B.S. in Elementary Education

Elementary Education | Undergraduate

Overview & Purpose: Preparing World-Class Teachers for an Interdependent World

BS in Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education degree program is a four-year degree program offered in the Howard University School of Education (HUSOE). Housed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I), the B.S degree program is aligned with department’s mission to prepare teachers and other professionals for leadership roles in a variety of national and global educational settings. The Department specifically champions the needs of black and other underrepresented students in urban communities. Asset-focused teaching methodologies and interdisciplinary coursework prepare candidates to (a) think and reflect critically; (b) analyze and solve problems; (c) make ethical decisions; (d) translate theory and research into effective practice; and (e) understand self, history, and community. The ultimate aims of the programs in the Department are to: (1) develop graduates who engage in optimal teaching and facilitate optimal learning for all students and (2) influence educational policies, practices, and outcomes.

After almost two decades, HUSOE ceremoniously reinstituted a four-year option that meets teacher licensure requirements for the District of Columbia for grades one through six. The state-approved 120-credit B.S. program in Elementary Education enrolled its first freshman class in the Fall of 2013. Before Fall 2013, HUSOE offered nationally recognized five-year degree program and master’s degree program that led to teacher licensure in elementary education.

The B.S. program is grounded in cutting-edge empirical research and best practices for addressing the educational needs of underserved children and youth, especially African American and other children of color in urban and other diverse settings. Core components of the program include: (a) an interdisciplinary approach that highlights human development sciences and an asset-focused approach to teaching culturally and linguistically diverse children; (b) an emphasis on Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) content and pedagogy; and (c) international academic and field-based experiences.

• Degree Classification: Undergraduate
• Related Degrees: B.S.
• Program Frequency: Full-Time
• Format: In Person

Candidates should submit the supplemental application after meeting the requirements below. In order to be granted full admission into the Elementary Education Program, candidates must:

• Declare Elementary Education as a major;
• complete the Orientation & Pre-Professional Seminar Course or equivalent competency;
• provide proof of passing Praxis I* or Praxis Core Score in Reading, Writing and Mathematics (or equivalents) as required by the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) in the District of Columbia;
• attach a current unofficial transcript to program application;
• have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above;
• have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above in the major;
• have at least a "C" or above in all education courses, and
• submit a completed application (including Personal Statement and Test Scores) to the Office of Teacher Education by June 15 for FALL admission and November 15 for SPRING admission.

Before being admitted to the Elementary Education program, candidates must acknowlegde that:

• an interview is required for admission (usually completed during the first day of the Reading Period);
• a second interview is required before beginning the internship (usually completed during the first day of the Reading Period);
• an unpaid full-time teachinig internship (i.e. student teaching) is required [typically completed during the final year];
• passing marks on OSSE test requirements for teacher certification, such as Praxis II (Content) and Principles of Learning and Teachinig, are required for internship course completion and graduation clearance.

*Students who will graduate by Spring can submit Praxis I scores or appropriate substitutes such as ACT/SAT. All other students must submit passing Praxis Core scores.

Degree Requirements

Please refer to the Plan of Study for details on degree requirements

Caution to Prospective Students

The Board of Trustees of Howard University on September 24, 1983, adopted the following policy statement regarding applications for admission: "Applicants seeking admission to Howard University are required to submit accurate and complete credentials and accurate and complete information requested by the University. Applicants who fail to do so shall be denied admission. Enrolled students who as applicants failed to submit accurate and complete credentials or accurate and complete information on their application for admission shall be subject to dismissal when the same is made known, regardless of classification."