Elementary Education

The world of pre-school and school-age children is one of excitement, wonder, and challenge. Because patterns of thinking and learning are formed at an early age, elementary school teachers can have a profound influence on young children.

Elementary education programs prepare individuals to work with children in such settings as child-care centers, nursery schools, kindergartens, and elementary schools through sixth grade. Elementary teachers work with large and small groups of children. Some teach several subjects and others specialize in science, reading, music, mathematics, or other subjects.

Many of the skills developed as an elementary teacher—abilities in management, organization, communication, and human relations; understanding of how children develop; and awareness of how people learn—are also valuable in many additional careers.

Degrees Offered

Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.) in Elementary Education with an emphasis in
- Applied Early Childhood Education Practices
- Applied Reading Practices
- Applied Elementary Classroom Practices
- National Board Certification
- Educational Technology
- Reading Specialist
- Gifted/Talented
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) specialization in Early Childhood Education, Reading or Elementary Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) specialization in Early Childhood Education, Reading or Elementary Education

Also:

professionalization of teaching licenses and endorsements
all grade reading specialist license
transition-to-teaching program

Application/Admission Requirements

Meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate School.
Submit a completed graduate application form.
Submit two official college/university transcripts.
Submit letters of recommendation (doctoral program only).
Submit professional resume (doctoral program only).
Submit any teaching experience(s).
International students must apply through the Rinker Center for International Programs.

Graduate Assistantships

Several assistantships are available each year for both master's and doctoral students.

Contact Information

Harold Roberts (765) 285-8564 (master's)
hlroberts@bsu.edu
Patricia Clark (765) 285-8571 (doctoral)
pclark@bsu.edu
Department of Elementary Education (TC 216)
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306