College of Education

Elementary Education

#1

Education School

in Kentucky (US News & World Report)

97%

of employers

say grads are well-prepared

200+

hours

field experience

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Helping children become excited about learning can lead to a rewarding career in elementary education.  

We take a unique approach to teacher education. As an Elementary Education major, you will be placed in actual classrooms from the start. Your college classes are embedded in local elementary schools during pre-practicum and practicum. 

 

Our program prepares you to teach at the elementary (P-5) level, kindergarten through fifth grade. 

 

We encourage you to explore our world-class program faculty and staff, as well as familiarize yourself with the resources and engagement opportunities avaiable to our students.

 

Why Choose UK Elementary Education?

  • Our graduates are highly qualified and recruited by schools.
  • We partner with top teachers to offer student teaching experiences.
  • Learn and grow through travel with student teaching abroad.
  • Experience a diverse community with many opportunities to get involved.

 

Schedule a visit with the College of Education

“In the words of Aristotle: Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. The hearts and minds that I will have a lasting impact on as an Elementary Educator will go far beyond a classroom, in turn having a lasting legacy of changing the world one child at a time!"

Jaleon Abrams

Elementary Education Graduate

Admission and Certification

You should complete an undergraduate admissions application and declare interest in Elementary Education. Be sure to keep your grades on track. After completing 45 credit hours, you will need a minimum 2.75 college GPA to apply to the Teacher Education Program.

 

You will be eligible to apply for certification in Kentucky upon graduation.

 

Interested in teaching outside of Kentucky? See our list of teacher certifications by state


Graduation Requirements

To receive the B.A. degree in Elementary Education, students must: (1) complete the UK Core requirements; (2) complete the program related studies courses; and (3) complete the professional education component.


Apply for College of Education Scholarships

In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of scholarship awards from the College of Education.

For incoming freshmen the scholarship application deadline is February 1. 

For transfer and current students the scholarship application deadline is April 1.

Student Organizations

Students can find many opportunities to join organizations. Many of our elementary education students are involved in:

 

Elementary Education Student Association (EESA)

​This organization brings together and provide support for elementary education majors. They promote opportunities for the personal and professional development of its members. Follow EESA on instagram: @eesauky.

 

Learn more about student organizations in our college.

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.

Refund Policies

You can find tuition refund policies, deadlines, amounts, and other important information on the UK Student Account Services wesbite