Elementary Education (BS)

Get an in-depth look at Elementary Education

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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

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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.
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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. 

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

Please visit the Educator Preparation Program page and read items listed under "Admission Requirement Details" for more in-depth information regarding admission requirements for this program.

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. 

Click on a course name (ex. "EDTP 249") in the degree requirements or track requirements for further information about courses. Information includes class description, prerequisites (if any), terms offered, among other information.

TEACH Grant

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides up to $4,000 per year to those who intend to teach in a public or private school that serves students from low-income families. Teachers must be certified in a high-need field. (Amount is pro-rated based on part-time or full-time status up to a maximum of $8,000 for graduate students.) 

Applicants must complete the FAFSA (although financial need is not required) and be admitted to the professional portion of the teacher certification program. Applicants must score above the 75th percentile on a college admission test or maintain a cumulative gpa of 3.25 for eligibility. 

Recipients must teach for a minimum of four years within eight calendar years of completing the teacher certification program. Those who fail to complete the service obligation must re-pay the loan, with interest charged form the first date of disbursement.

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