BA in elementary education
Make a lasting impact in the lives of children and communities. Rowan’s elementary education degree program prepares you to teach grades K–6 through real classroom experiences and a curriculum that emphasizes student-centered learning.
Why choose Rowan’s elementary education program?
At Rowan University, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in elementary education degree program blends coursework and classroom practice to prepare you for K–6 certification and a meaningful career in teaching.
What makes it unique is the ability to pair your elementary education major with another bachelor’s degree program or an undergraduate certificate, giving you deeper knowledge in a specialized area. This built-in flexibility allows you to align your degree with your interests and long-term professional goals.
From your first education course through your senior-year clinical internship, you’ll gain real-world experience in classrooms, learning directly from mentor teachers and engaging with diverse student populations. The program focuses on culturally responsive teaching, child development and inclusive instruction while building your skills in assessment, classroom management and collaboration with families and local communities. Ultimately, you’ll graduate not just as a certified teacher but also equipped to grow as a reflective and impactful educator.
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Studying Elementary Education at Rowan
What You’ll Learn
Rowan University’s elementary education major is a four-year, 120-credit program that leads to initial teacher certification in grades K–6. Through a blend of coursework, field placements and a year-long clinical practice, you’ll develop the expertise to design lessons, assess student progress and create supportive classrooms where every child can succeed.
Additionally, you can customize your journey to teacher certification by selecting one of the following curriculum pathways:
- Dual Major Option: Earn a BA in elementary education along with a second BA in a subject such as English, mathematics, history or chemistry.
- Certificate of Undergraduate Study Option: Pair your BA in elementary education with an undergraduate certificate in areas like bilingual education, middle school mathematics or American Sign Language.
Note: Upon completion of the elementary education program, graduates can apply for teacher certification in states other than New Jersey.
Elementary education key courses
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Clinical Experience in the Elementary Classroom
- Disability as Diversity
- Educational Technology
- Positive Learning Environments in Elementary Education
- Public Speaking
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Student learning outcomes
Through a blend of coursework, clinical experiences and applied learning, elementary education majors will graduate prepared to:
- Design and implement standards-based, developmentally appropriate instruction for diverse learners.
- Apply research-based strategies in literacy, mathematics, science and social studies.
- Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
- Create positive, inclusive classroom environments that support social-emotional growth and academic achievement.
- Integrate instructional technology and digital tools to enhance learning.
- Collaborate with families, colleagues and school communities to support student success.
- Reflect on their practice to continuously improve instruction and professional decision-making.
Dual major options
- Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Literacy Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
- Bachelor of Arts in Writing Arts
Undergraduate certificate options
- Access, Success & Equity for Educational Innovation
- American Sign Language
- Bilingual Education
- Middle School Mathematics
- Social Studies for Middle School Educators
- Teaching English as a Second Language Education
- Writing Studies for Educators
How You'll Learn
Your preparation as an elementary educator at Rowan is immersive from start to finish. You’ll complete two semesters of full-time clinical practice in your senior year, but field placements occur throughout your entire major. This means you’ll spend significant time observing, assisting and co-teaching in real classrooms long before you graduate.
Beyond these placements, the program provides additional opportunities to grow as a teacher. Partnerships with local school districts connect you to Professional Development Schools, where you’ll learn side-by-side with mentor teachers and take part in co-teaching models. On campus, specialized teaching labs and simulation classrooms give you space to practice lesson delivery and instructional technology. And with collaborative research, licensure preparation workshops and career-focused resources—like résumé and interview support—Rowan ensures you graduate fully prepared to lead your own classroom.
Admission Requirements
Submit the following application materials to begin your journey toward an education career.
- First-year application through one of three platforms:
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation/teacher evaluations
- Personal essay
After completing your application, a representative from Rowan’s Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and request any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
Note: Rowan University is test-optional. You may submit your SAT or ACT scores, but you won’t be penalized if you choose not to.
Need assistance with your application? Our Office of Admissions team is here to support you—email admissions@rowan.edu to reach out.
Tuition and Aid
Rowan’s BA in elementary education degree program offers high-quality teacher preparation at a competitive price.
Review tuition costs, financial aid and scholarships.
I’m never going to be afraid to do anything ever again. If I can cheer and sing in front of judgmental sixth graders, I can do anything.
Kasey D. Warren County, NJ
In your junior year, you observe. In your senior year, you teach. I think it is awesome they give us that full experience before we actually go into the field.
Zhane T. Atlantic County, NJ
I feel most at home at Rowan when I’m doing events for Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education.
Sean L. Essex County, NJ
Rowan University has a great education program and I wanted to make sure I got the best knowledge I could receive.
Destiny S. Camden County, NJ
I found my passion for education when I participated in the Rowan Urban Teacher Academy (RUTA) in high school. The program introduces students interested in education to an urban education setting.
Erin A. Burlington County, NJ
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