bachelor of science: elementary education

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is a 139-hour degree that prepares men and women for teaching children from grades 1-6. This degree introduces basic biblical understanding and addresses academic, social, and cognitive skills that develop in children through educational concepts, active communication, unique strategies, and practical experience. Upon successful completion of the program, students may earn Missouri certification to teach from grades 1-6.

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree program is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MO-DESE) and MEETS the professional licensure or certification requirements in the State of Missouri. See the Professional Licensure Disclosure provided below for additional state specific information.

Class Type

Seated, Traditional 15-week Semesters

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Next Start Date

August 11th, 2025

Accreditation

Mission University is accredited by HLC and ABHE

Credit Hours

Months (avg)

Career Outlooks

Career Opportunities for Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Graduates:

  • Elementary School Teacher

According to the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor, and Statistics, as of Sept. 1, 2020, the overall employment of elementary school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Rising student enrollment should increase demand for elementary teachers, but employment growth will vary by region.  

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (visited September 16, 2020).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, students will be able to:

1. Glorify God by demonstrating pedagogical attributes, teaching active inquiry and collaboration in all subject areas to children with diverse backgrounds/ability levels. (ILO 1)

2. Generate Christian worldview and cultivate logical thinking processes and patterns of evaluation. (ILO 3)

3. Serve their students, school, and the Lord through the balance of knowledge in content, teaching methodology, and biblical studies. (ILO 2)

4. Prepare and organize effective instructional strategies that align with the assessment of students’ needs and progress. (ILO 1)

5. Model effective written/oral communication and technology/media techniques. (ILO 1)

6. Integrate Biblical principles into areas of academic life such as self-enhancement, the learning environment, and professional relationships. (ILO 3)

Program Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is to equip Christian educators to impact public schools, private schools, mission schools, and homeschools through biblically-centered education, scholarship, and service. The vision of the School of Education is to equip a generation of influential educators, who are focused on God’s calling, devoting their strengths, gifts, and scholarship, to meet the needs of diverse students.

Why Choose Mission U?

At Mission University, we have been training effective Christian leaders since 1950. Mission U alumni are impacting the world all over the globe, and we strive for excellence in all that we do. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing your degree with us:

  • Mission University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and nationally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). You can rest assured that you’re earning your degree from an institution that has met rigorous accreditation standards and will be well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Our faculty have years of practical, real-life experience in ministry pastoring churches, running ministries, doing intercultural work abroad, and more. They are excited to share what they’ve learned with you.
  • Each of your courses is taught from an evangelical Christian perspective – so whether it’s a leadership, communication, science, or history course – biblical principles and weekly devotions will be incorporated into your studies.

Degree Plan

Core Education (61 hours)
Biblical Studies (Christian Philosophy) (30 hours)

  • (3)BSEB 103 Old Testament Survey 1
  • (3)BSEB 104 Old Testament Survey 2   
  • (3)BSEB 111 Life of Christ
  • (3)BSEB 112 Life of Paul
  • (3)BSEB 212 Gospel of John   
  • (3)BSEB 213 New Testament Survey                   
  • (3)BSEB 224 Hermeneutics                                            
  • (3)BSPT 200 Personal Evangelism and Discipleship                                                     
  • (3)BSST 200 Introduction to Theology
  • (3)GSSH 133 Christian Worldview

General Education (31 hours)

English (Communication and Literature) (9 hours)

  • (3)GSCE 141 English Grammar and Composition
  • (3)GSCE 142 English Composition and Research
  • (3)GSCE 200 Public Speaking

History (3 hours)

  • (3)GSSH 102A U.S. History I OR (3)GSSH 201 U.S. History II 

Mathematics (6 hours)

  • (3)GSNM 130 Intermediate Algebra                        
  • (3)GSNM 230 College Algebra 

Natural Sciences (Choose 4 hours)

  • (4)GSNS 133 Physical Science w/Lab OR (4) GSNS 222 General Biology w/Lab  

Social Science (Choose 9 hours)

  • (3)GSBP 333 Lifespan Development (required)       
  • (3)GSPH 130 Introduction to Philosophy                  
  • (3)GSSG 111 World Geography                                
  • (3)GSSP 330 U.S. Government                                 
  • (3)PSBU 321 Microeconomics                                  
  • (3)PSBU 322 Macroeconomics  
  • (3)GSBP 212 General Psychology 

Professional Education (78 hours)

Students must complete the following requirements in Decision Point sequence.

