Our Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program focuses on providing you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to create engaging and inclusive learning environments, meet the diverse needs of students, and promote lifelong learning and success. You’ll gain a solid foundation in the principles and theories of education, including child development, learning theories, educational psychology, and curriculum design. The degree program prepares you to apply research-based practices and pedagogical approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners.
What is an Elementary Education degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Elementary Education?
Our program provides experiential learning through fieldwork and practicum opportunities. You’ll learn about the different ways to teach students through communication, digital media, and integrative technology. Our instructors provide the tools to foster children’s critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills.
Hands-on learning
You’ll experience hands-on learning through 100+ hours of field experience and 1 semester of student teaching.
Path to licensure
Students who successfully complete our ECE program will be recommended for a license to teach in Iowa agencies and schools.
Iowa and beyond
Whether you want to work in Illinois or another state, our faculty will guide you through the application process.
ESL training
Add a focus on English as a Second Language (K-12) to your degree in elementary or secondary education.
Subject-specific endorsements
Students choose one of eight endorsement areas, including math, science, special education, foreign language, and more.
Art and music (K-12)
Our Art Education and Music Education programs are available for students interested in teaching grades K-12.
What you’ll learn in your Elementary Education Program
You’ll start by taking foundational courses in education. Then, you’ll pick an endorsement in language arts, mathematics, reading, science, foreign language, social studies, or special education. When you’re done, you’ll be prepared to become a fully licensed teacher in the state of Iowa.
- Understanding of professional teaching standards
- Ability to address mild reading difficulties
- Mastery of techniques for accommodating diverse learners
- Ability to integrate technology into teaching
- Training in an endorsement area of your choice.
Explore Elementary Education courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120-130 credits, including 33 gen ed credits, 67-79 credits in Elementary Education, and 22-30 credits toward a subject-specific endorsement.
- You will also complete 215 hours of pre-student teaching field experiences at two different age levels, and 1 semester of student teaching.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 205 | Introduction to the Teaching Profession | 2 credits |
| EDUC 300 | The Pluralistic Classroom | 3 credits |
| SPED 310 | Inclusion Strategies for Students with Special Needs | 3 credits |
| EDUC 354 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics (K-8) | 4 credits |
| EDUC 452 | Diagnostic and Prescriptive Techniques of Teaching Reading | 4 credits |
How much does a BA in Elementary Education cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, leaner services, and fiscal stability.
St. Ambrose University’s Elementary Education program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
How does SAU support Elementary Education students?
St. Ambrose University’s Education faculty have a wide range of expertise in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education settings including some with administrative experience at a district level. You’ll learn from professors who care about your success and are ready to help you become an employable sought-after teacher.
Elementary education faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to succeed. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Elementary Education?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Invest in yourself. Debt-free.
"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."
-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa
What’s on campus for Elementary Education students?
Join an international organization of student teachers in student teaching programs–Phi Delta Kappa. Members engage in service projects and participate in regional conferences.
Endeavor for the greater good.
“I very much enjoyed being a part of Kapp Delta PI, and helping my St Ambrose community.”
-Pallavi Dadhwal '20, BA in Elementary Education
What are the general admission requirements for a BA in Elementary Education?
Here are the admissions requirements for our Elementary Education program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What are the School of Education admission requirements for a BA in Elementary Education?
We have special requirements for admittance to the School of Education.
- You must complete 40 field hours in EDUC 205 or provide verification through EDUC 207
- You must provide two professional rating forms (EDUC 205 or 207 instructor, and cooperating teacher's evaluation) which show you earned an average rating of at least Developing (3) in the three separate dispositional categories and recommended by both course instructor and cooperating teacher
- You must receive a grade of "B" or above in EDUC 205 or EDUC 207
- You must complete the application for admission to teacher education program form (including statement of fraud section and necessary signatures)
- You must complete EDUC 282 and EDUC 284 with at least a B average
What can I do with an Elementary Education degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Elementary Education program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Curriculum developer
- School librarian
- Elementary school teacher
- Reading specialist
- English as a second language teacher
- Instructional coach
Potential employment settings
- K-8 Schools
- Education boards
- Learning centers
- School administration
- Consulting firms
- Camps
Traits of an elementary educator
- Patience and empathy
- Creativity
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Organizational skills
Industry facts
- Elementary school teachers in Iowa earned a median wage of $60,380 in 2022. This category excludes teachers working in special education.
- Education Administrators, kindergarten through secondary, in Iowa earned a median income of $101,210 in 2022.
For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
News and events at SAU
>
Hive Hangout: Financial Aid
Connect with current students and get your questions answered during this live, virtual event.
Read more
St. Ambrose University announces Alumnus Daniel Salazar chosen as finalist for prestigious Fulbright program
Alumnus Daniel Salazar '23 has been chosen as a Fulbright finalist for the English teaching assistantship in Spain.
Read more
Catholic higher education - an asset for Iowa and Iowans
Private higher education makes a positive difference all across Iowa, and Catholic institutions offer a supportive environment to learn and grow.
Read more
Become who you are meant to be
With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
