Elementary Education

Bachelor of Arts in Education

• Earn dual licensure in Elementary Education (K–6) and either Special Education – General Curriculum or ESL
• Gain hands-on experience each semester in various classrooms and community settings
• Complete a year-long student teaching internship at a nearby public school
• Develop research-grounded methods and best practices in core elementary content areas
• Learn to use data to make instructional decisions that improve student outcomes
• Shape your personal teaching philosophy through elective coursework in related subjects
• Receive personalized guidance and coaching from leading faculty across multiple education fields
• Connect with a close-knit cohort and the broader School of Education community
• Join a network of Carolina alumni recognized for helping students achieve growth rates higher than their peers statewide

Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at UNC–Chapel Hill are determined by the University and can be calculated on the University Cashier website.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Upon completion of the B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education program, graduates will be prepared for North Carolina initial teaching licensure in Elementary Education (K–6), along with a required second license in either English as a Second Language (K–12)* or Special Education – General Curriculum (K–12), based on the track they complete. 

*Note: English as a Second Language (K–12) licensure will not be immediately available for fall 2026 applicants.

Beginning fall 2026, the B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education will become the primary pathway for undergraduate students seeking initial elementary teaching licensure at the UNC School of Education. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will continue to offer an elementary education licensure option through the 2027–28 academic year. The MAT program will pause its admissions for elementary education beginning with the 2028–2029 academic year and beyond. For guidance on selecting the program that best fits your goals and timeline, please contact the UNC School of Education’s Office of Student Affairs.

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. 

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.

North Carolina Teaching Fellows at UNC-Chapel Hill

Undergraduate students who aspire to teach in North Carolina elementary classrooms and support the needs of all students — including exceptional and multilingual learners.