Online Elementary Education Degree
Academic title: Teaching Grades PK-6 Major, B.S.Ed. (Standard Certificate, ECE)
120 Credits
to Graduate
January 13
Next start date
*Apply by the November 1 application deadline
Earn your online elementary education degree
Have you dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher, but you need a degree? Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe it’s a new goal after trying out the corporate world. The problem is balancing work with your studies.
You can earn your online Michigan elementary education degree completely online.
CMU is the only public university in Michigan that offers a completely online initial teacher certification program. And your required in-person student teaching and observations will be arranged locally.
In your online elementary education degree program, you’ll learn how to create a supportive, engaging learning environment while teaching literacy, math, science and social studies to students in preschool through grade 6.
Online pathways for PK-6: Transfer in your community college coursework or start at the community college level to complete a 2+CMU pathway. You'll complete the required hours of clinical experiences during the school day in your local area.
Online teaching grades PK-6 major overview
| Core credits | 81 |
|---|---|
| Elective credits | 0 |
| General education credits | 39 |
| Total credits to graduate | 120 |
How much does an online teaching grades PK-6 degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What can you do with an online elementary education degree?
This online elementary teaching program combines both the PK-3 and 3-6 Michigan teacher certification bands. That means instead of your Michigan teaching certification restricting you to pre-kindergarten to grade 3 or grade 3 to grade 6, you’ll be ready to teach in classrooms from PK through grade 6. Your options just doubled.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and elementary school teachers have a median pay of $62,310 per year. About 103,800 openings for PK-6 teachers are projected each year over the next decade.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,310 |
| Preschool/Childcare Teacher | $37,120 |
| Reading Teacher | $62,310 |
| Substitute Teacher | $42,680 |
| Preschool/Daycare Administrator | $61,320 |
| Tutor | $40,090 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission requirements
Transfer Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
You must be a transfer student or second-degree earner living in Michigan. A minimum cumulative average of a 2.8 must be earned in the Teaching Grades PK-6 Major.
Applicants with a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible for admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.0 may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.
Freshman Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official high school transcripts
Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 or higher are eligible for automatic admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 will be considered for admission and may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.