Claflin University students and campus life
Department of Education

Elementary Education

Become a certified elementary teacher ready to lead a classroom.

Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Program Length
4 years (full-time)
Credit Hours
121 credit hours
Delivery Format
On-campus
Department
Department of Education
School
Education
Career Outlook
Steady regional demand
Location
Orangeburg, SC
Overview

Inside Elementary Education.

Elementary Education prepares students to teach across the elementary grades, blending content, pedagogy, and supervised field experience.

The program leads to South Carolina teacher certification.

Student experience

Students in Elementary Education learn in small, mentorship-driven classes, work closely with faculty on research and creative projects, and build a portfolio of real-world experience before they graduate.

What You'll Learn

  • 01Plan standards-aligned learning for elementary students
  • 02Apply research-based instructional and assessment strategies
  • 03Create inclusive, well-managed learning environments
  • 04Complete field experiences, clinical practice, and licensure requirements

Why This Program

  • Path to South Carolina certification
  • Supervised classroom placements
  • Strong mentorship and support
Program details

From the Program

The Elementary Education program prepares visionary educators to be recommended for South Carolina teacher licensure for grades 2-6.

Curriculum

The Elementary Education program has specific competencies that are expected of candidates preparing to teach in grades 2-6. It meets the standards of the Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI).

Student Opportunities and Experience

Elementary Education majors have hands-on experience in the field of education in a variety of ways, such as attending and presenting at professional conferences with faculty in the School of Education. You'll gain exposure to many of our knowledgeable faculty members as well as locally, nationally and internationally recognized professionals. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science, students may earn the Master of Education in 18 months in the School of Education Graduate Program – Master of Education.

Careers and Outcomes

Each step you take while enrolled in The School of Education is carefully outlined to guide your career pathways. Upon completion of a degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, you will be able to pursue a career as:

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Child Center Director or Coordinator
  • Curriculum Developer (Grades 2-6)
  • Educational Consultant
  • Advocate for an elementary educational organizations or professional association
  • Director of Education Services

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students interested in applying to this program are encouraged to review specific admissions requirements for the School of Education.

Contact Us

If you are interested in our Elementary Education Program, we invite you to contact:

Dr. Daryl Brockington

School of Education

Bowen Hall, 111 dbrockington@claflin.edu Phone (803) 535-5828

Curriculum

What You'll Study.

Major Requirements

  • 0152 credit hours of professional education
  • 0239 credit hours of major requirements

General Education

  • 0139 semester credit hours

Electives

  • 01Total program requirement: 121 credit hours

Downloadable curriculum sheet — coming soon

Career pathways

Where This Degree Takes You.

Common Job Titles

  • Elementary Teacher
  • Reading Specialist
  • Instructional Aide
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Education Coordinator

Graduate School Options

  • Graduate and professional school
  • Discipline-specific master's programs
  • Doctoral and research programs

Industry Sectors

  • K–6 Education
  • Public & Private Schools
  • Tutoring & Test Prep
  • Education Nonprofits
Salary outlook

Salary outcomes vary by role and region — connect with Claflin Career Services for current, verified data for this field.

Employment statistics

Add program placement rate and outcomes data

Experiential learning

Learn by Doing.

Real experience is built into the program — from internships and research to service learning and study abroad.

Internships

Placements with regional employers and partners connected to the Department of Education.

Undergraduate Research

Mentored, faculty-led research beginning as early as the first year.

Field Experiences

Site visits, practica, and community-based learning that apply classroom theory.

Service Learning

Projects that connect coursework to Orangeburg and the surrounding community.

Study Abroad

Global programs coordinated through the Office of Global Programs.

Faculty

Learn from Dedicated Scholars.

Portrait of Dr. Daryl Brockington

Dr. Daryl Brockington

Assistant Professor of Education • School of Education, Interim Chair

Focus

Education

Portrait of Dr. Friggita Johnson

Dr. Friggita Johnson

Associate Professor of Education

Focus

Education

Student success

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves.

Sample spotlights — replace with real student & alumni stories.

“The Elementary Education program gave me the mentorship and hands-on experience to step confidently into my career.”
Claflin Graduate
Add alumni name, class year & current role
“My professors knew me by name and pushed me to do work I didn't know I was capable of.”
Current Student
Add student name, classification & spotlight
Admissions

How to Apply.

Requirements

  • Completed Claflin University application
  • Official high school transcript (or college transcripts for transfers)
  • Self-reported test scores (test-optional pathways available)
  • Personal statement and any program-specific materials

Deadlines

  • Fall priority: November 1 — Spring priority: November 15
  • Rolling admission after priority dates while space remains
  • Financial aid: complete the FAFSA by the published priority date

Application Process

  1. 01Submit your free application online
  2. 02Send official transcripts and supporting documents
  3. 03Connect with your admissions counselor
  4. 04Receive your decision and financial aid package

Answer the call

Your Elementary Education Journey Starts Here.

Take the next step toward a Claflin education — apply, request information, or schedule a visit today.