Online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education
Turn your passion for educating elementary-aged children into a meaningful career with Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in elementary education. Educators in this field help children develop foundational academic, critical thinking and decision-making skills. You’ll graduate prepared to pursue teacher certification and begin your career as a role model who shapes the future of your students.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 33
Weeks per class: 7.5–15
Total credit hours: 120
Prepare to educate learners in grades K–8
Taught by leading faculty, this program explores current research and best practices in elementary education. You’ll gain expertise in teaching reading, writing, math, science and social studies while supporting children’s personal development. The curriculum emphasizes:
- Designing lesson plans that engage whole-group, small-group and intervention learners.
- Effectively managing an elementary classroom.
- Implementing student-centered teaching methods and structured literacy approaches.
- Understanding how children learn and develop.
While you’ll focus on delivering elementary instruction, your impact will extend beyond the classroom. This career path allows you to foster curiosity, build confidence and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. You’ll also help students develop life skills in communication, teamwork, self-directed learning and responsibility.
Become a certified teacher as part of this program
Coursework will focus on the knowledge needed for teacher certification. You’ll also complete a series of in-person internships to apply your skills in real learning environments. Your final semester includes a full-time student teaching experience under the guidance of a certified mentor teacher.
You’ll graduate with an institutional recommendation for K–8 teaching certification in the state of Arizona, bringing you one step closer to becoming licensed. Teaching in public schools also requires passing state educator exams, such as the National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments for Arizona certification.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Contact MLFTCCompliance@asu.edu if you have questions about licensure or certification.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Elementary education degree courses
In this program, you’ll explore instructional design, the science of reading, teaching elementary mathematics and more. Hands-on clinical experiences consist of 20 observation hours in TEL 203 and three internships: 45 hours in TEL 310, 45 hours in RDG 413 and 60 hours in EED 412. In your final semester, you’ll complete a full-time student teaching position during teacher-contracted hours under the guidance of a mentor teacher.
Start your career as a certified teacher
After graduating and obtaining teacher certification, you’ll be prepared to teach grades K–8 in public elementary schools, charter schools, private schools and nontraditional settings. This elementary education degree can also lead to roles such as instructional specialist, reading specialist, instructional designer or tutor. With additional training and experience, you may qualify for future leadership roles, including preschool director or principal. Additional career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
College Program Director
Elementary Teacher
Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
Instructional Specialist
Middle School Teacher
Preschool Director
School Principal
Tutor
Faculty dedicated to training the next generation of elementary educators
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Faculty dedicated to training the next generation of elementary educators
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
