The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Sterling College Online challenges students practically as well as intellectually. The program, a continuation of the Sterling Teacher Education Program (STEP), has a history of excellent results for our students taking assessments required by the state for licensure.

Students graduating from this program will be prepared to obtain K-6 licensure. The K-6 licensure allows graduates in Elementary Education to teach in a self-contained elementary classroom. A service project is a required component of the Elementary Education major. The training and placement of tomorrow's teachers lies at the heart of the Teacher Education program and is the ultimate goal of the program. Currently, program expansions at the secondary and endorsement levels are being researched.

This program is offered in a carousel format. Our unique carousel approach allows new students to join the program every eight weeks. Once a student completes the requirements of a carousel, he/she moves immediately to the next level, enabling degree completion without delay. This program is offered online with opportunities for student teaching in your area.

Application and Admission

Applicants must meet Sterling College Online's and STEP's admission requirements. To qualify for admission, students must submit an undergraduate application and official transcripts.

For full acceptance into the program, applicants must have a minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit, eligible for transfer* to Sterling College, with a minimum transferable grade point average of 2.5 overall for all transferable credits, and 2.75 for all education credits to be transferred. Although not required for admission, it will be helpful for students to have completed Introduction to Education and Field Experience courses prior to enrolling in the program. If these courses are not transcribed before the applicant begins the program, they must be finished prior to Level 2 Carousel entrance.

For conditional acceptance into the program, applicants must have a minimum of 48 semester hours of college credit, eligible for transfer* to the College, with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 for classes transferred to Sterling College, and 2.75 for all education classes to be transferred. Although, not required for admission, it will be helpful for students to have completed Introduction to Education and Field Experience courses prior to enrolling in the program. If these courses are not transcribed before the applicant begins the program, they must be finished prior to Level 2 Carousel entrance. In addition, applicants who fall under the conditional acceptance clause may be required to obtain a minimum of 12 additional semester hours* prior to graduation. 

*Semester hours eligible for transfer should include the following:

  • 3 hours of English Composition
  • 3 hours of Literature
  • 3 hours of Public Speaking or Speech Communication
  • 3 hours of Mathematics
  • 3 hours of World History
  • 2 hours of Non-Applied PE/Health
  • 3 hours of App. Fine Arts inc. Art,Theatre, or Music
  • 4 hours of Life/Physical Science with Lab
  • 3 hours of Social Science
  • 3 hours of Behavioral Science
  • 30 hours of ElectivesApplicants who do not meet these requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who do not yet have sufficient college credit to qualify for admission may be able to earn credit through online courses offered by Sterling College, transfer credit, or proficiency examinations. Students must complete all degree requirements as outlined in the undergraduate catalog. The amount of prior learning credit that can be applied to the program may be limited.

Level 1 Carousel
Course Number Course Title Credits
BS115 Classroom Management 2
HI101 Instruction and Assessment, Part 1 2
HI211/212 Educational Psychology** 3
PH110L Introduction to Special Needs** 3
Foundations of Servant LeadershipTheology and Ministry Courses 2
Theology and Ministry Courses 6

Level 2 Carousel
Course Number Course Title Credits
ED2052 Cultural Diversity** 2
ED219B2 Instruction and Assessment, Part 2 2
ED3562 Technology in the Classroom2 2
ED3573 Reading and Writing in the Content Area** 3
Theology and Ministry Courses 16

Level 3 Carousel
Course Number Course Title Credits
AR2753 Elementary Art Methods 3
EL1302 Concepts of Elementary Mathematics 2
EL2563 Child and Adolescent Literature** 3
EL3352 Methods of Tch. Elem. Social Science 2
ES3443 Elementary PE Methods** 3
MU243A2 Elementary Music Methods** 2

Level 4 Carousel
Course Number Course Title Credits
EL3264 Methods of Tch. Elem. Rdg./Lang. Arts** 4
EL3332 Methods of Teaching Elem. Science** 2
EL3373 Methods of Teaching Elem. Math** 3
EL3403 Reading Testings and Diagnosis** 3
ED4901 Seminar in Education 1
ED49815 Clinical Teaching Experience 15
Total Elementary Education Course Credits (Including Religion and Philosophy requirements) 75

Total Elementary Education Course Credits (Including Religion and Philosophy requirements) 75
 

To Learn More

For more information on the teacher education online program, including cost of attendance and financial aid information, call Todd Mobray, director of Online Operations toll-free (800) 346-1017 ext. 461 or email tmobray@sterling.edu. You may also contact the Director of STEP, Dr. Gladys Ritterhouse, at gritterhouse@sterling.edu.

Please click here to download Elementary Education Program Brochure in PDF format