elementary education student teacher in elementary school

Bachelor's in Elementary Education

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

Immerse yourself in teaching and prepare for a rewarding career educating grades 1-8.

Educators play a critical role in shaping our future. With a B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education from UND, you will be prepared to teach students in diverse learning environments.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
125

Why earn a bachelor's in Elementary Education?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Teaching students is a deeply rewarding profession. By earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, you'll be working toward eligibility for teaching licensure for grades 1-8 in North Dakota (grades 1-6 in Minnesota), allowing you to make your mark on the future.

You have the flexibility to earn your degree on campus or online. Either way, you'll be receiving the same world-class education at an affordable price.

Hands-On Elementary Education Degree

As a teacher candidate at UND, you'll study current curriculum, digital technologies, student-centered pedagogies, differentiated instruction and assessment. You will be learning through university coursework as well as out in the field in elementary school classrooms. Starting with your very first teacher education courses, you'll have the chance to enter classrooms and gain practical experience, taking a hands-on approach to your education, while developing your teaching abilities.

Multiple field experiences across your program will provide you with additional opportunities for authentic teaching and learning. You are encouraged to explore schools in a variety of settings, including students with special needs and rural school districts. Your training and education at UND will culminate in a one-semester student teaching placement, which you can complete anywhere in the United States or abroad.

Comprehensive Degree in Elementary Education

UND has the most comprehensive teacher education program in the region. We offer a wide range of minors, certificates and specialty area concentrations to complement your elementary education degree plan.

Earn additional teaching credentials through minors in:

Accelerated Elementary Education Degree

Earn your bachelor's degree and master’s degree in Elementary Education in less time than it would take to get them separately. With both degrees, you’ll stand out among your peers as you begin your career. The accelerated program is available online or on-campus.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (ACCELERATED B.S.Ed./M.ED.)

Elementary Education (Accelerated B.S.Ed./M.S. in Reading Education)

On-Campus or Online Elementary Education Degree

  • Work directly with students in diverse schools and communities. Gain insight by presenting and reviewing practice lessons with your peers.

  • Develop and teach lessons in authentic learning environments. You'll lead a classroom of your choice as a student teacher.

  • Learn and teach with innovative and interactive digital technologies.

  • All Teacher Education programs at UND are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and are approved by the North Dakota Educational Standards and Practices Board.

  • Be a part of Graduate Research Achievement Day or the College of Education & Human Development Research Conference.

  • Spend a semester abroad taking elementary education courses and learning about international education.

What can I do with a bachelor's in Elementary Education?

64k

Median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

It's essential to research the specific licensure requirements in the state or country where you intend to teach, as each region may have its own set of criteria, examinations, and application procedures for teacher licensure.

You'll be eligible for licensure to teach in North Dakota after:

  1. Completing a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) with an overall grade point average of at least 2.75.
  2. Passing state licensure exams.
  3. Meeting the state's legal requirements with a satisfactory background check.

If seeking a license in North Dakota, you should apply to the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board prior to graduation.

If you're interested in a teacher license from states other than North Dakota, contact the Advising Office for the College of Education & Human Development to determine if this degree meets the criteria for licensure in your state.

 

The outlook is promising for jobs in education. There is a teacher shortage across our region and a great need for high-quality elementary teachers in the nation.

What career paths can I pursue with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education?

The outlook is promising for jobs in education. There is a teacher shortage across our region and a great need for high-quality elementary teachers in the nation.

With a B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education from UND, you'll be on your way to a rewarding career in education. For example:

  • Classroom Teacher
  • Education Specialist
  • Instructional Coach

Elementary Education Degree Skills

Graduates of UND's Elementary Education program are well prepared to work with diverse students and within diverse school settings. You will have the confidence, knowledge, skills and dispositions to provide innovative teaching and learning strategies. You will fully understand:

  • Assessment
  • Curriculum Development
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Educational Technologies
  • Lesson Planning

Elementary Education Degree Courses

T&L 339. Educational Technology. 3 Credits.

Students will demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts and operations that not only support classroom curriculum but provide an avenue for continuing professional development. Students will learn to apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. The class will help students understand the social, ethical, legal and human issues that surround the use of technology in PK-12 schools. F,S,SS.

T&L 432. Learning Environments. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this class is to study psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence classroom behavior and to examine elements that contribute to a positive learning environment. An additional 15 hour field experience is required for the course over a three-week period. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S.

T&L 328. Survey of Children's Literature. 3 Credits.

Students survey the broad range of literature written for children. Emphasis is placed on gaining familiarity with the multicultural aspects of literature, understanding the distinguishing characteristics of genre, developing visual literacy with respect to illustration, and acquiring the ability to evaluate literature, as well as its use, with an understanding of children's developmental needs. F,S.

T&L 470. Science Methods in Elementary Schools (TEAM). 3 Credits.

A survey of teaching strategies, materials, and resources appropriate for promoting science inquiry in elementary classrooms. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program; see department for approval. F,S.

T&L 417. Writing & Language Arts Methods. 2 Credits.

A study of methods for teaching writing and language arts to children in grades K-6. Emphasis is placed on process-oriented writing approaches; spelling and grammar; ways of using language for creative, personal, and content area expression. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education Program. F,S.

T&L 410. Reading Methods in Elementary Schools (TEAM). 3 Credits.

This methods course prepares future elementary teachers with the essential methods, dispositions, and strategies for teaching and assessing literacy in the elementary school classroom. Explicit and systematic instruction of phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension are studied, practiced, and implemented. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program; see department for approval. F,S.

Online Elementary Education Degree

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

UND's offers the best online Elementary Education degree in the region for flexibility and affordability.

Flexibility is critically important to our online students. That’s why we’ve designed the online Elementary Education degree to never require a campus visit. Your training will culminate in a one-semester student teaching placement, which you can complete anywhere in the world.

Compare the cost of UND’s online Elementary Education degree. You’ll find it’s one of the most affordable programs in the nation. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of their residency.

Accredited Online Elementary Education Degree

UND’s online Elementary Education degree is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and meets licensure requirements in many states. Check with the state board where you plan on working before enrolling in the program.

Flexible Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Reputable Online Elementary Education Degree

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

Based on data, overall employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to show little change from 2022 to 2032. Despite limited growth, approximately 109,000 openings for these teachers are launched yearly. Regional demand for elementary school teachers remains high.

Yes, the Elementary Education degree at UND provides the necessary qualifications towards one of the criteria needed to obtain licensure as a teacher in North Dakota. Check with the state you plan to teach in to ensure this program meets the state's specific licensure requirements.

Indeed, four years is the standard timeframe. However, the exact length depends on whether students follow a full-time or part-time study schedule.

An Elementary Education degree typically qualifies individuals to teach grades one to eight.

The main difference is that the focus of an Elementary Education degree is on teaching students in grades one to eight, while an Early Childhood Education degree often emphasizes the developmental stages of children from birth to around age eight.

Definitely. UND's program includes practical experiences in classrooms for grades one through eight. These opportunities are integrated early in the course of study, offering real-life teaching and learning experiences.

Yes, the UND Elementary Education degree is available on-campus or entirely online, offering flexibility and affordability. No campus visit is required.

Our students have the flexibility to change the modality of their program from an online to an on campus format. Some students have decided they prefer an in person experience and moved to campus, while vice versa some students find that the online format works better for them.

Elementary Education Leader

Taylor Wright is putting students first with the skills she learned at UND.

Read Taylor's Story
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