Elementary Education Degree

Most who choose to study elementary education move into a career of teaching students at the elementary level. Those who have a master's degree or doctorate may even choose to teach at the college or university level, most likely teaching courses in teacher preparation programs.

Elementary education is typically a general education career path in which all subjects will have to be taught to students in grades kindergarten through grades five or six (depending on the district). In elementary education, degrees can be gained at the bachelor's, master's or doctorate level.

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History of the Field of Elementary Education

At one point, elementary education encompassed first through eighth grade, which changed to include kindergarten. With the introduction of junior high school, elementary education was altered to include kindergarten through sixth grade. Teachers who have a degree in elementary education are expected to teach all subjects in grades kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade, depending on the region. Some schools may require elementary school teachers to teach subjects like PE, art and music as well.

Choosing an Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

When it comes time to picking a college or university, the decision can be overwhelming. You want to make sure you enroll in a school that offers a reputable online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education program. To help with the decision, review the following questions for each potential school.

Is the Elementary Education Degree Program Accredited?

First on the list is to find out if the school and program are accredited. Accreditation is similar to quality assurance through a peer review process. In the case of Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education programs, accreditation will most likely occur via CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).

How Long Has the Program Been Offered?

It is always reassuring to know that a program has proven success year after year. However, do keep in mind that online or distance learning is a relatively new phenomenon. If an online elementary education program has not been around long enough to get fully accredited by an official agency, consider this a clear red flag.

What Technologies Will Be Used to Facilitate Online Learning?

Online programs facilitate the process of teaching and learning through virtual classrooms. The classrooms can be accessed on the web. These online learning platforms provide a unified space for all students to communicate, view multimedia lectures and submit assignments. Not all online schools use the same program, so it may be a good idea to research and try it out before signing on.

What Resources Will I Have Access To?

A lot of online schools give students access to resources such as research databases and scholarly journals. Resources are important as they aid in the learning process. Over the course of your degree program, you will be required to conduct research on an educational topic. Online resources will help you complete this process. Some schools even give students access to student services such as advising and technology assistance.

What Skills and Topics Are Covered?

Upon request, good programs should be able to provide the curriculum for their online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education program. Assess the program goals to see how they line up with your career goals. Program outcomes are a set of ideas, skills and knowledge that graduates will have obtained prior to completion.

Do You Have Job Placement Information for Students Who Recently Graduated from the Program?

Knowing what recent graduates have done with their online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education is a good way of knowing what you can accomplish with your online degree. When given the opportunity to speak with such individuals, ask how their online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education helped in their career. Also, be sure to ask for advice regarding online learning.

Is an Online Degree in Elementary Education Right for You?

An online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education offers the opportunity to further one's education from the comfort of their own home. Between work and family, many people do not have the time to commute to and from daily classes. However, online learning may not be right for everyone. Consider the following to decide whether online learning is right for you.

Flexible Schedule

As more bachelor's degree students choose online elementary education programs, it seems one of the biggest appeals is the flexible schedule. Since there are no physical classes to commute to, online degree programs do not require students to change their work or family schedule. Bachelor's students can complete their assignments whenever most convenient.

Program Curriculum

Good online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education programs will be comparable in rigor content to traditional ones. You can expect the following:

  • Deadlines and accountability markers intended to keep students on track.
  • Presentations, reading reflections, quizzes, tests and research projects.
  • Whole class chat rooms or message boards to help students communicate and build contacts.
  • Final cumulative test, research paper, project, or portfolio.

Fast Online Degree Completion

Many online students report being able to complete bachelor's degree requirements in a shorter amount of time than they would have been able to via a traditional route. Since online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education programs offer such a flexible schedule, students are able to compact in more courses in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, online programs are notorious for offering accelerated programs. These accelerated programs tend to be more rigorous in nature.

Opportunity and Accessibility

An online education gives a chance for people to earn a degree who would have otherwise not been able to. With this route, students are able to participate in a bachelor's degree program regardless of geographic location, physical ability, or scheduling restrictions. So, if you are unable to find a program at a college or university close enough to your home and if relocating is not an option, online schooling might be a great option for you. With online education, students are able to take a class from virtually anywhere, as long as they have good internet connection and a reliable computer.

Self-Starter

In a lot of cases, students who thrive in an online learning environment are those who can be described as "self-starters." These are students who have the ability to motivate themselves. These people are able to stay on task without much external influence. In other cases, students feel they need physical interaction with peers and professors in order to stay motivated and on task. It is important to assess yourself. What type of learner are you? If you can describe yourself as a self-starter, you might be able to find great success in an online degree program.

