Elementary Education
Being an elementary school teacher isn't just a career choice. For most, it's more like a calling. Our program supports your passion by putting theory, methods and skills into practice in real, professional settings, preparing you to meet the needs of all children.
What to Expect
As an elementary education major, you will benefit from both field and clinical experiences while developing content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge. You will learn how to engage students in inquiry, facilitate learning, develop a curriculum and collect, analyze and interpret student data in order to inform instruction.
Many of the elementary education methods courses are offered on-site in a diverse range of schools, which will give you the opportunity to experience multiple schooling contexts, including urban, suburban and rural schools. Enhance your educational experience by attending professional conferences, presentations and educational forums and joining professional organizations.
Undergraduate Degree
B B.A. in Elementary Education
In addition to the core curriculum that you will likely complete during your first two years, your elementary education coursework will also include reading assessment and literacy instruction, nature and management of elementary classrooms, and classes specific to teaching math, science, social studies and an integrated curriculum.
The following courses are offered through our College of Education and fulfill the education core for a major in elementary education:
- Classroom Inquiry with Technology
- Learning Through Community Service
- Schools In Communities
- Learners and the Diversity of Learning
- Practicum: Learners and the Diversity of Learning
- Introduction to Classroom Assessment
- Introduction to Exceptional Children
Sometimes, the traditional classroom setting isn't feasible for those of us who need to juggle jobs, families and other life commitments. If you have completed 45 hours of college-level courses with a minimum GPA of 2.50, you may be eligible for the online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program through the university's Palmetto College.
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
Graduate Degrees
The College of Education offers an M.A.T. program in elementary education for "career changers" to teach in elementary grades two through six:
M Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (M.A.T.)
For more information contact the College of Education at coestudy@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-6732.
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Apply to Graduate School
Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.