Elementary Education Program Degree Options
The elementary education degree programs offered through CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies will provide you with the skills to make a meaningful impact on the world’s next generation of learners. As an elementary school teacher candidate, you will study education theory, child development, classroom management, learning theory, and educational psychology while you participate in field-based learning experiences that put you in the classroom. This unique combination of theory, methodology, and practice will help you develop the competencies necessary to become an effective teacher in elementary classrooms.
Taught from a Christian worldview, our elementary education degree and licensure program courses are offered in a convenient online program. Each course will help you address the diverse needs of today's learners through servant-leadership across several learning environments, including classrooms, schools, and society as a whole. This online bachelor's degree program also prepares you to work with English language learners, young children with disabilities, and elementary students with unique learning needs. Small class sizes encourage individualized learning and networking and give you direct access to instructors who are also professionals in the field.
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Licensure)
CCU's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Licensure degree is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad (see exclusions below) who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching license that allows them to teach kindergarten through sixth grade in public, international, private, and public charter schools. Upon successful completion of this education program and meeting state requirements including content testing and background checks, graduates apply for licensure in Colorado or in their state. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state's teacher licensure process and requirements. Learn more about program and licensure requirements for each state.
Successful completion of CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies teaching licensure programs will result in a university recommendation for licensure to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). It is the student's responsibility to ensure he/she meets all additional CDE licensure requirements including content testing and background checks. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state's teacher licensure reciprocation process and requirements.
If you want to learn more about teacher certification, financial aid opportunities, tuition rates, degree completion timelines, and upcoming course start dates, fill out the form on this page.
B.A. with Licensure* Quick Facts
- 120 credit hours (50 in professional core)
- Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your degree
- Teaching Focus: K-6 in public, international, private, and public charter schools
- Eligible for Colorado Licensure
- Student teaching is required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Non-Licensure)
Our Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Non-Licensure) is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad (see exclusions below) who wish to become early childhood teachers and obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree without licensure. Graduates are prepared to teach kindergarten to sixth grade in schools that do not require licensure. These include some public charter schools, private schools, and international schools. Student teaching is not required, although teacher candidates are required to complete 160 clock hours of field experiences during the first fall and spring semesters. Graduates of this education program may later choose to pursue Colorado licensure through CCU’s Alternative Licensing Program or through CCU’s Master of Arts in Special Education Licensure program.
B.A. Non-Licensure Quick Facts
- 120 credit hours (39 in professional core courses)
- Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your teaching degree
- Teaching Focus: K-6 in some private, international, and public charter schools
- Not eligible for Colorado licensure
- Full-time student teaching is not required, but some fieldwork is required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International
Enrollment in the dual degree option allows you to earn your Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education while completing some of the coursework toward your Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, saving you time and money when you enroll in a graduate program. You can even complete both degrees via 100% online learning. Learn more about CCU's dual degree programs.
Two graduate-level courses are incorporated into the Elementary Education bachelor's degree program, and upon acceptance into the master's program, students can apply those credits toward the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction (non-emphasis option).
Education Related Programs
- Bachelor's Degrees: Early Childhood Education, B.A.; Elementary Education, B.A.; Special Education, B.A.
- Master's Degrees: Curriculum and Instruction, M.A.; Educational Leadership, M.Ed.; School Counseling, M.A.; Special Education, M.Ed.; TESOL, M.Ed.
- Endorsements: CLDE Endorsement; Special Education Generalist
- Graduate Certificates: TESOL
- Licensure: Alternative Licensure; Principal Licensure
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.
State Exclusions for Online Students
Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.