Tuition and Costs for Online Degree Programs

Overall, online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education programs can cost less. Consider the following:

  • No costs associated with room and board and relocation.
  • Students can maintain a regular work schedule and a source of income.
  • Online students may not have to pay out-of-state fees.
  • No costs associated with parking passes, gas, car maintenance and on-campus meals.

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Course Topics

The Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education prepares students to teach every elementary school subject after attaining licensure. In addition to classroom studies, each student-teacher is required to complete at least one block of teaching practicum; many states have implemented two or three such practicum blocks. While programs do vary between institutions, most programs contain the following:

Educational Psychology

Psychology is an integral part of the classroom. Whether using reinforcement to create appropriate behaviors or sharing study techniques to make the test a bit more comprehensible, psychology can make a classroom run smoothly when the right techniques are used.

Curriculum and Assessment with Instructional Technology

Technology has become an integral part of a 21st century classroom. This means that you must know how to use technology in an educational manner to further instruction and assess progress. This class will help you learn to do this and much more.

Developmental Reading

Readers develop in stages and at different rates. If the pieces or building blocks are not in place, then reading and comprehension will not occur. This class is designed to teach the future teacher these stages and how to address each one with students who are learning to become better readers.

More Course Topics for a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education:

  • Develop a method of lesson planning
  • Learn to objectively assess students' work for established learning objectives
  • Develop a familiarity with all of the subjects that are taught at the elementary level
  • Learn about the psychology of developing children and youth
  • Learn and practice a diverse array of effective teaching principles
  • Learn through practicum how best to interact with fellow teachers, administrators and support staff in order to form a collaborative teaching team
  • Survey the roles of other school and district stakeholders in order to effectively maintain the classroom and school environments
  • Develop skillsets that foster proactive, neutral and evidence-based relationships with school and classroom stakeholders
  • Learn additional conflict resolution and classroom management skills
  • Access formal and informal mentorship opportunities throughout coursework and practicum
  • Access formal and informal peer and collegial support opportunities throughout coursework and practicum
  • Observe classroom procedures and routines while engaged as a helper and later, as a teacher in the practicum classroom
  • Survey of child developmental and cognitive milestones as they relate to elementary educational coursework and timelines
  • Critically review effective teaching practice for children in the same classroom environment but who are at different developmental levels
  • Critically review effective teaching practice for children who are from diverse cultural backgrounds
  • Examine the relationship between schools and their community over time, as well as how schools impact greater society
  • Consider the concept of the ‘ideal' school through various ideologies
  • Learn foundational concepts related to language and literacy as they impact learning and teaching
  • Gain practical skills that are key to helping children attain language, reading fluency and other language arts skills
  • Gain practical skills that are critical to helping students learn problem solving, numeracy, operations and patterning
  • Gain practical skills that emphasize movement and healthy living in and outside of the classroom environment
  • Creating effective pedagogical groupings of students for instructional purposes
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How to get a Master's Degree in Elementary Education

Those who wish to continue their higher education may seek a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. The following will help you gain a general understanding of what the degree program may look like.

Degree Requirements

Most likely, you will need the following items when applying to a Master's Degree in Elementary Education program:

  • Full application, undergraduate coursework with required GPA
  • Proof of teacher's licensure
  • GRE score when necessary
  • Interview
  • Statement of purpose along with reference letters

Cost and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for both online and in-person Master's Degree in Elementary Education programs. Federal student aid through FAFSA is available for those who qualify, but grants and scholarships are also available in many states. Some schools will offer grants and district level loan forgiveness to teachers who agree to work in low income schools for a given length of time. Check with local agencies for specific information in your area.

Career Advancements

A Master's Degree in Elementary Education typically allows teachers to advance on the salary scale. Many districts will allow this to be the basis of becoming an administrator if working on a higher degree or other certifications. Educators with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education may also become directors of elementary programs, educational specialists, coordinators, coaches, department heads and more.

Should you Choose an Online Master's Degree in Elementary Education Program?

