Elementary Education Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.)
Quick Facts
Main Campus (Tucson) and Online
In-person, Online and Hybrid Options
Become a Teacher. From anywhere in Arizona.
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Education and become certified to teach grades K-8 in Arizona, with an ESL and K-5 Literacy Endorsement built right in. Whether you learn best in person or need the flexibility to study from anywhere in the state, UA's Elementary Education program meets you where you are.
Choose the traditional in-person path, or join the Near You Network Hybrid program: live online afternoon and evening classes paired with flexible coursework, so working professionals can keep moving forward without putting life on hold. Every path includes hands-on practicum each semester and student teaching in your own local school, so you graduate ready, not just certified.
Study full-time and finish in two years, or part-time over four, with both Fall and Spring start dates. Already working in a K-8 classroom? You may be eligible for credit toward your degree.
PROGRAM FEATURES
- ESL Endorsement
- Optional Bilingual Endorsement
- Field Experience throughout the Program
- Full-time and Part-time Options Available
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- Arizona Teachers Academy
- College of Education Scholarships
- Teach Grant
- Federal Work Study (WordCats/Math Cats)
- Flowing Wells Immersion Program (Paid Substitute Teaching)
- Scholarship Universe
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Approximately 60 units completed, included prerequisites
- 40-60 hours observation and/or volunteer hours in elementary classroom*
- Two recommendations
- Essay
- Signed UA advising plan
- Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM OPTIONS
PROGRAM OPTIONS | FORMAT | LENGTH | START |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide Hybrid (Near You Network) | Statewide Hybrid Live online + synchronous coursework | Part-time: 4 years Full-time: 2 years | Spring and Fall |
| Pathways (Near You Network) | Statewide live online Teacher of Record at Local School | Accelerated: 18 months | Spring |
| English as a Second Language | Tucson-based in-person with online coursework | Full-time: 2 years | Cohort |
| Elementary Education - Bilingual | Tucson-based in-person with online coursework | Full-time: 2 years | Cohort |
| Indigenous Teacher Education Program | Available through all teacher preparation pathways | Varies by program | Varies |