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:
$383.59
Completion Time:
2 years
Accreditation:
Special Requirements:
For Mississippi residents, working as a teacher assistant in a general K-6 classroom
Are you currently a teacher’s assistant? If so, you know what it takes to lead a K-6 classroom. In fact, you have probably thought about leading your own classroom one day. The Teacher Assistant Program (TAP) is a fully online Elementary Education degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, and is designed specifically to support your goals as an educator. It offers you a convenient pathway to earning a Bachelor of Science degree and becoming a certified teacher while continuing your job as a teacher assistant. You don’t have to leave your current classroom to earn this degree! Check out some of the jobs our graduates landed after earning this degree.
- Elementary Teacher K – 5
- Behavior Intervention Specialist
- Upper Elementary
- Curriculum Specialist
- Before and After School Mentor
- Reading Interventionist
- Community Education Coordinator
- Director of Advocacy
Graduates of the Elementary Education program are eligible to become certified teachers for grades K-6 with a reading endorsement and the choice of an endorsement in Math K-8, Math 9-12, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, or English. Our programs are designed to meet licensure requirements in the State of Mississippi. We do not guarantee to meet the licensure requirements of other states. Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are standing by. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college.
A number of 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.
Attention: The Mississippi Department of Education has waived the requirement of a twenty-one (21) or passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators until December 31st. If students have not attained a gold card by then, they will be required to take the ACT or Praxis core.
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 (6 hours)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Composition One
|
3 hrs. |
|
Composition Two
|
3 hrs. |
Natural Science (8-10 hours minimum)
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. |
|
General Chemistry II
*
|
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. |
|
Living in a Material World
*
|
3 hrs. |
Humanities (9 hours)
| 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 (3 hours)
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Art Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
|
Dance Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
|
The Enjoyment of Music
|
3 hrs. |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)
Select 2 courses:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
The Human Experience: A Global Perspective of Human Diversity
|
3 hrs. |
|
Concepts of Wellness
|
3 hrs. |
|
Basic Economics
|
3 hrs. |
|
World Geography: Dynamics of a Changing Earth
|
3 hrs. |
|
American Government
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Psychology
|
3 hrs. |
|
Understanding Society: Principles of Sociology
|
3 hrs. |
Mathematics (3 hours)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
3 hrs. |
|
College Algebra
|
3 hrs. |
|
Higher-level MAT course
|
3 hrs. |
Writing-Intensive Requirement (3 hours)
| 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 (Major Area)
| 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 (62 hours)
Introductory Block Course
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Elementary Education Practicum
|
3 hrs. |
|
Foundational Studies in Early Childhood Education
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Literacy: An Integrated Language Arts Approach
|
3 hrs. |
|
Computer Applications in Education
|
3 hrs. |
|
Science for Elementary Teachers
|
3 hrs. |
|
Pyschology & Education of Exceptional Children
|
3 hrs. |
Intermediate Block Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Social Studies: Primary and Middle Grades
|
3 hrs. |
|
Early Literacy Instruction I K-6
|
3 hrs. |
|
Curriculum: Primary and Middle Grades
|
3 hrs. |
|
Elementary Education Practicum II
|
3 hrs. |
|
Early Literacy Instruction II K-6
|
3 hrs. |
Senior Block Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Mathematics: Primary and Middle Grades
|
3 hrs. |
|
Classroom Management
|
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 Exception Children
|
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 |
|---|---|
|
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 courses:
| 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. |
|
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 (6-21 hours)
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.
Hours to Degree
121 hours are needed to graduate with a BS in Elementary Education. At least 50 percent of the hours applied to a degree at The University of Southern Mississippi must be earned from a senior college, and 30 of these hours must be in courses numbered 300 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
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.
A Teacher Assistant enrolled in an inclusion, resource, Learning Strategies, or Study Skills room may be allowed to remain in the current classroom with approval of the principal, district office, and Educational Field Experiences. However, if the district or the principal require the TA to move from the current position, that is the district’s prerogative. A Teacher Assistant enrolled in Special Education who is employed in a SPED classroom with students who have a SCD (significant cognitive disability), ruling may not remain in the current classroom. If this is the case, the TA would have to be placed in an approved SPED classroom.
For additional information and guidance on out-of-state professional licensure, please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosures page.
Additional fees may apply for the online elementary education degree. Fees range between $20 – $60.
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.
Click here for more information: Student Teaching Information (PDF)
To find pricing information, visit our pricing page. For financial aid information, view our financial aid page. For detailed tuition information, visit our business services page.
Cohorts will start every fall and every semester that meets enrollment numbers.
No. 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.
The student teaching packet includes forms that you filled out on TK20 showing all your coursework, endorsement areas, and educational philosophy. You must fill this out the semester before you plan to student teach: in the spring for fall student teaching, in the fall for spring student teaching. Your senior block instructors will assist you in this process.
Before student teaching, it is also required that you complete a First Weeks of School (FWOS) assignment that can be found on TK20. Student teachers may be required to attend face to face professional development meetings during the semester of their student teaching.
The graduation application must be filled out on SOAR the semester before you intend to graduate: spring for fall graduation, fall for spring graduation. You cannot register for student teaching until this is completed. Your senior block instructors will help you with this process.
Other classes that aren’t listed may count towards your online elementary education degree once your transcript has been evaluated and posted.
No, online students pay resident tuition.
If yes, visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions and course enrollment.
Yes, the online elementary education degree program is available totally online. Students are not required to visit campus for an in-class chat session; however, an online lecture may be required by your instructor.
Please visit our programs page here: https://online.usm.edu/programs/
If you still have questions, 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:
- Successful completion of a nationally normed ability/achievement assessment or a teacher education normed entrance test:
1. A minimum ACT composite score of 21 or a minimum SAT composite score of 1060.
or
2. Passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators Test (CORE). Current test codes and
minimum score requirements can be found at the ETS website
- Have a minimum grade of C in English Composition I and II,
- Have a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.75 on the 44 semester-hour core curriculum of pre-major coursework,
- Subscribe to the Tk20 by Watermark 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.
Questions about this degree?
Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.