An online Master's Degree in Elementary Education is a viable option for busy adult students who work full time. Online degree programs eliminate the time needed to commute to and from class. Online programs offer the following:

  • Variety of programs
  • Flexible schedule
  • Rigorous curriculum
  • Faster completion time
  • No costs associated with transportation, parking fees, room and board, or relocating

Master's Degree in Elementary Education Course Topics

Pursuing a Master's Degree in Elementary Education allows educators to deepen their theoretical and practical experience in an areas like pedagogy, curriculum or administration at the elementary school level. The following are some courses that can be found in a master's degree program:

  • Foundations of Teaching Practice Integration
  • Instructional Planning and Presentation
  • Language Arts Instruction and Intervention
  • Advanced Methods Courses

Learn more about a Master's Degree in Elementary Education.

Requirements for a Doctorate Degree in Elementary Education

A Doctoral Degree in Elementary Education typically requires a minimum of a master's degree and teaching license. Candidates will be expected to show proof of GRE scores, letters of reference and official transcripts from all previous graduate work.

Time

An EdD or PhD in Elementary Education can vary in time to complete due to the completion of the dissertation. This means the average doctorate takes about two to four years.

Accreditation

A Doctorate in Elementary Education, or any education based degree, must come from an accredited college or university in order to court toward an educational license. Since advanced degrees also typically lead to pay raises in the educational world, an unaccredited program would not be considered.

Career Advancements

Earning a Doctorate in Elementary Education can open doors to new careers as a school board member, program director, master teacher, coordinator or even a teacher at the postsecondary level. With a higher degree typically comes a higher salary and additional benefits.

Doctorate Program in Elementary Education Topics

In order to obtain an EdD or PhD in Elementary Education, experienced teachers may apply to become doctoral candidates within an educational path like curriculum and pedagogy, cognition, literacy, assessment, policy, leadership or special education. Students continue with their research in a practical or clinical setting, depending on the program's criteria and then upon defense of their dissertation, either return to the classroom or administrative pool, or into professorship with a strong scholarly foundation for their future work. Highly individual, Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs do have some similar foundational elements, like:

  • Survey the social and historical eras that have advanced teaching and pedagogy both in North America, Europe and globally
  • Map the schemas of learning, motivation and cognitive processes at the elementary level
  • Critical analysis of current educational policy and decision making processes from a global ideology
  • Research educational policy creation, critique and management
  • Research social and gender perspectives of the teacher and in the classroom environment with the intent to promote educational and cultural equity and mobility
  • Research gender theory and its applications to education by way of classroom equality
  • Research correlative factors between education, culture and technology
  • Analyze policy structure and process in general; analyze educational policy specifically

Choosing an Online Doctorate in Elementary Education Program

Gaining a Doctoral degree online can be a viable time saving option for those who choose to do so. While it is unlikely that the entire doctorate can be gained online, those classes that are required are often taught in a long weekend session or a week long on-campus seminar. Online doctoral programs eliminate the stress of commuting to and from campus. Additionally, online degree programs offer the following:

  • Variety of programs
  • Flexible schedule
  • Rigorous curriculum
  • Faster completion time
  • Increased opportunity and accessibility
  • No costs associated with transportation, parking fees, room and board, or relocating

Elementary Education Degree Scholarships

Elementary Education programs are designed for students who want to work in the field of elementary education. As with any degree program, earning an elementary education degree can be quite costly. With that said, it is important to know about the various scholarships and grants available. The following scholarships might be right for you.

Nancy Larson Foundation

The Nancy Larson Foundation sponsors scholarships for college students who plan on becoming elementary school teachers. To apply, you must have declared an elementary education major and must be of junior, senior, or graduate student standing.

Teacher Education Assistance College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program

The TEACH Grant Program offers grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are in the process of completing or plan to complete classes needed to begin a career in teaching. To apply, applicants must be enrolled in a TEACH grant eligible program. To receive the TEACH Grant, the applicant must meet the basic eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs, complete the FAFSA form, be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant eligible program, meet specific academic achievement requirements, receive Teach Grant counseling and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.

To learn about more scholarships available to Elementary Education majors, visit our Scholarships and Grants page.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Elementary Education?

Below are a few of the more common jobs held by those with a degree in elementary education.

Elementary School Teacher

Being an elementary school teacher means the possibility of teaching children in grades kindergarten through fifth or sixth. Elementary teachers instruct on the various subjects required by each district, state and school. This job can be in a public or private school setting with salaries highly varied by area and type of school. Click on the link to learn more about becoming an Elementary School Teacher.

Professor

Being a professor means working online or in person with students who also wish to teach at some point. A PhD in elementary education can allow you to teach college level classes to those who wish to become licensed teachers in the future. Learn more about a career as a College Professor.

District Coordinator

A district coordinator will likely reside in a board office and visit schools to ensure standards of curriculum are being met at each level. A district coordinator would be required to work and interact with district, state and possibly national level authorities on education.

Specialty Elementary Education Degree Programs

Reading and Literacy

A reading specialist is one that specializes in teaching children how to read. The typical setting for this profession is in a classroom with only one to five children at a time. The specialist is used for interventions that may be necessary to get children back on track with reading if and when the need arises. A reading specialist may work at all grade levels if certification is received. Specialized classes and testing is required for licensure.

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Curriculum and Instruction

This profession is often called an instructional coach or curriculum and instructional coordinator. An instructional coach often oversees all or most schools in a district. This person's chief responsibility is to bring evidence based best practices into the school systems while working with teachers and school staff. A curriculum and instructional coach may be required to teach new materials, techniques and use of technology to educators. A Master's or Doctorate degree is most often required for this type of position, as well as years of experience in the education field.

Best Colleges for Elementary Education

College Rankings BadgeWe are happy to release our Teacher.org's Best Colleges for Elementary Education rankings. This list was compiled by scoring several areas including, relative size of the program, graduation rates, default rates, tuition affordability, and online education options availability. More information about each college listed is available by clicking on the web address provided. Over 781 colleges were analyzed and the top 20 were included in our Best Colleges Ranking.

For more information on education degree rankings, see our methodology page: https://www.teacher.org/college-ranking-methodology/.

1
State University of New York at New Paltz
% Program Graduate Score: 55.08
Graduation Rate Score: 76.19
Tuition Affordability Score: 53.49

The State University of New York at New Paltz is home to an acclaimed Department of Elementary Education. A degree in Elementary Education aids pre-service teachers in developing the knowledge and skills to effectively instruct and assess students from junior kindergarten to grade 6. Faculty at the New Paltz campus is committed to staying abreast of research trends in education in order to train teachers to best assist today's students. Learn more by visiting the college website at newpaltz.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 2.8% Loan Default
2
SUNY College at Cortland
% Program Graduate Score: 69.55
Graduation Rate Score: 75.13
Tuition Affordability Score: 51.41

Located in Cortland, New York, the State University of New York at Cortland offers a robust undergraduate program for students seeking a degree and licensure in elementary education. Teacher candidates combine theory, practice and research to hone teaching skills in classroom settings from pre-K to grade 6. SUNY College-Cortland students commit to spending hundreds of hours in their practicum environments partnered with mentor teachers before graduation and licensure. Learn more by visiting the college website at www2.cortland.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 2.9% Loan Default
3
SUNY Oneonta
% Program Graduate Score: 66.09
Graduation Rate Score: 75.42
Tuition Affordability Score: 52.57

Located in Oneonta, New York, the State University of New York - Oneonta campus offers a well-renowned program for students pursuing a bachelor of elementary education. SUNY Oneonta faculty is committed to providing undergraduate students with the best opportunities for research, theory and practice for instruction and assessment, as well as providing mentorship to teacher candidates who are ready to begin their careers as teachers in the elementary school environment. Learn more by visiting the college website at oneonta.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 3.1% Loan Default
4
University of Nebraska at Kearney
% Program Graduate Score: 100.00
Graduation Rate Score: 57.52
Tuition Affordability Score: 60.27

At University of Nebraska-Kearney, students enrolled in the school's bachelor's in elementary education degree excel in practice, research and theory in order to become qualified to teach students from grades kindergarten through 6. With a well-rounded foundation in teachable subjects as well as instruction and assessment, professionally renowned faculty ensures that each student has a firm understanding of how to manage the inclusive elementary classroom environment. Learn more by visiting the college website at aaunk.unk.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • Online Education Options
  • 4.5% Loan Default
5
University of Wyoming
% Program Graduate Score: 42.94
Graduation Rate Score: 58.46
Tuition Affordability Score: 100.00

At the University of Wyoming-Laramie, students and faculty alike work toward the common goal of becoming quality educators in the state's elementary classrooms. With a curriculum founded on years of research and best practice in the education profession, undergraduates learn about children's development from birth through third grade and apply this knowledge to creating and measuring quality programming for young children. The interdisciplinary nature of the program means pre-service teachers are exposed to multiple perspectives from grades JK - 6. Learn more by visiting the college website at uwyo.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 10,000 - 20,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 4.2% Loan Default
6
The College of New Jersey
% Program Graduate Score: 47.31
Graduation Rate Score: 91.26
Tuition Affordability Score: 26.41

