BA in Elementary Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Tulsa

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education at the University of Tulsa is intended for students who want to build a career helping children develop essential academic skills and a lifelong interest in learning. The program combines educational foundations, child development, instructional methods, and classroom experience to prepare future educators to teach core subjects, support diverse learners, and create engaging elementary learning environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in general education and the principles of teaching and learning. Coursework in English composition, mathematics, and educational foundations helps develop communication, analytical thinking, and an understanding of the role of schools in children's academic and social development.

Year 2: Students explore child development and begin learning how to teach elementary-level subjects effectively. Studies in educational psychology, literacy development, and elementary mathematics instruction help students understand how children learn and how to adapt teaching approaches to different abilities and learning needs.

Year 3: Students strengthen their lesson-planning, instructional, and assessment skills across elementary subject areas. Coursework in classroom management, science and social studies methods, and reading instruction helps future teachers create structured lessons, assess student progress, and support students' academic growth.

Year 4: Students consolidate their teaching knowledge through advanced professional preparation and supervised school-based experiences. Activities involving instructional planning, classroom assessment, and student teaching help students apply educational theory, manage classroom responsibilities, and prepare for professional teaching practice.

Focus Areas

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

Learning Outcomes

Develop effective lesson plans, teach elementary-level subjects, understand children's learning and development, assess student progress, adapt instruction to different learning needs, manage classrooms, use educational resources effectively, communicate with families, and create supportive learning environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Tulsa's Elementary Education, B.A. is recognized by the Oklahoma State Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA). The university identifies Elementary Education as an undergraduate initial-licensure program designed to prepare students for teaching certification in Oklahoma. Candidates must complete the applicable coursework, field experiences, student teaching, and state certification requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Tulsa's Department of Education emphasizes early and extensive field and clinical experiences in local public schools and the university's own University School, a private PK–8 school on campus. The department's educator-preparation programs are accredited by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability. A current program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking was not verified.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical teaching skills through early field experiences, classroom observations, and supervised clinical practice in local schools. The University of Tulsa connects education coursework with real classroom environments, allowing students to observe experienced teachers, practice instructional strategies, and build confidence before taking on full teaching responsibilities. Students also have access to the university's University School, a private PK–8 school on campus, which provides an additional setting for teacher-preparation experiences.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Early classroom field experiences: Observe teaching practices and gain exposure to elementary classroom environments in local public schools and University School.
Clinical teaching practice: Apply educational theory through practical experiences designed to develop instructional planning, communication, and classroom management skills.
Final-semester student teaching: Complete a student-teaching placement in a local school under the supervision of mentor teachers and University of Tulsa faculty.
Curriculum development: Develop lesson plans and learning activities aligned with elementary students' educational needs and classroom objectives.
Literacy and mathematics instruction: Build practical skills for teaching foundational reading, writing, and mathematical concepts.
Classroom assessment: Learn to evaluate student progress and use assessment information to guide instruction.
Field-experience coordination: Work with education faculty who coordinate placements and help candidates prepare for certification examinations.
Fifth Year Academy: The university has described this initiative as supporting graduates and novice teachers during their first five years of teaching, helping them continue developing professionally.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in elementary education, helping children develop foundational knowledge, critical-thinking skills, and positive learning habits. The program's combination of academic preparation, classroom experience, and professional teaching practice supports students working toward elementary teaching certification in Oklahoma.

Potential career opportunities include:

Elementary School Teacher
Primary School Educator
Literacy Support Teacher
Curriculum Development Assistant

Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:

Career support: University career services can help students with career planning, résumé preparation, interview skills, and job searches. Education faculty also provide guidance related to field placements and certification examinations.
Employment statistics and salaries: A current program-specific graduate employment rate or salary range was not verified in the official information reviewed.
School connections: Field and clinical experiences in local public schools and University School provide opportunities to develop classroom skills and professional relationships.
Certification value: The program is recognized by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability for initial educator licensure. Graduates must meet the applicable certification requirements, and other states may require additional steps.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue elementary teaching roles and related educational opportunities. With additional experience or qualifications, they may progress into literacy support, curriculum development, instructional coordination, or school leadership.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or another relevant graduate degree in elementary education, literacy education, curriculum and instruction, special education, or educational leadership. Further study can help educators specialize in student learning, instructional design, reading development, or school administration. Graduate program availability and admission requirements should be confirmed with the university.