Program Overview

Elementary Education (B.S.)

The Elementary Education program prepares graduates to teach students in the elementary grades, including kindergarten through eighth grade, in order to promote their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Program content includes the theory and practice of working with children and their families and communities.

Program Overview

Elementary educators set the stage for lifelong learning. This important responsibility demands an understanding of modern teaching methods and child development, as well as a broad knowledge in multiple subjects from literacy, mathematics, and science to the arts, health, and physical education.

Career Opportunities

Explore possible career opportunities with this degree:

• Teacher
• Paraprofessional
• Youth development specialist
• Youth mentor
• Director of child care

Internship Opportunities

We have provided the following internship opportunities:

• Preschools public and private
• Elementary schools public and private
• Child care centers
• Head Start and Early Head Start
• Boys and Girls Clubs

Clubs & Organizations

We offer the following extracurricular clubs to participate in:

• Association for the Education of Young Children East Central Student Chapter
• South Dakota Education Association Student Chapter

Suggested Certificates, Dual Majors & Minors

Suggested Certificates

• Public Service Certificate (Undergraduate)
• Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate (Undergraduate)
• Basic Spanish Language Proficiency Certificate (Undergraduate)
• American Civic Traditions Certificate (Undergraduate)
• Basic Oceti Sakowin Language Certificate (Undergraduate)

Suggested Minors

• Spanish Minor
• German Minor
• French Studies Minor
• Early Childhood Education Minor

Suggested Dual Majors

• Special Education (B.S.)

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy working with youths.
• Are interested in studying and teaching in a specific subject area.
• Are a patient, positive, creative, energetic person.
• Have strong communication skills.
• Are willing to work hard to overcome challenges.

Student Teaching Experience

Students complete a student teaching experience at a selected public school.