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! University of the Cumberlands’ 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.
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. Cumberlands 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.
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.
Major Requirements: Please see the School of Education for more details on degree requirements.
Dual P-5 Special Ed Total Degree Credits Required is 124.
Course Requirements
- EDUC 235 - Basic Concepts Concerning Education
- EDUC 237 - Effective Teaching Practices
- SPED 233 - Survey of Individuals with Exceptionalities (P-12)
The following may not be taken prior to admission to Teacher Education:
- EDUC 331 - Studies in Education: Special Topics in Literacy
- EDUC 332 - Reading and Language Arts I
- EDUC 338 - P-5 Reading and Language Arts II
- EDUC 430 - Classroom Management & Behavior
- EDUC 497 - Supervised Student Teaching
- ELEM 334 - P-5 Teaching of Social Studies
- ELEM 339 - P-5 Teaching of Science
- MATH 332 - P-5 Teaching Math
- ART 331 - School Art
- MUED 331 - School Music
- SOWK 436 - Human Diversity in a Global Society OR SPAN 134 - Spanish for Public Service
- ELEM 333 - Children’s Literature
- PSYC 232 - Child and Adolescent Development
- PSYC 238 - Educational Psychology
- POLS 233 - American National Government
- HLTH 438 - School Health Education
Available to on-campus students, Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.
- FREN 131 Elementary French I
- FREN 132 Elementary French II
- FREN 231 Intermediate French I
- FREN 232 Intermediate French II
or
- SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
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 Professional Education Courses, students pursuing this this option must also complete one Elementary (P-5) Education Emphasis Requirements
Course Requirements
Required Courses:
- Choose from the undergraduate biology course offerings.
- Choose from undergraduate physics or chemistry course offerings.
- Choose from the undergraduate history course offerings.
- MATH 130 - Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher I
The courses chosen as electives cannot have been taken for General Education credit. Some of the courses are taught in a rotation of semesters. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for the semester’s courses are to be offered. A minimum of nine (9) semester hours may be chosen from the following courses, NO TWO WITH THE SAME PREFIX. Candidates may need to choose an additional elective from the following options in order to meet graduation requirements.
- BADM 136 - Microeconomics
- BADM 137 - Macroeconomics
- BIOL 231 - Introduction to Environmental Science
- COMM 332 - Small Group Communication
- ENGL 330-335 Literary Studies
- FREN 131 - Elementary French I
- HESS 234 - First Aid and Safety
- HLTH 338 - Relationships and Human Behaviors
- MUSC 401 - World Music
- PHYS 140 - Astronomy
- PHYS 241 - Physics I
- POLS 235 - Introduction to International Relations
- SPAN 131 - Elementary Spanish I
- MATH 130 - Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher I
- MATH 132 - College Algebra
- MATH 136 - Precalculus
- MATH 230 - Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher II
- MATH 330 - Geometry for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher
- MATH 335 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Required Course
Four credit hours selected from the following:
- BIOL 131 - Biology and Society Lecture AND BIOL 112 - Biology and Society Laboratory
- BIOL 231 - Introduction to Environmental Science AND BIOL 116 - Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory
- BIOL 132 - Introduction to Biology
Four credit hours selected from the following:
- CHEM 131 - Introduction to General Chemistry *This course provides no credit toward a chemistry major or minor. AND CHEM 110 - Introduction to General Chemistry Laboratory
- PHYS 140 - Astronomy
- PHYS 241 - Physics I
Three science courses (at least 9 semester hours) with at least 2 courses (6 semester hours) at or above the 200 level.
Required courses:
- ENGL 131 - English Composition I
- ENGL 132 - English Composition II
- ENGL 438 - Advanced Writing OR ENGL 439 - Descriptive Linguistics
- ENGL 334 - American Literature through 1865 OR ENGL 335 - American Literature since 1865
- COMM 230 - Introduction to Public Speaking
The remaining 6 hours may be chosen from:
- COMM 332 - Small Group Communication
- COMM 432 - Theories of Persuasion
- ENGL 337 - Literature of Adolescence
- ENGL 430 - Literary Criticism
- ENGL 431 - Studies in British Literature
- ENGL 432 - Studies in Modern Literature
- ENGL 433 - Women in Literature
- ENGL 437 - Studies in British and American Authors
- ENGL 438 - Advanced Writing OR ENGL 439 - Descriptive Linguistics
- ENGL 334 - American Literature through 1865 OR ENGL 335 - American Literature since 1865
Required courses:
- ART 331 - School Art
- ELEM 333 - Children’s Literature
- ESS 433 - Physical Education for the Elementary School
- MUED 331 - School Music
Remaining nine (9) hours may be chosen from:
Required Courses:
Remaining six (6) hours must include three semester hours each from two of the following:
- BADM 136 - Microeconomics
- BADM 137 - Macroeconomics
- SOWK 436 - Human Diversity in a Global Society
- POLS 131 - Introduction to Political Science
- HIST 331 - Kentucky
- GEOG 131 - Human Geography
- SOCI 131 - Introduction to Sociology
- GEOG 231 - Environmental Geography
- POLS 235 - Introduction to International Relations
Successful completion of this program and the passing scores on required state tests provides eligibility for certification in Learning and Behavior Disorders, Special Education P-12. In order to obtain certification in Special Education LBD the student must successfully complete one-half of the student teaching in special education and pass the required PRAXIS Tests in Special Education LBD. LBD certification is taken concurrently with P-5 Elementary or with another 5-9 Middle School specialization area. A required application for certification in LBD must be submitted upon successful completion of the above.
