SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Elementary Education Degree
Education Bachelor's Degree Program
An elementary education major prepares future teachers to teach grades kindergarten through six. Students combine an elementary education major with specific passions through endorsements related to an age group, type of learner, or subject area.
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Take Me To
Why should I earn an elementary education degree?
Options
Flourish as an elementary teacher or pursue school administration, instructional coaching, education consulting, and more.
Family Friendly
Between summer vacations and school holidays, teaching schedules are ideal for those wanting a generous balance between work and life.
Impact
The work you do as an elementary teacher will inform the rest of a child’s life and education. Choose an empowering career that makes a difference.
What I Can Do With an Elementary Education Degree
- Teach young children — early childhood endorsement
- Teach older children — middle school endorsement
- Teach integrated STEM, special education, or TESOL with endorsements
- On Campus
- Online
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study education at BVU?
Real Experience
As an elementary education major at BVU, you will have the opportunity to put what you’re learning into practice in a real classroom. You can expect quality student teaching experiences in local schools as well as a variety of supportive volunteer options. BVU has a close working relationship with Faith, Hope, and Charity, a courageous organization for children with special needs. Alternative Week of Learning (AWOL) will also allow you to experience a week-long immersive trip volunteering in different cultural contexts.
The Bibliotrike Rolls On!
Building Bonds... and Literacy
A custom tricycle, stocked with up to 300 children’s books, visits parks and playground locations across Storm Lake. Beavers read aloud at each stop, interacting with kids and giving each one a free book. It's all part of the commitment to improve our local communities.
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Online
Learn Online
Earn your degree at your convenience with our easy-to-access, fully online curriculum. With one click, you can view assignments and grades, set up appointments with specialized tutors around the clock, access the student lounge, engage in group discussions, or contact professors. Get the BVU experience on your schedule, wherever you are.
Connect Through a Community College
Start at an Iowa community college and finish fully online with BVU. More than 10 community colleges in the state have partnered with BVU so that you can earn your bachelor's degree 100 percent online.
Iowa’s Superintendent of the Year
BVU Leads to Success for Joel Pedersen and His District
Iowa’s Superintendent of the Year took a nontraditional route to earning his bachelor’s degree. He didn’t step foot on the Buena Vista University campus in Storm Lake. Rather, he studied at BVU’s site in Ottumwa while working in the Wapello County seat, his hometown.
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Elementary Education Courses
What are Endorsements?
Adding an endorsement to a degree in education empowers students to take their education and career even further by choosing an additional specialized subject area and/or grade level they are qualified to teach. These endorsements are especially valuable to BVU graduates as they gain further in-depth knowledge in an area of their choice, increasing their marketability and success in the classroom.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreEducation Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future in Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most—if not all—of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesEarn a Master’s Degree Faster with Our Accelerated Program
With BVU's Plus One program, you can earn your teaching English as a second language or organizational leadership master's within one year of graduating with your bachelor’s degree.
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Explore an Elementary Education Degree
Find out more about earning a bachelor’s in education with BVU.
