Program Overview

The department offers the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) degree with a major in Elementary Education K-6, the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) degree with a major in Special Education K-12 and the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education Dual Licensure. A general description and course requirements of the Elementary Education K-6 major are outlined in section 3.1 while section 3.2 provides the same information on the Special Education K-12 major, and section 3.3 articulates the program details for the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) degree in Elementary Education K-6 with Special Education licensure.

The performance based undergraduate program in elementary education is designed to prepare candidates for positions as teachers in grades K-6. Upon completion of the program, candidates are expected to: (a) understand and apply knowledge related to the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of elementary education; (b) possess knowledge and skills to effectively teach all content areas including literacy/reading, mathematics, science, and social studies; (c) know the way children learn and develop; (d) use knowledge of how children learn and develop to design and implement age appropriate instruction; (e) understand language acquisition, cultural influences on learning, emotional and social development, exceptionalities, diverse student populations, inclusion and equity in classrooms and schools; (f) integrate technology into instruction and learning; (g) use research and developmentally appropriate practices in their teaching; and (h) know the roles and responsibilities of the profession of teaching.

The degree requires the successful completion of 123 hours including: (1) UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated Elementary and Special Education courses. HIST 2301 or 2302, MATH 1360 or 1390, PHYS 1400, PSCI 1330, and EDUC 2330 or SOC 2325 should be selected within the lower-division core because these courses fulfill both UCA Core requirements and program requirements; (2) professional education courses; (3) academic content courses; (4) and related requirements.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Elementary Education enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.

Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program

LD = Lower Division

UD = Upper Division

C = Effective Communication

D = Diversity

I = Critical Inquiry

R = Responsible Living

Z = Capstone Experience