Undergraduate

The Elementary Education Program major prepares students for a variety of possible career choices. Students may pursue certification to teach in Grades 1-6, or they may select the Educational Studies track. The Educational Studies track is designed for students who are interested in education as a discipline but not seeking certification.

Students in both the Elementary Certification and Educational Studies tracks explore content, curriculum, and pedagogy across a broad spectrum of disciplines. In addition to the Elementary Education course sequence, Elementary majors complete the University Core Curriculum requirements and choose a Core Concentration. They also take required history, art, science, and mathematics courses in the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences.

Elementary Education Certification Program Requirements

Level I: Exploring the Profession Coursework

Level II: Preparing to Teach Coursework

Level III: Performing in the Classroom Coursework

Additional Required Courses:

All students are required to have field experiences in a variety of settings, including experiences in urban schools.

Elementary Educational Studies Program Requirements

The Elementary Educational Studies Program is identical to the Elementary Certification Program in Curriculum Levels I and II as described above. In lieu of practicum and student teaching in Level III, students prepare and engage in an in-depth interdisciplinary Capstone Project, resulting in a final thesis. The thesis is negotiated with and supervised by a School of Education faculty member with the option of collaborating with faculty from other schools. Students who have a clear idea of future plans may construct this final thesis so that it contributes to the pursuit of that goal. Students select from among the core concentrations listed in the certification track and complete the additional required courses.