Elementary and middle school teachers are in a unique position to help young learners develop social, emotional, and academic skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The task is both rewarding and challenging, and it requires extensive knowledge and practical experience. Full-time or part-time, Drexel’s BS in Elementary Education offers both options.
Part-time study is available for students who have earned some college-level credit. Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education provides convenient and flexible options for part-time study.
Whether our students choose to teach multiple subjects or specialize in a specific subject area, our curriculum, faculty and advisors at Drexel support them in reaching their academic goals and obtaining teacher certification through an elementary education degree.
Full-Time Elementary Education Degree Requirements
At the end of the sophomore year, a review of the student's Basic Skills, SAT, ACT exam scores (if not waived by ACT 55), content and pedagogy coursework will determine acceptance into the Teacher Certification Program.
For information regarding elementary education major curriculum, degree requirements and a sample plan of study, please visit the Drexel Course Catalog.
Part-time study is available for students who have earned some college-level credit. Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education provides convenient and flexible options for part-time study.
Students in the elementary education degree part-time programs may work toward state teacher certification in grades PreK–4. Please note: middle-level (grades 4–8) certifications are only available to full-time students in the BS in Education program.
Part-Time Elementary Education Degree Requirements
Students seeking recommendation for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate must arrange for the following field experiences:
- 150 hours of classroom-based, pre-student teaching activities and observations during the regular school day
- Full-time student teaching 5 days a week for 14-16 weeks
Educational Studies and Innovation Program
Students who do not successfully complete the required field experience cannot be recommended for a teaching certificate upon completion of their study. However, these students may enroll in the BS in Educational Studies and Innovation program, which provides free electives in lieu of pre-student teaching methods and student teaching courses requiring stage 3 and stage 4 field experiences. Electives are selected in consultation with the student’s program advisor.
Several courses in the Educational Studies and Innovation (non-teacher certification track) of the BS in Education program also require some level of in-school observations, although they are much less intensive than the requirements for students pursuing teacher certification.
Students who earn an elementary education degree will be well prepared to lead a classroom in any education setting. Depending on their concentration area, students will have the ability to teach grades PreK-4 or grades 4-8 and can specialize in subject areas including special education, or middle grade (4-8) math, english, and science.
Prospective students for the BS in Elementary Education degree program must be accepted for admission to Drexel University. You can start your application for full-time or part time admission by visiting Drexel Undergraduate Admissions.