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Elementary Education Degree

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Recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a top private elementary education program in the state.

Tailored specifically for busy schedules, this program is designed for working adults who want to advance their careers through courses that build solid foundations in elementary education.

Through seven-week terms, classes are delivered online, hybrid, and face-to-face. This degree has all the tools you need to make a positive impact as a highly effective educator. Our curriculum includes the latest pedagogies, research-based best practices, and full access to SMART technologies. As education majors are required to pass all parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exams, you will be immediately eligible to apply for your Florida Professional Teaching Certificate upon graduation.

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Online Info Session for Education
December 10

This event is for prospective students interested in Florida Southern's adult undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs with the School of Education.

Register for the education virtual information session about"Online Info Session for Education

Apply today to start next term
January 25, 2021

Students are advised to submit applications as early as possible to assure optimal admission consideration.

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Top Reasons to choose Elementary Education Degree at florida southern college

Connected

Florida Southern College has partnered with local Polk County schools as Professional Development School Partners designed to prepare future teachers.

Personalized Advising

Your academic advisor works with you from the moment you are accepted to create a roadmap to graduation, creating a custom schedule specific to your needs.

Internships

In cooperation with the local Polk County public school system, supervised work experience occurs in school classrooms with students and teachers.

Affordable and Accelerated

A timely completion of your degree is critical to your total tuition cost, which is why we offer accelerated courses, providing you a quality education at a fraction of the cost.

Learn More about Affordable and Accelerated

Meet Our Mocs

Jessica Gavin

Jessica Gavin

My professors encouraged me throughout the program. As a result, I am more prepared as an educational leader and look forward to my future in the education field.

Lana Allen

Lana Allen

As a highly qualified educator, I wanted to continue my education in my field of study. It was important to me to find a program that was flexible for working adults. Florida Southern’s Master of Education in Curriculum was conducive for my needs, offering the flexibility that allowed me to work and enjoy family time. The graduate program was completely online so I never needed to commute to a classroom. One of the requirements for graduation is to complete a Master’s thesis. My professors made this process very understandable and manageable. They walked me through each step and provided insightful feedback on my study. I was able to earn my master’s degree in less than two years!

Victoria Salinas

Victoria Salinas

The Florida Southern Elementary Education program has been a great help in every way. The flexibility and support has been evident throughout my entire journey here.

Jenna Snell

Jenna Snell

I chose the evening program at Florida Southern because it fit my work schedule. The school schedule was very convenient as I had some face-to-face classes, some online classes, and hybrids. I was able to balance my work and a school schedule in a healthy manner. My teachers and advisors were always there to answer my questions and or concerns. I’ve made many friends and professional contacts at FSC. I am happy and proud that I chose the evening program at Florida Southern!

Program Details

Scheduling of classes is flexible. Mix and match delivery types to maximize your schedule as needed.

On-Campus

Courses are offered in an on-campus format with convenient evening schedules.

Online

Courses are offered in a flexible online format.

Hybrid

Courses are offered in a hybrid format, a combination of online and in-class meetings.

Course descriptions are available in the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog
A. General Education Requirements 40 hours
B. Major Requirements 67 hours
Course Number Course Name
EDU 1107 Foundations of Education I
EDU 2200 Field Study Level I
EDU 2203 Foundations of Education II
EDU 2210 Foundations in Special Education
EDU 2235 Technology Infused Teaching and Educational Assessments and Measurements
EDU 2240 Teaching Language Arts Level I
EDU 2241 Clinical Experience in Literacy Instruction
EDU 3279 Foundations of ESOL I
EDU 3323 Field Study Level II
EDU 3333 Foundations of Education III
EDU 3339 Instructional Methods I
EDU 3343 Children’s Literature
EDU 3347 Teaching Language Arts II
EDU 3370 Differentiated Instruction of Reading for Elementary Students
EDU 4400 Field Study Level III
EDU 4407 Instructional Methods II: Social Studies in the Elementary School
EDU 4409 Instructional Methods III: Science in the Elementary School
EDU 4478 Applied Linguistics – ESOL II
EDU 4887 Reading Endorsement Practicum
EDU 4889 Student Teacher Intern Seminar
EDU 4990 Senior Internship
C. Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements 68 hours
D. Electives 4 hours
E. Total 124 hours

Florida Southern College reserves the right to revise fee schedules.

2020-2021

Base Required Fees Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour $330
Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled $30 to $120

Additional Costs

Additional Fees Cost
Chalk and Wire – ePortfolio $65.70 per year
Polk County School Board Background Clearance $79.85 estimated

*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.

Admission Requirements

  • Polk County School Board background clearance
  • Personal interview
  • Academic interest inventory
  • Provide official transcripts of all academic work taken previously at other colleges, universities, or professional schools.
  • If fewer than 25 credit hours have been earned from a regionally accredited college or university, student should provide official high school transcript or GED scores, as well as ACT or SAT exam scores, OR as an alternative, applicants should instead submit an updated resume and elect to apply through the test-optional policy.
  • Military service-connected, educational experiences may award transfer credits. Requests should be accompanied by documents describing the educational experience. (Seven semester hours of credit may be awarded.)

Complete the Online Application

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Additional International Requirements

  • Official Translated Transcripts With Course By Course Evaluation**
  • Bank Letter Verifying Funds of Sponsor***
  • Sponsor's Guarantee Form
  • Valid Passport
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS Score****

** Academic Evaluation Services, Inc., Josef Silny, SpanTran, or World Education Services or another similar approved transcript evaluation agency.

*** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

**** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement.

Related Materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are the classes face to face or online?

Classes are offered both face to face and online. Face to face courses meet in the evenings (6:30 – 9:30) or on Saturdays. This schedule is designed for working professionals.

Which Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) do I need to complete?

All Elementary Education students must pass all sections on the General Knowledge Test (GKT), Professional Educator Test (PED), and Subject Area Exam (SAE) – Elementary K-6.

How long are the academic semesters?

The fall, spring, and summer semesters are 16 weeks long. However, each semester is divided into two 7-week terms (term A and term B). https://www.flsouthern.edu/sage/additional-info/schedules-important-dates.aspx

Is there an internship?

Yes, there is a 70-school day internship which is completed in Polk County Public Schools during the last semester of the program and once all program requirements are met.

Is the program state-approved?

Yes, Florida Southern College’s Elementary Education program is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.

Download Full FAQs PDF

Program Contact

Kelly Levin

Admission Counselor and Advisor
phone 863.680.4914
send text to 863.225.8405

Employment Outlook

Job outlook for elementary school teachers growing from 1.4 million jobs in 2016 to 1.5 million in 2024

Top Employers

  • Polk County School Board
  • School District of Hillsborough County
  • Martin County School District
  • School Board of Manatee County
  • School District of Desoto County

Alumni Job Titles

  • Elementary Teacher
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Middle School Mathematics Teacher
  • Assistant Principal

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Find the Joys of Teaching Children

In EDU 3370 Differentiated Instruction of Reading for Elementary Students, you'll learn to understand and apply research-based instructional practices. Education majors engage in the systematic problem solving practices and implement instructional practices in a real-world classroom setting.

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4+1 Master of Education

Graduate in five years with two degrees. Save significant investment and time earning our prestigious MEd.

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