Elementary Education, BSED
Program Quick Facts
Credits
120
Start Terms
Fall
|Spring
|Summer
Available
On Campus
|Online
Tuition
$8,956.50
estimated cost per semester
Prepare for a meaningful career in education through DSU’s elementary education program. Grounded in research and best practices, this nationally accredited degree equips you with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions needed to support the academic and social development of K–8 students.
Through a comprehensive curriculum and yearlong student teaching experience, you will strengthen your instructional design, classroom management, and assessment strategies in real-world settings. You will also learn to integrate innovative technology to enhance engagement and learning outcomes. This program prepares you to foster creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning while making a lasting impact in the lives of your future students.
Curriculum & experience highlights of an elementary education degree
Real-world classroom preparation
With strong PK–12 partnerships, students are provided with high-impact field experiences focused on instructional innovation, data-informed decision-making, and leadership in modern classrooms. You will work alongside experienced teachers and progress through a semester-long student teaching residency, allowing you to apply theory in real classrooms while strengthening your instructional skills, classroom management, and professional confidence for a successful career in education.
Tailor your path
The elementary education program is structured to allow you to earn additional endorsements in kindergarten, art, or health science. Or choose to pursue minors in PK–12 reading or English as a new language. These are just a few of the many teaching minors and endorsements available, allowing you to broaden your expertise, strengthen your versatility in the classroom, and expand your professional opportunities as an educator.
Accelerated degree pathways
DSU offers accelerated pathways that allow elementary education students to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time. Finish your undergraduate degree in three years and transition into a one-year master’s program, or choose a 4+1 option to complete your master’s while finishing your bachelor’s. Students continue into the Master of Science in Education & Technology, gaining a competitive edge, higher salary potential, and entering the workforce sooner upon competition.
"The classes in the elementary education program are very interactive, and I think that models to students what they need to structure their future classroom like."
- Ethan Clites, elementary education student
Notable elementary education courses
This foundational course introduces you to the teaching profession within today’s diverse educational system. You will explore the history and purpose of public education, examine contemporary issues, and begin developing your own philosophy of teaching.
This course focuses on how students learn and develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Through the study of learning theories, motivation, and child development, you will gain practical strategies for supporting student success and creating effective classroom environments.
This course prepares you to teach reading, writing, speaking, and listening in grades K–8. You will develop standards-based lessons, use a variety of instructional strategies and resources, and assess literacy learning to meet the needs of diverse students.
This course builds confidence and skill in teaching elementary mathematics. You will learn to design engaging, standards-aligned instruction, implement effective teaching strategies, and assess student understanding to promote meaningful mathematical learning.
In this semester-long student teaching experience, you will work alongside an experienced mentor teacher in an elementary classroom. Through observation, co-teaching, and independent instruction, you will apply your knowledge and skills in a supportive, real-world setting as you prepare to enter the profession.
Why Choose DSU for elementary education?
Technology-drive education
As a national leader in technology-focused education, DSU prepares future teachers to integrate innovative tools that enhance learning and engagement in today’s K–12 classrooms. All education majors graduate with a K–12 Educational Technology Endorsement, equipping you to apply instructional technology in meaningful, research-based ways.
A tradition of preparing exceptional teachers
Founded as a teacher education college, DSU continues its strong tradition of preparing educators through faculty with extensive K–12 experience and expertise in current research and best practices. Faculty partner with the South Dakota Department of Education and help lead initiatives such as the state’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program, expanding workforce pathways into teaching.
Flexible learning options
DSU offers flexible pathways so you can complete your degree in a way that fits your life. Enroll part time or full time and study on campus, online, or in a hybrid format, making it ideal for working adults, paraprofessionals, and future teachers balancing school and career goals.
Faculty
Teaching possibilities
Earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education prepares you to make a meaningful impact on young learners. Through rigorous coursework and a semester-long student teaching experience, you will gain the skills needed to lead your own classroom and meet licensure requirements. Graduates of DSU’s program go on to teach in elementary and middle schools across the state, helping strengthen educator pipelines and expand access to high-quality teacher preparation.
