Elementary Education
Bachelor of Science in Education
More than a career, teaching is an investment in a more understanding world.
Did you have a favorite teacher when you were little? Someone who cared and made it fun to learn. By majoring in elementary education, you can be that important person to the next generation. NIU has a long tradition of educating teachers, helping to shape the educational environment in Illinois and across the country. Join us to start making a real difference in the world, one child at a time.
I decided to major in elementary education because I want to help kids achieve their dreams and goals. I was in special education when I was younger, so I wanted to give back to the community that helped me.
What Can I Do With an Elementary Education Degree From NIU?
Our program will prepare you to teach students in first through sixth grades. We even have a job fair just for educators where you can connect with representatives from a wide variety of school districts.
Top skills
- Teaching
- Curriculum development
- Public speaking
- Lesson planning
- Educational technology
- Differentiated instruction
- Staff management
Top industries
- Education
- Executive
- Human resources
- Health care
- Athletics
- Customer service
Other Programs to Consider
Career Potential for NIU Elementary Education Majors
Average mid-career salary:
$72,004
Top employers:
- Chicago Public Schools
- School District U-46
- Schaumburg School District 54
- East Aurora School District 131
- Rockford Public Schools
- Waubonsie Valley High School
Job Titles include:
- Teacher
- Principal
- Kindergarten teacher
- ESL teacher
- Math teacher
- Special education teacher
Source: SteppingBlocks, 2023
What to Expect as an Elementary Education Major at NIU
In addition to learning how to teach subjects like language arts and science, you'll study educational philosophy, assessment and related topics. You can enhance your studies by choosing one of the following emphases:
- Bilingual/ESL
- Reading teacher
- Special education
- Elementary mathematics education
You’ll have many opportunities to interact with children, including a student-teaching experience in an elementary school.
How We’ll Help You Succeed
Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.
Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).
Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.
With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.
Apply to NIU
First-year Students
(Freshman)
High School GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
Not considered.
We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.
Transfer Students
ALL COLLEGES GPA
2.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ALL COLLEGES GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship.