Elementary Education - BS, BA

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services

About This Degree

A degree in Elementary Education prepares a student to receive a Professional License from the Utah State Board of Education to teach in grades K-6. Utah State's program in elementary education is unique in that students have the opportunity to be in the classroom starting their first year in the program rather than waiting until their junior year, which is typical at other universities. By the time students graduate, they will have spent more than 400 hours in the classroom or working with children through a variety of field experiences.

The Elementary Education program for teacher preparation is called the Bridge to Professional Practice (BPP). Based on the metaphor of a suspension bridge, BPP is secured at each end with anchors that provide a solid starting point and destination, bridging the student into the world of the professional educator. For example, as part of their undergraduate program, students will have the opportunity to begin endorsement programs typically reserved for graduate students.

The major in elementary education is particularly well suited to students transferring with an associate's degree because the curriculum is designed so students can easily transition into the program and finish in a timely manner.

Given the shortage of teachers in the nation, as well as demands for high quality teachers, and reflecting the multiple routes to licensure approved by the Utah State Board of Education, the School of Teacher Education and Leadership provides two different lanes by which a student may procure teacher licensure; the Licensure Lane and the General Studies Lane. Students receive their lane designation through an application filed upon completion of an 12 credit Preparation Anchor.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Students completing a major in elementary education are recommended by the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services to receive a Professional License in Elementary Education from the Utah State Board of Education. This license permits the student to teach in grades K-6. Student who add a Middle School Math Endorsement may also be hired to teach math up through 8th grade.

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the elementary education program has additional requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the pre-major.
  • Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors need a 3.00 total GPA for admission to this major.
  • Teacher Education Program Requirements: In order to become an elementary education major, students must receive Licensure Lane Designation, which includes the following:
    • Completion of 30 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00
    • Complete certain core courses with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (see department for more information)
    • Pass a criminal background check (this should be done one semester before applying)
    • Pass at least two sections of Praxis II elementary education multiple subjects exam (this should be done at least one semester prior to applying)
    • Complete a dispositions assessment as part of ELED 3000.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Take The Next Step

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