elementary education
Bachelor of Arts
Mid-America Christian University’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education prepares students to inspire and educate young minds. The program combines traditional theory with contemporary teaching methods, covering subjects such as math, science, social studies, and English, as well as child/adolescent educational psychology and instructional strategies.
Explore the Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degree
Offered both online and on campus in Oklahoma City, the accredited Bachelor’s in Elementary Education degree program provides flexibility to accommodate diverse learning preferences. Students complete 110 hours of field experience in various schools, allowing for observation and interaction with diverse students prior to student teaching. MACU’s faith-based approach ensures that future educators become effective, ethical teachers, ready to make a positive impact in classrooms worldwide.
Note: Special Education is NOT available for certification through this route.
Elementary Education Program Options
- Choose from a 16-week, traditional on-ground college experience or accelerated evening or online classes.
- Programs designated as on-ground may include online or hybrid course requirements as determined by curriculum and scheduling needs.
Skills Developed in the Elementary Education Program
- Teaching methods
- Instructional approaches
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Assessment techniques
Learn more about MACU’s flexible online and on-campus education degree programs.
Career Outcomes for the Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Degree
With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education degree from MACU, graduates can pursue elementary school teaching roles.
The knowledge and skills developed in the elementary education degree program also can be applied to roles in education policy analysis, program coordination, corporate training, or tutoring. With additional experience or a graduate degree, elementary education degree graduates can pursue education administrator, instructional coordinator, or education consultant roles.
Take a look at some roles that graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program can pursue, along with their 2024 median annual salaries as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Elementary School Teacher $62,340 | Education Administrator $89,040 | Instructional Coordinator $74,720 |
| Kindergarten Teacher $61,430 | Training and Development Specialist $65,850 | Tutor $40,090 |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), **Payscale (2026)
Teacher Certification and Licensure Pathway
MACU graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education can qualify for teacher certification in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability recognizes MACU’s program as an approved educator preparation program. Students must complete field experience hours as part of the preparation program.
To become a licensed teacher, graduates of the elementary education degree program must also pass state-specific competency exams and apply for a teaching certification through the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Learn more about how to become a teacher.
Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Curriculum
Students in the elementary education degree program complete core courses and major courses within the School of Teacher Education. These education major courses emphasize instructional strategies, teaching methods, and assessment. Elementary education students also complete student teaching requirements.
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program at MACU must complete a total of 132 credit hours, including 74 credit hours of university core and general education courses and 58 credit hours of major preparation, major core, and professional education courses.
University Core Course Subject Requirements
These courses cover topics in areas including:
- Bible/Theology
- Communication/English/Literature
- History and Government
- Science
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Foreign Language
Major Course and Professional Education Requirements
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program must complete the following core coursework and professional education components:
Required Before the Major Core (9 Credit Hours):
- EDUC 2101 Teacher Education Orientation (1)
- EDUC 2102 Educational Foundations (2)
- EDUC 4203 Instructional Strategies, Management, and Assessment I (3)
- EDUC 4213 Instructional Strategies, Management, and Assessment II (3)
Major Core Courses (28 Credit Hours):
- ECED 3223 Literacy Methods for Early Childhood (3)
- EDEL 3203 Methods of Reading in Intermediate Grades (3)
- EDEL 3303 Methods of Elementary Science (3)
- EDEL 3503 Methods of Elementary Music and Art Integration (3)
- EDEL 4304 Diagnostic and Prescriptive Reading with Reading Practicum (4)
- EDEL 4503 Methods of Elementary Language Arts (3)
- EDEL 4603 Methods of Elementary Social Studies (3)
- EDEL 4803 Methods of Elementary Math (3)
- EDEL 3403 Children’s Literature (3)
Professional Education Requirements (21 Credit Hours):
- EDUC 3103 Educational Psychology (3)
- EDUC 3233 Probability and Statistics for Teachers (3)
- EDUC 3303 Development Across the Life Span (3)
- EDUC 4223 Students with Exceptionalities (3)
- EDUC 4909 Student Teaching (9)
Explore the Degree Plan and Academic Catalog for more information.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students in the Data Analytics Bachelor’s degree program benefit from MACU’s affordable tuition rates, which include a discount for online learners.
