Earn your elementary education degree online with unparalleled support from Walden.
Teaching isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Walden’s online bachelor’s degree in elementary education (Licensure) program can prepare you to become a licensed teacher who makes an impact on the lives of students every day. Our highly engaged and experienced faculty will connect with, train, and support you as you build instruction and curriculum design skills.
During this program, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your new skills through our interactive avatar simulations. And throughout your studies, you’ll learn how to support the development of your students’ social-emotional and academic skills.
A bachelor’s in elementary education prepares you to become an elementary school teacher in both public and private school settings.
Valuable Connections
Our faculty, Student Success Advisors, Field Experience Coordinators, and Certification Officers offer the support you need.
Virtual Field Experiences.
Develop new skills by observing veteran elementary school teachers at work and taking part in practice simulations.
A Holistic Perspective.
Learn to help students grow by working with parents, connecting with families and communities, and collaborating with colleagues.
Program Details
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
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181 quarter credits (35 courses) (1 semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits)
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General education courses (56 cr.)
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Lower level courses (5 cr.)
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Professional core courses (60 cr.)
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Elective courses (50 cr.)
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Demonstration teaching (10 cr.)
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View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN
Students may be eligible to transfer up to 105 credits. At least 66 credits must be completed at Walden.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-765-7831.
Admission Requirements
Admission is considered for adult students who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:
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You are 21 years of age or older.
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You are less than 21 years of age with at least 12 quarter credits.
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You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
More information for international applicants.
The progress you make now pays you back. Receive five tuition-free credits for every three paid five-credit courses you successfully complete. In addition, you’ll receive a $1,500 tuition grant.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 181 quarter credit hours | ||
| Program Fee | Per quarter | ||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
||
| Curriculum Component | Cost | ||
| Tuition | Non-field experience courses: $333 per quarter hour | ||
| Field experience courses: $205 per credit | |||
| Total Tuition | |||
| Program Fee | $170 | ||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
||
| Curriculum Component | Amount | ||
| Tuition | $45,288 | ||
| $9,225 | |||
| $54,513 | |||
| Program Fee | $2,720 | ||
| $57,233** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$16,818 $40,415* |
||
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 181 quarter credit hours | Non-field experience courses: $333 per quarter hour | $45,288 |
| Field experience courses: $205 per credit | $9,225 | ||
| Total Tuition | $54,513 | ||
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $2,720 |
| $57,233** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$16,818 $40,415* |
||
Effective February 26, 2024
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 136 quarter credit hours | Non-field experience courses: $340 per quarter hour | $46,240 |
| 45 quarter credit hours | Field experience courses: $210 per credit | $9,450 | |
| Total Tuition | $55,690 | ||
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $2,800 |
| $58,490** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$17,640 $40,850* |
||
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 115 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Transfer credit total includes reduction in program fee as related to reduced number of courses over time.
Program Outcomes
Build Skills for Licensure and a New Career
Our online bachelor’s in elementary education program will help build your confidence in your teaching skills. To help you prepare for licensure exams, we offer access to our complimentary self-paced test-preparation course, based on game theory. In addition, Walden will pay for your edTPA—a nationally used performance assessment that measures the skills you need as a new teacher.
Career Outlook
As current educators retire, the need for qualified, licensed elementary school teachers is on the rise across the nation.1 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of elementary school teachers (excluding special education) is expected to grow by 4% through 2029.2
The median annual salary in May 2019 for elementary school teachers was $59,670. However, the salary range typically falls between $37,420 and $90,180.2 Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
A BS in Elementary Education can prepare you to pursue career options such as:
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Elementary school teacher
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
A BS in Elementary Education can prepare you to work in settings such as:
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Public elementary schools
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Private elementary schools
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of Walden’s online BS in Elementary Education program will be prepared to:
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Demonstrate content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy appropriate to elementary education.
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Demonstrate the skills and dispositions of a professional educator.
