Elementary Education BS [for Teacher Assistants]
Earn your online Elementary Education degree without leaving your classroom!
Program-at-a-Glance (Undergraduate)
Credit Hours:
Total Hours: 121
Major Area of Study: 62
Additional Requirements: 15-30
Elective Requirements: 6-21
Cost per Credit Hour:
$433.59
Completion Time:
2-4 years
Accreditation:
Special Requirements:
Must currently be working as a teacher assistant in a general K-6 classroom at an MDE accredited school in Mississippi.
The Teacher Assistant Program (TAP) is a fully online Elementary Education degree from The University of Southern Mississippi designed specifically for working teacher assistants who want to earn their degree without leaving their current classroom. Our online Elementary Education degree gives you a convenient pathway to becoming a certified teacher without leaving your K-6 classroom and lets you earn your degree on your own time.
This program allows you to choose an endorsement that fits your passion. Areas of content endorsement include, but are not limited to, English, social studies, foreign language, science (general, biology, chemistry, or physics), and mathematics. When you complete the program, you become certified in teaching K-6 with an endorsement in at least one content area and a supplemental reading endorsement. You can take classes in child psychology, classroom management, evaluation of exceptional children, and much more that prepare you to move into a full-time teaching position. Check out some other jobs our graduates accepted after earning their Elementary Education BS.
- Elementary Teacher K – 5
- Upper Elementary
- Curriculum Specialist
- Before and After School Mentor
- Reading Interventionist
- Community Education Coordinator
- Director of Advocacy
- Corporate Trainer
Looking for more education-related degrees? Check out our other fully-online options! Want more info about this degree? Our enrollment coaches are standing by to assist you. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!
Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now!
The Elementary Education BS (TAP) is only available for teacher assistants in Mississippi.
what can I do with an elementary education degree?
With an Elementary Education degree, you can start your career as a teacher and educate the next generation, shape young minds, and make a lasting impact on the future.
We are here to help! Our enrollment coaches are standing by to help you take the next step.
We’ll call you soon! In the meantime, learn more about us from our blog or start your application.
General Education Curriculum
Written Communication
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Composition One
|
3 hrs. |
|
Composition Two
|
3 hrs. |
Natural Science
Select 2 courses with labs:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
General Astronomy I
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Astronomy II
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Biology and Society
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Principles of Biological Science I
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Principles of Biological Science II
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Chemistry and Our Environment
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Chemistry I
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biochemistry
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Weather and Climate
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Land and Water
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Physical Geology
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Historical Geology
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Ocean Science
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introductory Physics
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Physics I
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Physics II
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Physics I with Calculus
*
|
4 hrs. |
|
General Physics II with Calculus
*
|
4 hrs. |
|
Living in a Material World
*
|
3 hrs. |
Humanities
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
World Literature
|
3 hrs. |
Select 2 courses, 1 History required:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
World Civilizations: Beginnings to 1500 C.E.
|
3 hrs. |
|
World Civilizations: 1500 to present
|
3 hrs. |
|
Colloquium on the Pre-Modern World
|
3 hrs. |
|
Colloquium on the Modern World
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Philosophy
|
3 hrs. |
|
Ethics and Good Living
|
3 hrs. |
|
Comparative Religion
|
3 hrs. |
Aesthetic Values
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Art Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
|
Dance Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
|
The Enjoyment of Music
|
3 hrs. |
|
Theatre Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Select 2 courses:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
The Human Experience: A Global Perspective of Human Diversity
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Cultural & Linguistic Anthropology
|
3 hrs. |
|
Basic Economics
|
3 hrs. |
|
World Geography: Dynamics of a Changing Earth
|
3 hrs. |
|
Concepts of Wellness
|
3 hrs. |
|
American Government
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Psychology
|
3 hrs. |
|
Understanding Society: Principles of Sociology
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Language
|
3 hrs. |
Mathematics
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
3 hrs. |
|
College Algebra
|
3 hrs. |
|
Higher-level MAT course
|
3 hrs. |
- ACT Math sub score of 24 or higher
- SAT Math score of 560 or higher
Writing-Intensive Requirement
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Lit. III: Research and Pedagogy in Content Area Literacy
|
3 hrs. |
ENG 101 & ENG 102 prerequisites
Speaking Intensive Requirement
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Public Speaking
|
3 hrs. |
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
3 hrs. |
|
Professional Communication
|
3 hrs. |
|
Small-Group Communication
|
3 hrs. |
Capstone Requirement
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Student Teaching I: Lower Grades
|
6 hrs. |
|
Student Teaching I: Upper Grades
|
6 hrs. |
Program Curriculum
Licensure: This program is designed to meet the licensure requirements of the State of Mississippi Department of Education. Students who plan to complete this program should consult the Teacher Education Program Requirements for program admission, progression, and teacher candidacy requirements.