Traditional
$864 per credit hour
Online/Evening Accelerated
$455 per credit hour
Learn more about costs and fees and financial aid at MACU.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students eager to start their journey at MACU must first complete the admission process.
Requirements for admission:
- A completed application
- Any college transcripts
- High school transcripts (for those with fewer than 24 transfer credits)
- ACT or SAT scores (for those with fewer than 24 transfer credits)
Applicants can inquire about taking advantage of MACU’s transfer-friendly policies and prior-learning credit opportunities to apply their eligible credits toward their degree.
THE PLACE TO BE
Mid-America Christian University is more than a campus—it’s a community where purpose and passion collide. Nestled in Oklahoma City, MACU offers a Christ-centered education that goes beyond the classroom, empowering students to grow academically, spiritually, and professionally.
With small class sizes, personalized attention, and innovative degree programs designed for real-world impact, MACU is the place where dreams take root and thrive. Whether you’re engaging in vibrant campus life or pursuing a flexible online program, you’ll find a supportive environment dedicated to helping you discover your calling and make a difference in the world. At MACU, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re shaping your future.
Career Outcomes for the Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Degree
With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education degree from MACU, graduates can pursue elementary school teaching roles.
The knowledge and skills developed in the elementary education degree program also can be applied to roles in education policy analysis, program coordination, corporate training, or tutoring. With additional experience or a graduate degree, elementary education degree graduates can pursue education administrator, instructional coordinator, or education consultant roles.
Take a look at some roles that graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program can pursue, along with their 2024 median annual salaries as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Elementary School Teacher $62,340 | Education Administrator $89,040 | Instructional Coordinator $74,720 |
| Kindergarten Teacher $61,430 | Training and Development Specialist $65,850 | Tutor $40,090 |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), **Payscale (2026)
Teacher Certification and Licensure Pathway
MACU graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education can qualify for teacher certification in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability recognizes MACU’s program as an approved educator preparation program. Students must complete field experience hours as part of the preparation program.
To become a licensed teacher, graduates of the elementary education degree program must also pass state-specific competency exams and apply for a teaching certification through the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Learn more about how to become a teacher.
FAQs for the Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
How long is the elementary education program?
The Bachelor’s in Elementary Education degree program takes around four years for full-time students to complete. Students can earn their degree in less time by applying transfer or prior-learning credits toward their graduation requirements.
The traditional on-campus degree option is offered in 16-week semester terms. For adult students balancing schoolwork with professional and personal responsibilities, MACU’s accelerated online and hybrid learning options are delivered in five- to eight-week formats within a 10-week term. These courses are available fully online or in a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person class meetings, typically one evening per week on campus.
MACU’s online and hybrid degree programs allow working adults with two or more years of college credit to complete a bachelor’s degree in just over 18 months.
What are the start dates for the program?
Traditional on-campus classes operate on the semester system, while online and hybrid classes have multiple start dates throughout the year. Learn more by checking out MACU’s academic calendar.
Is the Bachelor’s in Elementary Education degree accredited?
Mid-America Christian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). In addition, the BA in Elementary Education curriculum is aligned with the rigorous standards set forth by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Is the elementary education degree an approved educator preparation program?
Yes, the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability recognizes MACU’s School of Teacher Education programs as approved educator preparation programs. Graduates meet the education requirements for teacher certification in Oklahoma. Out-of-state learners can contact their state’s board of education to learn more about licensure in their state.
Why pursue an elementary education degree at MACU?
MACU’s elementary education program faculty are long-time educators who bring a faith-based perspective to teacher education. The University also prioritizes affordable excellence and provides support to students at every stage of their educational journey.
Meet our education Faculty
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to take the next step toward your future at MACU? Start your journey today by applying online or scheduling a campus visit to experience our welcoming community firsthand. Whether you’re exploring programs or ready to enroll, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Your path to purpose starts now!