Elementary Education
Degree Overview
MU’s educator preparation program in Elementary Education leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education and Missouri teacher certification in Grades 1-6.
The program encompasses four phases:
Phase I: Freshman - Sophomore Year
In addition to completing general education requirements, students explore various careers in education, and become immersed in the discipline and culture of teaching and learning. Practice begins early with Field Experiences.
Coursework examines the teacher’s roles in facilitating learning at all levels of development and considers the influences of cultural, political, historical and economic factors on students, teachers and schools.
Phase II: Junior Year - First Semester Senior Year
In this phase, the focus shifts to teaching and learning with elementary students. Through course work and corresponding field experiences, students learn a variety of research-based instructional strategies designed to support grade 1-6 students learning in all subject areas. Each semester during Phase II, students spend at least 6 hours a week working with young children in carefully designed field experiences.
Senior Year On-Site Program
First Semester of Senior Year
During the first semester of the senior year, elementary education majors work in school three full days per week and take courses through MU. This experience allows for more intensive examination of teaching and learning, observing and assisting with instruction in elementary schools at the beginning of the school year.
Second Semester of Senior Year
This phase includes a semester-long, full-time student teaching internship. Candidates are assigned to a classroom for a 15-week period under the mentorship of an experienced grade 1-6 master teacher.
More about the Senior Year On-Site Program
SYOSP Handbook
Phase IV: Induction
Graduating elementary education majors can receive intensive further support through the Teaching Fellowship Program as well as other programs that encourage on-going learning about teaching and learning in elementary classrooms.
Course Work
Program of Study for Elementary Education
Admission Requirements
- Students are automatically admitted to Phase I with admittance to the University
- Application for Phase II occurs in the spring of your Sophomore year. Criteria for admission include:
- Overall MU GPA (at least 2.75 with 60+ credits completed)
- Grades in selected classes
- Scored on the College Base Exam
- Experience working with children
Enrollment into Phase II of the Elementary Program is limited and competitive.
Be Prepared: Review Phase II requirements and find out what you can do to be a qualified candidate for acceptance.
Degree Requirements
Additional Course Requirements for Elementary Education:
- Music 1618 (or competency in music performance)
- Statistics 1200 or higher with C- or better
- Completion of a lower level Writing Intensive course
How to Apply
New to MU or Changing Your Major to Education:
- Students new to MU can find information on applying to the University here.
- Information regarding application to Phase II is provided through email when enrolled in TDP 2000 and/or 2040.
Fees and Financial Aid
MU is an affordable place for all students there are a variety of federal financial aid programs, along with assistance from the University. The College of Education also offers scholarships for its undergraduate students.
