The B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education program is for undergraduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill who aspire to teach in North Carolina elementary classrooms and support the needs of all students — including exceptional and multilingual learners.
The program combines expert faculty instruction, proven research-based methods, and extensive field experiences to prepare teachers who can lead classrooms and make an immediate, measurable impact on students, families, and communities.
The B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education typically spans four years, with the first two years focused on general education and prerequisites, and the final two years dedicated to 60 hours of program-specific coursework, field experiences, and the student teaching internship.
The Elementary Education program leads to the following learning outcomes for aspiring teachers:
- Design and deliver standards-based instruction across core elementary content areas — including literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies — using research-grounded methods such as the science of reading and project-centered learning.
- Apply educational theory in real-world elementary settings, translating methods coursework into strategies that respond to all students’ needs and strengths.
- Support learners with diverse needs confidently, leveraging preparation in either special education or multilingual learners to foster equitable learning experiences.
- Create inclusive, supportive classrooms that recognize students as whole people, integrate social-emotional learning, and cultivate a positive classroom community.
- Analyze and use data to interpret formative and summative assessments, making instructional decisions that advance the learning and growth of all students.
- Engage families and communities as partners in learning, integrating their knowledge, perspectives, and resources to enhance student outcomes and strengthen connections between school and home.
- Develop a teaching philosophy that is uniquely their own, integrating elective coursework and experiences in areas such as human development, data literacy, creativity, and other advanced topics to align practice with personal and professional interests.
- Prioritize well-being and build resilience through reflective professional practice, sustaining a meaningful, lasting impact on students and families throughout their careers.
Yes. Students can take elective courses in areas such as human development, family health, technology, psychology, and education’s role in society to shape their teaching philosophy.
We welcome a conversation with students who are interested in having a double major or minor. Students who are interested in learning more should schedule a meeting with a School of Education advisor as soon as possible, in order to plan accordingly.
Field experiences begin in the junior year, with weekly placements in schools and community settings. The program culminates in a year-long student teaching internship during the senior year.
Graduates earn initial North Carolina teaching licensure in Elementary Education (K–6) and a required dual license in either Special Education – General Curriculum (K–12) or English as a Second Language (K–12).
Our dual licensure requirement reflects the needs of today’s schools, where elementary teachers support the needs of all students, including exceptional and multilingual learners. Students in the program will choose from will dual licensure in either Special Education (K–12) or English as a Second Language (K–12), in addition to the Elementary Education (K–6) teaching licensure that all students earn. With more than 330 languages spoken across North Carolina homes and nearly 15% of all students receiving special education services, this requirement ensures that graduates effectively respond to student needs and foster inclusive learning environments.
Licensure requirements vary by state. While North Carolina licensure is widely recognized, candidates seeking positions elsewhere should review that state’s specific requirements.
The Elementary Education program welcomes UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates and transfer students who meet GPA and testing requirements and have completed prerequisite courses.
The program admits students for fall entry only. Therefore, all applicants must initiate a change of major and submit their application through Slate in their sophomore year.
To apply to the Elementary Education program students must first request a major change in ConnectCarolina, then complete the online application through Slate.
The program admits students for fall entry only. Therefore, all applicants must initiate a change of major and submit their application through Slate in their sophomore year.
Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs are set by the University and assessed each semester. For the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, please visit the University Cashier website.
Students are encouraged to explore a variety of tuition and financial aid options when considering an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. Support may include scholarships, loans, grants, federal work-study, and campus employment through the UNC Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, along with School of Education Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards.
Note: To be considered for all scholarship financial aid opportunities offered through the UNC School of Education and the University, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the designated deadline.
Yes. Students in the Elementary Education program are eligible for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, which offers up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans for students committed to teaching elementary education, special education, or secondary STEM education in North Carolina.
Yes. You are encouraged to speak with a School of Education advisor to discuss course planning options and study abroad timing.
Yes. Accreditation is quality assurance through external peer review to ensure a program meets the standards set by its academic community, professionals, and stakeholders. The B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) as a licensure program.
The UNC School of Education’s Office of Student Affairs is here to support you as you explore the Elementary Education program.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu, attend an upcoming virtual information session, or schedule an appointment with an undergraduate advisor.