Elementary Education, PK-4 - Online

The online BA in Elementary Education at Saint Joseph’s University is designed for students who have already earned an associate’s degree but have not yet completed their bachelor's degree. This 100% online program allows you to finish your degree while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.

At Saint Joseph's University, education is approached as a vocation rather than a career. Aspiring teachers learn how to manage a classroom and teach effectively, while developing an understanding of the role educators play in their students’ lives and communities. 

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • All classes are offered 100% online. The elementary education track utilizes an accelerated learning model to meet the needs of learners who have work, family or other commitments. Accelerated learning is a strategy in which students achieve educational outcomes equivalent to traditional courses in a more autonomous, student-centered environment. 

    The exact length of time for the program is dependent upon students’ goals and previous college experience. Customized scheduling is available to meet the needs of individual students.

  • Turn your past progress into forward momentum. Bring your associate’s degree and up to 75 credits and finish your bachelor’s degree faster.

  • A renewable 30% tuition discount lowers your cost from $732 per credit to $512 per credit – helping you complete your degree for less. Please note: individual discounts cannot be combined with other offers. If a student is eligible for multiple discounts, only the highest discount prevails.

  • The Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences coordinates field placement in K-12 schools as well as full-time, 14-week student-teaching placement.

    Many education courses at Saint Joseph's University involve a field component to prepare you for your student-teaching experience. In these courses, you will spend three hours per week in an elementary school classroom. Field experience requirements increase in responsibility from first observing teachers in their area of study, then assisting with small group work and finally preparing and teaching lesson plans.

    Participating in a field experience in a local Philadelphia school or a lab exposes you to a variety of classroom experiences and teaching styles. Saint Joseph's teacher education and special education departments have strong relationships with local public, charter and private schools and manage this field component for students. These departments emphasize a strong commitment to urban education and a preferential option for low-income families.

  • You'll have the option to enrich your coursework through service-learning classes. These combine academics with hands-on experience and reflection. Elementary education covers pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, with field experiences woven throughout the program so you graduate with a strong teaching background and real classroom hours building your confidence.

  • Connect with a community of educators through organizations including:

  • Students who successfully complete the program, maintain a GPA of 3.0 and pass the required PRAXIS exam (a knowledge and skills assessment exam required for certification) can apply for Pennsylvania Level 1 teacher certification. This certification is good for six years of teaching before renewal.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Elementary Education (PK-4th)?

After graduating from Saint Joseph's University with an elementary education degree, you will take the Praxis exams to earn Level 1 certification. From there, you can go on to become a PK-4th grade classroom teacher, helping to shape young minds and positively impact the next generation. Your education from Saint Joseph's University will prepare you to teach in private, public or parochial school settings.

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • The cost of the Elementary Education, PK-4 Online Bachelor's program is $732 per credit for the 2026-2027 academic year.

    For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.

Admission Information

  • To apply for this program, complete an application online. 

  • Applications to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall, spring and summer start terms.

  • To be considered for admission, you must have an associate's degree with a minimum of a 2.50 GPA.

  • Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

    • Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
    • Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
    • Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
    • Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
    • Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
    • Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Explore Other Degree Programs

Child and Family Studies Major

The role of parents, educators, doctors and others in the development of children is crucial to their success. Saint Joseph's University's Child and Family Studies major is designed for students looking to specialize in the care and development of young children and youth. Through your coursework and field experience as a childhood studies major, you will learn how to better serve your community, starting with our youngest generation.

Education - Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)

Students at Saint Joseph’s University who major in English, mathematics, Spanish, Italian, French, classical studies, chemistry, biology, physics or history may add a double major in secondary education. The combination of these programs provides you with the background required to apply for certification as a high school or middle school teacher in your specialty area.

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