Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor’s degree in elementary education is ideal for individuals who are passionate about shaping young minds and creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning. This program prepares future educators to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of children by fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning in the classroom.
Program Overview
The Elementary Education program at the University of Kentucky prepares students to become elementary teachers (K-5). At UK, you can become an effective teacher with extensive classroom experience. This can also open doors for your continued education and/or career advancement opportunities in school leadership, educational psychology, curriculum design, state policy, publishing, higher education, and corporate training.
Our unique approach embeds courses in local schools early in the program, ensuring you gain valuable field experience and forge important connections. Students gain over 200 hours of field experience through classroom observations, community outreach, school board meetings, and other school visits, followed by a full semester of student teaching.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), recognizing our commitment to high standards in teacher preparation. This accreditation assures prospective students that our program meets rigorous benchmarks for quality, continuous improvement, and positive impact in the field of education.
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Elementary Education curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in child development, literacy and numeracy instruction, classroom management, and effective teaching strategies for a variety of learners. Through a blend of coursework and hands-on experiences in real classrooms, students gain the skills and confidence to create inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. With extensive field experiences and student teaching, future educators are well-prepared to support and inspire various learners during this critical stage of development.
Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, and individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Attend an Upcoming Event for this Program
These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
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Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
