An elementary school teacher not only helps children learn, but prepares tomorrow's leaders. Our bachelor's degree in elementary education prepares you to teach kindergarten through sixth grade.
As an elementary education major, you'll have multiple opportunities to work with children and teachers in local schools and community organizations. While gaining a foundation in a wide range of subjects, you'll also choose a specific area of emphasis through one of 12 concentration areas.
Program Benefits
You'll learn from and work directly with dedicated faculty members who have at least three years of professional experience in classrooms and other school settings.
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We prepare teachers who are culturally responsive and committed to social justice through engagement with the community.
Our programs offer real-world applications and immersive learning projects, in which you'll gain valuable, hands-on experience working alongside community organizations such as museums, childcare centers, and community agencies.
You also have a variety of opportunities to travel and learn, including studying abroad in England and student teaching in Texas or Germany.
Study Abroad SCC Immersive Learning
As a freshman, you’ll live in Palmer/Davidson Halls with other Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies students.
Our Living-Learning Community will allow you to get to know your classmates and connect with our campus through team-building activities that promote higher academic achievement.
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You'll begin working in the field, directly with students and professional teachers, and this will continue through student teaching to graduation.
Through Ball State's Professional Development Schools program, we partner with a number of elementary schools and early childhood centers to provide placements for our practicum students and student teachers.
Our Urban Experience, which has been running for more than 20 years, will allow you to take all of your courses off campus at a school in the Indianapolis area. This program is during the first semester of your senior year, which allows you stay in the district to student teach, if you wish.
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Dual majoring with special education will make you a highly skilled teacher licensed to work with both general education students and students who require mild interventions to be successful. Learn more about our special education program.
General Requirements
A bachelor of arts or bachelor of sciences in elementary education blends our University Core Curriculum with professional education classes and a concentration area, which gives you an area of specialization.
During your junior year, you must be admitted to the teaching curriculum with a "C" or better on identified courses and a 2.5 GPA.
For a complete list of all courses, their descriptions, and other requirements, please see our Course Catalog.
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Total Credits
120
The Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Learn more.
Concentrations
From complex mathematical equations to recognizing great works of art, elementary and early childhood teachers must have a wide background of knowledge. Our majors will also have deeper knowledge in a particular area of interest through choosing a concentration area.
We recommend you consult with your advisor and other professionals when making a decision on your concentration area. You may also consider adding complementary minors, licensure areas, or certificates to further increase your marketability.
VIEW COURSE CATALOG
You'll participate in a semester of student teaching. This experience will give you a planned, supervised environment where you will demonstrate the knowledge, performance, and dispositions you learned in your Ball State classes. You may choose to student teach here in Indiana or pursue an opportunity throughout the U.S. or abroad. Learn more.
Paying for Your Education
On top of the dozens of scholarships the university offers its students, our department gives awards every year to its own students to recognize them for their achievements. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in pursuing a licensure in elementary education? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University.
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More Information
Place matters, and that is particularly true on our beautiful campus-our size, our people, our culture, and our amenities. Come see it for yourself by scheduling a visit through hour Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Of if you'd rather speak directly to someone in our department, feel free to call or email us.
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