Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at KU


Student teacher engaging with young child

Program Overview

The bachelor's degree in elementary teacher education at the University of Kansas prepares individuals to teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The teacher education program combines general education courses and professional education coursework with multiple field experiences at the elementary level in diverse communities. The KU School of Education and Human Sciences is accredited under the NCATE standards through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Accreditation System.

Career Outcomes in Elementary Teacher Education

Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Kansas will have fulfilled the requirements for the degree as well as the requirements to pursue an initial teaching license for kindergarten through sixth grade in Kansas. The elementary education program prepares individuals to work as teachers in the classroom, as well as with other education-related organizations. Elementary education program graduates also have the option to "test out" to become licensed for middle level (grades 5 through 8) education as well. Potential position titles after graduation could include:

  • Elementary teacher
  • PK-12 instructor
  • Instructional designer
  • Curriculum planner
  • Teacher leader

The elementary education program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory.


Career Statistics

$55K Salary

Graduates can expect an average salary of $55,000 in Kansas, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.

Special Education

Students interested in both elementary and special education can complete the bachelor’s in elementary education unified program.

TESOL opportunities

Students who successfully complete this program at KU may be eligible to take advantage of licensure endorsements options in TESOL.

Graduate study

Those who choose to pursue an advanced degree after graduation are considered for many highly-selective master's & doctoral programs across the U.S.

Thinking about elementary education?

Let us know you’re interested in the program. We would love to connect with you to discuss the program’s curriculum, steps necessary for admission to KU, and what to expect during the professional program admission process one you have become a Jayhawk.

Javen Betts

My favorite thing about the elementary education program at KU is receiving a high-class education with empowerment of invested faculty and peers that become family. The School of Education and Human Sciences is one where excellence is the standard and perfection is a consist goal. The faculty educate the holistic student, making every experience you encounter valuable so that you may then go and educate future generations.


Javen Betts
Anticipated Class of 2023

Statistics

#10
Public School of Education & Human Sciences
95%
Average licensure exam pass rate

More Statistics

90%
Employed in degree field
36%
Obtained further education

Joseph R. Pearson Hall
School of Education & Human Sciences
Joseph R. Pearson Hall , Rm. 221
1122 West Campus Rd.
Lawrence , Kansas 66045-3101

Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) logo

Accreditation

The KU School of Education and Human Sciences is accredited under the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Accreditation System.

Learn About Accreditation