Elementary Education (K–6) & Teacher of Students with Disabilities

This program prepares candidates to provide instruction in all subjects in general, inclusive, and/or special education settings in kindergarten through Grade 6. Candidates may earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, eligibility for New Jersey certification in Elementary Education (K–6), and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD).

To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your General Education requirements and the major requirements below.

Requirements include:

• Completion of prerequisite courses; Behavioral/Social Sciences: child development (3) and educational psychology (3);
• Completion of all BRIDGE General Education program requirements;
• Completion of a 30-credit major in biology, chemistry, English, history, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, natural sciences, psychology, Spanish, or visual art;
• Completion of the 43-credit Elementary Education component;
• Passing score on the Praxis II test in Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects); note: for fall clinical practice, passing scores must be submitted by July 15, and for spring clinical practice, they must be submitted by December 15;
• Passing score on the GCU Physiology and Hygiene test;
• Evidence of satisfactory completion of a GCU-approved training program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB);
• Satisfactory ratings in clinical practice including recommendation for certification;
• Satisfactory rating on candidate’s Taskstream professional portfolio demonstrating how candidate meets New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards; and
• Passing score on the edTPA, the NJDOE-mandated performance assessment.

Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a minimum Education grade point average of 3.0 is required to remain in the program.

Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB) New Jersey Department of Education regulations require training related to harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Candidates must provide evidence of successful completion of a GCU-approved HIB training program prior to clinical practice.

These degree maps are meant to illustrate a typical sequence of courses. However, actual recommended sequences of non-education courses will vary based on the student's liberal arts major, so students should confer with their academic advisor when planning a course of study and before registering for courses.

Four-Year Elementary Education

Five-Year Elementary Education