The College of New Jersey has an acclaimed faculty that is committed to leading undergraduate students toward their elementary teaching degree in a timely and sequential fashion. The College mandates that teachers from grades K - 6 must have a broad educational foundation in order to best serve their students; additionally, by providing access to caring, competent, highly qualified teachers and counselors, the college ensures student success as well as modeling these values as future classroom teachers. Learn more by visiting the college website at bulletin.tcnj.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 1.3% Loan Default
7
Salisbury University
% Program Graduate Score: 52.63
Graduation Rate Score: 72.21
Tuition Affordability Score: 46.36

Located in the heart of Maryland, Salisbury University offers an Elementary Education Program through the Department of Teacher Education. Teaching faculty members are motivated to prepare prospective teachers for entry into the state's elementary classroom environments. Through a mixture of theory, practice, and research based around a conceptual framework that includes the necessary values and dispositions that pre-service teachers should strive for, students learn how to administer assessment and instruction methods to ensure student success. Learn more by visiting the college website at salisbury.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 4.3% Loan Default
8
Appalachian State University
% Program Graduate Score: 35.56
Graduation Rate Score: 74.11
Tuition Affordability Score: 60.55

Designed by leading education faculty, Appalachian State University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is designed to take students from the lecture hall to the classroom as leading educators for grades kindergarten through 6. The undergraduate program's goal is to produce strong elementary teachers through understanding of pedagogical models and strong classroom practice. Learn more by visiting the college website at elemed.appstate.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 10,000 - 20,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 3.4% Loan Default
9
Winona State University
% Program Graduate Score: 57.35
Graduation Rate Score: 61.02
Tuition Affordability Score: 45.35

Winona State University is home to one of Minnesota's foremost elementary educator programs. With emphasis on design and implementation of curriculum, instruction and assessment, students leave the lecture hall well-prepared for the rigors of practical placement and later, teacher status. With a mandate to improve Minnesota's classrooms, Winona graduates are ready to shape the future of education, starting with elementary students. Learn more by visiting the college website at catalog.winona.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 4.1% Loan Default
10
East Carolina University
% Program Graduate Score: 42.12
Graduation Rate Score: 60.86
Tuition Affordability Score: 64.59

East Carolina University faculty is committed to creating the strongest elementary teacher cohort in the state. The program is nationally recognized for its innovative approach to teacher education, including research, practice and theory for instruction, assessment and classroom management. The Elementary Education program also offers on-campus undergraduate licensure for those who already hold a degree, and distance education programs for those who require flexible means of study. At every stage, ECU faculty ensures that teacher candidates are guided appropriately. Learn more by visiting the college website at ecu.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 20,000+ Students
  • 200+ Grads/Yr
  • Online Education Options
  • 5.1% Loan Default
11
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
% Program Graduate Score: 47.09
Graduation Rate Score: 57.84
Tuition Affordability Score: 53.35

Offered by the College of Education and Human Services at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, students may choose to focus on a degree specializing in Early Childhood - Middle Childhood, or Middle Childhood - Early Adolescence. With a broad foundation of coursework, pre-service teachers will learn how to instruct and assess students from grades junior kindergarten to eight in order to strengthen communities and build strong learners and achievers. Learn more by visiting the college website at uwosh.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 10,000 - 20,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 4.0% Loan Default
12
Westfield State University
% Program Graduate Score: 42.06
Graduation Rate Score: 63.23
Tuition Affordability Score: 45.70

Designed to create exemplary elementary educators, Westfield State University's Faculty of Education program is committed to creating a robust foundation of learning upon which education students can learn to assess and instruct in the classroom. Elementary Education majors earn concentrations in teaching, reading, and special programs that involve an ongoing partnership with area elementary schools. With a strong local network for support, mentorship and practicum, Westfield students are easily able to join theory with practice in the classroom. Learn more by visiting the college website at westfield.ma.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 50-100 Grads/Yr
  • 2.6% Loan Default
13
Rider University
% Program Graduate Score: 71.33
Graduation Rate Score: 71.08
Tuition Affordability Score: 10.77

Rider University education faculty enables professionally skilled individuals to become elementary teachers each year through their dedicated Elementary Education program or their dual Early Education-Elementary program, with the intent of continually raising the bar of excellence for schools in the state. Future teachers are required to select a liberal arts concentration to provide a broad foundation of knowledge. Paired with learning on assessment, instruction and pedagogy, students become successful classroom teachers in the states elementary schools and beyond. Learn more by visiting the college website at rider.edu.

