Elementary Education (BS)
Overview
If you dream of becoming an elementary school teacher, earning your elementary education degree at Bluefield University is the first step. Our School of Education nurtures servant leaders in a Christ-centered environment that prepares you for the classroom in two ways. You’ll study the four primary subjects taught in elementary schools: English, math, science, and social studies. You’ll also study pedagogy (learning best practices) for delivering those lessons in creative, engaging ways.
Personalized Attention
Like all BU students, you’ll receive personalized attention from teachers who are experts in their field and the art of teaching. As Kelly Walker, 2019 graduate in elementary education and fifth-grade teacher, says, “The Bluefield University Education Department played a big role in who I am today. The professors cared for each student and helped us all reach our full potential. The class size was always small, so we became like a family. Everyone in the Education Department deserves a round of applause.”
When you earn an elementary education degree from BU, you’ll be ready for licensure testing and a fulfilling career teaching grades PreK – 6. Take the first step toward becoming an elementary school teacher by completing the information request form today and scheduling a visit to Bluefield.
Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: July 2024 (Online)
Next Start: August 2024 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years
Courses & Competencies
General Education Requirements
- Introduction to the Writing Process
- Fundamentals of Speech
- Biblical Perspectives
- Developing the Christian Mind
- Math/Science* (3 Credits)
- Fine Arts/Humanities* (6 Credits)
- Social/Behavioral Science* (3 Credits)
- Degree Requirements (BA or BS/BSN)* (6 Credits)
- Personal Wellness
- ESS Activity Course* (1 Credit)
- Career Pathways I & II (2 Credits)
- Career Pathways III & IV (2 Credits)
- Career Pathways V & VI (2 Credits)
* Course or requirement includes multiple options. Online offerings may differ.
Core Requirements
- Modern English Grammar
- History of the English Language
- Literature of Children & Adolescents
- Regional & Ethnic Literature
- US History
- History of Virginia
- (Choose 1)
- American Government & Politics
- State & Local Government
- History of American Government & Politics
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Mathematics of Finance
- Intro to Statistics
- Chemistry & Culture
- (Choose 1)
- Human Biology w/ Lab
- Human Anatomy w/ Lab
Professional Requirements
- Human Growth & Development for Educators
- Foundations of Education
- Intro to Instructional Media & Technology
- Reading & Language Arts
- Intro to the Exceptional Child
- Methods in Teaching PreK-6 Mathematics
- Teaching Science & Social Studies PreK-6
- Diagnostic & Remedial Reading
Field Requirements
- Dynamic Learning Environments
- (Must be taken prior to Student Teaching)
- Student Teaching
- (Taken in the final semester)
Required Testing (3 Tests)
- Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment
- Reading for Virginia Educators: Elementary & Special Education
- PRAXIS II Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (Reading & Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science)
For a full breakdown of each course, reference the undergraduate catalog located in Academic Resources.
