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Elementary Education

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Program Details

Credits Required: 130-132
Tuition costs
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Industry Highlights

  • Employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to grow 17% through 2020.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Invest in our future: Teach our children

Elementary educators enjoy one of the most engaging and rewarding careers available today. The Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Western Michigan University offers an unmatched education at a college ranked among the nation's top ten producers of professional educators by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

Why Elementary Education (BS) at Western Michigan University

First and foremost, graduates learn methods, skills and strategies to become effective teachers. The requisite internship (12 credits) can be completed at a school conveniently near WMU-Southwest's campus located in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Additionally, students in the program learn how to use current technologies to enhance learning.

For students at Southwestern Michigan College and Lake Michigan College, WMU-Southwest offers a transfer option. Earn your degree on your terms, and very close by.

Earn while you learn: Certifications and Endorsements

Students who complete the program will earn Michigan Elementary Provisional Certification. Learn more about the Michigan K-8 Teacher/Administrator Certification and the process for obtaining an Early Childhood Education Specialist (ZA) endorsement.

Who should apply

This program at WMU-Southwest has been designed specifically for students who've completed two years of Elementary Education courses at Lake Michigan College or Southwestern Michigan College. See your academic advisor for transfer option information.

Career opportunities

Graduates with the Elementary Education Bachelor of Science are certified to teach:

  • Grades K - 5 in all subjects
  • Grades 6 - 8 in second and third minors
  • Grades K - 8 in all subjects when teaching in a self-contained classroom, one in which the majority of instruction is provided by a single teacher
Graduates with the Early Childhood Specialist (ZS) endorsement are additionally certified to teach:
  • Pre-school/young fives programs
  • Day Care Administrator
  • Resource Teacher