Elementary Education, B.S.E.

On-Campus w/Online Courses

Program Available

Bachelor's

Program Type

Total Credits

120

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Study Elementary Education?

Earning a degree in elementary education prepares future teachers to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in young children. Park University’s elementary education degree program combines educational theory, classroom management, and hands-on experience to equip teacher candidates for success in 1st through 6th grade classrooms. With a focus on Project Lead the Way and preparation for Missouri state certification, graduates are ready to meet educational standards and begin their teaching careers confidently. This comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education program ensures candidates can create inclusive and engaging learning environments that support every child’s growth.

What You’ll Learn

  • The elementary education program will equip you with effective instructional strategies and techniques for elementary-level education through an integrated curriculum that focuses on science and social studies, incorporating hands-on, inquiry-based learning and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) experiences.
  • You will develop an understanding of key psychological theories related to the emotional, social, moral, cognitive and physical aspects of early childhood education and development. Emphasis is placed on understanding developmental changes across the lifespan, applying this knowledge to support the teaching and learning of diverse student populations, and recognizing the similarities and differences among age groups, as well as the unique needs at each stage of development.
  • The bachelor’s degree in elementary education provides a foundation in children’s oral and written language and literacy development grounded in theory, current research, and linguistic systems of the English language, including phonology, grapheme-phoneme correspondences, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. You will also develop professional writing skills essential for educators, focusing on key language arts competencies such as reflection, analysis, persuasion, and procedural writing, which are critical for effective teaching practice.
  • You will explore equity and justice in education, focusing on how identity factors and cultural and linguistic diversity impact K–12 learning, as well as second language acquisition, dialects, and strategies for supporting English language learners (ELLs) and culturally diverse students. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive teaching, challenging stereotypes, and implementing effective, inclusive instruction.
  • In the elementary education degree program, you will learn how to use technology and other resources to integrate the arts into your daily lesson plans and explore best practices for planning and delivering mathematics instruction from pre-primary through grade 6.

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Amy Wolf

Dr. Amy Wolf


Associate Professor of Education
amy.wolf@park.edu

Dong Choi

Dr. Donna (Dong) Choi


Professor of Early Childhood Education
dong.choi@park.edu

Brant Winn

Dr. Brant Winn


Assistant Professor
brant.winn@park.edu

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

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Admission Requirements

Ready to take the next step in your education? Park University welcomes applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who meet our undergraduate admission standards. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, including coursework tailored to your major and core academic skills. To graduate, you’ll need to maintain a 2.0 GPA in your major and complete at least 30 credit hours at Park to meet the residency requirements, 15 of which must be earned in the major core. Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

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Elementary Education Career & Future Opportunities

Elementary School Teacher

Elementary teachers plan and deliver lessons in subjects like reading, math, and science, while also supporting students’ social development and individual learning needs. They assess student progress, communicate with families, manage classroom behavior, and supervise students in and out of the classroom.

Reading or Literacy Specialist

A reading or literacy specialist helps students improve their literacy skills. They work with students who may struggle with reading and learning, providing individualized or small-group instruction to help students learn to sound out words, improve reading comprehension, and provide techniques for reading and writing with dyslexia.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators oversee school curricula and ensure adherence to teaching standards. They develop educational materials, implement them with teachers and principals, and assess their effectiveness.

Childcare Worker

Childcare workers attend to children’s needs while helping to foster early development. They may help younger children prepare for kindergarten or assist older children with homework.

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*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: B.S.E. Elementary Education

With a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, you’ll be qualified to teach core subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies in elementary classrooms, typically from first through sixth grade. The program also prepares you to support diverse learners and integrate foundational pedagogy across multiple content areas.

The curriculum includes coursework in child development, early literacy, and instructional strategies tailored to young learners. You’ll gain the skills to create engaging, age-appropriate lessons that support the academic and social-emotional growth of students in early childhood and elementary grades.

Yes, the program includes a full semester of student teaching in an accredited elementary school. This immersive experience allows you to apply instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and assessment methods under the guidance of a certified mentor teacher.

Yes, the program is offered through a regionally accredited institution and is designed to meet state licensure requirements for elementary educators. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for certification to teach in public and private elementary schools.

Related programs

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Class Start Dates: Term Dates

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.