Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Do you have a passion for teaching and enjoy working with young children? Study elementary education at a university that has set itself up as one of the leading producers of teachers in the region.

As an elementary education major at SBU, you will become certified to teach in elementary school settings (grades 1-6 in Missouri). Coursework and experiences in local school settings will prepare you to meet the needs of young students while being aware of their growth and development.

You can choose to further your career potential by taking additional coursework in early childhood education or a middle school content area or taking elective courses in other areas of interest such as English as a Second Language (ESL), intercultural studies, Christian ministry, psychology.

The SBU Advantage

• 100% of SBU's elementary education teacher candidates passed the Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment (MoPTA) completed during student teaching.
• All elementary education majors at SBU are enrolled in "Junior Block" during their junior years, which provides a tight link between methods classes and extensive field experiences.
• Engage in field experience opportunities as early as your freshman year and culminating with your student teaching experience your senior year.
• Learn from faculty who are experts in their field and come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including public school, private school, and homeschool.
• Faculty are dedicated to helping you succeed and will work with you one-on-one to develop your resume, network for jobs, and pursue teaching certification in other states.

Elementary Education (with Early Childhood Focus) Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

• BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
• MAT 1143 College Algebra 3
• ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
• CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
• EDU 2113 Educational Psychology 3
• UNI 1111 University Seminar 1

Total hours 16

Spring Semester

• BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
• MAT 2393 Geometry, Data & Probability for Elementary and Middle School Teachers 3
• ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
• EDU 2313 Foundations of Education 3
• GEO 1103 Geography 3
• UNI 1121 Introduction to Critical Thinking 1

Total hours 16

Sophomore

Fall Semester

• BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
• POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
• EDU 2353 Children’s Literature 3
• EDU 2283 Teaching Number Theory 3
• EDU 2332 Teaching the Young Child 2
• EDU 2381/91 Practicum 1

Total hours 16

Spring Semester

• PHS 2005 Physical Science Elem/Middle Teachers 5
• HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
• EDU 2343 Emergent Literacy 3
• EDU 2823 Technology for Educators 3
• EDU 2232 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 2
• EDU 2381/91 Practicum 1

Total hours 17

Junior

Fall Semester (Junior Block)

• EDU 3114 Teaching Reading/Language Arts 4
• EDU 3003 Teaching Social Sciences 3
• EDU 3183 Teaching Integrated Science 3
• EDU 3143 Integrating Art, Music, and Movement 3
• EDU 3311 Field Experience Level 2 1
• EDU 3043 Learner Development and the Classroom 3

Total hours 17

Spring Semester (Junior Block)

• EDU 3124 Teaching Reading/Language Arts 4
• EDU 3483 School, Home & Community Collaboration 3
• EDU 3163 Teaching Integrated Math 3
• EDU 3823 Behavior and Classroom Management 3
• EDU 3321 Field Experience Level 2 1
• EDU 2243 Health, Safety and Nutrition 3

Total hours 17

Senior

Fall Semester

• ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
• SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
• FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
• COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
• KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
• EDU 2003 Curriculum, Planning and Assessment 3

Total hours 16

Spring Semester

• EDU 4623 Teaching Diverse Learners 3
• EDU 4929 Student Teaching Elementary School 10
• EDU 4691 Student Teaching Seminar 1

Total hours 14

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.

Employers want our graduates and frequently call to request them. Our education alumni have been hired as:

• Public school teachers
• Private school teachers
• Preschool teachers
• Daycare center administrators and teachers
• International school teachers
• Military base teachers
• Missionaries
• Camp ministry leaders
• Christian camp recruitment leaders
• Children’s ministers

Graduate Schools

An advantage to studying education at SBU is the access to SBU's distinguished masters and doctorate degree programs in education. Many students begin their teaching careers while simultaneously pursuing further education at SBU with one of the following degree programs:

• Master of Science in Education
• Master of Science in Education/Athletic/Activity Administration
• Master of Science in Education/Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Science in Education/Teacher Leadership
• Master of Science in Education/Instructional Technology Leadership
• Master of Science in Educational Administration
• Education Specialist
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership