Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Do you have a passion for teaching and enjoy working with young children? Study elementary education at a university that has set itself up as one of the leading producers of teachers in the region.

As an elementary education major at SBU, you will become certified to teach in elementary school settings (grades 1-6 in Missouri). Coursework and experiences in local school settings will prepare you to meet the needs of young students while being aware of their growth and development.

You can choose to further your career potential by taking additional coursework in early childhood education or a middle school content area or taking elective courses in other areas of interest such as English as a Second Language (ESL), intercultural studies, Christian ministry, psychology.

The SBU Advantage

• 100% of SBU's elementary education teacher candidates passed the Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment (MoPTA) completed during student teaching.
• All elementary education majors at SBU are enrolled in "Junior Block" during their junior years, which provides a tight link between methods classes and extensive field experiences.
• Engage in field experience opportunities as early as your freshman year and culminating with your student teaching experience your senior year.
• Learn from faculty who are experts in their field and come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including public school, private school, and homeschool.
• Faculty are dedicated to helping you succeed and will work with you one-on-one to develop your resume, network for jobs, and pursue teaching certification in other states.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels throughout four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., plus an online campus.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with:

• More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels;
• Faculty who are passionate about you, your education, and your future success;
• Global service and mission projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
• Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
• Five campuses throughout the southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and Online.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. In a Christian liberal arts education, the Christian lens is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also mean a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.