Elementary Education

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Modes of Study
Blended;In Person

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Gain more classroom experience than in any other Maine-based teacher preparation program.
  • Qualify for a wide range of careers, within and beyond education, with a BS and a certification to teach grades K-6.
  • Excel with academic advising and professional development — from course selection to the student teaching internship.
  • Educate the whole child through experience in content preparation, childhood development, special education, arts, and diversity.
  • Learn from faculty whose scholarship is grounded in school-based practices, including equity and inclusion, critical race theory, citizen science, and place-based history.
Student teacher leans over table with 5 seated elementary school students.

Continual classroom experience

We provide K-6 practice early and often — you’ll start working with students in your first year. During your final year-long student teaching internship, you’ll gain experience in two grade levels.

Elementary school teacher shows pages of a picture book to students.

Flexible career options

Upon graduation, you’ll qualify for teacher certification in public school grades K-6 through the Maine Department of Education. Nationally accredited, our Maine certification qualifications are transferable to many other states.

Group of students review papers together, sitting at a picnic table outside.

Program requirements

We provide a rigorous, authentic learning experience to ensure you graduate with a solid knowledge base in the subjects you’ll teach.

“I truly believe that the Teacher Education Program at USM prepared me for a successful career in teaching. After graduation, I was hired by the school where I completed my student teaching internship as a fourth-grade teacher.

Being a first-year teacher is tough, but I am thankful for the education that I received at USM. I feel as though I was able to overcome and grow from the challenges that I faced with the knowledge that I gained during my four years at USM.”

— Casey White ’16, Bachelor of Art, Elementary Teacher Education Pathway (K-8), English Major
Elementary school teacher sits in chair in her classroom.
Logo for CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation)

National accreditation & state approval

We are nationally accredited by CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and state-approved by the Maine Department of Education.

An aerial view of the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Diverse, expert faculty

Study with faculty in both Education and in the subject(s) that you’ll teach. This unique approach ensures a superior background in educator preparation and mastery of liberal arts, math, and science.

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

Student teacher points at math equation on a white board.

Teacher education program options

Interested in another grade level or content area? We also offer Teacher Education programs for Secondary Education (6-12), world languages (PreK-12), visual and performing arts (PreK-12).

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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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