Elementary Education Teacher and Student
Undergraduate Major with Certification

Elementary Education: The Early Years and Special Education (PK-12) (BA)

Prepare for a rewarding career tackling the educational challenges of the 21st century with Widener’s early elementary education and special education undergraduate program.

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  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Elementary Education: The Early Years and Special Education (PK-12) (BA)

At a Glance

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Major​

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On Campus

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Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

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Explore the Elementary Education Major 

As an educator, you will have the opportunity to not only teach and mentor but the ability to help shape future generations. Teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career as you watch your students grow their skill sets and succeed in their educational journey. 

You can prepare for certification in early elementary education and special education, opening you to a great range of job opportunities. If you are interested in working in education-related fields that do not require certification, like museums, nonprofits, and curricula development, we have a pathway to success for you too.

At Widener, our experienced faculty are dedicated to helping you succeed from the start. You will receive hands-on experience from your very first education course, by taking part in field experience at our cooperating schools.

Program Options for Elementary Education Majors

Certification Track

This track prepares you for elementary education and special education certification and includes student teaching requirements necessary for state teacher licensure. This will prepare you for a wide-range of education careers. 

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.

Non-Certification Track

This track gives you a strong foundational background in the field of education so you can thrive in education-related careers that do not require certification/state teacher licensure, such as non-profit sector education, educational advocacy/policy, curriculum development, creating educational programming, working in museums and refugee centers, and teaching in private or charter educational agencies.

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.

College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth. 

Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:

  • How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
  • How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
  • How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.

Our program prepares you to apply for Instructional I certification in Elementary Education grades PK–4 and Special Education PK-12 through the State of Pennsylvania.

Teacher candidates in the Elementary and Special Education dual certification program participate in the Community Engaged Teacher Education (CETE) program beginning in the fall semester of their senior year and the following semester, continue on to complete student teaching, providing students with a full year of public school residency and teaching before graduation.

The culminating experience in preparing students seeking certification is a full-time, 14-week, student teaching experience during the senior year. This experience builds on the Community Engaged Teacher Education (CETE) program and is designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to put into practice all the principles and techniques learned throughout their coursework.

Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification to teach. It is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. If you intend to seek certification outside of Pennsylvania, the University recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain specific licensure/certification requirements per state and the most up-to-date information.

To view Widener’s licensure eligibility by state/jurisdiction, please visit the Center for Education: Program Licensure page.

Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money.
 
While Widener does not offer a direct 4+1 pathway into one of our education master’s degrees through the Accelerated Advantage program, you can select from a variety of powerhouse master’s programs that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).

Learn more about our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 Program

Pair Your Elementary Education Major with a Minor or Certificate

Before adding a minor or certificate, Elementary Education Majors will need to contact their advisor.

Sport and Event Management Minor

Advantages

Study your passion for athletic programming while acting as a mentor for students enthusiastic about sports.

Outcome

Sports Coach

Arts Minor

Advantages

Explore your creativity through art and music history courses and studio art classes that support your future students’ artistic passions.

Outcome

Elementary Art Teacher

Computer Science Minor

Advantages

Increase students' computer literacy by honing your computer science skills.

Outcome

Computer Science Teacher

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Early childhood teacher
  • Elementary education teacher
  • Special education teacher
  • Preschool owner or director
  • Teacher leader

Industry Growth

The number of Elementary and Special Education jobs will grow by 7%, as fast as the average for other occupations

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Need for Special Education Teachers

Demand for special education services and teachers should rise as children with disabilities are increasingly being identified earlier and enrolled into special education programs.

Recent Employers

  • CADES
  • Chester Upland School District
  • Chichester School District
  • Elwyn
  • Interboro School District

Why Study Elementary Education at Widener?

K-12 Educational Leadership

Gain Field Experience Right From the Start

At Widener, we give you hands-on experience from your very first education class, where you’ll work with children at local schools. You will also have the opportunity to do fieldwork at the Widener Child Development Center. 

We are committed to helping you become a capable teacher, to close the opportunity gap for students in diverse urban settings. Our CETE program places you in a Stetser Elementary School classroom—and with a community mentor in the city of Chester—with the intent of developing cultural proficiency and culturally-relevant pedagogy.

Learn more about our career inside track
Learn more about our leadership development 

Professor mentoring student

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One​

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for academic & career support
Find support for health & wellbeing

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Expand Your Network & Engage on Campus

Elementary and Special Education majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Kappa Delta Pi, the Widener Student Education Association (WSEA), and many more.

Our Faculty

Richard E. Thurlow
Richard E. Thurlow
Associate Professor of Educational Psychology

"My interests include brain development, literacy development, and applications of technology in research and instruction. My greatest excitement in teaching comes from the way that working with graduate students spills over to my teaching of undergraduates and vice versa."

Briana Bronstein
Briana Bronstein
Assistant Teaching Professor

It takes someone special to teach someone special. Our pre-service educators are dedicated to learning, growing, and teaching the next generation.

Reisboard, Dana_22SP
Dana Reisboard
Associate Professor

"My teaching focuses upon cognitive processing and application. In this regard, critical literacy complements the cognitive learning process. Critical literacy is the ability to actively read a text that promotes an understanding of social concepts and human relationships."

Xiaobao Li
Xiaobao Li
Associate Professor

"I have authored or co-authored 15 publications in top-tier education journals and am honored to be a highly rated online professor of Widener students."

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Recent News

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Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions Information

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

Financial Aid​

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

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Widener FAFSA Code 003313

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need. 

You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.

 

    Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

    Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.

    The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.

    Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

    (including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)

    Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

    4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

    In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

    More About Tuition & Financial Aid​

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