The elementary education major is designed for students seeking Nebraska certification to teach in K-6 elementary schools. This major allows students to explore developmental issues of children, learning theory, elementary school content, and teaching methods. One of the strengths of the preparation program is the field experiences with local school districts.
Admission Requirements
Prospective first-year students meeting the "Assured" admission status may apply for admission to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) as an education major by indicating their preference on the Application for Admission.
Prospective transfer students with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 may apply for admission to the college as an education major by indicating their preference on the Application for Admission.
Students prepared for formal admission to educator preparation program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
About the Elementary Education Major
The elementary education major is designed to prepare candidates to meet Nebraska Department of Education requirements for teacher certification. A minimum of 120 credits hours with a minimum GPA of 2.75 are required to graduate from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
Candidates may choose from several program options. Learn more about endorsement options
Are you a paraprofessional? UNO now offers an Elementary Para to Teacher Pathway: a high-quality, two-year program for those seeking teacher certification in elementary education.
Academic Advising
The college provides academic advising and support to students. Academic advisors are assigned to students and we encourage you to consult with your advisor regularly for program information and planning.
Field Experiences
All candidates must meet the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences requirements for classroom practicums prior to clinical practice (student teaching). The practicum experiences are embedded in identified professional courses.
Learn more about field experiences for teacher candidates
Clinical Practice (Student Teaching)
The clinical practice experience is an all-day, all semester experience in a metropolitan area school. Clinical practice is the capstone experience.
Learn more about the clinical practice experience
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Accreditation and Certification
The Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (BSED) is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and approved by the Nebraska State Department of Education.
The BSED degree in Elementary Education allows UNO to recommend graduates for Nebraska licensure (K- 6). In addition, candidates must pass the Praxis II – Elementary Education: Curriculum and Instruction Assessment (5017) with a score of 153 or higher to meet state licensure requirements.