Elementary Education Degrees
Degrees in elementary education prepare teachers to instruct elementary-aged children in the subjects of math, social studies, science, and language arts to prepare them for middle school. Elementary school teachers play a crucial role in student learning, and are the designers of lesson plans related to the goals of the Common Core standards. They also manage classrooms and monitor the progress of their students. To become an elementary school teacher, individuals will need at least a bachelor's degree and state licensure, but there are many other opportunities for further education in the broad field of education.
The Top Bachelor's Programs in Elementary Education
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Towson University | $10198 | 76% | 71% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | The College of New Jersey | $16923 | 49% | 86% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $9127 | 73% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Wyoming | $4747 | 96% | 60% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | SUNY College at Old Westbury | $8368 | 78% | 48% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 7 | Salisbury University | $10044 | 74% | 70% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 8 | Ball State University | $10020 | 77% | 67% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | University of Delaware | $14280 | 71% | 81% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Northern Iowa | $8938 | 79% | 67% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 12 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Winona State University | $9666 | 68% | 59% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 14 | Weber State University | $5986 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 34% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 15 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $11962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of North Dakota | $9736 | 81% | 61% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Tennessee Technological University | $8934 | 79% | 54% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $8840 | 82% | 67% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | University of Nevada-Reno | $8184 | 88% | 61% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | $7701 | 85% | 56% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 23 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10725 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University | $7695 | 91% | 35% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 25 | Washington State University | $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 26 | Utah State University | $7659 | 91% | 54% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 27 | SUNY Oneonta | $8740 | 56% | 76% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | Indiana University-Bloomington | $10947 | 78% | 79% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | University of Central Florida | $6368 | 44% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Minot State University | $7592 | 67% | 45% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 31 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $7656 | 76% | 61% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Southern Utah University | $6770 | 78% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | University of Mississippi | $8828 | 88% | 66% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | Purdue Global-Main Campus | $9992 | 60% | 82% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Dickinson State University | $7784 | 100% | 41% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 37 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | $8037 | 79% | 58% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | Illinois State University | $12836 | 82% | 70% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | Kansas State University | $10800 | 95% | 65% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 40 | University of Northern Colorado | $9987 | 91% | 52% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $15027 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | Western Washington University | $8343 | 90% | 68% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | Pittsburg State University | $7338 | 96% | 52% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 44 | Florida Atlantic University | $4879 | 63% | 50% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | University of North Florida | $5964 | 72% | 67% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 47 | University of Kansas | $11166 | 93% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | $8954 | 65% | 53% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | University of South Dakota | $9332 | 86% | 59% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $7623 | 85% | 56% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Elementary Education Degrees Are There?
Degrees in elementary education can be obtained at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. However, the minimum degree required to work as an elementary school teacher is a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degree programs in elementary education are meant to prepare individuals to teach academic material to elementary-aged children. Upon the completion of a bachelor's program, graduates must meet several requirements to become a teacher. They are required to complete a teaching assistantship and pass a state-issued exam. Those interested in pursuing degrees above the bachelor's degree will find many opportunities to further their education, and they can specialize at the certificate, master's, and doctorate level.
Associate Degrees in Elementary Education
An Associate of Arts in Elementary Teacher Education is a 60-credit course sequence that prepares students for a bachelor's program. Once the student has completed the two years of study, they will be able to transfer to a 4-year program of their choice. Students who are interested in an associate degree in elementary education can expect to study introductory level material in child development, science, math, history, and literature.
Bachelor's Degrees in Elementary Education
Elementary school teacher requirements include the completion of at least a bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's of Arts or Science in Elementary Education is a 4-year program that is around 120 credit hours. Students must also pass a state-issued licensure exam and complete a teaching apprenticeship (TA). Some schools may offer programs to become an elementary school teacher in an online format. Online classes offer a flexibility to complete coursework on the student's own time.
Master's Degrees in Elementary Education
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education are advanced degree programs for those who are interested in furthering their education, gaining licensure to teach, or specializing in a specific area of education. M.Ed. and master's programs are about 36 credits and can be completed in person or online. These programs take between one and two years to complete. Upon the conclusion of the program, students may be required to pass a comprehensive exam or complete student teaching hours.
