$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Teach What Matters Most
A great elementary teacher doesn’t just teach reading, math, science, or social studies. They help children discover how to learn, build confidence in their abilities, and see possibilities for their future. The Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education (K–6) at Athens State University prepares you to become the kind of teacher who can make that difference.
Through a combination of educational theory, subject-area knowledge, hands-on classroom experience, and professional preparation, you’ll learn how to create engaging learning environments and meet the diverse needs of elementary students. You’ll graduate prepared to begin your career as an elementary educator—and ready to keep learning throughout your own teaching career.
Program Overview
Elementary teachers have the unique opportunity to introduce students to many of the subjects and skills that form the foundation of their education. The Elementary Education (K–6) program prepares you to teach students from kindergarten through sixth grade, giving you a broad understanding of child development, teaching methods, curriculum, assessment, and classroom management.
You’ll build your knowledge across the elementary curriculum while learning how to make complex concepts understandable, engaging, and relevant to young learners. Just as importantly, you’ll gain practical experience applying what you learn in real educational settings. Through field experiences and clinical preparation, you’ll begin developing the skills, confidence, and professional judgment you’ll need when you have a classroom of your own.
Program Details
The Elementary Education (K–6) curriculum combines broad content knowledge with specialized preparation for teaching elementary students.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Child Development & Learning — Understand how elementary students develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
- Elementary Reading & Literacy — Develop strategies for helping students become confident readers, writers, and communicators.
- Elementary Mathematics — Learn effective ways to teach mathematical concepts and develop students’ problem-solving skills.
- Science & Social Studies Education — Explore methods for making science and social studies engaging and meaningful for young learners.
- Classroom Management — Develop strategies for establishing positive, inclusive, and productive classroom environments.
- Assessment & Evaluation — Learn how to use assessment to identify student needs, monitor progress, and guide instruction.
- Instructional Technology — Explore tools and strategies for integrating technology into elementary learning.
- Differentiated Instruction — Learn how to adapt instruction to support students with different abilities, backgrounds, learning styles, and needs.
- Field & Clinical Experiences — Apply your knowledge in real educational settings and gain experience working directly with students.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Elementary educators have an opportunity to influence students during some of the most important years of their academic development.
As a K–6 teacher, you’ll help students develop foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—while also helping them discover what they’re capable of achieving.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$50k
Elementary Teacher Estimated Entry Salary
$64k
Elementary Teacher Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
A career in education is an investment in your future — and Athens State University works to make that investment accessible.
Athens State University offers the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, giving future educators an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and support designed around students’ needs, you can prepare for your teaching career without putting your financial future on hold.
Students may also qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance to help make their education more affordable.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Today’s elementary classrooms are diverse. With the B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education, you’ll develop strategies for differentiating instruction, supporting individual learners, creating inclusive environments, and helping every student find a path to success.
Get Hands-On Experience
You won’t spend your entire degree learning about teaching from a textbook. Field experiences and clinical preparation give you opportunities to observe, practice, and apply your skills in real educational settings.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.