Elementary Education Degree Online

What is Elementary Education?

An Elementary Education degree program prepares students to serve as teachers for grades Kindergarten through the 8th grade. It is a liberal arts major that includes courses on how to teach in all the major subject areas. Many schools recommend that students choose a particular subject to specialize in.

Is Elementary Education a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Do you love children? Are you a lifelong learner? Are you patient? Do you like working around lots of people? Do you enjoy lots of noise and activity? Do you enjoy arts and crafts? Can you see yourself keeping up with all those kids during recess duty? Can you see yourself as a teacher? If you’ve answered yes to some of these questions, then a degree in Elementary Education might just be for you!

High School Classes Needed for an Elementary Education Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 3 Lab Science Credits (Including Biology)
• 3 Social Studies Credits
• At least 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP Psychology
  • AP English Language
  • AP English Literature
  • Art Classes
  • Computer Classes
• If your high school offers the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage!
  • Student Government
  • Theatre / Drama
  • Athletics
  • Literacy Team

Common Elementary Education Courses in College:

• Assessment
• Classroom Management
• Curriculum Design
• Educational Psychology
• Foundations of Education
• Special Education in the Regular Classroom
• Reading Fundamentals
• Teaching Elementary School Language Arts
• Teaching Elementary School Math
• Teaching Elementary School Science
• Teaching Elementary Social Studies
• Teaching with Technology
• Most schools also require a practicum, which gives students the opportunity to teach in local schools.

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Art Education: a major that combines an art program with an education program and prepares individuals for careers as art teachers
• Early Childhood Education: a course of study that prepares students to serve as educators for children from birth through 3rd grade
• Liberal Arts & Sciences: an introductory study of literature, languages, philosophy, history, mathematics, and sciences
• Middle School Education: a course of study that prepares an individual to teach 5th through 8th grade
• Physical Education: a course of study that prepares individuals to become Phys. Ed. teachers
• Special Education: a course of study that prepares individuals to educate students with disabilities
• Youth Ministries: a course of study that prepares students to serve and minister to young people

Elementary Education Careers:

Most students who earn degrees in Elementary Education go on to become elementary school teachers. However, the competition can be tough. Some graduates work as education technicians or substitute teachers until they can find a more permanent position. Being fluent in a second language can be a huge advantage when job hunting.

Many Elementary Education graduates go on to graduate school, often for administrative training, or specialization in an area such as literacy or behavior management.

It is worth noting that some states require additional testing before certification is possible. An Elementary Education degree doesn’t necessarily earn you a teaching certificate.