Elementary Education Online Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the elementary education online degree program?

  The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree is an OSU undergraduate elementary education degree program designed for academically qualified candidates who demonstrate sensitivity and caring for all children. The program prepares teacher candidates to become knowledgeable decision makers who use interactive processes to connect understanding of content to meaningful learning experiences. 

• Is the program a degree and certification seeking program?

  Yes, upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science degree requirements and OSDE certification requirements, you will be eligible for certification in Oklahoma. 

   

  Note: If you wish to earn a bachelor’s degree in education but do not wish to pursue your teacher certification, you may seek a bachelor’s of University Studies degree (BUS).  A BUS degree is NOT a pathway to teacher certification in Oklahoma.

• What are the application and certification requirements?

  Due to the nature of working with children in schools, you will be required to complete a state bureau of investigations background check prior to being placed in a field placement setting. Additionally, you must complete the following:

  1. The application for admission to Professional Education must be submitted before completion of the Year 2 coursework. 
  2. Candidates must have one of the following for full admission into PEU: 
     The passing score for the ACT® shall be a composite score of 22 with the writing section included. The passing score for the SAT® shall be a total score of 1120 including the following scores on the essay section: five (5) on Reading, four (4) on Analysis, and five (5) on Writing. The ACT/SAT equivalency approved by PEC vote 07.12.2019 following an OEQA policy change allowing this substitution or a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in all general education  courses (a minimum of 30 hours) as defined in the State Regents’   Undergraduate Degree Requirements policy and the Office of Educational  Quality and Accountability Administrative Code, Title 218 Chapter 10 or possess a Baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an  organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the  purpose of accrediting institutions of higher education and approved by  the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Baccalaureate degree  graduates from universities accredited by an organization recognized by  the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of accrediting   institutions of higher education in the United States are assumed to have  the basic skill competencies tested by the OGET and PRAXIS. These  graduates may be exempt from these testing requirements or successful completion of the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).  Note: The OGET will no longer be an option after the 2022 academic  year.  
  3. Pass a Professional Education Foundations course with a minimum grade of "C."
  4. Pass a laboratory and clinical experience (observation) course with a minimum grade of "P" or "C."
  5. Earn and retain at least 2.50 (varies by program) grade point average.
  6. PPAT (Performance-Based Assessment Tasks) includes: 
     Task 1: Knowledge of Students and the Learning Environment 
     Task 2: Assessment and Data Collection to Measure and Inform  Student Learning 
     Task 3: Designing Instruction for Student Learning 
     Task 4: Implementing and Analyzing Instruction to Promote Student Learning
  7. The OSAT (Oklahoma Subject Area Test) 
• Is the program fully online?

  The program is a fully online program with field experiences and internships required in person. Courses are offered in three formats: asynchronous (no scheduled meeting times), synchronous (scheduled virtual meetings) or hybrid (a combination of asynchronous/synchronous). Additionally, there are three field experiences and a student teaching internship that requires participation in person within an elementary/middle school public school classroom. Two field experiences require 24 hours each in a classroom setting. One field experience, to be completed the semester before the internship requires 96 hours of field observations. The internship is a semester-long experience. 

• Am I required to apply for Oklahoma teaching certification if I am an out-of-state resident? 

  The program is an Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education accredited program, therefore, all students seeking completion of an elementary education degree must comply with the Oklahoma Teacher Certification requirements.

  
  Note: Out-of-state residents wishing to seek teacher certification in their state of residence may apply directly to their state department of education for teacher certification after receiving the Oklahoma state teaching certificate. Many states have reciprocal agreements making this process relatively easy. See State Contacts for a list of state departments of education. 

• Who do I contact about coursework or enrollment?

  For questions about your coursework, enrollment or other questions, contact the academic advisor, Michelle Crew, at 405-744-5053 or michelle.crew@okstate.edu.