Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transferable associate degree (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Arts and Science at approved institutions only)

• Students may submit a Letter of Intent to Transfer after completion of 15 transferrable credits, 2.5 or higher GPA, and 90 days prior to graduation from a VCCS institution

• Graduate with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

• Earn a grade of "C" or higher in each community college course applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree program

• Enroll at ODU within one year of completing the transfer-oriented associate degree

• All teacher candidates must be admitted to the elementary education program as a requirement of continuance and graduation. Admittance requires: Be a declared BS in elementary education student; Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and 2.75 GPA in core/major courses; Have no grade below a C- in any course required in the program; Submit an application for admittance that is approved by the program and the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://www.odu.edu/transfer

• Intent to Transfer: Submit a Letter of Intent 90 days prior to graduation from a VCCS institution to ODU. You can review more information about the process at https://www.odu.edu/transfer/guaranteed-admission

• Admission Application: Priority deadline by August 1 for Fall Admission and by October 1 for Spring Admission. The application for admission can be found here: https://www.odu.edu/apply/applications

• Financial Aid: ODU Financial Aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Connect with a pre-transfer advisor if you are considering transferring to ODU. Contact them at transfercenters@odu.edu during your final year at the VCCS.

• 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. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Old Dominion University within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The BS of Elementary Education equips pre-service teachers with research-based knowledge, skills, abilities, and dispositions to engage in socially just teaching practices. Through development of interdisciplinary practices and assessment literacy, with a focus on critical thinking, our pre-service teachers will be equipped to make significant impacts on learning in tomorrow's elementary classrooms. The diverse needs of PK-6 students, systematic influences on student performance, and ethical considerations are embedded throughout the curriculum.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Lower Division General Education Requirements will be waived for transferable associate degrees. Students completing an AS in General Studies degree recognized by SCHEV are eligible for the waiver as long as they are completing a transfer degree approved by SCHEV at a VCCS.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: The GAA at ODU applies to students who have earned an associate degree during high school. Students should apply as a freshman applicant and will receive the benefits associated with the transferable associated degree if admitted.

• Credit for Prior Learning: ODU accepts credits from prior learning to include AP, IB, CLEP, and Cambridge Advanced A/S.

• Catalog Year: Undergraduate students may choose to graduate under the catalog in effect of their first enrollment at ODU or any subsequent catalog provided that the students graduate within six years from the date of first enrollment.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Old Dominion University's waterfront campus is in the coastal city of Norfolk, VA, home to the world's largest U.S. Navy base. From internship opportunities with some of the world's top companies, to great shopping and dining, to beautiful beaches and historic sites, there's always something to discover.

• ODU's 337-acre campus with 3 higher education centers off campus, is the region's only public urban research university. It has both on-campus and off-campus housing options for almost 24,000 students, and a 16:1 faculty ratio.

• ODU is highly ranked among one of the best public higher education institutions in Virginia for Military Vets.

• Transfer students make up 40% of the undergraduate population.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

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 ODU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Opportunities for multiple, diverse field experience at the beginning, middle, and end of the program

• Development of culturally competent teachers through relevant pedagogical and management strategies

• Integration on competencies across subjects and disciplines is enhanced

• Focus is on preparing future-ready teachers

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• As of current data from Fall 2024, ODU's acceptance rate for transfer students is approximately 99%

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All teacher candidates must be admitted to the elementary education program as a requirement of continuance and graduation. Admittance to the elementary education program requires that the teacher candidate: Be a declared BS in elementary education student; Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and 2.75 GPA in core/major courses; Have no grade below a C- in any course required in the program; Submit an application for admittance that is approved by the program and the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies