Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education (Grades PreK-6)

If you want to teach in the elementary grades, Washburn University’s teacher preparation program will give you classroom opportunities in urban, suburban and rural schools. Washburn’s small classes ensure you will develop meaningful connections with peers and professors that will help you be successful on necessary exams and throughout your career. And because Washburn education graduates are sought after, you are likely to have a job lined up before graduation.
Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $54,460on campus
A student smiles while working with a toy car ramp in a classroom setting.

Why elementary education at Washburn?

As a future educator at Washburn, you will have access to opportunities that prioritize your growth, skill development, and creativity. With opportunities including study abroad and community engaged learning, you will develop skills in classroom and self-management, professionalism, and reflective practice that will serve you throughout your career as an educator.

You can earn a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education (Grades PreK-6) alone or with an added endorsement or second license that will make you more versatile and prepare you for licensure in more than one area. You will work with your advisor and the licensure officer to ensure you are meeting the necessary course requirements in order to reach your career goals.

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Apply to Washburn

Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Education department scholarships

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of both academic excellence and financial need. Applications are considered by the Department Scholarship Committee each spring for the following academic year.

Secondary & P12 programs
Secondary education major information

Optional emphasis areas:

These courses are in addition to those required for the B.Ed. in Elementary Education.

  • EN 133 Stories Around the World or English literature equivalent. (Explore your options at the English Department website.)  (3)
  • EN 310 English Grammar/Linguistics (3)
  • EN 320 Teaching Young Adult Literature (3)
  • EN 330 American Literature through 1865 (3)
  • ED 340 Teaching Adolescents in Mid Level and ED 348 Mid Level English/LA Practicum (3) ED 340 and ED 348 will be taken in semester prior to Student Teaching
Full degree plan
  • HI 101 Changing World History (3)
  • HI 112 History of the US II (3)
  • HI 303 Colonial America or any 300 level American History (3)
  • HI 322 Kansas History (3)
  • ED 340 Teaching Adolescents in Mid Level and ED 346 Middle Level History Practicum (3) ED 340 and ED 346 will be taken in semester prior to Student Teaching
Full degree plan
  • MA 116 College Algebra (3)
  • MA 281 History (1) Even Spring only, or Independent Study
  • MA 117 Trigonometry
  • MA 140 Statistics (3) MA 116 is prerequisite
  • MA 204 Number Theory/Discrete (3) spring only
  • MA 320 Math for Middle School (3) even-years fall only 
  • ED 340 Teaching Adolescents in Mid Level (2) and ED 349 Middle Level Math Practicum (1) ED 340 and ED 349 are taken in the semester prior to student teaching block.
Your math requirements will be different than other Elementary Education majors. View the full degree plan

Required for a provisional license and admission to a Master of Education program with an emphasis in high incidence special education.

  • SE 420 Educational Planning (3) summer only
  • SE 430 Methods and Materials (3) fall only
  • SE 440 Individual and Group Management (3) fall only
  • SE 456 Special Education Practicum (4)
Full degree plan
NOTE: If interested in pursuing a graduate degree in special education, Washburn’s program automatically admits its B.Ed. graduates. Learn more
  • ED 461 ESOL Assessment (3) fall only
  • ED 463 ESOL Teaching and Learning (3) fall only
  • ED 450 Methods and Cross Cultural Communication (3) spring only
  • ED 464 ESOL Practicum (3)
  • ED 466 Linguistics (3)
  • ED 440 P-12 Student Teaching (4)
Full degree plan

Enroll at WU

Enroll to pursue a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education degree at Washburn University.

Declare as an education major

Contact Tara Porter about declaring education as your major.

Professional Teacher Education Program

Year 2. Admission to the program allows you to begin your teaching blocks. A TB test and a KBI background check are required.

You’ll participate in Education Interview Day before graduation. Plan to take the Praxis exams in your final semester. You must pass the Praxis in order to be licensed to teach.

Graduate programs

35 percent of our Elementary Education majors continue right to graduate school. Washburn graduate programs in Education prepare you for advanced licensure.
CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook

Student/faculty ratio

9:1

Placement rate

98%

or more of Washburn Education majors have passed their licensure exams on the first attempt since 2017.

Important qualities for this major

Love children
Passion for content area
Flexibility
Ability to work with both children and adults
Collaborative
“Life Long Learner”

Teacher Licensure

Programs for individuals who already have a degree and only want to acquire a teaching license.
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Become an Ichabod!
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Study abroad

A transformative experience that will take you across the globe!
Read More

GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Education

Department of Education
Education Building, Room 156
1731 SW Plass Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1427

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