Program Details
Bachelor of Science, Major in Elementary Education
Bachelor of ScienceJames Madison University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The four-year Elementary Education program builds on the foundational content knowledge students develop in their general education course work, coupled with select upper level interdisciplinary liberal studies courses that facilitate further understanding of the broad content teachers need to know across the Prek-6 grade levels.
The JMU elementary program seeks to foster in its candidates an empathic understanding of the ways that children are affected by social contexts and by the children's own abilities; the knowledge and pedagogical skills to support each child's right to success; and belief in the value of each child. Our candidates are guided in:
- Critically challenging conventional wisdom and common practices to identify hidden assumptions and activities that constrain or privilege some at the expense of others.
- Learning to ask questions and developing an inquiring approach motivated by the desire to understand the world in its myriad complexities.
- Reflecting deeply on and constructing positive relationships with others.
- Expressing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in ways that communicate with others and provide a forum for the creative and academic expression of the profession and the self.
- Developing an appreciation for the global connection of all humanity and our interdependence on the finite, natural resources of the earth.
- Experiencing life among people whose social contexts are unlike the candidates' own to broaden and deepen respect for and sensitivity to various cultures and social contexts.
- Knowing and appreciating the process of human unfolding throughout the cycles of life from conception onward, particularly throughout the period of childhood.
- Valuing the literacies and literate backgrounds of all learners and develop equitable, inclusive instruction that honors diverse learners at all developmental phases.
- Reflecting critically on the ways we embody and enact a sustainable sense of self.
- Building on interdisciplinary connections among content areas to create inclusive, responsive, and effective instruction for all learners.
- Embedded in the curriculum are field-based learning experiences in the schools. Through these experiences, students gain first-hand experiences working with classroom teachers and learners. Students in these courses will spend 1 full day each week in an elementary classroom for field experiences beginning in the sophomore year. During the senior year, students complete two eight-week blocks of student teaching.
This is a 4-year undergraduate major in Elementary Education that leads to PK-6 licensure.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Completion of this degree and program provides a teaching license endorsement prekindergarten through sixth grade. This degree is completed in person and allows students to have multiple experiences in schools prior to graduating and completing licensure requirements. During your junior year, there is a one-day a week practicum both semesters. Students have their own car and/or carpool. During your senior year, there is a practicum and a student teaching placement both semesters. Students have their own car and/or carpool. For some seniors that live in the state of Virginia, there could be the opportunity to student teach in their Virginia hometown. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete courses that are equivalent to JMU's lower-level education core (EDUC 300, PSYC 160, & WRTC 103; EXED 200-if offered) with grades of C or better to apply to Teacher Education. Missing courses must be taken at JMU before applying to the Teacher Education and beginning the third-year Elementary Education (ELED) curriculum.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Students pursuing an ELED major could declare any of the minors offered at JMU to customize your experience. Examples include educational media, special education, or TESOL. The ELED major will provide opportunities for practicum experiences in multiple grade levels and in diverse communities. Students will have a wide range of choices to participate in professional and/or student organizations such as KDP, (Kappa Delta Pi), Future Teachers of Color, ROTE (Raising an Organization of Trained Educators), and TEACH Ambassadors. |
Program Successes & Highlights | JMU ELED BS degree graduates are highly sought after even before they graduate from school districts across the Commonwealth and up and down the US East Coast. Since the early 1900s, we have been in the business of preparing future teachers to be leading contributors to the education professions and to the improvement of society. The ELED major program has many award-winning faculty and staff who prioritize student success. Over 99% of students who complete the program find employment as a K-6 elementary teacher in a public school. Over 95% of the ELED major students completing the senior level courses attain licensure. Our graduates are highly qualified to implement the best instructional practices that are inclusive and creative while promoting social justice for all learners. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Hollins University | BA in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Eastern Shore Community College | Early Childhood Education, AAS | Associate | Associate in Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in K-8 Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Develop | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Teacher Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Teacher Education - Secondary Mathematics Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Secondary Teacher Education (English/History) | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Early Childhood Development, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Education, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Teacher Preparation Elementary (PreK-6) Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Math Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences - Education Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Special Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
George Mason University | Elementary Education, BSEd | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | Hybrid |
William & Mary | Elementary Education - Bachelor of Arts in Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Elementary Education-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
University of Mary Washington | Bachelor of Science in Elem Ed | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Marymount University | Elementary Education (PK-6) (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Liberal Studies Major - BA (Licensure Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Liberal Studies Major - BA (Non-Licensure Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Education Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Education Elementary Education Special Ed K-6 | Bachelor | Bachelor of Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Elementary Education and Teaching, Bachelor of Science in Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Elementary Education (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Exceptional Education (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
25-1081.00 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-2021.00 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete
