Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you.
Elementary Education (B.A.E.)
What can you do with your degree?
The Elementary Education program at the University of Kentucky prepares students to become elementary teachers (K-5). Earning a degree from our program gives you the skillset to become an effective teacher with extensive hands-on experience. This can also open doors for your continued education and/or career advancement opportunities in school leadership, educational psychology, curriculum design, state policy, publishing, higher education, and corporate training.
Our unique approach embeds courses in local schools early in the program, ensuring you gain valuable field experience and forge important connections. Students gain over 200 hours of field experience through classroom observations, community outreach, school board meetings, and other school visits, followed by a full semester of student teaching.
We encourage you to explore our Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and our world-class program faculty, as well as familiarize yourself with the resources and engagement opportunities available to our students.
The Elementary Education program is approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.
Program Details
Delivery Method: On Campus, In-Person
Teacher Education Program: Teacher Certification Information
Scholarship Information: Student Scholarships and Awards
Accreditation: This program is approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
What You'll Study
Year 1
Semester 1 (16 course hours)
- CIS or WRD 110: Composition & Communication I (3)
- MA 111: Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics (3)
- EPE 174: The College Student (3)
- PSY 100: Introduction to Psychology (4)
- HIS 108: History of the United States (3)
Semester 2 (16 course hours)
- CIS or WRD 111: Composition & Communication II (3)
- UK Core: Global Dynamics (3)
- BIO 103: Basic Ideas of Biology (3)
- BIO 111: General Biology Lab (1)
- STA 210: Statistical Inferential Reasoning (3)
- HIS 109: History of the United States through 1876 (3)
Year 2
Semester 1 (15 course hours)
- UK Core: Arts and Creativity (3)
- EDP 202: Human Development and Learning (3)
- EES 160: Geology for Teachers (3)
- MA 201: Math for Elementary Teachers (3)
- Special Needs Course #1 (3)
Semester 2 (15 course hours) ß Apply to the Teacher Education Program
- EPE 301: Education in American Culture (3)
- PHY 160: Physics and Astronomy for Teachers (3)
- MA 202: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (3)
- A-E 200: Workshop in Design Education for Elementary Teachers (3)
- Free Elective Course (3)
Year 3
Semester 1 (15 course hours)
- MUS 266: Teaching Music in Elementary Grades (3)
- LIS 510: Children’s Literature & Related Materials (3)
- Additional Literacy Course #1 (3)
- State/Regional Course (3)
- Special Needs Course #2 (3)
Semester 2 (16 course hours)
- EDC 317: Introduction to Instructional Media (1)*
- EDC 329: Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3)*
- EDC 323: Inclusive Classroom Management (3)*
- KHP 380: Health Education in Elementary Schools (2)*
- KHP 382: Physical Education for Elementary School Teachers (2)*
- Additional Literacy Course #2 (3)
- Electives (2)
Year 4
Semester 1 (15 course hours)
- EDC 322: Elementary Practicum (3)*
- EDC 326: Teaching Social Studies in Elementary School (3)*
- SEM 328: Teaching Science in the Elementary School (3)*
- SEM 337: Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Schools (3)*
- EDC 339: Designing a Reading and Language Arts Program for the Elementary School (3)*
Semester 2
- EDC 433: Student Teaching (12)*
*Requires admission into the Teacher education Program*
State Authorization & Licensure
If you plan to complete a University of Kentucky online program while living outside of Kentucky, you should check the Out-of-State Students page to determine if the University of Kentucky is authorized to provide this program in your state of residence. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state.
Cost of Attendance
Understand the total estimated expense to attend UK, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Tuition and Fees
Understand the specific charges for instruction and related services, excluding other living and personal expenses.