Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

The Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Drexel University is designed to prepare students for PK-4 elementary teacher certification or PK-4 and Special Education certification. The program is fully online and can be completed in 2-4 years.

Program Overview

The program consists of 180 quarter credits and is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. Students can transfer up to 90 quarter credits from any regionally accredited institution of higher learning. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and coursework corresponds to state certification preparation standards.

Specializations

The program offers two specializations:

PK-4 Specialization: This specialization covers required competencies such as child development, language development, early literacy and math foundations, early intervention, integration of the arts for the developing child, and family and community partnerships.
PK-4 and Special Education Specialization: This specialization covers required competencies such as understanding the complexities of the disabled learner's needs, modifying a curriculum, providing remedial instruction, using technology to address the learner's needs, and managing instruction for students with special needs in the inclusive classroom.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes general education/content requirements, pedagogy requirements, and student teaching experience. Some of the courses include:

BIO 100: Applied Cells, Genetics & Physiology
BIO 101: Applied Biological Diversity, Ecology & Evolution
CHEM 111: General Chemistry I
COM 111: Principles of Communication
EDEX 142: Special Education Foundations: Referral and Assessment
EDEX 344: Inclusive Practices
EDEX 368: Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12
EDUC 101: Foundations in Education I: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective
EDUC 205: Sophomore Pedagogy Seminar
EDUC 306: Assessment of Young Children I
EDUC 308: Creating a Positive Classroom Climate
EDUC 409: Teaching Practicum
EDUC 410: Student Teaching

Admissions Criteria

The admissions criteria for the program include:

Transfer students: A minimum of 24 previous college semester credits from a regionally accredited institution, with a grade of C or better in content courses, or a grade of B or better in core pedagogy.
First-year students: Between 0 – 23 previous college semester credits from a regionally accredited institution, high school diploma or GED.
Non-matriculated option: Students can take courses without being enrolled in a degree-granting program.

Required Documents

The required documents for admission include:

Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended.
Personal essay (for first-year students).
Additional requirements for international students.

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $488 per credit, which is a 52% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1015 per credit. The program is eligible for financial aid, and special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of partner organizations.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The classes begin and end dates, as well as the exam dates, are specified for each term.

Quarter to Semester Converter

A quarter to semester converter is available to help students convert their credits.

What is a Bachelor's in Elementary Education?

A bachelor's in elementary education is an undergraduate degree program that can lead to a future as a teacher or education professional for grades PreK-4. It prepares students for state teaching certification, though many who wish to work in education in a non-teaching capacity often earn the degree as well.

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Program Features

The program features include:

A 180 quarter credit, part-time degree program.
The option to transfer up to 90 quarter credits from any regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
A program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and coursework that corresponds to state certification preparation standards.
The option to add coursework to prepare for Special Education Certification.
Drexel's Field Placement Office is dedicated to securing all field experiences.
Graduates have access to two years of post-program support, including classroom-based coaching, professional development and networking programs, and notifications of job openings.

Field Experience Rooted In Real-World Teaching

The program seamlessly integrates meaningful field experiences with coursework. Through a four-stage model, students gain hands-on experience that meets all PA Department of Education requirements for student teaching.

Undergraduate Experience

The program provides students with a personalized plan of study, consisting of courses that teach the skills and knowledge to effectively lead an elementary-level classroom, work with pedagogical technology, and enhance creative problem-solving skills.

CAEP Accredited Provider

The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Drexel University School of Education educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.

What are the Requirements for a BS in Elementary Education?

The requirements for a BS in Elementary Education include:

A completed application.
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended.
Personal essay (for first-year students).
Additional requirements for international students.

What Can I Do with My Elementary Education Degree?

The degree can lead to various career opportunities, including:

Curriculum design.
Positions in non-profit organizations.
School administration.
School counselors.
School librarians.

State Certification for Pennsylvania Elementary Education (PK-4)

The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education under its rigorous guidelines for teacher certification preparation programs. Students who complete the program are recommended for Pennsylvania elementary education (PK-4) certification.

Student Teaching Requirements for Drexel's Elementary Education Degree

Teacher certification requires 12 consecutive weeks of full-day student teaching and an additional 190 hours of in-school pre-student teaching activities, which are embedded into pedagogy courses throughout the program.

Non-Certification Option

Drexel also offers an online BS In Education: Non-Certification for those not planning to pursue PreK-4 teaching positions, who are not required to complete the student teaching placement and alternate pedagogy courses are substituted for student teaching.

BS in Elementary Education Salary Expectations

The salary expectations for graduates of the program vary based on the exact position and location. However, some common salaries and job titles include:

Coach: $32,270.
Elementary school teacher: $56,900.
Special education teacher: $58,980.
Social and community service manager: $64,100.
Training and development specialist: $60,360.

BS in Elementary Education Program FAQs

Some frequently asked questions about the program include:

Can you become a teacher with an online degree? Yes, you can become a teacher with an online degree.
Do I need to have my teaching certificate to apply to this program? No, you do not need to have your teaching certificate before applying to this program.
Are there any on-campus requirements for this program? There are no on-campus requirements for this elementary education degree. However, you will have to complete a student teaching experience, which may take place in person.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

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