ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

Open a world of possibilities for children by teaching them how to learn and grow.

If your passion is to help children build the fundamental skills needed for lifelong learning success, this bachelor's degree in elementary education (P-5) is for you! ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’ college major in elementary education was designed with you in mind — the aspiring elementary school teacher who has a calling to encourage and excite learning growth in young children.

Plus, you can earn your elementary education degree online as you build the skills you need to enter the education field – where and when it works best for you. An online elementary education degree can give you the freedom to pursue your teaching aspirations alongside your other commitments. 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (P-5)

The elementary education degree program is designed for students wishing to be certified in grades P-5. Individual programs should be planned with an advisor from the faculty of the School of Education. In addition to the General Education and required Professional Education courses, students pursuing this option must also complete one academic emphasis.

Course Requirements

Academic Emphasis Areas

Elementary Education (P-5) - The Elementary Education Program (P-5) is designed for those students wishing to be certified in grades P-5. Individual programs should be planned with an advisor from the faculty of the School of Education. In addition to the General Education and required , students pursuing this this option must also complete one  

Course Requirements

Minor in Elementary Education

If you are considering teaching children someday - or you aspire toward a career that you know would benefit from having strong teaching and communication skills - then this minor is for you. Though it doesn't prepare you for full certification as an educator, it lays the groundwork for success in related work by offering a curriculum that covers all the basics of Elementary education.

Course Requirements

Pathways for KCTCS Students

Under this pathway, students who have completed an Associate’s degree in Educator Preparation at KCTCS can transfer up to 80 hours of course credit to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and Somerset KCTCS have entered into an agreement for Elementary Education students. This agreement provides for a seamless pathway for students completing the Associate of Applied Science degree in Educator Preparation at Somerset KCTCS to move towards completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in Education through the School of Education at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

The general requirement for graduation from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ with the Bachelor of Science in Education is the completion of at least 120Ìýsemester hours including:

  • General education – 37 hours
  • Education major – 72 hours + emphasis area(s) Some of these hours are completed at the Community College level.

The academic advisor assigned to the student at the time of their admission to the Education Online Program will work with the student to develop a planned program that lists the courses completed/transferred and a list of courses to be completed.ÌýÌý As a part of this process, the academic advisor will also develop the planned program to ensure that a minimum of 30Ìýsemester hours numbered 300 or above are identified.Ìý An approved copy of the planned program is forwarded to the student.Ìý

All of the courses needed to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Education are offered in an online format to accommodate the needs of today’s working adult.

KCTCS students interested in additional information regarding transferring coursework to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ should contact the Office of Admissions. Please emailÌýucoadm [at] ucumberlands.edu (ucoadm[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)Ìý

Option 9 Education Certification Pathways

The influence of a teacher on a child’s life leaves an immeasurable impact. Now is your time.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ offers an  EPSB-approved Option 9 program. This alternative route is available to both in-seat and online ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ offers programs in early interdisciplinary education, elementary education, and middle school education.

While education students at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ are completing coursework, they will have the opportunity to immediately put their learning into practice as an instructional assistant in a classroom, receive mentorship from experienced teachers in the district, and complete their bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate, in as little as three years.

We offer Option 9 pathways for candidates pursuing certification in early childhood education, elementary education, and middle school education.

To learn more information or to find out if your school district has an Option 9 partnership in place with ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, visit our Option 9 page.

Learn More

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The purpose of the School of Education is to develop entry level education students into highly qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers. We provide training and experiences using best practices for teacher education candidates.

Develop entry-level education students into highly qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers who provide for diverse learners.
Provide the pedagogical instructional methods necessary to meet the Kentucky Teacher Standards and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’ Standards.
Strengthen your abilities to critically reflect and evaluate your skills, thereby providing the opportunity for growth.
Nurture an appreciation and refinement of ethical and Christian moral values in future teachers.
Build robust oral, written, and information literacy skills in students.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Elementary Education Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Elementary Teacher: $61,350

Elementary Teacher: $61,350

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.

Childcare Worker: $27,490

Childcare Worker: $27,490

Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development.

Childcare Center Director: $47,310

Childcare Center Director: $47,310

Preschool and childcare center directors supervise and lead their staffs, design program plans, oversee daily activities, and prepare budgets.

Special Education Teacher: $61,820

Special Education Teacher: $61,820

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.

Education Administrator: $49,690

Education Administrator: $49,690

Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.

Recreation worker: $29,680

Recreation worker: $29,680

Recreation workers design and lead activities to help people stay active, improve fitness, and have fun.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Education

Learn more about your future education professors!

Serena Anderson

Serena Anderson

Adjunct Professor
Education

Serena Anderson

Contact Information

serena.anderson [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Andrew T. Alexson

Dr. Andrew Alexson

Adjunct Professor
Education

Dr. Andrew Alexson

Contact Information

andrew.alexson [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Ashton Leach

Ashton Leach

Field/Clinical Coordinator | Assistant Professor
Education

Ashton Leach

Contact Information

ashton.leach [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building

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