Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Science, Major in Elementary Education

Bachelor of Science
James 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
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
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.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University within your first year via College Connect
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
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this 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.

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.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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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.

Institution Name Type Title
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - James Madison University and Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University

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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
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...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: James Madison University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
2481
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
55% (2023-2024)
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
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
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Hollins UniversityBA in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeEarly Childhood Education, AASAssociateAssociate in Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in K-8 EducationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood DevelopAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Teacher EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Teacher Education - Secondary Mathematics SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Secondary Teacher Education (English/History)AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeEarly Childhood Development, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeEducation, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences in Education AssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Teacher Preparation Elementary (PreK-6) SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science/EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science/Math EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social Science/EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Social Sciences - Education SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science in EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Science in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBS in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in Education StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in Special EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Arts in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearHybrid
George Mason UniversityElementary Education, BSEdBachelorBachelor of Science in Education4-YearHybrid
William & MaryElementary Education - Bachelor of Arts in EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts in Education4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityElementary Education-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
University of Mary WashingtonBachelor of Science in Elem EdBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Elementary Education (PK-6) (BA)BachelorBachelor of Art4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeLiberal Studies Major - BA (Licensure Track)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeLiberal Studies Major - BA (Non-Licensure Track)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Education Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Education Elementary Education Special Ed K-6BachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBS in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Elementary EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityElementary Education and Teaching, Bachelor of Science in EducationBachelorBachelor of Science in Education4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeElementary Education (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeExceptional Education (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1081.00Education Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
25-2021.00Elementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationTeach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at James Madison University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $4,075 Per Semester $32,600 $0 $32,600
Fees
Comprehensive Fee $2,908 Per Semester $23,264 0 $23,264
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.