Elementary Education (BS) Program Overview
If you dream of becoming an elementary school teacher, earning your elementary education degree at Bluefield University is the first step. Our School of Education nurtures servant leaders in a Christ-centered environment that prepares you for the classroom in two ways. You’ll study the four primary subjects taught in elementary schools: English, math, science, and social studies. You’ll also study pedagogy (learning best practices) for delivering those lessons in creative, engaging ways.
Personalized Attention
Like all BU students, you’ll receive personalized attention from teachers who are experts in their field and the art of teaching. As Kelly Walker, 2019 graduate in elementary education and fifth-grade teacher, says, “The Bluefield University Education Department played a big role in who I am today. The professors cared for each student and helped us all reach our full potential. The class size was always small, so we became like a family. Everyone in the Education Department deserves a round of applause.”
When you earn an elementary education degree from BU, you’ll be ready for licensure testing and a fulfilling career teaching grades PreK – 6. Take the first step toward becoming an elementary school teacher by completing the information request form today and scheduling a visit to Bluefield.
The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.
The Teacher Education Handbook is the guide to all of the policies and procedures for students entering the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
The Student Teaching Handbook is the primary resource for all students in the culminating experience of the Teacher Education Program (TEP).
Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: May 2024 (Online)
Next Start: August 2024 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years
Courses & Requirements
General Education (53 Credits)
General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors
- Invitation to Inquiry
- Character Formation
- Civic & Global Response
- Personal Wellness & Activity
- Intro to the Writing Process (3 Credits)
- Argumentative & Analytical Writing (3 Credits)
- Biblical Perspectives (3 Credits)
- World Civilizations I & II (6 Credits)
- 2000 Level Literature Course (3 Credits)
- Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
- College Algebra I & II (3 Credits)
- Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
- Introduction to Sociology (3 Credits)
- Fine Arts (3 Credits)
- Fundamentals of Speech (3 Credits)
- General Biology & Lab (4 Credits)
- Intro to the Physical Sciences & Lab (4 Credits)
Core Requirements (37-38 Credits)
- English (12 Credits)
- Modern English Grammar
- History of the English Language
- Literature of Children & Adolescents
- Regional & Ethnic Literature
- History/Social Science (12 Credits)
- United States History I OR II
- History of Virginia
- (Choose 1)
- American Government & Politics
- State & Local Government
- History of American Government & Politics
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Mathematics (6 Credits)
- Mathematics of Finance
- Intro to Statistics
- Science (8 Credits)
- General Chemistry OR Chemistry & Culture
- Human Biology & Lab OR Human Anatomy & Physiology & Lab
Professional Education (23 Credits)
- Human Growth & Development for Educators
- Intro to Instructional Media & Technology
- Foundations of Education
- Reading & Language Arts
- Diagnostic & Remedial Reading
- Intro to the Exceptional Child
- Methods in Teaching PreK-6 Mathematics
- Teaching Science & Social Studies PreK-6
Field Experiences (15 Credits)
- Dynamic Learning Environments
- (Must be taken prior to Student Teaching)
- Student Teaching
- (Taken in the final semester)
Required Testing (3 Tests)
- Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment
- Reading for Virginia Educators: Elementary & Special Education
- PRAXIS II Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (Reading & Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science)