B.S. Elementary Education | Indiana Wesleyan University

Bachelor's in Elementary Education

If you want the skills to lead and engage with younger students in elementary education, discover the benefits of the BS in Elementary Education program at Indiana Wesleyan University. With this comprehensive curriculum, you can develop the confidence to teach in classroom, hybrid, and online settings. This program is grounded in research-based practice, and state and national standards. Discover how IWU helps students achieve their professional goals in a faith-based learning environment.

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at IWU?

There are several benefits to pursuing your BS in elementary education at IWU. This accredited degree program is taught by experienced faculty with years of experience teaching in elementary settings. We also provide comprehensive student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you succeed in this program. Students learn from expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth.

What Will I Learn in this BS in Elementary Education Program?

This bachelor’s in elementary education program is designed to give students a well-rounded curriculum in the subjects relevant to elementary learners. Course topics cover humanities, science, mathematics, educational technology, and more. Students conclude the program with supervised student teaching in an elementary school, as well as a student teaching seminar, where students can begin to transition their education into professional teaching roles.

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Elementary Education faculty bring deep expertise in literacy, curriculum design, and culturally responsive teaching. Dr. Karon Futch specializes in literacy development, instructional coaching, and supporting inclusive classroom environments. Dr. Carla Biro brings extensive experience in curriculum design, assessment, and differentiated instruction, with a passion for supporting educators in high-needs schools. Dr. Concepción Cummings focuses on multilingual learners, family engagement, and community-based education, preparing teachers to serve diverse student populations effectively.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office through the Student Portal, by phone, or by email. Most students receive a response within 24–48 hours.

This online elementary education degree includes embedded clinical experiences beginning early in the program, allowing students to gain hands-on classroom experience. Students develop practical skills in lesson planning, assessment, and classroom management, culminating in a full-time student-teaching placement. Faculty with real-world teaching experience and a Christ-centered approach further strengthen preparation.

This program prepares students for careers as licensed elementary school teachers (K–6) in public, private, and charter schools. Graduates may also pursue roles such as early childhood educator, literacy interventionist, instructional aide, or community education leader. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in education, literacy, or educational leadership.

Key courses include Foundations of Teaching and Learning, which develops instructional design and classroom management skills; Teaching Reading and Language Arts, which focuses on evidence-based literacy instruction; and the Student Teaching Seminar, which integrates theory and practice while preparing students for licensure and employment.

Recent graduates include Allie Terrell, an elementary classroom teacher in a public school district, and Kelly Culver, an early childhood educator and literacy support specialist. Additional alumni examples are being gathered.

Most graduates begin teaching in K–6 classrooms in public, private, or charter schools. Others pursue graduate programs in literacy, special education, or educational leadership.

Clinical experiences begin early and increase in responsibility throughout the program. Students complete field placements in approved K–6 classrooms, followed by a full-time 12–16 week student-teaching experience. IWU partners with schools nationwide, allowing students to complete placements near their location when possible.

Coursework is fully online. However, clinical experiences and student teaching are completed in person at approved school sites to meet licensure requirements.

Courses are delivered in accelerated 6–8 week formats, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

Students typically take one course at a time, which supports working adults and allows for focused learning.

Students progress independently rather than in a cohort model.

Yes. Students connect through discussion boards, group projects, virtual office hours, and professional development opportunities.

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Optional live sessions may be offered.

Students should plan to spend approximately 10–15 hours per week per course.

Students follow a structured course sequence but can take breaks between courses if needed. The program is flexible but not fully self-paced.

Most students complete the program in approximately 2.5–4 years, depending on transfer credits and course load.

Yes. Multiple start dates are offered throughout the year, typically every 6–8 weeks.

Students receive access to the IWU Student Portal, connect with an academic advisor, complete orientation, and prepare for their first course. Field placement expectations are introduced early.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, career services, library resources, technical support, and disability services.

Yes. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, student-teaching seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities.

Yes. Student teaching serves as a full-time internship, and additional field experiences may be available.

Yes. Students may transfer up to 90 credits, depending on evaluation of transcripts and coursework.

In some cases, prior learning assessment (PLA) may allow students to earn credit for professional experience.

Yes. Students complete practicum experiences throughout the program and a capstone student-teaching placement. Assignments such as lesson plans, teaching portfolios, and evaluations are completed online.

This program combines a Christ-centered approach with flexible online learning and strong clinical partnerships. Faculty bring real-world experience, and the curriculum emphasizes whole-child development and culturally responsive teaching.

Students who are self-motivated, organized, and passionate about teaching children thrive in this program, especially working adults balancing multiple responsibilities.

Students consistently report a supportive and engaging environment. Faculty are accessible and committed to student success both academically and professionally.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout coursework, discussions, and teaching practices, helping students connect their beliefs with their role as educators.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Indiana Wesleyan University students are assessed multiple times as they progress through the Teacher Education Program and acquire the knowledge, skills and dispositions required of successful educators.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a 3.0 in each teaching major, including teacher education courses. All professional education courses completed with a grade of C- or less must be repeated.
- Formal application.
- Teacher Education Program Assessments: interview; reading and writing on demand assessments.
Admission to student teaching. Students apply for admission to student teaching a year prior to the academic year in which the student teaching semester occurs.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major.
- Design a lesson plan that is assessed by a School of Teacher Education faculty member using an assessment rubric that is expressly designed for that purpose.
Students apply for admission to student teaching a year prior to the academic year in which the student teaching semester occurs.

Graduation Requirements

The student teaching semester culminates with the following assessments:

Students develop a standards-based portfolio during the student teaching semester, assembling artifacts in five different domains that provide evidence that they have met the standards and expectations required of them. The portfolio is assessed with a rubric designed expressly for that purpose.
Student teachers develop a Teacher Work Sample that is designed to determine the degree to which their teaching has been effective in producing the learning expected of their students.
As the concluding activity of the student teaching semester, a defense committee, consisting of the student's supervising teacher, School of Teacher Education faculty, other University faculty and practicing P-12 teachers, conducts an interview with each student teacher. The student teacher is assessed on his or her professional impression and also the degree to which he or she answers questions successfully.

Accreditation

The student teaching semester culminates with the following assessments:

Students develop a standards-based portfolio during the student teaching semester, assembling artifacts in five different domains that provide evidence that they have met the standards and expectations required of them. The portfolio is assessed with a rubric designed expressly for that purpose.
Student teachers develop a Teacher Work Sample that is designed to determine the degree to which their teaching has been effective in producing the learning expected of their students.
As the concluding activity of the student teaching semester, a defense committee, consisting of the student's supervising teacher, School of Teacher Education faculty, other University faculty and practicing P-12 teachers, conducts an interview with each student teacher. The student teacher is assessed on his or her professional impression and also the degree to which he or she answers questions successfully.

B.S. Elementary Education Degree

Bachelor's in Elementary Education

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at IWU?

What Will I Learn in this BS in Elementary Education Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Fees

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Work in Various Industries

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

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