Our bachelor’s degree program in elementary education prepares you for a rewarding teaching career in grades 1-6. In our undergraduate education programs, you’ll start building your resume from day one and begin meaningful fieldwork experiences in area schools during the first semester of your freshman year.
Full Time
Rolling AdmissionBachelor of Science
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As an elementary education student, you will complete a subject area major and may select any discipline offered by the University of Hartford or an interdisciplinary behavioral studies major.
Clinical experiences are incorporated into most of the professional education courses, and are an important component of our commitment to support students as they put theory into action. The first clinical experience begins in a student’s first semester in the elementary education program.
The professional program includes clinical experiences that increase in time and responsibility for teaching. The final two semesters of the program include two intensive clinical experiences. One full semester of integrated professional practicum experience and one full semester of student teaching in public school settings are included.
Students who successfully complete the program in elementary education, pass the edTPA, and state subject area assessments are eligible for Connecticut certification to teach first grade through sixth grade.
Students preparing for elementary certification can enroll in a program that combines with a special education core and leads to dual certification. This program is recommended for anyone interested in employing special education skills in a regular classroom. Learn more about this program here.
The University of Hartford Magnet School, a pre-K to grade 5 elementary school, is one of several schools located on campus or within walking distance. All provide opportunities for fieldwork and student teaching.
The bachelor’s degree in elementary education is a minimum of 126 credits. A sample of courses is listed below. View the full curriculum here.
Introduction to Education: Schooling and Human Services
Educational Psychology
Reading and Language Arts Instruction
Mathematics Instruction and Methods
Differentiated Instruction
Integrated Methods: Science, Social Studies and the Arts
Student Teaching
Academic Writing
Computers in the Classroom
Mathematics for Elementary School
Infant and Child Development
Creativity: The Dynamics of Artistic Expression
Discovering America: American Civilization
Job growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, so the demand for teachers will remain strong.
Fast-track your education by earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in only five years in our 4+1 option. You can earn a BS in Elementary Education and a Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education Cross-Endorsement in one program. The entire curriculum can be completed in five years, including summer classes after your senior year.
Connecticut and many other states require teachers to complete a master’s degree in order to maintain their teaching certification. In addition, teachers with master’s degrees typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
The MEd in Special Education Cross-Endorsement is a 36-credit program and includes 14 weeks of student teaching.
Additional benefits:
All of UHart's education programs get students out into the classroom starting in your first semester, giving you hands-on experience with children right from the start. Hear more from student Brian Durocher '21 and Department Chair Sheetal Sood in this short video.
Students applying to the elementary education program are accepted for admission in either the fall or the spring semester. Although there are no strict application deadlines, we recommend you apply by December 1 for entrance in January and by March 1 for entrance in September.
For admission to programs in the Department of Education, 16 units of secondary subjects are expected and should include the following as minimal:
Please see the Catalog for grade requirements for preprofessional and professional level courses.
To transfer into a teacher education program as a college junior (48 credits or more), you must show evidence of having taken the SAT, ACT, or the Praxis Core. In addition, you must have obtained a minimum of a 3.0 (B) grade point average (GPA) in your previous coursework. Your ability to complete the program in two calendar years will depend on the specific courses required and your flexibility regarding summer coursework. Once admitted you must immediately complete the Professional Program Application. We would be happy to review your records and map out a sample plan of study. Please contact the Office of Admission:
Office of Admission
860.768.4296
admission@great-seal.com
Assess their ability to plan effective instruction based on their student outcomes.
Gauge and reflect on whether they are able to assess student outcomes using pre- and post-assessment.
Plan effective instruction based on state standards and assessment data.
Plan a standard-based sequence of instruction using national and state standards.
Align assessments with meaningful learning objectives.
Differentiate instruction for different learning needs.
Align activities with curriculum objectives, as well as state and national standards.
Write clear objectives and plan developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on student needs.
Differentiate instruction and use appropriate scaffolding, thereby ensuring that all students can learn.
Use effective instructional techniques and maintain a positive environment in the classroom.
Reflect on their performance and its effect on student understanding.
Work in collaboration with others.
Gain firsthand experience observing/working in included classrooms and reflect on these experiences.
If you are a full-time undergraduate student applying to the elementary education program, you will be considered for financial aid programs that the University of Hartford administers. In addition to our own funds, the University participates in all Federal Title IV programs and Federal Family Education Loan programs. Residents of Connecticut and those states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Connecticut may also be eligible to receive state scholarships or grants.
Find detailed information on tuition and fees and financial aid
Financial Aid Office
860.768.4296
finaid@great-seal.com
Accreditation and State of Connecticut Certification
Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited based on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through the CAEP Accreditation System (CAEP), as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education. The Educational Testing Service's Praxis II exam is utilized for certification of teachers in Connecticut. See Pass rate.
Professional Licensing Disclosure
Visit Out-of-State Educators to see the Connecticut State Department of Education reciprocity agreement. The NASDTEC website details the interstate reciprocity agreement across states.
In our Integrated Elementary and Special Education Program, you can earn two certifications in four years, which opens doors to more career options. You’ll be eligible for certification in elementary education (grades 1-6) and special education (grades K-12). Our class sizes are small, and students receive plenty of individual mentoring from our experienced faculty, who are well connected with area schools.
In our Integrated Elementary and Special Education Program, you can earn two certifications in four years, which opens doors to more career options. You’ll be eligible for certification in elementary education (grades 1-6) and special education (grades K-12). Our class sizes are small, and students receive plenty of individual mentoring from our experienced faculty, who are well connected with area schools.
Our bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education will give you the knowledge and training to pursue a variety of careers in public and private schools as well as childcare centers and community programs. The degree leads to preparation for Connecticut teacher certification with a focus in birth to age 5/kindergarten or nursery/preschool through grade 3.