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Grand Canyon University | BS in Elementary Education - English as a Second Language (Initial Teacher Licensure)

Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language is designed to give students the foundation and training to become an elementary or middle school teacher, especially working with students whose native language is not English. Read on for more information about this degree.

Official Program Name:

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language

School Offering Program:

Grand Canyon University

Degree Level:

Bachelor's

Program Prerequisites:

Students interested in enrolling in the BS in Elementary Education degree program with an emphasis in English as a Second Language should be skilled at working with students grades K-8 as a group and one on one. They should also be comfortable with working with students who may not be able to communicate well in English and come from different cultural backgrounds. Applicants to Grand Canyon University should be at least 16 years old and must meet one of the following requirements:

High school graduates:

  • Unweighted GPA of 3.0+
  • Unweighted GPA of 2.5+ along with ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 1380/2400 or 1000/1600

Non-high school graduates:

  • GED with a cumulative score of 680+ for 2014 series and later; 3000+ for 2002-2013 series; or 258+ for 2002 series and prior

Transfer students:

  • 25-90 transferable college credits: unweighted GPA of 2.25+
  • 6-24 transferable college credits: unweighted GPA of 2.75+
  • Less than 6 transferable college credits: meet admission requirements for high school students
  • Bachelor's degree: unweighted GPA of 2.0+

Program Description:

Grand Canyon University's BS in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language is designed to prepare students for a career teaching students in grades K-8, especially those whose native language is not English. The program is intended to teach topics such as child and adolescent behavior and development, lesson planning, how to engage students and maintain an ideal environment for learning, as well as studies of different cultures.

This degree program requires all students to complete a 15-week course of student teaching full time in a real classroom environment to gain practical teaching skills. The degree program results in initial teacher licensure, which may allow graduates to work as elementary or ESL teachers. Applicants should consult their state department of education to confirm the requirements for licensure.

Learning Format:

On campus or online

Program Length:

120 credits.

Financial Aid:

Eligible students could be able to receive financial aid in the forms of grants, loans, and scholarships. Contact Grand Canyon University's financial aid office for more information.

Required Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in English as a Second Language:

Required courses for this degree program include 34-40 general education credits, 80 program-specific credits, and 0-6 open elective credits. The programs offered vary by content and course length across different states. Contact Grand Canyon University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.

General Education Requirements (34-40 credits)

  • University Foundations (4 credits) - choose between the following:
    • Success in Science, Engineering, and Technology & Lab (4 credits)
    • University Success (4 credits)
    • University Success in the College of Education (4 credits)
  • Effective Communication (9-12 credits) - choose between the following (must include 3 credits in English grammar or composition)
    • 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy (4 credits)
    • English Composition I (4 credits)
    • English Composition II (4 credits)
  • Christian Worldview (4 credits)
  • Critical Thinking (11-12 credits) - choose between the following:
    • Applications of College Algebra (4 credits)
    • College Mathematics (4 credits)
    • 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (4 credits)
    • Environmental Science (4 credits)
  • Global Awareness, Perspective, and Ethics (6-8 credits) - choose between the following:
    • U.S. History Themes (4 credits)
    • General Psychology (4 credits)
    • Everyday Sociology (4 credits)
  • Required general education courses:
    • U.S. History Themes (4 credits)
    • Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I (4 credits)
  • Open Elective Credits (0-6)

Program Core Courses (80 credits)

Choose among the following:

  • Child and Early Adolescent Development and Psychology (4 credits)
  • Instructional Planning and Assessment for Elementary Teacher Candidates (4 credits)
  • Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (4 credits)
  • Survey of Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities (4 credits)
  • School, Community, and Family Culture (4 credits)
  • Creating and Managing Engaging Learning Environments (4 credits)
  • Foundational Literacy Skills and Phonics (4 credits)
  • Methods and Strategies for Teaching Mathematics (4 credits)
  • Fostering Student Engagement (4 credits)
  • Social Justice for Educators (4 credits)
  • Arizona Constitution & Government (4 credits)
  • Methods of Structured English Immersion for Elementary Education (3 credits)
  • Instructional Methods and Strategies for Integrating Science and Health (4 credits)
  • Literacy Development for English Language Learners (4 credits)
  • Linguistics (4 credits)
  • ELL Curriculum and Methods of Instruction (4 credits)
  • ELL Assessment (4 credits)
  • Methods and Strategies for Integrating Social Studies and the Arts (4 credits)
  • Methods and Strategies for Teaching English Language Arts (4 credits)
  • Student Teaching for Elementary Education with an ESL Emphasis (8 credits)

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Furthering Your Education:

Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree program with an emphasis in English as a Second Language may decide to continue their education by earning a master's degree in this field. A higher degree may lead to increased responsibilities in the workplace and a better rate of employment. Additionally, some states may require elementary educations teachers to pursue a master's degree after beginning teaching work, and teachers may be required to complete continuing education classes in order to maintain their licensure or certification. Graduates of this bachelor's degree program may be eligible to apply to Grand Canyon University's Master of Education in Elementary Education program.

Career Paths:

The Bachelor of Science in Education for teaching English as a second language is designed to prepare students to teach grades K-8. Graduates of the program may be eligible for the following careers in schools or social service organizations:

  • ESL teacher for grades K-8
  • ESL tutor
  • Community education instructor