BAEd in Elementary Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Mississippi

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd) in Elementary Education at the University of Mississippi prepares students to become elementary school teachers who help children build strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The program combines child development, instructional methods, classroom management, and supervised teaching experiences to develop educators who can create engaging, inclusive learning environments and support students' academic and personal growth.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in general education, child development, and the principles of teaching and learning. Coursework in educational foundations, English composition, and child development helps students build communication skills and understand how children develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Year 2: Students begin exploring elementary teaching methods and the core subjects taught in primary classrooms. Studies in educational psychology, literacy instruction, and mathematics education help students understand how children learn, develop effective teaching strategies, and adapt lessons to different learning abilities.

Year 3: Students strengthen their instructional skills and learn to design, deliver, and assess lessons across elementary subject areas. Coursework in classroom management, assessment and evaluation, and teaching methods for science and social studies helps students plan meaningful activities, monitor student progress, and create supportive classroom environments.

Year 4: Students consolidate their professional knowledge through advanced teaching coursework and supervised classroom experiences. Practical learning through practicum experiences, instructional planning, and student teaching helps students apply educational theory, manage classroom routines, assess learning outcomes, and prepare for teaching responsibilities.

Focus Areas

Elementary education, child development, literacy and reading instruction, mathematics education, science education, social studies, inclusive teaching, special education, classroom management, educational assessment, curriculum planning.

Learning Outcomes

Develop effective lesson plans, teach core elementary subjects, understand children's developmental needs, assess academic progress, adapt instruction for diverse learners, use inclusive teaching strategies, manage classrooms, integrate educational resources, and collaborate with families and school professionals.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is designed to prepare graduates for Mississippi K–6 elementary education licensure and includes a K–12 Mild/Moderate Disabilities endorsement, subject to completion of all program and state requirements. Students must satisfy the university's teacher-education admission, field-experience, and student-teaching requirements, along with applicable licensure assessments. Graduates seeking licensure in another state should confirm that state's requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Mississippi's School of Education provides a structured teacher-preparation pathway combining academic study with supervised classroom experience. The program allows students to select two concentration areas, such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, foreign languages, or computer science. A specific program-level employability ranking or graduate employment rate was not verified in the official information reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical teaching skills through classroom observations, field placements, lesson planning, and supervised student teaching. The University of Mississippi organizes teacher preparation into three phases: core curriculum, the Teacher Education Program, and student teaching. Candidates begin field placements during their sophomore and/or junior years, then complete a yearlong senior placement with a clinical instructor to develop their classroom practice.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Classroom field experiences: Courses such as EDCI 352 – Education, Society, and the K–12 Learner and EDCI 353 – Planning and Teaching Strategies for Effective Classroom Practice connect educational theory with classroom settings.
Elementary teaching methods: Courses including EDEL 401, EDEL 402, EDEL 403, and EDEL 404 support professional preparation for elementary classroom teaching.
Literacy instruction: EDRD 355 and EDRD 414 contribute to the development of reading instruction and literacy teaching skills.
Inclusive education: EDSP 410 – Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom prepares students to plan learning activities that support diverse student needs.
Classroom assessment: EDCI 419 – Classroom Assessment helps candidates understand how to assess learning and use evidence to inform instruction.
Senior practicum: EDLE 417 – Senior Practicum provides school-based experience, including classroom participation, small-group instruction, lesson delivery, and feedback from educators.
Student teaching: EDLE 464 – Student Teaching: Elementary Education provides a full-semester teaching placement in an elementary school, with candidates working alongside a clinical instructor.
Field-placement support: The university's Student Advising and Field Experience (SAFE) office coordinates placements and works with school partners to help candidates gain relevant classroom experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue elementary teaching careers supporting children's academic, social, and emotional development. The degree's emphasis on core subjects, inclusive teaching, and classroom experience prepares students to work with learners from different backgrounds and ability levels. Career options depend on meeting applicable teacher-certification requirements.

Potential career opportunities include:

Elementary School Teacher
K–6 Classroom Educator
Learning Support Teacher
Curriculum Development Assistant

Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:

Career support: The university's School of Education provides academic advising, field-placement coordination, and licensure guidance through the SAFE office. Career services can also support job-search preparation and professional development.
Employment statistics and salaries: A specific graduate employment rate or salary range for this degree was not verified in the official information reviewed.
School partnerships: Field placements and the yearlong senior internship connect candidates with local schools and experienced clinical instructors, providing practical exposure to professional teaching environments.
Certification value: The degree prepares students for Mississippi K–6 elementary teaching licensure and a K–12 Mild/Moderate Disabilities endorsement, subject to completion of all requirements. Other states may require additional assessments or certification procedures.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue elementary teaching and related educational support opportunities. Additional experience and qualifications may support progression into curriculum development, instructional coordination, or school leadership.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education, curriculum and instruction, literacy education, special education, or educational leadership. Further study can deepen expertise in teaching methods, literacy development, inclusive learning, or school administration. Advanced qualifications and professional experience may open pathways to instructional coaching, curriculum coordination, and educational leadership.