Total Semester Hours Required for the Degree: 123-126 semester hours
The Elementary Education curriculum prepares candidates to teach reading, writing, science, mathematics, social studies, critical thinking skills, and problem solving strategies to elementary school students from grades one through six.
This major requires that all students (including native, transfer students from community colleges or senior institutions, internal transfers, and post-baccalaureate) follow and meet the requirements for Admission, Retention, and Graduation from Teacher Licensure programs as described in the “Teacher Licensure Programs” section of this catalog and as explained at the University Admission to Teacher Education Meeting which all students must attend. Additional information on Admission, Retention and Graduation for Teacher Licensure programs can be found on the College of Education & Professional Studies website at www.eiu.edu/ceps/teached.
All students must pass the Illinois Licensure Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). Students can substitute the ACT plus Writing or SAT scores for the TAP if they meet the minimum scores set by the Illinois State Board of Education. These scores can be found at http://www.eiu.edu/ceps/teached/ or by contacting the CEPS Dean’s Office. Students should complete this requirement no later than their sophomore year.
Students must receive a “C” or better in all courses used toward graduation, regardless of where they are taken. This includes general education, professional education, major and minor courses, all university required courses, and electives. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.65 in order to continue in the program.