Elementary Education (BS)

Get an in-depth look at Elementary Education

The B.S. in Elementary Education is designed to fulfill the requirements for Kentucky certification grades P-5, which includes Kindergarten. Elementary Education teachers are responsible for teaching a variety of subjects. Therefore, teacher education candidates must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the general areas of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences as well as the Arts and Humanities. Students are admitted into the program after completing the pre-professional phase. Teacher education candidates should read the "How to Apply" section for more information about admission to the professional phase of the program

alert-outline

View the general admission requirements, degree requirements, and concentration requirements for Elementary Education here

Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education In Depth

Please submit the online application at least four weeks prior to the application deadline.

Overview

Fall Admission: February 1st
Spring Admission: September 15th

Teacher education candidates are required to choose one of the tracks below. Completion of one of the content areas (English, French, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies or Spanish) may lead to an additional certification/extension. Dual certification programs in Early Childhood Education or Special Education are also available. View track requirements here

  • Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (B-5) – dual certification with Elementary Education 
  • Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (B - Age 5) - single certification 
  • Individualized Studies - this track allows students to develop with their advisors a 27-hour curriculum plan 
  • Learning and Behavior Disorders (P-12) – dual certification with Elementary Education 
  • Moderate and Severe Disabilities (P-12) – dual certification with Elementary Education 
  • Moderate and Severe Disabilities (P - 12) - single certification 

CEHD Conceptual Framework: The conceptual framework focuses on three guiding principles – inquiry, action, and advocacy – as these are learned in the classroom, applied through habitual and skillful practice, and internalized as a means of solving problems and improving the lives of children, families, and communities. The teacher education program develops teacher education candidates who go on to enhance the lives of others by becoming critical thinkers, problem solvers and professional leaders who advocate for the principles of social justice and equity. 

Accreditation: CEHD teacher education programs are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. 

For information on program accreditation click here

Teacher Candidate Expectation

Teacher education candidates should visit the Educator Preparation Program page and review the expectations listed under the "Review These Teaching Profession Expectations" section.

Careers

Graduates of the B.S. in Elementary Education are eligible to take the PRAXIS II exams for certification in Elementary Education (grades P-5). 

In addition, the program offers options for dual certification in such areas as Learning and Behavior Disorders (grades P-12), Early Childhood Education (Birth-Age 5) and Moderate and Severe Disabilities (grades P-12). 

Special Education Article 

Read this College Board article on being a Special Education teacher which provides a brief insight into being a special education teacher. 

Financial Aid

In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University of Louisville's Financial Aid office, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about financial aid

Other financial aid opportunities available include student employment opportunities

Contact

Questions about the online application should be directed to teacher@louisville.edu