Elementary Education (B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Our students exceed by 73 hours the state’s minimum requirement for field hours before student teaching.
  • In the mathematics/science strand, our students take more of these courses than any other program in South Carolina.
  • We have the only program in the state with elementary ESOL classes.
  • Our department is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
ABOUT.

Channel your love of children, learning and helping to shape the future by majoring in elementary education. This program will prepare you to teach grades two through six. You’ll begin with a generalist education so you’ll be qualified to teach all subjects. Then, you can choose to specialize in high-needs areas such as mathematics and science or language, culture and diversity. A diverse range of field experiences will help you hone your skills early in the program. Clemson has the only program in the state that allows you to enter specialty areas or to focus on elementary English as a second language (ESOL). In addition, the program features the nationally acclaimed Call Me MISTER program, which is dedicated to increasing the number of teachers from diverse backgrounds.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

In your freshman year, you'll begin with an orientation into the field of education focusing on what it means to be an educator and how your role as a teacher will impact future generations of citizens. During your first three semesters, you'll concentrate on increasing your content knowledge in subjects you’ll teach in the elementary classroom — social sciences, English language arts, mathematics and science.

During your fourth and fifth semesters, you’ll begin to explore theory and pedagogy within the profession of education, and you’ll take courses in child development, educational foundations, assessment and special education. Once you enter the professional development sequence, you’ll take pedagogical methods courses and learn how to teach art, physical education, science, mathematics, reading, social studies and English language arts.

During the second semester of your junior year, you can choose to specialize in one of two high-needs areas. Your senior year will focus on field experiences in which you’ll spend the day in a second- to sixth-grade classroom, partnering with a highly qualified practicing teacher so you can experience firsthand what it’s like to educate young learners in a school setting.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Modern Languages
  • American Sign Language Studies
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Music

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

The Eugene T. Moore School of Education is committed to providing all students with purposeful, challenging and diverse experiences. It is through a range of carefully constructed, challenging and classroom-based instruction and field-based experiences that students recognize the inherent dignity and value of all individuals, promote equity in education and advocate on behalf of children, families and communities.

Internships and Research Projects:

RESEARCH:
Conduct research through Creative Inquiry projects like the “I Never Knew …” newsletter that exposes students to African-American children’s literature. The Geek Squad project allows you to learn instructional classroom technology.
GOALPOST:
You can gain firsthand experience working with children in this University-sponsored intervention program at local elementary schools. This after-school program provides academic assistance, physical recreation and goal-setting exercises.
HONOR:
Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society dedicated to scholarship and educational excellence. Clemson’s Mu Upsilon chapter is the oldest chapter in the state. The organization fosters mutual cooperation, support and professional growth.
READ:
Clemson University International Reading Association (IRA) Student Council strives to promote reading instruction, and to provide a professional organization for preservice teachers. Members are students, faculty or staff members of the University.
SERVICE:
America Reads is a program that allows work-study students and student volunteers to tutor children at Clemson Elementary School. The University has developed a partnership with this school and its after-school program.
TRAVEL:
This Heiskell Award-winning program provides a cross-cultural experience for education majors. You’ll be exposed to Italian culture and approach to education, while living with an Italian family and working with local teachers and students.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

N/A%

Employed

N/A%

Grad School

N/A%

Seeking Employment

N/A%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Northwest YMCA of Connecticut — Head Teacher, School Age Program
  • Mt. Zion Christian School — Middle School Language Arts Teacher
  • Teach for America — Fifth-grade Teacher

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Clemson University — Master’s
  • Charleston Southern University — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Most graduates go on to teach in the state and region while some continue with graduate education.

  • Second through sixth grades
    • Teaching
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Mindy Spearman, Elementary Education Coordinator
864-656-2078 — mjspear@clemson.edu