Elementary Education BS

Touch a life forever, with our Elementary Education bachelor's degree.

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Focus on elementary and special education with RIC's Elementary Education BS.

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We equip you with the skills and classroom experience needed to meet the growing demand for teachers across the country. Graduates of RIC's Elementary Education Bachelor of Science (BS) degree are licensed to teach Grades 1–6 and are uniquely prepared to work with culturally and linguistically diverse students, including those with exceptionalities. Unlike the BA track, the BS degree provides specialized preparation for careers in special education, one of the nation's most in-demand fields.

High-Demand Elementary Education Careers

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Administrator
  • Early Intervention Specialist
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Advocacy Manager
  • Behavior Analyst

Why Earn an Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree at Rhode Island College?

  • Elementary Education degree holders are qualified to teach Grades 1-6 in both elementary education and special education, including culturally and linguistically diverse students with exceptionalities.
  • Elementary Education majors choose one of three concentrations: mild to moderate disabilities (for teaching grades 1-6), severe intellectual disabilities (for teaching preschool to age 22), or the combination of both mild to moderate and severe intellectual disabilities.
  • Topics covered include: literacy intervention; social, emotional and behavioral learning; ESL instruction; educational psychology; specialized language instruction; and foundations and strategies for teaching all learners.
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Join Our Community

We're thrilled that you're interested in Rhode Island College and we want to make sure that nothing stands in your way of pursuing a RIC degree. Just let us know how we can help you with your next steps.

The RIC Advantage

The Feinstein School of Education and Human Development at RIC is a nationally recognized leader in the field and has a legacy of producing award-winning educators.

Our Elementary Education Faculty

Our Special Education Faculty

Hear from the Dean

Carol Cummings

Carol Cummings

“I hope that you will boldly join our over 12,000 School of Education alumni. Rooted in the values of equity, diversity and social advocacy, Rhode Island College was founded in 1854 specifically to train future teachers. You could be one of them!”

Our Value Recognized

Program Details

Admission and Course Information

To pursue our Elementary Education BS, you will first apply to Rhode Island College through our general Admissions & Financial Aid processes. You will then apply to our Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, once you are a RIC student and have completed several introductory courses.

Course Descriptions

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Take the Next Step!

Department of Elementary Education

We offer accredited academic programs that prepare teachers to function effectively in early childhood and elementary school teaching positions.

Department of Special Education

The Department of Special Education is designed for educational professionals interested in the teaching, learning and human development of individuals with special needs.