Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

The Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The following Educator Preparation Tracks are offered for all levels of teaching certifications. This page provides information about specific requirements for EC-6 certifications with varying specializations.

• Elementary Education with ESL
• Elementary Education with Bilingual Certification

Prerequisites

Undergraduate students who earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education will need to meet the following prerequisites in order to interview for admission into the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Additional requirements must then be met.  A full list of prerequisites can be found online.

• EDUC 2320 and EDUC 2330
• 45 credit hours
• 2.50 GPA (overall/last 60 credit hours earned)
• THEA Exam score (Reading: 230, Math: 230, Writing: 220)
• Reading Proficiency (SAT/ACT or ENGL 2315/2325)
• Math Proficiency (SAT/ACT or MATH 1305/1313)
• Writing Proficiency (ENGL 1320 and ENGL 1330)
• English Oral Proficiency

EPP Course Requirements

Each degree plan has additional liberal arts core requirements and major requirements.
Please view the complete degree plan at the bottom of the page to view all degree requirements.

View Degree Details

In the Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences, we teach future teachers. Our undergraduate degree programs prepare you to teach in public and private elementary, middle and high schools. We believe learning should be active, engaging, and collaborative.

Our department gives you practical, cutting-edge professional learning. Our teaching is:

• Field-based: You will work with schoolchildren throughout the program (not just at the end, or for one or two semesters).
• Technology-rich: You will experience a wide range of technology-based learning activities in your courses, and you will learn to effectively and creatively use technology as an educator — not just in one technology course, but throughout the program.
• Personal: You will develop lasting relationships with your professors in our small classes. Professors become professional mentors — not just while you are here at HCU, but throughout your educational career.
• Focused on Best Practice: Because our faculty use evidence-based teaching practices, you will learn as much from how you are taught as you will from what you are taught.
• Respected: Our close ties with area schools and our reputation for excellence provide hiring advantages when you begin to apply for jobs.

There is a demand for quality teachers throughout the state. Most graduates are employed in Houston-area schools following student teaching. Employment opportunities vary according to teaching field. Districts involved in the hiring of our graduates are surveyed annually to provide feedback on the level of preparation our graduates receive prior to entering the field. The survey results indicate that our graduates are well prepared and maintain their skills in the teaching field one to five years after graduation.

Our graduates have become leaders in their schools and school districts. They have made a difference in the lives of children, and they have received recognition as outstanding educators. They have gone on to be principals, curriculum specialists, school counselors, diagnosticians, superintendents and university professors.