Elementary Education
(Preschool - Grade 5)
Nurturing Future Educators
The University of Cincinnati’s Elementary Education program stands out for its holistic approach to preparing educators for the vital task of teaching children in diverse pre-kindergarten through grade five environments. Upon successful completion of the licensure program and passing the required state licensure exams, graduates will be prepared to teach in a variety of educational settings, encompassing public or private schools, preschools, elementary classrooms, head start programs, child-care centers, or related fields.
Once students have completed the program and passed required exams, teaching candidates are recommended for a teaching license through the Ohio Department of Education. By choosing to study Elementary Education at the University of Cincinnati, you’re embarking on a journey that prepares you to make a lasting impact in the lives of young learners.
12.6%
Projected Job Growth
ACT/SAT
Optional
4 yr
completion time
The School of Education's licensure pass rate for students is 95%. (edReports, Ohio Assessments for Educators)
Why Study Elementary Education, Primary Licensure PreK - 5?
Throughout our program, you will learn to support each individual child’s learning and development through an ongoing process of evaluation and specific instructional techniques. With a faculty dedicated to cultivating a curriculum that emphasizes commitment, compassion, and competence, our teacher candidates are equipped to support the unique learning and developmental needs of each child they encounter.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program and the passing of the Ohio Assessments for Educators exams, our teaching candidates are recommended for a teaching license through the Ohio Department of Education. By choosing to study Elementary Education at the University of Cincinnati, you’re embarking on a journey that prepares you to make a lasting impact in the lives of young learners.
The experiences I gained from my student teaching really built my confidence running my own classroom! Now I feel ready to open the doors to my own set of students in just a few short months.
Katie Dunn
Real World Experiences
Rooted in constructivist principles, the Elementary Education program emphasizes children as active, engaged learners who construct their own understanding through experiences and social interaction. Prepare for interactive and immersive methods courses that promote hands-on learning. Through observations and over 1,000 hours of practicum experiences and internships, you will develop knowledge essential to your career after college.
With guidance from an Elementary Education advisor, you can explore opportunities to pursue additional certifications such as, Special Education, TESOL, Digital Learning Design, and Deaf Studies.
| Year/Semester | Field Experience | |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Fall | Field Observations | |
| First-Year Spring | Field Observations | |
| Sophomore Spring | Preschool Practicum | |
| Junior Fall | Kindergarten Practicum | |
| Junior Spring | 4th and 5th Grade Exploration | |
| Senior Year | Opening School in your primary classroom (1st - 5th grade) (early August) Primary Practicum (fall semester) Internship (spring semester) |
Learning experiences will require full-time availability for elementary education classes and field experiences on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Education Without Borders
Bearcats spotted in England!
The University of Cincinnati offers a variety of excellent programs abroad. Our elementary education students were over the pond participating in a comparative study of early childhood in the US and UK!
Search for study abroad programs make plans to meet with a study abroad advisor.
Research Centers
Enhance your studies through one of our top centers and programs! The Arlitt Center for Education, Research and Sustainability gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom towards researching best practices in teaching. The Arlitt Center is UC’s award-winning laboratory preschool that serves as a practicum site, a research center for faculty and students and an observation and teacher training resource center for the community.
Apply to our Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
The University of Cincinnati’s Elementary Education program features an industry-leading experience through a proven curriculum. Interested in learning more? Request more information today!
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.