Elementary Education at Colorado State University Become classroom-ready at CSU
With an emphasis on preparing future elementary school teachers with a holistic education rich with hands-on experience, the B.S. in Elementary Education program at Colorado State University will set you up for success to lead K-6 classrooms with both subject-area expertise and an individualized, student-centered perspective.
Learn directly from leaders in the field, gain over 900 hours of classroom experience, explore innovative methods to best teach and serve youth, and gain the confidence to design the classroom you’ve always wanted to create.
When you apply to CSU, you’ll select the Pre-Elementary Education major. In you second year, you may apply to the competitive-entry Elementary Education major.
What you gain at CSU Learn to teach with purpose
B.S. in Elementary Education Classes
Major in Elementary Education with Teacher Licensure
To be eligible for the Elementary Education major, students must begin with the Pre-Elementary Education major, offered beginning in Fall 2027. Each fall semester beginning in 2028 students may apply to the Elementary Education program, which follows a competitive entry process. To be eligible to apply, students must:
- Complete the Elementary Education Degree Program Application through the School of Education
- Complete EDEL 120, EDEL 230, EDUC 175, EDUC 275 (with a C or better)
- Complete a minimum of 28 total credits.
- Hold a 2.50 cumulative GPA
Due to limited space in the major (60 students per year), in addition to the minimum qualifications above, students will be admitted based on factors such as GPA, statement of purpose and a letter of recommendation.
Once admitted all EDEL and EDCO courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Additionally, background checks are required prior to participation in the second-year field placement course.
Students not admitted into the program will work with an adviser to determine a pathway from one of the following options:
- Transition into another CSU major that aligns with their academic interests and preserves progress toward graduation with previously completed coursework.
- Consider other educator preparation programs offered at CSU, such as Early Childhood Education with Teacher Licensure, Family and Consumer Sciences with Teacher Licensure, K-12/Secondary Education Preparation, which may allow students to apply relevant coursework toward a teacher licensure pathway.