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Promote K–6 children’s development and learning across content areas through the design and implementation of engaging, differentiated learning experiences that support children’s development and learning across all domains.
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Use data to assess student growth to make informed instructional decisions that build on the strengths and meet the needs of individual children.
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Practice cultural responsiveness to build positive trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues and to create supportive learning environments for all.
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Use technology appropriately, resourcefully, and innovatively to personalize and improve teaching and learning.
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Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with children, families, colleagues, and communities to improve outcomes for every child and effect positive social change.
Meet Your Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Academic Team
Meet Your Academic Team
Testimonials
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FAQ About Walden’s Online BS in Elementary Education
What is CAEP accreditation?
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is a recognized national accreditor for educator preparation and aims to promote excellence through quality assurance and continuous assessment and improvement. The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences is accredited by CAEP for a period of seven years, from April 2019 through June 2026. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs—including the BS in Elementary Education program. The Riley College of Education and Human Sciences earned CAEP accreditation by meeting rigorous national standards and demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
What’s the best way to get your degree in elementary education?
While earning an education degree can be done online or in person at a nearby college, many people are choosing to learn online because of its convenience. When you earn a BS in Elementary Education online, you complete your courses right from home or anywhere else you have internet access. Plus, in some online bachelor’s programs, you can attend class at whatever time of day you want, giving you a lot more control over your daily schedule.
What is the definition of elementary education?
The U.S. Department of Education divides its statistics between pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (grouping those as “elementary school”) and ninth grade through 12th grade (grouping those as “secondary school”). However, most school districts consider kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade to be elementary school and most educational literature and teaching strategies define elementary education within that same K–6 range. In other words, while the statistics for elementary education include middle school, those in the profession use a more selective categorization.
Why is elementary education important?
Elementary school is a vital step in preparing children for a lifetime of learning. It’s where most children learn to read, where they learn the fundamental concepts of science and mathematics, and where they gain a basic understanding of the world and its history. Without these critical building blocks, all other learning would be difficult, if not impossible. In fact, studies have shown that early learning can actually increase a student’s lifelong earning potential. In other words, the quality of education a child receives in elementary school can affect his or her entire life.
What courses might you take in an elementary education program?
To become an elementary education teacher, a student can expect to take the following courses:
- Child Development
- Community Building for Effective Classroom Management
- Literacy K–6: Instruction and Assessment
- Mathematics K–6: Instruction and Assessment
- Science K–6: Instruction and Assessment
- Demonstration Teaching/Seminar
Do all education programs prepare you for teacher certification?
While most education degree programs include coursework on teaching strategies, they don’t all prepare you for teacher certification. If you intend to pursue a job as classroom teacher at any level, you’ll need a state-approved teacher preparation program that readies you for the important step of certification.1 While teacher licensure requirements vary by state, most require you to pass one or more skills tests and undergo a background check. Some states may require specific coursework in subjects ranging from history to multiculturalism.
1Source: www.teach.org/becoming-teacher/teaching-certification
DISCLOSURES
1 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Career Outlook. “How Many Teachers are Leaving.” National job growth estimates may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee job growth, and are subject to change.
2 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Job Outlook, Pay. National job growth and salary estimates may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee job growth or salaries, and are subject to change.
3Source: Walden University Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA), as of December 31, 2019.
Accreditation
Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through June 2026. This accreditation covers specific Walden initial teacher and advanced educator preparation programs, including the BS in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Special Education specialization, MS in Education – Educational Leadership and Administration specialization, and EdS in Educational Leadership and Administration. The MAT-SPED, MSED-ELA, and EdS-ELA programs were reviewed by Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs), which define content-area standards for programs, and achieved national recognition.
CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Walden’s College of Education and Leadership has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement. CAEP is a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) – recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
Licensure
Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to offer a program leading to a Minnesota Tier 3 license in Elementary Education. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota are responsible for completing all Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program, including passing the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.
Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Minnesota may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in this program. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.