- SPED 234 - Special Education Instructional Programs (P-12)
- SPED 236 - Special Education Programs for Adolescents with Mild Disabilities (5-12)
- SPED 238 - Special Education Early Childhood Programs (P-5)
- SPED 336 - Educational Assessment and Prescriptive Programming of Individuals with Disabilities (P-12) Part I
- SPED 337 - Educational Assessment and Prescriptive Programming for Individuals with Disabilities (P-12) Part II
- SPED 435 - Special Education Methods and Materials (Mild Disabilities) (P-12)
- SPED 436 - Special Education Methods and Materials (Learning and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities) (P-12)
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
- ART 331 - School Art
- EDUC 235 - Basic Concepts Concerning Education
- ELEM 333 - Children’s Literature
- MATH 130 - Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher I
- MATH 230 - Concepts of Mathematics for the Elementary and Middle School Teacher II
- MUED 331 - School Music
- PSYC 232 - Child and Adolescent Development
- PSYC 238 - Educational Psychology
- SPED 233 - Survey of Individuals with Exceptionalities (P-12)
- SPED 234 - Special Education Instructional Programs (P-12)
- SPED 236 - Special Education Programs for Adolescents with Mild Disabilities (5-12)
- SPED 238 - Special Education Early Childhood Programs (P-5)
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 University of the Cumberlands.
University of the Cumberlands 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 University of the Cumberlands.
The general requirement for graduation from University of the Cumberlands with the Bachelor of Science in Education is the completion of at least 120 semester 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. As a part of this process, the academic advisor will also develop the planned program to ensure that a minimum of 30 semester hours numbered 300 or above are identified. An approved copy of the planned program is forwarded to the student.
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 University of the Cumberlands should contact the Office of Admissions. Please email ucoadm [at] ucumberlands.edu (ucoadm[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)
Option 9 Education Certification Pathways
The influence of a teacher on a child’s life leaves an immeasurable impact. Now is your time.
University of the Cumberlands offers an EPSB-approved Option 9 program. This alternative route is available to both in-seat and online Cumberlands students. Cumberlands offers programs in early interdisciplinary education, elementary education, and middle school education.
While education students at Cumberlands 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 Cumberlands, visit our Option 9 page.
Take the Next Step
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.
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.
Common Questions
All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.
A bachelor’s degree in Elementary education provides the training aspiring school teachers need to pursue certifications that qualify them for teaching careers. College coursework helps students gain a solid understanding of what it takes to teach young learners. They’ll cover everything from integrating technology into curriculum to best practices in teaching for young minds. These future educators should also gain a comprehensive education in age-appropriate lesson planning, classroom management and supervision strategies, how to plan educational activities, and more.
You will likely need to pass a state test for whichever state in which you hope to teach. Upon passing the exam, you should apply for a teaching license. Once you’ve obtained that, you can apply to open teaching positions!
When you major in Elementary education, you will receive the training and skills you need to:
- Teach in specific certification areas and levels (elementary, middle school, high school)
- Work with special education programs
- Tutor at-risk students
- Serve in children or youth ministries
- Become a textbook representative
- Teach or train employees in large companies
- Become an educational consultant
- Teach on military bases or in international schools
Yes! University of the Cumberlands' School of Education is accredited through Kentucky's Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) and has national accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level. UC’s School of Education has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
If you don't know yet whether you want to become an educator, we recommend that you first pursue a minor in Elementary education so you can learn more about what it would be like to be a teacher. From there, you can decide whether to pursue an education major and whether you would like to complete your education minor. Regardless of which path you choose, since every employer looks for people who can manage groups, communicate well, and approach situations with empathy, what you learn in your education classes at Cumberlands will benefit you in any career path.
Faculty Experts in Education
Learn more about your future education professors!
Ashton Leach
Melissa Evans
Elisha Sester
Request Information
Ask us anything; we can take it. And we'll do our best to get back to you quickly!