Elementary Education B.A.

Degree Overview

A degree in elementary education from the University of Sioux Falls is the first step toward a rewarding teaching career. Fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the program delivers a high-quality education that prepares you for state licensure and success in diverse classroom settings.

You'll find the Christian foundation of USF’s program emphasizes compassion, patience and ethical leadership—qualities essential for today’s educators. Faculty foster a servant-leadership mindset, empowering future teachers to make a meaningful impact while welcoming students from all faith backgrounds.

Through a blend of academic coursework and hands-on learning, you’ll gain the knowledge and real-world experience needed to thrive as a teacher in a K-8 classroom, including:

  • Hands-on Fieldwork and Student Teaching that build confidence and practical skills in authentic classroom settings.
  • A Faith-Based Curriculum that promotes compassion, ethical leadership, and a commitment to serving diverse learners.
  • Faculty with Real-World Experience who are actively involved in PK-8 schools, offering current insights and mentorship.
  • Licensure Preparation guided by experienced educators to ready you for state certification.

USF equips future educators with the skills, values and confidence to inspire the next generation—preparing you to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.

100% Online Option

USF’s fully online elementary education program offers the same academic rigor as the on-campus experience but with added flexibility for students balancing work, family and other commitments.

  • Fully Online & Flexible: Complete coursework at your own pace with mostly 7-week asynchronous classes, while still engaging with faculty and peers in meaningful ways.
  • Accelerated Timeline: Earn your degree in as little as three years, or faster with transferable credits, helping you start your teaching career sooner.
  • Value-Focused Tuition: A cost-effective pathway to a quality education, designed to fit your budget. Click here to view online elementary education-specific costs.
  • Supportive Online Community: Small class sizes, personalized faculty support  and available services ensure you’re never navigating the journey alone.

This program is ideal for students seeking a flexible, affordable and supportive path to becoming a licensed elementary educator—all while balancing life’s demands.

Outcomes

USF’s elementary education grads are ready for teaching in elementary and middle schools, offering many chances to work with kids. Their degree is also great for further studies, leading to roles like guidance counseling, coaching, librarianship, school administration, school psychology, reading specialist or tech education.

Career Outlook

  • Average Salary: $65,123
  • Job Postings: 2,077

Average salary is based on an elementary education teacher position from Salary.com. Job posting data is for elementary teacher positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.

Courses

In addition to the liberal arts core, elementary education majors must earn a minimum of 65 semester hours in education courses and the required hours of student teaching.

The following is a guide only – please consult with your advisor.

Required Major Core Courses

EDU304

Assessment & Evaluation in the Classroom

(3.0 s.h)

EDU324

Developmental & Educational Psychology

(3.0 s.h)

EDU202

Exceptional Students

(3.0 s.h)

EXS205

First Aid/CPR

(1.0 s.h)

EDU201

Foundations of Education

(3.0 s.h)

EDU410

Foundations of Middle School

(2.0 s.h)
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Sample Degree Plans

Elementary Education Degree Plan »

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B.A.

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A Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education prepares students to become effective teachers for middle and high school students, typically ranging from grades 6-12.

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