Doctoral Degrees in Elementary Education
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education is a research degree that prepares students to become a university professor or research educational policies and curriculum. Students will often have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas, such as math, science, or educational policy. Many PhD programs in education take at least 5 years to complete and require individuals to complete original research, attend practicum, and write a dissertation or thesis.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction degree is not research-focused, but does offer students advanced professional training to work in schools and universities. EdD programs are similar to PhD programs in length and often have similar coursework.
Certificates in Elementary Education
After graduating from a bachelor's program, some teachers may want to obtain certificates in education. Certificates are typically year-long education programs that prepare individuals for teaching in certain content or specialty areas. For those who are changing careers or are thinking of applying to master's programs, a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Elementary Education should be something to consider. This certificate is between 12 and 20 credits and can take up to one year to complete. Teachers may also be interested in obtaining other graduate certificates to enhance their skills or specialize. Some certificates include:
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language
- Graduate Certificate in Academically or Intellectually Gifted
- Graduate Certificate in Elementary School Mathematics
- Graduate Certificate in Literacy
Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
Within an elementary degree program, students can make the decision to concentrate in certain subject areas. These specialized subject areas, or endorsements, prepare students to teach in specific subjects. To receive an endorsement, students will likely need to meet the required credits. Students may specialize in:
- Reading
- Science
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
Students in an elementary education program can expect to study teaching methods, curriculum, and specialized subject areas. Elementary education programs may also include courses that are specific to the state's requirements for education, so students who are traveling out of state for education should make sure that the programs they attend can lead to licensure in other states. Some common courses are listed below.
Elementary Literacy & Literature
Elementary school teachers will have the opportunity to help students learn how to read. The elementary age is a crucial period for learning to read and learning about different children's authors.
Elementary Math
Teachers at the elementary level will likely be required to teach mathematics to their students. These courses may cover anything from teaching basic math skills to introducing long division.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Elementary school teachers will have the opportunity to educate students from diverse backgrounds. Many elementary education programs provide coursework on techniques for providing a culturally responsive and inclusive education.
Student Teaching
At the end of a 4-year program, students will get the opportunity to work as a student teacher or TA in a school setting. Students will work with a licensed teacher and learn how to manage a classroom so that they are ready to do so independently after graduation.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Elementary Education?
A bachelor's degree in elementary education is typically 120 credits and takes a minimum of 4 years to complete. Depending on whether the student attends classes full- or part-time will determine the time to completion. In order to finish the elementary education bachelor's program on time, students should take a minimum of 15 credits each semester. If the student has transfer credits from an associate program, qualifying high school courses, or previous university credits, the degree may be achieved in less time. If the student already has a bachelor's degree and is returning to school to become a teacher, some schools may offer an accelerated certification program that can be attained in one year. These accelerated certification programs will lead to certification in the student's state.
Should I Get a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education?
Elementary educators usually enjoy public speaking, are patient, are resourceful, and above all, have a passion for working with children. Teachers are very important people in the lives of children, and bear the responsibility of educating students. If instructing the next generation of students sounds intriguing, then researching programs in elementary education may be of interest. Individuals can become teachers even after they already have a bachelor's degree. Partaking in an accelerated program is a great option for those looking for a career change.
While many teachers work normal work day hours, they often find themselves grading papers and planning lessons outside of the 8-hour work day. Teachers may also have to meet with parents, students, and administrators before or after the school day. However, many teachers only work during the school year and get a long break in the summer and a short break in the winter. Teachers may work some long days, but they are well rewarded with breaks as well.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees
Accreditation is important for students interested in a degree in elementary education. Accredited programs are also more likely to have options for financial aid, deliver approved course content, and adhere to national guidelines. Schools can have national or regional accreditation as well as programmatic accreditation. The Council for Higher Education (CHEA) is an accrediting agency at the regional level. Elementary education programs can be accredited specifically by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This organization monitors educator preparation programs and ensures that the course content adheres to the highest standards of education.
Elementary Education Licensure & Certification
States require all public-school teachers to be licensed or certified at the grade level that they teach. However, instructors who teach in private schools may not need a teaching license. The specific requirements for a teacher's certification will depend on the state and type of school, so students should make sure to research the state and school in which they plan to work. Examples of state licensure exams include the TExES exam (Texas), and the CBEST/CSET exams (California). Some states also mandate that teachers complete professional development hours to maintain their license, so students should make sure to research their individual states.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education?
To become an elementary school teacher, individuals will need to have a bachelor's degree, pass a state exam, pass a background check, and earn a state-issued certification or licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers earned a median salary of $59,670 in 2019. The number of elementary school teacher positions is expected to grow at a rate of 4% between the years of 2019 and 2029, as per the BLS. Further, current teachers are expected to reach the age of retirement in the next decade, so there may be an increasing need for teachers in this area. With a degree in elementary education and an area of concentration, graduates could also decide to pursue higher education and secure a job in administration. Some other possible careers for elementary educators include:
- Elementary Math Teacher
- Elementary Music Teacher
- Elementary Art Teacher
- Elementary Vice Principal
- Elementary School Principal
How to Become an Elementary School Principal
Elementary school principals oversee the day-to-day operations of an elementary school. They are in charge of managing school staff, maintaining school safety, developing quality curriculum, and promoting a productive learning environment for their students. School principals are responsible for the discipline of students and meet with parents to discuss student behavior. To become a school principal, individuals will need at least a master's degree in educational leadership or administration and a state-licensed school administrator. Principals also need teaching or some other kind of experience working in a school. According to the BLS, school principals made a median salary of $96,400 in 2019, and the job is projected to grow at a rate of 4% between 2019 and 2029.
How to Become an Elementary Gym Teacher
Physical education or gym teachers are responsible for developing curriculum for physical activity. They plan lessons that teach students how to be active and participate in organized games, sports, and activities. To become an elementary gym teacher, candidates will need a bachelor's degree in education or kinesiology, student teaching experience, and a state-issued license to teach. According to PayScale.com in November of 2020, the average physical education teacher salary was $45,582. The BLS does not provide specific salary or prospective job growth information on gym teachers, but does have data on elementary educators as a whole. Like all elementary education teachers, physical education teacher positions are expected to grow by 4% in the years 2019 to 2029 (BLS).
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees
Students interested in applying to an elementary education degree program should become familiar with the types of financial aid offered by university programs. To receive aid, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid comes from the federal and state government to cover the cost of tuition, room and board, books, and any other cost related to schooling.
Grants are need-based and do not need to be repaid. Pell Grants, a special type of grant, are awarded based on financial need and awarded to students who have not received a degree yet. Work-study is offered as a job within the university and serves to help the student make money while in school. Loans are borrowed money and must be repaid upon the conclusion of a program. Often, students will need to repay the loans as well as the interest that accrues over time, so students should be careful to take out only the loans they need for their program. Educator scholarships can be offered by schools, employers, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, an individual, or an organization. These are often reward based and can target certain groups of people, such as women, veterans, first time college students, and students of color. Students pursuing a degree in education should also look for teacher-specific scholarships using the U.S Department of Labor scholarship search tool.
Professional Organizations in Elementary Education
Once students have graduated from an elementary teaching program and entered the workforce, they should consider joining a professional organization. These organizations offer teachers the opportunity to learn from other educators, network, view job postings, participate in professional development, and get access to free resources. Additionally, many organizations offer unique benefits for members. There are many organizations that teachers may join, and below is a list of some that may be of interest to elementary school teachers.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a membership organization that is committed to promoting high quality education for children from birth to age 8. Its mission is to connect educators with the best practices and research in teaching young children. Members of NAEYC receive digital articles, online courses, and discounts on insurance.
National Education Association (NEA)
The National Education Association (NEA)'s mission is to promote quality public education and make the school experience excellent for every student. This organization encourages equal opportunity for all students and believes that partnering with families and communities will enhance student success. By joining NEA, teachers will have access to a large group of educators who will trade resources for advocacy and help acquire funding and classroom resources.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) specializes in the education of students who have special needs. Aspiring educators should join this organization for information on how to educate exceptional students in their classrooms. Students, student teachers, and practicing educators alike have the ability to join this organization for access to books, resources, professional development, and insurance discounts.