Academic Catalog 2023-2024 
    
    Nov 28, 2023  
Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education (Licensure)


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Within the context of a Christian worldview, the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Licensure degree provides a challenging, theory-based, and application-oriented approach to educating children from kindergarten to grade 6. Students acquire knowledge, develop skills and demonstrate the competencies necessary to teach effectively in public and private schools. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant-leadership in their field and in society.

The emphasis on becoming a licensed teacher enhances the student’s instructional skills through the study of curriculum development, learning assessment, psychological foundations of teaching methods, classroom management, and critical thinking. These principles are then put into practical application through 160 clock hours of field-based experiences throughout the first two semesters, culminating in a semester-long, full-time (640 clock hours) student teaching practicum in a classroom in their community.

Students who satisfactorily complete all requirements of this program and the requirements for licensure are qualified to teach kindergarten through 6th grade in public and private schools in Colorado and also are eligible to reciprocate or directly apply for licensure in most states. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state’s licensure process. Click here to learn more about the program and licensure requirements for each state. Graduates also meet requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to teach in schools around the world.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Licensure program may apply to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction  (MACI) program at CCU. Upon acceptance, six credits of graduate-level coursework included in the B.A. professional core can be applied to the MACI “Non-Emphasis” degree.

The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Licensure) requires completion of the following 120 hours:
General Education Core (45 credits)
Elementary Education Professional Core (50 credits)
Electives (25 credits)                                                  

General Education Core Requirements (45 credit hours)


Arts and Humanities (9 credit hours)


Biblical Studies (9 credit hours)


Communications (9 credit hours)


Integrative Studies (3 credit hours)


Mathematics (3 credit hours)


Natural/Physical Science (6 credit hours)


Complete 6 hours of physical, earth, or biological science courses.

Social Science (6 credit hours)


Requirements for Entrance into the Professional Core:


  • School of Education Professions (SEP) - specified background check
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 for courses completed at CCU 
  • A minimum of 9 credit hours must be completed at CCU prior to admission into SEP programs
  • Asynchronous interview with an SEP staff designee
  • Writing sample
  • Participation in a 90-minute synchronous program kickoff in June
  • Applicants must complete all general education and elective requirements prior to enrolling in any SEP courses. Applicants may be admitted by the program director for conditional admission with a maximum of 9 credits outstanding in any of the pre-professional core areas

Elective Requirements (25 credit hours)


  • Complete 25 elective credit hours.

Professional Licensure Disclosure


Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.

Graduation Requirements


The faculty recommends students in the Bachelor of Arts in the Elementary Education Licensure program to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

  • Completion of a total of 120 credits, including all general education, electives, and professional core requirements 
  • A grade of D or higher in all non-education CCU coursework, and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher in all CCU coursework
  • Teacher candidates must earn a C- or higher in all education core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses and field studies
  • Teacher candidates must earn a grade of C or higher in the student teaching practicum
  • Compliance with CAGS residency requirements  
  • Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar
  • No outstanding financial obligations to the University

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