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Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)

College of Education

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What is Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)?

This major prepares you to teach grades 1 through 6. You’ll learn how to teach students subjects like reading and math as well as skills like studying and communicating with others. You'll create lesson plans and develop skills on how to teach fundamental ideas to students. You'll also learn to assess students to test their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. You'll be able to work with them individually to overcome specific learning challenges.

Career Options

  • Educational therapy
  • Elementary education
  • Guidance counseling
  • Middle school education
  • School administration

Post-Graduation Success1

86% employed or continuing education

85% employed after graduation

1% attending graduate school

$40,087 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Washington Elementary School, Urbana School District 116, Anne Fox Elementary School View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Concordia University, Harvard University View All

Program Resources

College of Education Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong English coursework and performance
  • Interest and experiences related to the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

3.9 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

Four-year graduation rate: N/A

Six-year graduation rate: N/A

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,712
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $31,832
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,322

International

  • Tuition: $32,780
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $56,270

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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