Teaching (Undergraduate)
Teaching
Description
Earn a bachelor of science degree in teaching with an elementary education option at OSU-Cascades or Ecampus.
You'll gain the skills necessary for a successful career in elementary education. Our teaching program focuses on instructional methods, cutting-edge strategies, child development, emerging technologies, and the multicultural classroom. With a practicum and two student teaching field placements, you’ll enter the classroom and practice what you've learned.
You'll select one of three emphasis areas that are in high demand: English as a Second Language; Special Education; or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). You'll complete one course in each of the three emphasis areas as a foundational part of your core coursework and take an additional two courses in one area. The program requirement will result in 9 credits that can support future endorsement completion and/or job placement.
Students who earn a bachelor's degree in teaching receive preliminary licensure from the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education-Legacy (NCATE), which is now part of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Program Information
Elementary Education Option
This in-person teaching major is an undergraduate pathway to teacher licensure. You'll gain the skills necessary for a successful career in elementary education.
Clinically Based Elementary Education Option
This online program is designed for those who live and work anywhere in Oregon and already have a minimum of 90 transferable credits. If you work as a school district staff member, this program has the potential to enable you to keep your job while earning a degree and licensure. Interested students are encouraged to apply early to receive advising on how to prepare for the program. For information about the online program, contact Shoshanna Holman by email or call 541-737-7033.
The in-person Teaching major requires students to apply to the Professional Teaching Program to progress to Fall Term third year (Year 3) courses. The Professional Teaching Program spans Year 3 and Year 4. Students progress from Pre-Teaching status to full Teaching Major with Elementary Education Specialty Option. Students moving into Student Teaching year (Year 4) will also need to meet the Student Teaching advancement requirements. Students in the online Clinically Based Elementary Education option apply to the Professional Teaching Program right after admission.
A total of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate, including 60 upper-division credits. Requirements include:
- Core Education
- Pre-Elementary Education Major courses
- Elementary Education Professional Program requirements
- Electives, if needed, to meet the 180 credits requirement
Degree Checklist and Guides
- In-person program: Elementary Education Option Guide and Checklist (PDF)
- Online program: Clinically Based Elementary Education Option Guide and Checklist (PDF)
Transfer Guides
Teaching transfer guides help students plan courses and plan transfer into the degree program from an Oregon Community College.
Sample 4-Year Plan
Use these plans to get an idea of how a student can progress through the program. Note that these are sample plans.
Using the following course forecast information students will plan ahead and work with their advisor to create and update academic plans.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrates impact on P-12 student learning (InTASC Dimension 1, Standards 1-3).
- Demonstrate mastery of subject material (InTASC Dimension 2, Standards 4-5).
- Demonstrate understanding of pedagogical content knowledge and skills (InTASC Dimension 3, Standards 6-8).
- Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner (InTASC Dimension 4, Standards 9-10).
Emphasis areas
With the in-person program, you'll select one of three emphasis areas that are in high demand: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); Special Education; or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). You'll complete one course in each of the three emphasis areas as a foundational part of your core coursework and take an additional two courses in one area. The program requirement will result in 9 credits that can support future endorsement completion and/or job placement. Students in the online program will complete all coursework for an ESOL or dual-language endorsement and can choose to complete the internship for full endorsement.
Extended student teaching time
Our undergraduate teaching program prepares you for the classroom. One of the hallmarks of the program is the extended student teaching time.
Online option for professionals already working in schools
If you currently work with students in an elementary classroom setting in Oregon, our program has the potential to enable you to keep your job while earning a bachelor's in teaching and licensure. Through the Clinically Based Elementary Education option, complete your coursework through top-ranked Ecampus and your student teaching in the school system where you already work.
To enroll in the Ecampus program, you must first earn a minimum of 90 transferable credits either at a statewide community college or another four-year institution, including several program prerequisites and OSU Baccalaureate Core (general education) courses. Partnerships with Oregon community colleges provide a fully articulated course pathway that follows the Major Transfer Map. Please contact us early for assistance in planning your pre-teaching pathway.
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