Early Childhood and
Elementary Education

Bachelor of Science

Earning your degree in early childhood and elementary education will prepare you to teach children in preschool through sixth grade. You will study a broad range of subjects, from reading and science to music and math.

Discover how to manage a classroom, build positive relationships with children, and help them develop interpersonal skills. Before you even begin student teaching, you will have more than 200 hours of experience in classrooms.

Earning your degree in early childhood and elementary education will prepare you to teach children in preschool through sixth grade. You will study a broad range of subjects, from reading and science to music and math.

Discover how to manage a classroom, build positive relationships with children, and help them develop interpersonal skills. Before you even begin student teaching, you will have more than 200 hours of experience in classrooms.

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KEY DATES

Explore ACU

Early Application Deadline

November 1

Early Scholarship Deadline and FAFSA Opens

December 1

FAFSA Priority Deadline

January 15

Learn More

Are you interested in early childhood?

At ACU, we are here for you on your journey to success, and it starts with answering your questions. Let us connect you with the information you need to navigate your next steps.

Complete the form to learn more about earning a degree in early childhood and elementary education.

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Spotlight

Program Structure

B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Degree Details

These are the important details you will need to keep in mind as you prepare your application and degree plan.

Tracks & Related Fields

Early Childhood/Elementary Education (BS)

Enquire about these related degrees:

  • Middle School – Social Studies
  • Special Education with Early Childhood and Elementary

Required Hours

University Hours: 56
Major Hours: 70
Electives: 2

Total Required:  128 credit hours*

*Based on track selection

Example Coursework

  • Literature for children
  • Elementary management and methods
  • Early language and literacy
  • Teaching students with special needs

View the catalog for a complete listing of courses?

Minor Available

No
While ACU does not offer a minor in this study, explore all of the available minors at the button below. We encourage you to contact the department, for further assistance on finding a minor that will fit well with this degree.

UNDERGRADUATE MINORS

Department

Career Options

Consider the wide range of exciting careers below.

  • Christian education teacher
  • Preschool teacher
  • Children’s minister

Special Education and Interdisciplinary Options

ACU offers both a Bachelor of Science with early childhood/elementary certification and a Bachelor of Science in special education with early childhood/elementary certification.

Additionally, ACU offers interdisciplinary teacher education programs that allow you to teach the following subjects at all early childhood and elementary levels:

  • Art
  • Music (instrumental, piano, vocal)
  • Spanish
  • Theatre

For those interested in combining a master’s degree with their undergraduate teacher training, ACU offers a one year M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning designed for ACU students who will complete a bachelor’s degree in education.

Opportunities

What can you do after graduation?

  • Elementary school teacher
  • Christian education teacher
  • Preschool teacher
  • Children’s minister
  • Educational consultant

Clubs and Activities

Teacher education students can participate in a number of real-world learning experiences, including:·

  • Study abroad
  • Innovative schools site visits
  • Meaningful field experiences
  • Service-learning
  • Undergraduate research