Further your passion for making a positive impact on young learners. Prepare for teacher licensure by earning your BS in Elementary Education online.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
FINISH IN 48 MONTHS*
NEXT START DATE
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
FINISH IN 48 MONTHS*
NEXT START DATE
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Teaching isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Walden’s BS in Elementary Education (Licensure) online program can prepare you to become a licensed teacher who impacts the lives of students every day. Work with engaged, experienced faculty as you build instruction and curriculum design skills and practice what you’ve learned through interactive avatar simulations. Throughout your studies, you’ll also learn how to support the development of your students’ social-emotional and academic skills.
Our faculty, Student Success Advisors, Field Experience Coordinators, and Certification Officers are here to guide and inspire you.
VIRTUAL FIELD EXPERIENCES
Gain valuable practical skills by observing veteran elementary school teachers at work and taking part in practice simulations.
A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE
Learn to help students grow by working with parents, connecting with families and communities, and collaborating with colleagues.
You may be eligible to transfer up to 105 of your previously earned credits, saving you time and money on your degree.
Walden supports you throughout your program with innovative savings (excluding Tempo Learning® format) with our Believe & Achieve Scholarship® and new $1,500 Graduation Award .***
Program Details
Discover what it’s like to earn your BS in Elementary Education online at Walden, from our transfer-of-credit policy to our immersive curriculum.
Walden’s BS in Elementary Education online program starts with exploring children’s social, cognitive, and emotional development. You’ll then focus on building student-centered teaching skills that will make you a more effective educator.
QUARTER CREDITS
TIME TO COMPLETE
In this course, teacher candidates prepare to understand the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual growth and development of children as related to learning and motivation in the elementary classroom. Teacher candidates explore philosophies and theories of child development and make connections between and among the key topics of development, learning and motivation, and social and cultural diversity. Learning environments and resources (including technology) that support the developmental needs of elementary children are identified and analyzed. In addition, teacher candidates explore the importance of family and community connections to support children’s learning; develop strategies for engaging families in the learning process of their children; and consider the role of children’s interests and personal experiences when planning instruction. Teacher candidates identify typical and atypical developmental patterns; analyze effectiveness of instructional strategies; and consider the role of specialists in supporting children's growth and development.
Effective Practices: Planning, Instruction, and AssessmentTo help ensure high levels of learning and achievement for all students, today’s educators must be knowledgeable about learners and learning and well-versed in effective teaching and assessment practices. In this course, education professionals examine the interrelationships between assessment, teaching, and learning as well as effective practices for applying and integrating these critical components in the K–6 classroom. They gain a historical perspective on the standards and accountability movement and examine standards in their state or local setting. They also explore learning theory in the context of today's challenging educational goals and standards. In this course, education professionals learn and apply research-based practices in effective assessment, curriculum design, and instruction. Through on-site experiences and Virtual Field Experiences, they critically analyze and implement teaching and learning principles and practices that help ensure awareness of the individual and collective needs of students. This course requires a 15-hour field experience at a school approved by Walden University.
The Professional EducatorLifelong learning and professionalism are key components of effective teaching. As teacher candidates begin their professional program of study, they review the program requirements including field experience responsibilities and major assessments. Teacher candidates study the dimensions of teacher professionalism through the eyes of social change. After reviewing the code of ethics from a practitioner viewpoint, historical theorists, court cases, and trends in education, candidates focus on what is required to be successful in 21st century schools. This includes an analysis of multiple technological frameworks, and candidates use these frameworks in multiple ways throughout the course. Through readings, voices from the field, virtual field experiences, and reflective experiences, each candidate begins to consider his/her personal philosophy.
Diverse and Exceptional Learners in the Elementary ClassroomThe dynamics of today’s classroom are unique and challenging for teachers and learners. Education professionals in this course explore and analyze issues, complexities, and responsibilities associated with the field of education in the 21st century, including providing equal educational opportunities for all learners, regardless of their abilities and differences. They examine many factors influence learning, including individual experiences, abilities, talents, prior learning, language, culture, and family and community values. Education professionals study special education laws and policies; language diversity; and multiple intelligences. They also address learning theory, diverse learning styles, and practical instructional strategies, and they acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about today’s classroom as well as the family and community contexts that influence children's learning and development.
Mathematics K-6: Instruction and AssessmentThis coherent and rigorous approach to teaching and learning K–6 mathematics focuses on conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and application of mathematical knowledge. Coursework also focuses on helping teacher candidates promote problem-solving and communication skills as the core for teaching numbers and operations, algebra, data analysis, probability, measurement, geometry, and the use of manipulatives across math strands. Themes threaded throughout the course include technology, real-world applications, integrating math with other content areas, and building on the strengths and overcoming the challenges of diverse learners. This course includes 15 hours of field experience.
Work directly with an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through every step—from finding the right degree program to exploring ways to fund your education.
Earning your BS in Elementary Education online is a big decision, which is why we’ve streamlined and simplified the admissions process. Start your journey with:
Admission is considered for adult students who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
You have a clear vision of the change you want to create in education. That’s why Walden offers ways to lower the costs of your online elementary education degree and make your goals more achievable. These include:
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP ®
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 136 quarter credit hours | Non-field experience courses: $340 per quarter hour | $46,240 |
| 45 quarter credit hours | Field experience courses: $210 per credit | $9,450 | |
| Total Tuition | $55,690 | ||
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $2,800 |
| $58,490** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP | |||
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 115 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109 .
Transfer credit total includes reduction in program fee as related to reduced number of courses over time.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Walden’s BS in Elementary Education online program helps you prepare for licensure exams through a self-paced test-preparation course. In addition, we’ll pay for your edTPA—a nationally used performance assessment that measures your teaching skills.
Elementary School Teacher
Teach, guide, and nurture young students in grades K–6 school settings.
Expected growth: 1% 1
Estimated annual wage: $46,960–$81,480 1
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the BS in Elementary Education program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
1 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Graduates of Walden’s BS in Elementary Education online program will be prepared to:
Demonstrate content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy appropriate to elementary education.
Demonstrate the skills and dispositions of a professional educator.
Promote K–6 children’s development and learning across content areas through the design and implementation of engaging, differentiated learning experiences that support children’s development and learning across all domains.
Use data to assess student growth to make informed instructional decisions that build on the strengths and meet the needs of individual children.
Practice cultural responsiveness to build positive trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues and to create supportive learning environments for all.
Use technology appropriately, resourcefully, and innovatively to personalize and improve teaching and learning.
Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with children, families, colleagues, and communities to improve outcomes for every child and effect positive social change.
Walden’s faculty includes experienced teachers, researchers, and subject matter experts, all committed to helping you develop and grow as an educator.
Earning your BS in Elementary Education online is an important step in your journey as an educator. Learn more about our degree program and how it can help you make a difference—for yourself, your students, and your community.
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Walden offers a wide range of programs and specializations for professional educators.
Master’s Degrees MS in Education 14 Specializations Available Master’s Degrees Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K–12) Master’s Degrees Special Education Doctoral Degrees Doctor of Education (EdD) 13 Specializations AvailableThe Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is a recognized national accreditor for educator preparation and aims to promote excellence through quality assurance and continuous assessment and improvement. The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences is accredited by CAEP for a period of seven years, from April 2019 through June 2026. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs—including the BS in Elementary Education online program. The Riley College of Education and Human Sciences earned CAEP accreditation by meeting rigorous national standards and demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
What’s the best way to get your bachelor’s degree in elementary education?While earning an education degree can be done online or in person at a nearby college, many people are choosing to learn online because of its convenience. When you earn a BS in Elementary Education online, you complete your courses right from home or anywhere else you have internet access. Plus, in some online bachelor’s programs, you can attend class at whatever time of day you want, giving you a lot more control over your daily schedule.
The flexibility offered by online learning is convenient, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice real-world experience in your degree program. Walden’s virtual field experiences and simulations, coupled with in-classroom field experiences, give you the best of both worlds.
What is the definition of elementary education?The U.S. Department of Education divides its statistics between pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (grouping those as “elementary school”) and ninth grade through 12th grade (grouping those as “secondary school”). However, most school districts consider kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade to be elementary school and most educational literature and teaching strategies define elementary education within that same K–6 range. In other words, while the statistics for elementary education include middle school, those in the profession use a more selective categorization.
Why is elementary education important?Elementary school is a vital step in preparing children for a lifetime of learning. It’s where most children learn to read, learn the fundamental concepts of science and mathematics, and gain a basic understanding of the world and its history. Without these critical building blocks, all other learning would be difficult, if not impossible. In fact, studies have shown that early learning can increase a student’s lifelong earning potential. In other words, the quality of education a child receives in elementary school can affect his or her entire life.
What topics will you study in an online elementary education degree program?In a BS in Elementary Education online program, you'll explore a wide variety of topics in the classroom. Walden’s program covers subjects such as child development, instructional design, technology in learning, and working with diverse and exceptional learners. It also includes courses on K–6 instruction and assessment for different subjects (e.g., math and science). See the full curriculum.
Do all education programs prepare you for teacher certification?While most online elementary education degree programs include coursework on teaching strategies, they don’t all prepare you for teacher certification. If you intend to pursue a job as classroom teacher at any level, you’ll need a state-approved teacher preparation program that readies you for the important step of certification.1 While teacher licensure requirements vary by state, most require you to pass one or more skills tests and undergo a background check. Some states may require specific coursework in subjects ranging from history to multiculturalism.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
DISCLOSURES
Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through June 2026. This accreditation covers specific Walden initial teacher and advanced educator preparation programs, including the BS in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Special Education specialization, MS in Education – Educational Leadership and Administration> specialization, and EdS in Educational Leadership and Administration. The MAT-SPED, MSED-ELA, and EdS-ELA programs were reviewed by Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs), which define content-area standards for programs, and achieved national recognition.
CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Walden’s College of Education and Leadership has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement. CAEP is a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) – recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
***All tuition savings programs, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Go to https://www.waldenu.edu/financial-aid/grants-and-scholarships-details for more information.
Licensure
Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to offer a program leading to a Minnesota Tier 3 license in Elementary Education. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota are responsible for completing all Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program, including passing the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.
Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Minnesota may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in this program. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.
