Knowing engaged, qualified teachers set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, the University of La Verne designed the online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with the K–6 classroom in mind.

Imagined for students eyeing a career in elementary education, this program equips students with the knowledge to work toward their Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and by completing the Elementary Education program, the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR/CBEST and CSET) will be satisfied, and will not need to take either the CBEST or CSET. The program is offered completely online with in-person community service and performing arts experiences.

The online BA in Elementary Education stands upon the mission and history of La Verne’s LaFetra College of Education, which has spent more than 130 years cultivating qualified educational professionals ready to make a difference in the classroom. In the LaFetra College of Education, students and faculty function as a team toward a collective goal, and this outlook shapes the instruction throughout all elementary education courses and the approach our students take while on assignment.

Focusing on quality instruction, student service, practical applications, community service, fine arts experiences, technology exploration, and social-emotional learning, the online bachelor’s in elementary education inspires students to become multi-subject elementary school teachers through several methods:

• Coursework focuses on educational theories and philosophies, with the end goal of having students transition into a teaching credential program.
• Core, elective, and concentration courses zero in on the content knowledge needed for the K–6 classroom and for special education.
• Interdisciplinary degrees emphasize research, analysis, and leadership work to enhance students’ communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Focusing on the classroom, coursework, and practical applications helps students design curricula, instruction, and assessments toward the needs of diverse student populations, factoring in cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
• During the course of the program, students become familiar with the multitude of issues facing the educational system and have the option to gain a concentration in an in-demand classroom subject matter.

Curriculum

Prerequisites

Students interested in beginning the online BA in Elementary Education should have completed at least 28 semester hours of transferable credits from a regionally accredited college or university, earning an unweighted minimum GPA of 2.5. Credits must cover equivalent courses for RCS 110: College Writing A and RCS 111: College Writing and Research. Even after transferring credits, however, all elementary education students must fulfill La Verne’s 44-unit residency requirement.

Elementary Education Major Courses and Specializations

All online elementary education students begin with 44 semester hours’ worth of core courses. While these courses fulfill the major’s requirements, we encourage our students to develop a specialization. Students may pursue these paths through electives, for which eight (8) semester hours are recommended, and a concentration requiring 12 upper-division semester hours.

Review the complete list of all core requirements, recommended elective courses, and concentrations.

Based on the number of credits transferred and if a student decides to pursue a concentration, the degree can be completed in as few as 18 months.

Online BA in Elementary Education graduates who earn at least a 3.0 GPA for all major coursework and a 2.75 cumulative GPA will be eligible to apply for  La Verne’s teaching credential program.  Learn more about La Verne’s credential programs.

Careers for Elementary Education Students

Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that demand for kindergarten and elementary school teachers will remain steady through 2028, California itself is dealing with a continuous teacher shortage, especially in special education, mathematics, and science subjects.

Students interested in teaching in the state first need to obtain a license. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree, students:

• must complete all prerequisite undergraduate teaching credential program courses, including public speaking, American Government, and Health Education;
• complete the Elementary Education program to satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR/CBEST and CSET)
• are required to finish a California-certified teaching credential program, including student teaching and reading methodology courses; and
• must also pass the Teaching Performance Assessments and the Literacy Performance Assessment.

Along with setting students up for the credentialing process, the online BA in Elementary Education prepares students for multiple post-graduation paths, including:

• pursuing a master’s degree in education or a related field;
• a career shaping educational policy through a nonprofit, corporate, or program development position; and
• teaching in a range of elementary education environments, including private, religious, and online format schools.