Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Why study Elementary Education at Wichita State?
- Program nationally accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teaching Education (NCATE).
- Four semesters of field experience in local school districts.
- Student teaching placements in the largest school districts in Kansas.
Upon completion of all courses and program assessments, graduates will be eligible to apply for the elementary teaching license (K-6, general education) after they successfully complete the Kansas teacher licensure exams required by the State of Kansas for application for a teacher license or endorsement.
About the Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at WSU prepares its candidates to teach children in grades kindergarten through six. The program is designed to provide strong preparation in the academic content areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts leading into courses and field-based learning experiences which enable you to develop the skills and proficiencies required to effectively meet the educational needs of K-6th grade children and to manage a performance-based, behaviorally-oriented, supportive learning environment in the elementary grades. Field experiences are available in urban, suburban, and rural schools. In education coursework and field experiences, candidates address issues of professionalism and reflection, human development and diversity, integration of teaching experiences and assessment, technology, content and related pedagogical content knowledge, and professional collaboration.
Prospective WSU students:
- Please click here to complete the online admission application.
- Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
Current WSU students:
- WSU students with a 2.50 GPA can change their major to Elementary Education through the myWSU portal (Home tab > Student Tools > Change My Major /Minor).
- Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
Students completing this program will be eligible to apply for initial licensure in:
- Elementary Education (K - 6th Grade, general education)
Please know that these are sample degree plans. If you would like to talk to an academic advisor, please call the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about tuition and fees at Wichita State.
Tuition Discount Programs
WSU offers tuition discounts for out-of-state students paying nonresident tuition.
Find out more about tuition discounts at WSU.
WSU Merit Scholarships
Students admitted to WSU are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Merit
scholarships are awarded to both incoming freshman and transfer students. Learn more about merit scholarships at WSU.
College of Applied Studies Scholarships
Both prospective and current exercise science majors are eligible for scholarships
through the College of Applied Studies. Only one application is necessary to apply
for all scholarships available to students in the College of Applied Studies. Complete
the College of Applied Studies Scholarship Application.
Teacher Education Admission Requirements
All items must be completed prior to starting the Teacher Education Program. If you have questions or need assistance contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
- Basic skills courses (English Comp 1, English Comp 2, Public Speaking and College Algebra) with grades that meet Wichita State University policy. Elementary, Early Childhood Unified, and Middle Level Math majors are required to have a 2.0 or better in College Algebra in order to take Math 501. A grade of C- is not accepted.
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General Psychology
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Elementary Statistics
- ACT composite score 21 or above
- Praxis test: reading 152 or above, writing 162 or above and math 142 or above
- SAT combined score 980 or above
- CAAP: reading 56 or above, writing 55 or above and math 53 or above. This exam was discontinued in December 2017. Scores completed prior to this date will be accepted for the next 10 years.
- "C” or better in Geography or History (OR) pass the CBASE in Social Studies with 235 minimum score
- “C” or better in a Science Course (OR) pass the CBASE in Science with 235 minimum
CBASE registration website: www.registerblast.com/wsu
- Overall GPA: 2.5
- GPA in 35 hours of general education coursework: 2.75
- WSU GPA: 2.5 (if applicable)
If you do not meet this requirement, your academic advisor can assist you. Contact (316) 978-3300, option 2 for more information.
Complete the Teacher Education Application Packet which includes:
- Application
- Signed Attestation of Eligibility
- Signed Grounds for Dismissal Regulations
- Certification of Health for School Personnel: Provide proof of a completed Certification of Health for School Personnel or TB test (K.S.A. 72-5213) or verification that this has been completed per your employer.
- Background Check: Provide verification of a completed Criminal Background Check.
- Option #1: Provide a copy of current Substitute License.
- Option #2: Provide a copy of recent background clearance with Validity, NATSB, or district requirement.
- Option #3: Validity Screening Solutions - Submit the Validity Online Background Request Form with payment within 10 business days from the date of the Teacher Ed. Application.
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