Degree type(s): Bachelor's
Degree field(s): Education
Location(s): Bismarck, ND
Program offerings by location and modality are subject to change.
Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Program
Gain the knowledge you need to step confidently into the field of education. In the Elementary Education bachelor’s degree program, you will learn to be an effective classroom teacher who can plan and implement a broad range of instructional, assessment, and management strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students. You will also have real-world opportunities to participate in supervised teaching opportunities in local schools from sophomore year through graduation. The elementary education degree curriculum is infused with Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values and taught by experienced full-time faculty with pre-K to grade 6 teaching experience.
The University of Mary education program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and meets the teacher certification standards of the North Dakota Educational Standards and Practices Board. Upon completing the Elementary Education Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Mary you will be eligible for licensure to teach in grades 1-8 in North Dakota.
Elementary Education Degree Program Highlights
At the University of Mary you have the opportunity to participate in many unique learning experiences as you pursue your bachelor’s degree, including:
- Mentoring and collaborative research activities with full-time faculty.
- Global learning experiences and professional development activities.
- The Emerging Leaders Academy (a four-year program in educational leadership for selected students).
- The Institute for Educational Leadership conference.
- A range of professional organizations, including the North Dakota Reading Association, the South Central Reading Council, and the North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children.
The University of Mary’s Education Department creates an environment for personal and professional growth. It’s a community that gives you the tools to develop yourself. I am now a teacher who understands the kind of teacher the world needs, and I learned this from my family in the University of Mary Education Department.”
Career Outlook for Elementary Education Majors
Employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers is expected to grow by 7% percent between 2016 and 2026. Teachers who are geographically mobile and who obtain licensure in more than one subject are likely to have a distinct advantage in finding a job. At the federal level, there has been a large increase in funding for education, particularly for the hiring of qualified teachers in lower income areas.
Required Courses
- BIO 101 - Human Biology or BIO 103 - General Biology I
- BIO 101L - Human Biology Laboratory or BIO 103L - General Biology I Laboratory
- COM 110 - Oral Communication
- ENG 121 - Composition II
- HIS 101 - World Civilizations I or HIS 102 - World Civilizations II or MUS 342 - Music History II/World Music
- GEO 150 - Principles of Geography or GEO 161 - World Regional Geography
- MAT 201 - Elementary Math for Teachers I
- MAT 202 - Elementary Math for Teachers II
- PED 305 - Elementary Physical Education Methods
- PSY 205 - Educational Psychology
- SCI 102 - Physical Science
- SCI 201 - Earth Science
- EDU 200 - Introduction to Education or EDU 202 - Introduction to Teaching for Transfer Students
- EDU 205 - Developing Classroom Environments
- EDU 295 - Learners with Exceptional Needs
- EDU 300 - Elementary Practicum I
- EDU 301 - Classroom Management
- EDU 303 - Elementary and Middle School Science Methods
- EDU 307 - Elementary and Middle School Math Methods
- EDU 311 - Music in the Elementary School
- EDU 312 - Arts in the Elementary School
- EDU 315 - Elementary and Middle School Language Arts Methods
- EDU 316 - Elementary and Middle School Reading Methods
- EDU 318 - Elementary and Middle School Social Studies Methods
- EDU 320 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
- EDU 351 - Educational Technology
- EDU 367 - Cultural Diversity and Human Relations
- EDU 390 - Diverse Learners Practicum
- EDU 399 - Curriculum Integration Seminar
- EDU 400 - Elementary Practicum II
- EDU 411 - Student Teacher Assessment
- EDU 418 - Student Teaching - Elementary Education
- EDU 423 - Student Teaching Seminar
- HUM 499 - Senior Competency Testing
Acceptance at the University of Mary does not automatically qualify you to pursue a program in one of the academic programs of study. Application requirements are specific to each major or academic program.
We recommend consulting your advisor for details. Applications are reviewed by the faculty members of the program. You will be notified that you have been admitted, admitted provisionally, or denied admission to the program.
Loni Miller
Elementary Education Program Director
M.Ed. Reading Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor
Office: BONHL 216
Phone: (701) 355-8107
Email: [email protected]
To see the full listing of our faculty please click here.
How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education?
Students at the University of Mary are able to earn their bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in four years.
Am I eligible for licensure to teach after earning my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education?
Yes, after completing our Elementary Education Bachelor of Science degree, graduates are eligible for licensure to teach grades 1-8 in North Dakota.
How do I apply?
Visit umary.edu/apply, email [email protected], or call 701-355-8030.