Major Area of Study Requirements
Introductory Block Course
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Classroom Management
|
3 hrs. |
|
Elementary Education Practicum
|
3 hrs. |
|
Curriculum: Primary and Middle Grades
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Literacy: An Integrated Language Arts Approach
|
3 hrs. |
|
Computer Applications in Education
|
3 hrs. |
|
Pyschology & Education of Exceptional Children
|
3 hrs. |
Intermediate Block Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Social Studies: Primary and Middle Grades
|
3 hrs. |
|
Elementary Education Practicum II
|
2 hrs. |
|
Foundational Studies in Early Childhood Education
|
3 hrs. |
|
Early Literacy Instruction I K-6
|
3 hrs. |
|
Early Literacy Instruction II K-6
|
3 hrs. |
Senior Block Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Mathematics: Primary and Middle Grades
|
3 hrs. |
|
Elementary Education Practicum III
|
3 hrs. |
|
Lit. III: Research and Pedagogy in Content Area Literacy
|
3 hrs. |
|
Literacy IV: Assessment and Instruction
|
3 hrs. |
|
Educational Evaluation of Exceptional Children
|
3 hrs. |
|
Science for Elementary Teachers
|
3 hrs. |
Student Teaching
All courses must be complete before student teaching.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Student Teaching I: Lower Grades
|
3 hrs. |
|
Student Teaching I: Upper Grades
|
3 hrs. |
Additional Requirements
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Elementary Education
|
1 hrs. |
|
World Geography: Dynamics of a Changing Earth
|
3 hrs. |
|
World Civilization: Beginnings to 1500 C.E.
|
3 hrs. |
|
World Civilization: 1500 to the present
|
3 hrs. |
|
College Algebra
|
3 hrs. |
|
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
|
3 hrs. |
|
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers III
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Psychology
|
3 hrs. |
Fine Arts in the Elementary Schools
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Art in the Elementary Schools
|
3 hrs. |
|
Music in the Elementary Classroom
|
3 hrs. |
Child Development/Psychology
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Child Development
|
3 hrs. |
|
Child Psychology
|
3 hrs. |
English Grammar/Literature/Writing
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Basic Grammar
|
3 hrs. |
|
Advanced Grammar
|
3 hrs. |
|
Writing and Education
|
3 hrs. |
|
Advanced Composition
|
3 hrs. |
|
Technical Writing
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Children's Literature
|
3 hrs. |
|
Literature Study for Teachers
|
3 hrs. |
|
Studies in Children's and Young Adult Literature
|
3 hrs. |
Endorsement Requirements
In addition to the reading endorsement, this program of study requires the completion of at least one content endorsement area. Each endorsement area requires a total of 18-21 hours. However, because the degree plan includes several content-specific courses and depending on the endorsement area selected, students must complete between 6 and 21 hours to satisfy this requirement. Typical endorsement areas for Elementary Education majors are listed below. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) satisfy a degree plan requirement and an endorsement area requirement. All courses require a minimum grade of C. Remedial courses do not count toward endorsement.
English Endorsement
Complete ENG 101*, ENG 102*, ENG 203*, one course from ENG Grammar/Literature/Writing*, and 6 hours of ENG electives.
Foreign Language Endorsement
Complete 18 hours from any one foreign language.
General Science Endersement
Complete two GEC 02 Natural Science courses*, SME 432*, and 7 hours of science electives from BSC, CHE, ESC, GLY, MAR, or PHY.
Mathematics (7-8) Endorsement
Complete MAT 101*, MAT 210*, MAT 310*, CIE 301*, and 9 hours of MAT electives.
Mathematics (7-12) Endorsement
Complete MAT 103, MAT 115, MAT 326, MAT 340, MAT 370, and 2 courses from MAT 167, MAT 168, MAT 169.
This endorsement is course-specific; no substitutions allowed.
Social Studies Endorsement
Complete CIE 305*, GHY 101*, HIS 101*, HIS 102*, and 6 hours of electives from ANT, ECO, GHY, HIS, PS, or SOC.
Hours to Degree
121 hours are needed to graduate with a BS in Elementary Education. Of the total hours applied to this degree, 30 hours must be in courses numbered at the 300 level or above. The student must earn at least 21 of the last 30 hours of course work and at least 12 hours in the major area of study from Southern Miss. See Residence Hour Requirements for more information.
Additional Note
Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
The advisor for this program is Abbie Johnson. You can reach Abbie Johnson at am.johnson@usm.edu.
To get started with the application process, start here.
Teacher education programs (or School Counseling, Social Work, etc.) at The University of Southern Mississippi meet the professional competency standards for licensure in Mississippi. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that their program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. For more information and guidance on out-of-state licensure, please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosures page.
This program is not ideal for students outside the United States. Degree candidates must be living and working as Teacher Assistants in the state of Mississippi.
No, teacher assistants must currently be in a K-6 general education classroom. For questions regarding your TA position, please email the advisor of this program.
Yes, this program leads to a K-6 teaching license.
This program is designed to meet the licensure requirements of the State of Mississippi Department of Education. Students who plan to complete this program should consult the Teacher Education Program Requirements for program admission, progression, and teacher candidacy requirements.
For additional information and guidance on out-of-state professional licensure, please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosures page.
The Online Elementary Education Degree courses must be taken in the order of the curriculum design of study. Each course builds on the previous classes. We have designed the online elementary education degree program so teacher assistants can take 12 hours each semester and still finish their degree requirements, including student teaching, in two years.
Students in the Elementary Education BS will progress through the program in three distinct phases. Students are required to be in good academic standing to progress from one phase to the next. In each phase, students must adhere to the requirements for professional dispositions.
Phase 1: Introductory Phase
All students who are eligible for admission to USM (see University Admissions Policies) are eligible to declare Elementary Education as their major and begin progressing through the Introductory Phase of the program.
The Introductory Phase includes:
- Completion of the USM GEC 01-06 or its transfer equivalent
- Documented eligibility for practicum field placements
- Earned minimum grade of C in English Composition I and English Composition II
- Successful completion of any relevant Phase I endorsement courses
In order to progress from the Introductory Phase to the Emerging Educator Phase students must have satisfied all requirements of the Introductory Phase.
Phase 2: Emerging Educator Phase
Successful completion requires a minimum grade of C in each course of this phase.
The Emerging Educator Phase includes the introductory block and intermediate block of coursework as outlined in the degree plan.
In order to progress from the Emerging Educator Phase to the Professional Educator Phase, students must have successfully satisfied all requirements of the Emerging Educator Phase.
Phase 3: Professional Educator Phase
Successful completion requires a minimum grade of C in each course of this phase and includes the senior block courses and student teaching.
Check out our Student Teaching Information (PDF) for information on how to complete you student teaching requirements.
Cohorts will start every fall and every semester that meets enrollment numbers.
Student teaching requires your full attention so all coursework for the Online Elementary Education Degree must be completed before you begin your student teaching experience.
If you still have questions about tuition, transfer credits or anything else about the university, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!
Admission Requirements
Upon completion of the following requirements, the student will be issued a pre-service license and will be granted admission to the teacher education licensure program:
- Students can have 21 on the ACT, a passing score on Praxis Core, OR a 3.0 GPA or higher on the last 60 hours of coursework
- Have a minimum grade of C in English Composition I and II,
- Subscribe to the Tevera Assessment System, an electronic portfolio and data storage system, and
- Pass a criminal background check via CastleBranch. For additional information and instructions for ordering a background check, visit Background Check Policy.
Once a student passes the criminal background check and/or is admitted to a teacher education licensure program, continuous enrollment is recommended. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment (fall and spring semesters) must seek readmission to the university and readmission to teacher education. Readmission to teacher education may require the student to meet additional academic requirements and/or to pass a subsequent criminal background check.
Students on academic probation, probation continued, or suspension are not eligible for admission to a teacher education licensure program.
Admission Requirements:
Program Academic Policies and Requirements:
Licensure: This program is designed to meet the licensure requirements of the State of Mississippi Department of Education. Students who plan to complete this program should consult the Teacher Education Program Requirements for program admission, progression, and teacher candidacy requirements.
The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The School of Education teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.
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