Program Overview

Elementary Education - BS, BA

The Elementary Education program at Utah State University is designed to prepare students to receive a Professional License from the Utah State Board of Education to teach in grades K-6. This program is unique in that students have the opportunity to be in the classroom starting their first year, rather than waiting until their junior year, which is typical at other universities. By the time students graduate, they will have spent more than 400 hours in the classroom or working with children through a variety of field experiences.

About This Degree

The Elementary Education program for teacher preparation is called the Bridge to Professional Practice (BPP). Based on the metaphor of a suspension bridge, BPP is secured at each end with anchors that provide a solid starting point and destination, bridging the student into the world of the professional educator. For example, as part of their undergraduate program, students will have the opportunity to begin endorsement programs typically reserved for graduate students.

Program Details

• The major in elementary education is particularly well suited to students transferring with an associate's degree because the curriculum is designed so students can easily transition into the program and finish in a timely manner.
• Given the shortage of teachers in the nation, as well as demands for high-quality teachers, and reflecting the multiple routes to licensure approved by the Utah State Board of Education, the School of Teacher Education and Leadership provides two different lanes by which a student may procure teacher licensure; the Licensure Lane and the General Studies Lane.
• Students receive their lane designation through an application filed upon completion of a 12-credit Preparation Anchor.
• Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

At a Glance

• College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services
• Department: School of Teacher Education and Leadership
• USU Locations:
  • Logan campus
  • Statewide campuses

Program Requirements

• Elementary Education - BA, BS

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Students completing a major in elementary education are recommended by the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services to receive a Professional License in Elementary Education from the Utah State Board of Education. This license permits the student to teach in grades K-6. Students who add a Middle School Math Endorsement may also be hired to teach math up through 8th grade.

Job Outlook

No specific job outlook information is provided.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University's admissions requirements, the elementary education program has additional requirements:

• First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the pre-major.
• Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors need a 3.00 total GPA for admission to this major.
• Teacher Education Program Requirements: In order to become an elementary education major, students must receive Licensure Lane Designation, which includes the following:
  • Completion of 30 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Complete certain core courses with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (see department for more information)
  • Pass a criminal background check (this should be done one semester before applying)
  • Pass at least two sections of Praxis II elementary education multiple subjects exam (this should be done at least one semester prior to applying)
  • Complete a dispositions assessment as part of ELED 3000.
• International students have additional admissions requirements.

USU Locations

The degree is available at various USU locations, including:

• Beaver
• Blanding
• Brigham City
• Delta
• Ephraim
• Kanab
• Moab
• Montezuma Creek
• Monticello
• Monument Valley
• Nephi
• Price (USU Eastern)
• Roosevelt (Uintah Basin)
• Salt Lake
• Tooele
• Tremonton
• Vernal (Uintah Basin)
• Wendover

Related Programs

Other programs that may be of interest include:

• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education and Special Education (Composite)
• Elementary Education and Special Education (Composite)
• Secondary Education