Courses for Decision Point 1: Unit Acceptance (15 hours)

  • (3)PSED 111 Foundations of Education                          
  • (3)PSED 211 Introduction to Standards Based Education  
  • (2)PSED 261 Technology and Media                               
  • (1)PSEE 200 Field Experience I OR  (1)PSEE 210 Field Experience II (Taken with PSED 211)
  • (3)PSEM 121 Survey of Mathematics I
  • (3)PSEM 122 survey of Mathematics II 

Courses for Decision Point 2: Student Teaching (50 hours)

  • (3)PSED 242 Principles of Teaching and Assessment    
  • (3)PSED 321 Educational Psychology                              
  • (3)PSED 331 Educational Alternatives for the Exceptional Child
  • (3)PSEC 332 Speech, Language, and Literacy Development of Young Children
  • (1)PSED 350 Professionalism in Education I                   
  • (3)PSED 380 Curriculum for Teaching English Language Learners
  • (3)PSED 423 Managing Diverse Classrooms                  
  • (3)PSED 472 Historical, Philosophical, and Ethical Aspects of Teaching
  • (1)PSEE 252 Art for Teachers
  • (3)PSEE 301 Children’s Literature
  • (3)PSEE 344 Standards Based Science Curriculum           
  • (1)PSEE 360 Educational Practicum I OR (1)PSEE 363 Educational Practicum II                               
  • (3)PSEE 372 Standards Based Social Studies Curriculum                      
  • (3)PSEE 380 Introduction to Teaching of Reading & Writing
  • (3)PSEE 381 Standards Based Methods of Communication Arts
  • (3)PSEE 412 Reading Assessment & Remediation        
  • (3)PSEE 441 Standards Based Methods of Reading & Writing
  • (1)PSEE 482 Health, Nutrition, Safety, and Physical Education for Young Children
  • (3)PSEM 431 Standards Based Methods of Mathematics
  • (1)PSMU 382 Music for Teachers (Pre-K to 6th) 

Courses for Decision Point 3: Program Completion (13 hours)

  • (1)PSED 430 Professionalism in Education II                  
  • (12)PSEE 493 Student Teaching (1st-6th)  

Total (139 hours)

Comments:

  • Faculty advisors work with students to create a degree plan that enables them to complete the program in four or five years.

Department Head

Jessica Botts

Jessica Botts

Department Head

 

Contact Info
jbotts@mission.edu

Jessica serves as the head of the Education Department at Mission University. She has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Mission University and a Master's in Education: Educational Leadership from Evangel University. Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a teacher in Springfield Public Schools (SPS). As the Education Department Head, she says she has the opportunity to continually help improve how we prepare future educators to go out from MU, and not only excellent teachers, but also godly influences in the teaching profession. She loves being in the classroom where she can speak into student’s lives as they are trained in the profession of teaching.

Student Spotlight

Katie Inge (Class of 20')

“Mission University offers you a community that will be with you from the first day of class, throughout your practicums, and even past graduation as you go out and teach. I feel that Mission University has prepared me to be an educator, guided me with biblical principles, and given me relationships that I will have forever.”

Debbie McDougal (Class of 20')

“I am eternally grateful for the education department because for the last four years, the professors have poured into me and cared for me. They have been the hands and feet of Jesus and have taught me what it looks like to do the same!”

Admission Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Completed Mission University application
  • Official high school transcript showing the graduation date, or GED certificate.
  • Official transcript from all previous colleges or universities attended (if applicable).
  • Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA waiver form.
  • Completed Mission University financial check-in documents.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Mission University has determined that the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE) degree program, if successfully completed, MEETS the education requirements for licensure and certification in the following states and US Territories:

  • Missouri

Mission University has not made a determination whether or not the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE) degree program, if successfully completed, would meet the education requirements for licensure and certification in the following states and US Territories:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • US Virgin Islands
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming