School of Education

Elementary Education

Program Option

  • Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) with a major in Elementary Education

B.S.E. web site

The information on this page pertains to program requirements for students who matriculated in the 2024-2025 academic year.  View requirements for previous catalog years here.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Education prepares students for initial teacher certification at the elementary level. Graduates of the program will be learning leaders, student advocates, and reflective practitioners.


Program Requirements

To earn a bachelor's degree from Drake, students majoring in elementary education need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • 120 credit hours
  • Drake Curriculum requirements
  • Professional education requirements
  • Teaching endorsement(s) requirements (at least one endorsement)
  • Subject area minimum requirements for elementary endorsements
Course Credits
EDUC 001 - Introduction to Education (Optional) 1
EDUC 103 - Foundations in Education* 3
EDUC 108 - Student Development and Learning Theory* 3
EDUC 111 - Education Planning and Assessment* 3
SPED 120 - Introduction to Special Education* 3
EDUC 109 - Educational Technology* 3
EDUC 164 - Perspectives on Race, Ethnicity, and Gender 3
EDUC 113 - Art Integration in Education 3
STEM 107 - Science Content & Pedagogy for Elem Teachers I 3
STEM 108 - Science Content & Pedagogy for Elem Teachers II 3
STEM 109 - Science Content & Pedagogy for Elem Teachers III 3
EDUC 122 - Curriculum and Pedagogy 3
EDUC 123 - PE and Health in Elementary Schools 2
EDUC 124 - Children’s Literature: Reading and Responding 3
EDUC 126 - Teaching of Mathematics 3
EDUC 128 - Teaching of Social Studies 3
EDUC 137 - Methods of Teaching Reading in the Elementary Classroom 3
EDUC 139 - Methods of Teaching Language Arts in the Elementary Classroom 3
Social Studies - Select one course from the following:
HIST 011 - World History, 1500-1750 3
HIST 012 - World History, 1750 - Present 3
HIST 075 - US History to 1877 3
HIST 076 - US History Since 1877 3
Behavioral Science - Select one course from the following:
PSY 001 - Introduction to Psychology 4
SCSS 001 - Survey of Sociology 3
Mathematics
MATH 024 - Structure of Math for Elementary Education I 3
MATH 025 - Structure of Math for Elementary Education II 3
Student Teaching
EDUC 163 - Seminar for Student Teaching 1
EDUC 166 - Student Teaching (Elementary) 11-13
EDUC 169 - E-Portfolio for Student Teaching 1

* For admission to the Teacher Education Program - Must successfully complete EDUC 103, EDUC 108, EDUC 111, and SPED 120

Teaching Endorsement - Complete the requirements for at least one teaching endorsement. varies
TOTAL 120

There are many endorsements available at the elementary level. While only one endorsement is required to get a teaching license, two or more endorsements are recommended for maximizing students' flexibility and variety in their professional careers. Approved endorsement programs currently are available in

  • Art
  • Computer Science
  • Early Childhood Education
  • History
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Special Education
  • Speech/Communications/Theatre
  • STEM (K-8)
  • World languages (Spanish, French, Japanese, and German)

Approved second endorsement areas are available in

  • English as a Second Language (K-12)
  • Gifted & Talented (K-12)
  • Middle School (5-8)

Specific requirements and program descriptions are available in the Teaching and Learning Department.  Other endorsement programs may become available.

To earn endorsement by Drake University for licensure in an endorsement, students must earn at least a "C-" in all of the courses above.

Teacher Education Program

Students must meet the following criteria to enroll in professional courses for Elementary Education:

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
  • All InTASC Standards met at the beginning level
  • A completed application and two checklist forms of recommendation, at least one from a School of Education teacher education faculty member
  • Successful background check

Other Program Requirements

All students preparing for licensure as a teacher must meet the following criteria on a continuing basis:

  1. Completion of the Drake Curriculum Areas of Inquiry (A.O.I.s) or an equivalent program at another college or university.
  2. Completion of the elementary or secondary education major with at least a “C-” in all education and endorsement courses.
  3. Completion of an approved teaching endorsement area(s).
  4. Maintenance of at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale) for undergraduate students.
  5. Maintenance of at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale) for graduate students.
  6. Demonstration of all InTASC Standards at the appropriate level.
  7. Demonstration of Drake-defined Professional Dispositions at the appropriate level.
  8. Successfully pass background checks.

The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.