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Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

On-Campus & Online

Options

120 - 124 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $5,010 Per Semester

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Start a Rewarding Career and Make a Difference in the Lives of Children

Dire teacher shortages across the country are causing a surge in demand for quality educators. EKU’s online bachelor of science in elementary education provides the critical skills and experience needed to assume a K-5 teacher role and begin a rewarding teaching career. Coursework can be completed on campus or 100% online. Graduate with kindergarten through fifth grade teacher certification in Kentucky. Reciprocity is available with many other states.

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Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), the field of elementary education is poised for growth over the next eight years. A strong driver for the selection of elementary education as a degree is the knowledge that the field positively impacts the lives of individuals and communities. State licensing and regulation require a bachelor’s degree in education to teach in a public school in Kentucky. EKU’s convenient and flexible online option provides access for those needing a virtual classroom to obtain teacher certification and achieve advancement in the field.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • EPSB accredited
  • CAEP accredited
  • Generous transfer credit policy
  • Multiple scholarship opportunities
  • Free tutoring and career services assistance
  • Personalized graduation plan
  • Clinical experiences that support hands-on learning in your own community
  • Quality courses delivered by respected full-time faculty with many years of diverse teaching experience in public schools as well as strong research that informs our course content

Program Options

Increase your marketability by completing dual certification with a special education specialty area. Students who complete these programs will be certified to teach students with special education needs and general elementary education.

Choose between:

  • Special Education – Learning and Behavior Disorders
  • Special Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Online Admission Conditions & Clinical Experience

Admission Conditions

Admission to EKU’s online bachelor of science in elementary education is currently available only to students residing in Kentucky and its border states (Ohio, Missouri, West Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Virginia) in order to accommodate clinical placements. There are no campus requirements for this program.

Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) Mandated Clinical Experience

Bachelor of science in elementary education coursework is 100% online. Clinical experience, the state-mandated 200 observation hours, must be completed in a school placement made by the clinical office. School placements for observation hours are made with consideration of the student’s geographical location and pre-established MOUs with schools.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment

Choosing a career in elementary education positions you to shape the lives of children and their families. Providing a platform to cultivate high-quality educators, EKU blends academic and professional preparation through relevant and evolving content. Course topics include culturally responsive perspectives, differentiation in inclusive classrooms, engineering in classroom context, and emerging instructional technologies.

EKU’s elementary education curriculum prepares students with the essential skills needed for entry into kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. Students gain content expertise, while honing their professional dispositions and ensuring ethical practices.

A minimum of 120-125 credits are required to graduate, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

EKU became the first public university in Kentucky to offer an Option 9 alternative route to teacher certification following approval by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).

What is Option 9?

Option 9 provides an expedited route for paraeducators and classified school staff to earn a B.S. in Elementary Education and initial Kentucky teacher certification (P-5). The program can be completed in three years while working in the school system. In partnership with multiple educational cooperatives, EKU Option 9 increases the aspiring educator pipeline and addresses teacher shortages in the Commonwealth.

Take Advantage of Competency-Based Education
  • Competency-based education courses (CBE) are self-paced assessment modules allowing option 9 students to apply their knowledge to college coursework and demonstrate content mastery for up to 9 courses.
  • Aligned with the experiences of paraeducators, CBE courses require no in class time. Students complete an initial assessment for each course to determine what materials and activities will need to be completed to demonstrate mastery of the course content.
  • While CBE classes do not require seat time in a course, you’ll still have a faculty member to coach you in each course. After successful completion of CBE courses, students may transition to online or in-person courses for the remainder of the program (based on program availability).
Move Forward Faster with Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

In addition to CBE courses, EKU helps Option 9 students determine if they can obtain CPL from completed professional development opportunities and credit by examination. Students will have a custom plan crafted in collaboration with faculty advisors to determine a personalized degree completion plan that works best for them.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

On-Campus Program Deadlines
TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May
Online Program Deadlines
TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AJuly 5August
Fall BAugust 31October
Spring ANovember 30 January
Spring BJanuary 31March
Summer AApril 5May
Summer BMay 31June

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

The teacher education programs offered by Eastern Kentucky University and the College of Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and/or the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). The initial teacher preparation programs, including the undergraduate baccalaureate programs, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Communication Disorders are accredited by both CAEP and EPSB and the advanced level professional education programs are accredited by EPSB only.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-0077

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) has the authority and responsibility to “set standards for, approve, and evaluate college, university, and school district programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel” for Kentucky pursuant to KRS 161.028(1)(b). The EPSB’s process for approving educator preparation programs is generally set forth in 16 KAR 5:010 with the general requirements for all educator preparation programs set forth in 16 KAR 5:020 and 16 KAR 5:040. Kentucky Administrative Regulations – EPSB

The EPSB Division of Educator Preparation ensures that preparation programs for Kentucky educators meet established standards of quality. It facilitates the accreditation process, reviews programs and continuous assessment materials, and provides technical assistance for program improvement. All educator preparation programs offered at EKU are approved and accredited by EPSB. The initial preparation programs including the undergraduate initial, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) initial, and Communication Disorders (CD) are also CAEP accredited. The Advanced Programs and programs for Other School professionals are approved and accredited by EPSB only.

EPSB Website: www.epsb.ky.gov

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the college enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

Professional photo of Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2710
stephen.howard@eku.edu

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
CEAHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

EKU student Whitney Cox poses in white on a white background with her family

Whitney Cox

EKU Graduate, Elementary Education, Middle Grades, School Leadership
The degrees that I have been able to earn at EKU has helped me grow as an educator and future leader. I feel prepared and confident in my ability due to the instruction provided by the professors at EKU.
EKU student Tina G. Cornelius

Tina G. Cornelius

EKU MAEd School Librarian – Teacher Leader Student
I have been a middle school teacher for 19 years. I plan to finish my last 8 years in education as a librarian. I am so proud to have three degrees from EKU and the first person in my family to go to college. I came from a small eastern Kentucky town and I have my amazing career and degrees to be proud of. I am excited to work with kids and other teachers as a media specialist as I finish my practicum and begin my new path.
EKU graduate Taylor Newton poses in her cap and gown on the steps of Keen Johnson.

Taylor Newton

EKU MAEd School Librarian Student
I had never taken online courses, even during my undergraduate time at EKU. I was nervous to transition to this style of learning. However, I was surprised to find all of the advantages to being a part of an online program! I am able to fit the coursework into my weekly schedule and be an active, engaged student!

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Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.
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The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Provost’s Faculty Internship Program develops leadership skills and complements leadership endeavors among faculty by supporting individual development while assisting university-wide academic initiatives. Established by EKU […]

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Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has climbed the ranks in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School rankings, particularly in the category of Best Public Affairs Programs,  where it […]

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Contact Information

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

Combs Building
Room 427

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

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