View an elementary education PowerPoint presentation about the program and important advising information.

Successful completion of the elementary education program will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree and certification for teaching at the elementary level (K-6). We offer courses on the main campus in Cullowhee and at distance education sites.

Second Academic Concentration
Whatever your interests, you can find a second academic concentration (SAC) to fit. The SAC, required of all elementary teachers, is an 18-hour concentration in your favorite subject. You can choose from art, theatre, English, political science, or anthropology, to name just a few subjects.

Second Degree or Licensure-Only Program
Already have a bachelor’s degree but not interested in a master’s degree? Western’s second degree or licensure-only program may be for you. The second degree requires 68 hours. We can customize the licensure-only program to match your previous education and experience.

Year-long Internship
Best of all, your year-long internship means you won’t land in the classroom unprepared. Our two-stage internship gradually familiarizes you with real-world classrooms under the mentorship of a dedicated, experienced public school teacher and university supervisor.

K-12 Reading Certification License
You can earn an initial add-on reading license through undergraduate coursework with a concentration in reading.