Program Overview

Introduction to the Elementary Education Degree Online

The online BS in Elementary Teacher Education degree from Southwest Minnesota State University is designed to provide hands-on classroom experience and innovative teaching skills, empowering students to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners. This program is also offered on campus.

Program Details

• 16-week terms
• Highly skilled faculty
• Approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
• Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Curriculum

The online classes for this PELSB-approved teaching degree explore a variety of subjects taught in elementary schools and help students prepare for teaching licensure in Minnesota. The program requires 7778 credit hours in the major, which includes 25 online classes and a selection of student teaching and lab courses or fieldwork.

Course Highlights

• ED 312: Human Relations for Teachers
• TESL 431: Foundations of Teaching ESL and Lab
• ED 459L: Pre-Student Teaching Experience

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the online bachelor's in elementary teacher education degree, students must meet the following requirements:

• Apply by the specified deadline (e.g., 05/15/26)
• Start class by the specified date (e.g., 05/26/26)
• Submit an online application form
• Pay a $20 application fee (waivable)
• Send official high school transcripts; transfer students must send transcripts from each institution attended
• Meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 (3.0 recommended)
• International students may need to provide additional information and meet specific requirements

Tuition and Aid

The estimated tuition cost for the program is $38,796, which does not include factors such as textbooks, supplies, or additional fees and expenses. Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of financial aid options and scholarships to help make the program affordable.

Tuition Details

• Cost per credit hour: $323.30
• Total credit hours: 120
• Total estimated cost: $38,796
• Military benefits: SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students and accepts the GI Bill and VA education benefits

Career Outlook

Demand remains high for elementary school teachers who can help young learners establish foundations for academic success. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that about 857,000 new teaching jobs will be created every year from 20222032.

Career Opportunities

• Elementary Teacher: $61,690 per year
• Kindergarten Teacher: $60,490 per year

Program Outcomes

By graduation, students will have the credentials to pursue teaching licensure in Minnesota and advance in their education career. The program focuses on educational theory, research, inquiry, critical reflection, and application in pursuit of excellence in a culturally responsive education.

What You'll Learn

• Engage in educational theory, research, inquiry, critical reflection, and application
• Demonstrate real-world experience in diverse classroom settings
• Become a teaching leader through specific offerings from the degree's online classes

Faculty

The faculty at Southwest Minnesota State University are experts in their fields and are fully committed to providing each student with personalized and thoughtful instruction to help them succeed academically and professionally.

Faculty Spotlight

• Dr. Sonya Vierstraete, Chairperson for SMSU's School of Education, teaches and advises undergraduate and graduate students with a focus on elementary education, literacy, and TESL.