper.

“In-text citations immediately acknowledge the use of external source information and its exact location,” Geary said. While each style uses a slightly different format for in-text citations that reference the research, you may expect to need the page number, author’s name and possibly date of publication in parentheses at the end of a sentence or passage, according to Geary.

A longer entry listing the complete details of the resource you referenced should also be included on the references or works cited page at the end of the paper. The full citation is provided with complete details of the source, such as author, title, publication date and more, Geary said.

The two-part aspect of citations is because of readability. “You can imagine how putting the full citation would break up the flow of a paper,” Girard said. “So, a shortened version is used (in the text).”

“For example, if an in-text citation reads (Jones, 2024), the reader immediately knows that the ideas presented are coming from Jones’s work, and they can explore the comprehensive citation on the final page,” she said.

The in-text citation and full citation together provide a transparent trail of the author's process of engaging with research.

“Their combined use also facilitates further research by following a standardized style (APA, MLA, Chicago), guaranteeing that other scholars can easily connect and build upon their work in the future,” Geary said.

Developing and demonstrating your research skills, enhancing your work’s credibility and engaging ethically with the intellectual contributions of others are at the core of the citation process no matter which style you use.

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A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli is a career educator and writer. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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