Early Elementary Education (BS)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2022–Spring 2023 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education
Unit: College of Education and Human Development (ED)
Departments: Special Education, Early Childhood & Prevention Science (SECP) and Elementary, Middle & Secondary Teacher Education (EMSTEd)       
Academic Plan Code(s): See Track Requirements tab

Program Information

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Elementary Education has been designed to fulfill the requirements for the Kentucky teacher certification, grades P-5, which includes kindergarten.  This degree offers candidates several options from which to choose including elementary only, dual certifications in elementary and early childhood, or elementary and special education, as well as single certifications in interdisciplinary early childhood only (birth - age 5) and moderate and severe disabilities only (grades P - 12).  Teacher education candidates must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences along with the Arts and Humanities (music, art, movement/motion). If candidates choose a dual degree, then they must also demonstrate proficiency in that area as well. 

These programs offer extensive field experiences in local schools under the supervision of accomplished teachers, and receive support from University of Louisville supervisors. 

Degree Summary

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Some courses required in this degree program may satisfy multiple requirements. To complete the degree in the minimum number of hours listed, some hours from the General Education Requirements must be satisfied by courses defined by the unit and/or program. Using other courses to satisfy General Education requirements will require additional hours to complete the degree requirements. See the Degree Requirements and Track tabs for specific coursework.

Specific coursework information can be found on the Degree Requirements tab.

Departmental Admission Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education program requires the following:

• Minimum of 45 credit hours (can include hours in-progress during the semester applying)
• Minimum 2.75 or higher overall GPA
• B-minus or better in all EDTP and EDSP courses
• C or better in MATH 151 and MATH 152. 
• Minimum test scores as required by the Education Professional Standards Board
• C or better in ENGL 102 (or equivalent) and in Oral Communication course
• Completion of Pre-Professional Courses
• Any other requirements as outlined in Application.

General Education Requirements

All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above).  Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

The following are not degree requirements, but are required for teacher certification purposes. They are recommended by the program to fulfill General Education Requirements: 

• Biology course and lab (S, SL)
• Physical Science course (S)

HIST 104 or HIST 105 are recommended by the program to fulfill the Social & Behavioral Historical Perspective General Education requirement.

College/School Requirements

Mid-Point Assessment Prior to Elementary and Special Education Student Teaching

Completion of all EDTP and EDSP courses with no grade lower than B-; “Pass” in all clinical field work (EDTP 312, EDTP 314, EDTP 323, EDTP 326, EDTP 330, EDSP 346); Electronic documentation of approved field experiences including assessment of dispositions; Completion of all state regulations and additional requirements as identified by the Office of Educator Development and Clinical Practice; Positive recommendation from Educator Certification Committee. 

Program/Major Requirements

Degree Assessment

B-minus or better in student teaching and capstone courses; 2.75 overall GPA; all program courses with 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Certification Assessment

Eligible for degree; Passing scores on required PRAXIS exams; assessment of dispositions and standards in courses completed after mid-point; Positive recommendation from Educator Certification Committee.

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To complete the degree in the minimum number of hours listed, some hours from the General Education Requirements must be satisfied by courses defined by the unit and/or program. Using other courses to satisfy General Education requirements will require additional hours to complete the degree requirements (or decrease the listed electives).

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Restricted to students admitted to teacher education

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Students pursuing the Early Childhood dual certification, Early Childhood only, Moderate and Severe Disability dual certification, and Moderate and Severe Disability only tracks may substitute another faculty-approved course for EDTP 355. 

Track Requirements 

Track in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Certification Birth-Age 5 only)

Academic Plan Code(s): EREDBSRIEC

Track in Early Childhood Education (Dual Certification Birth-Age 5 and Grades P-5)

Academic Plan Code(s): EREDBSRECE

Track in Individualized Studies

Academic Plan Code(s): EREDBSRINS

 ¹ For information on how to develop an Individualized Studies curriculum plan, please go to http://louisville.edu/education/degrees/bs-eee-is. 

Track in Learning and Behavior Disorders (Dual Certification Elementary Grades P-5 and LBD Grades P-12)

Academic Plan Code(s): EREDBSRELB

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Course numbers pending.

Track in Moderate and Severe Disabilities (Dual Certification Elementary Grades P-5 and MSD Grades P-12)

Academic Plan Code(s): EREDBSRMSD

Flight Plan

Track in Early Childhood Education (Certification Birth-Age 5 only)

Track in Early Childhood Education (Dual Certification Birth-Age 5 and Grades P-5)

Track in Individualized Studies

Track in Learning and Behavior Disorders (Dual Certification Elementary Grades P-5 and LBD Grades P-12)

Track in Moderate and Severe Disabilities (Certification MSD Grades P-12 only)

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Course numbers pending.

Track in Moderate and Severe Disabilities (Dual Certification Elementary Grades P-5 and MSD Grades P-12)

Degree Audit Report
Degree Audit reports illustrate how your completed courses fulfill the requirements of your academic plan.  What-if reports allow you to compare the courses you have completed in your current academic plan to the courses required in another academic plan.  Should you have questions about either report, please consult with your academic advisor.

To create either report:

1. Log into your ULink account.
2. Click on the Academic Progress tile.
3. Next, click on "View my Degree Audit" to run a Degree Audit report in the Undergraduate Advising area. 
4. To create a What-if report, click on "Create a What-if Advisement Report."

Click here to run a Degree Audit report, or create a What-if report.

Flight Planner
Based on your major, the Flight Planner tool may be available for you to create a personalized Flight Plan.  The Flight Planner can be found in the ULink Student Center.  Consult with your advisor for assistance with the Flight Planner.

The Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education with the available tracks prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure.  If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree. 

More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website:  https://louisville.edu/oapa/licensure-information (you may search by school or by the name of the program then click on 'View Details' to display the information).

For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: https://louisville.edu/online/About-Us (please scroll down near the bottom of the page and click on the licensing disclosures tab).