BA in Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education prepares students to teach children in grades kindergarten through six. The program is designed to: Provide courses and field-based learning experiences which enable students to develop the skills and competencies required to effectively meet the educational needs of children in a multiethnic urban environment; to manage a performance-based, behaviorally-oriented learning environment in the elementary grades; and to prepare students for advanced study leading to careers as specialists in education for children

The program emphasizes multifaceted curriculum approaches designed to help students function in a school environment which provides behaviorally-oriented learning experiences, as well as standards-based curriculum designs. Additionally, elementary education majors are exposed to opportunities to understand and become empowered to actively participate in innovative and creative approaches to teaching and curriculum reforms.

The scope of the program is also intended to prepare students for advanced study and education-related careers in educational technology, computer-assisted instruction, and research. Culminating with student teaching in lower and upper elementary school grades, this reflective process is organized sequentially as outlined below.

This program enables students to fulfill teacher certification and other professional requirements in the field of elementary education. The curriculum is designed to be completed in four years with full time enrollment in 15-18 credits each semester. Students may, however, elect to attend on a part-time basis. The minimum number of credits required to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education is 126 semester hours.

Accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Transfer of Credit: Students may transfer credits earned from other institutions at the time in which they apply for admission into the University.

Program of Study: The program consists of a minimum of 124 semester hours, including University and college-wide requirements, Department of Education core courses, Elementary Education concentration courses, and electives.

Program Admission Requirements: Students must meet specific criteria to be accepted into the elementary education teacher education program.

Student Organizations: Students may join the Elementary Education Club, Student National Education Association (SNEA), Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Society.

Alumni: Graduates of the program are currently working in public and private schools as teachers of elementary education. Graduates who have earned advanced degrees are working as counselors or school administrators.

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 126

Core Courses (15 Credit Hours)

Additional Required Courses (51 Credit Hours)

Suggested Electives (3 Credit Hours)

Comments and Other Required Courses:
Students enrolled in the bachelor's degree program in Elementary Education should consult with their academic advisor to determine other specific University courses required for this major. Students must also take and pass Voice and Articulation, one year of Spanish, and History of the District of Columbia.

Note: Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all required education courses, except student teaching, which requires a grade of "B" or better.