College Details
  • Private University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • 4.4% Loan Default
14
University of North Carolina Wilmington
% Program Graduate Score: 31.49
Graduation Rate Score: 76.73
Tuition Affordability Score: 62.08

University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a degree program that leads directly to a Bachelor of Arts In Elementary Education. The goal is to give each child in grades K through 6 a robust and effective education, as well as to make them into lifelong learners. To this end, program faculty strive to develop highly competent and caring individuals to graduate with a degree and pursue licensure in order to teach in North Carolina schools. Learn more by visiting the college website at uncw.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 10,000 - 20,000 Students
  • 100-200 Grads/Yr
  • Online Education Options
  • 4.4% Loan Default
15
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
% Program Graduate Score: 43.99
Graduation Rate Score: 55.57
Tuition Affordability Score: 51.19

Combining academics with practice, students who attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Elementary Education program are passionate about having a vital role in supporting students through their elementary education. With a broad foundation in teachable subjects, students alternate class time with placement blocks. Learn more by visiting the college website at uwrf.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 50-100 Grads/Yr
  • 4.3% Loan Default
16
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
% Program Graduate Score: 37.35
Graduation Rate Score: 58.61
Tuition Affordability Score: 52.97

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty provides an Early Childhood-Middle Childhood degree program, the course of study combines current educational theory and practice for those candidates who want to teach at the elementary level. Coursework and subsequent licensure prepares students to teach children and students from birth to grade 6. This inclusive program also provides information and training on students with disabilities and special needs; faculty ensures that theory is concurrent with practice for robust learning. Learn more by visiting the college website at uwplatt.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 50-100 Grads/Yr
  • 4.0% Loan Default
17
Northwest Missouri State University
% Program Graduate Score: 52.96
Graduation Rate Score: 54.23
Tuition Affordability Score: 60.81

Students enrolled in Northwest Missouri's Elementary Education major gain knowledge and practice to work effectively with students from birth to age 8. Faculty are committed to mentoring pre-service teachers through evidence based practices, hands-on classroom work, and theory for assessment and instruction in order to mold educators who can manage and thrive in an elementary classroom. The program focuses imparting core values to students like how inquiry-based learning and responsive care-giving can build positive connections far beyond the classroom. Learn more by visiting the college website at nwmissouri.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 50-100 Grads/Yr
  • 7.8% Loan Default
18
Kennesaw State University
% Program Graduate Score: 46.89
Graduation Rate Score: 46.89
Tuition Affordability Score: 67.10

At Kennesaw State University, the Bagwell College of Education is dedicated to helping future elementary educators establish excellence in their practice through cross-disciplinary foundations and concurrent teachings in the fields of instruction and assessment. Candidates graduate the Elementary Education degree program understanding how knowledge is conceptualized in the developing brain; classroom teaching practicum blocks prepare new educators for their own classroom environment under the mentorship of veteran elementary teachers. Learn more by visiting the college website at bagwell.kennesaw.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 20,000+ Students
  • 200+ Grads/Yr
  • Online Education Options
  • 7.1% Loan Default
19
Pittsburg State University
% Program Graduate Score: 46.43
Graduation Rate Score: 54.20
Tuition Affordability Score: 63.69

Attaining a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a Major in Early Childhood/Late Childhood means that candidates from Pittsburgh State University will be ready to enter the classrooms of kindergarten through grade 6 students upon graduation. With a broad general education and concurrent learning of pedagogical subject matter, the program is interspersed with several practicum teaching blocks designed to give students an opportunity to match theory with practice under the mentorship of senior teachers. Learn more by visiting the college website at pittstate.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 5,000 - 10,000 Students
  • 50-100 Grads/Yr
  • Online Education Options
  • 8.5% Loan Default
20
University of Central Florida
% Program Graduate Score: 27.42
Graduation Rate Score: 72.68
Tuition Affordability Score: 62.31

Offered by the College of Education and Human Performance at the University of Central Florida, the Elementary Education undergraduate degree prepares students for classroom instruction from kindergarten through grade 6. With faculty guidance, candidates alternate blocks of research, theory, and practice in order to prepare themselves to enter the elementary classroom to begin changing lives of students. Students interested in seeking employment opportunities outside the formal K-12 school environment should pursue the university's Lifelong Learning (LLL) track for greater opportunity. Learn more by visiting the college website at education.ucf.edu.

College Details
  • Public University
  • 20,000+ Students
  • 200+ Grads/Yr
  • 4.3% Loan Default