Elementary Education, BA (ELED.BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree is designed to prepare students for careers as elementary and middle school educators. This comprehensive program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to teach and support diverse student populations. With a blend of theory and hands-on classroom experience, this degree fosters the development of effective, culturally responsive, and innovative teaching practices.

Throughout the program, students will engage in in-depth coursework in core subjects, including language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, while also studying child development, classroom management, educational psychology, and inclusive education practices. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of technology, differentiated instruction, and strategies for meeting the needs of all learners, including those with special needs.

Students will gain valuable field experience through structured internships and student teaching placements in local schools, providing real-world opportunities to apply their knowledge and hone their teaching skills under the mentorship of experienced educators.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for state certification and will have the skills to make a meaningful impact in classrooms and communities.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

Utilize diverse instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. (1, 2, 4)
Apply child development and educational psychology theories the design developmentally appropriate instruction. (1, 3, 4)
Utilize classroom management techniques to promote student engagement and success. (2, 3, 4, 5)
Design and implement evidence-based lessons aligned to national/state standards. (1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Communicate with stakeholders to support student learning. (2, 4)
Employ professional standards, laws and ethical guidelines for governing the practice of teaching. (4, 5)
Analyze instructional effectiveness to improve student learning outcomes. (2, 3, 5)
Utilize technology effectively to enhance teaching and learning.(6)
Utilize evidence-based methods and tools for assessment design and analysis. (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Recommended Program Pathway

NOTE: Courses with an asterik (*) indicates the course is a program requirement.

First Semester: 13 credits

ENG 101 - English Composition I Credits: 3 *
POS 120 - American National Government Credits: 3 *
MUS 101 - Appreciation and Literature of Music Credits: 3
BIO 100 - Biology Concepts with Lab Credits: 4
Notes:
- Build an academic plan and become familiar with degree requirements in the catalog.
- Confirm financial aid, billing status, and important deadlines.
- Learn about academic supports such as tutoring, coaching, library resources, and learning communities.

Second Semester: 12 credits

ENG 102 - English Composition II Credits: 3 *
MAT 142 - College Mathematics Credits: 3
EDU 205 - Introduction to Education Credits: 3 *
COM 151 - Public Speaking Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Review course progress and general education completion.
- Use academic success resources to strengthen study strategies and time management.
- Check your progress and adjust your academic plan as needed.

Third Semester: 6 credits

EDU 222 - The Exceptional Student Credits: 3 *
PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Check degree progress and confirm you meet program requirements.
- Maintain awareness of program-specific deadlines, applications, or prerequisites.
- Meet with your advisor to discuss continued progression in the major.

Fourth Semester: 14 credits

ENV 101 - Environmental Science with Lab Credits: 4
SPA 101 - Elementary Spanish I Credits: 4
MAT 160 - Math for Elementary Teachers I Credits: 3 *
EDU 200 - Children’s Literature Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Confirm lower-division coursework is on track for completion.
- Explore service learning, fieldwork, or applied learning opportunities related to your field.
- Review academic and financial planning for upcoming upper-division coursework.

Fifth Semester: 14 credits

MAT 161 - Math for Elementary Teachers II Credits: 3 *
PHI 205 - Comparative World Religions Credits: 3
EDU 214 - Cultural Diversity in Education Credits: 3 *
PSY 245 - Lifespan Development Credits: 3 *
POS 100 - Arizona Constitution and Government Credits: 1 *
EDU 306 - Supervised Practicum I Credits: 1 *
Notes:
- Seek leadership, research, or applied learning opportunities in your program area.
- Update your resume and begin outlining long-term academic or career goals.
- Review financial aid status and plan for future semesters.

Sixth Semester: 6 credits

EDU 270 - Classroom Management Credits: 3 *
EDU 260 - Building Reading Literacy through Word Study, Comprehension Strategies, and Phonics Skills Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Review progress toward upper-division requirements and remaining coursework.
- Refine application materials such as resumes, personal statements, or portfolios.
- Learn about upcoming practicum, internship, or field experience expectations.

Seventh Semester: 13 credits

EDU 303 - Child and Adolescent Learning and Development Credits: 3 *
EDU 307 - Supervised Practicum II Credits: 1 *
EDU 315 - Brain Based Learning Credits: 3 *
EDU 483 - Elementary Science Methods Credits: 3 *
EDU 485 - Elementary Math Methods Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Track important program deadlines and required approvals.

Eighth Semester: 13 credits

EDU 308 - Supervised Practicum III Credits: 1 *
EDU 312 - Creative Foundations: Methods for Teaching Fine Arts in the K-8 Classroom Credits: 3 *
EDU 345 - Empowering Diverse Learners Through Differentiation Credits: 3 *
EDU 435 - Literacy in Elementary I Credits: 3 *
EDU 487 - Elementary Social Studies Methods Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Explore post-graduation options such as employment, certification, or graduate study.
- Review financial aid status and remaining degree requirements.

Ninth Semester: 6 credits

EDU 340 - Structured English Immersion Credits: 3 *
EDU 438 - Literacy in Elementary II Credits: 3 *
Notes:
- Review degree progress to ensure all requirements are scheduled.
- Prepare for transition to capstone, internship, or student teaching experiences.
- Confirm timelines for graduation and program completion.

Tenth Semester: 12 credits

EDU 360 - Assessment Strategies for K-8 Education Credits: 3 *
EDU 380 - The Psychology of Learning: Insights for Teaching and Instruction Credits: 3 *
EDU 496 - Student Teaching and Seminar I Credits: 6 *
Notes:
- Complete a final degree progress review with your advisor.
- Prepare application materials for employment, graduate school, or professional programs.
- Track graduation-related deadlines, forms, and financial obligations.

Eleventh Semester: 12 credits

EDU 310 - Engaging Learners Through Storytelling Credits: 3 *
EDU 320 - Integrating Technology in Education: Tools, Strategies, and Best Practices Credits: 3 *
EDU 497 - Student Teaching and Seminar II Credits: 6 *
Notes:
- Submit the graduation application and verify completion requirements.
- Finish all capstone or senior project components.