Elementary education foundations
bachelor of science (B.S. degree)
Do you enjoy helping children reach their potential? Elementary education may be the career path for you. The elementary education foundations program lays the groundwork for a separate licensure degree that can lead to a successful, meaningful teaching career. You'll learn the basics that will prepare you to guide future generations of learners.
Graduates who meet program and grade requirements receive preferred admission to the college's master of education/initial licensure program in elementary education.
Program highlights
- Learning abroad programs that expose you to new cultural experiences in Spain, Senegal, or India
- Discover if teaching is the right path for you while pursuing study across multiple content areas
- Professors and instructors who have experience teaching in the primary grades
- Develop a solid foundation across disciplines while building the framework for learning to teach effectively
Careers with meaning
Potential employers include:
- Elementary and middle schools
- Camps
- Day-care centers
- Social service agencies
- Educational publishers
See What can I do with an elementary education degree?
This program also prepares students for advanced degrees in teaching, child psychology, social work, and library science.
Coursework
Major courses: Teaching methods, psychology, linguistics, special education, and teaching technology
Content area courses: Communications and literature, mathematics, science, and social studies
Optional specialty areas: pre-primary (ages 3–4) or middle school (grades 5–8)
Full curriculum for elementary education foundations major, Undergraduate Catalog
View all courses in curriculum and instruction, Undergraduate Catalog
Student profile
Kallie: “People may think that being an educator is less difficult than brain surgery, but I would challenge those people to stand in front of 27 third graders for seven hours, five days a week teaching them while also keeping them under control all at the same time!”
Your next steps
- Visit
- Apply
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July 2008