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Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education

At Governors State University, we want our students to succeed in their education and professional lives. With an exceptional and accessible education, they are prepared with the confidence and the skills needed to do that. The opportunities for students getting an elementary education degree prepare them to be stewards of the future of our communities. With inclusiveness and diversity, we encourage personal, cultural, civic, and professional growth. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have made a detour on your path, we’re proud you’ve chosen Governors State University for your Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.

Why Study Elementary Education?
The elementary school years lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Governors State’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education expands candidates' knowledge of elementary grades curricula and pedagogy through classroom instruction, field and clinical experiences, and a student teaching experience. Elementary Education candidates may also elect to pursue certification to teach in the middle grades (5-8) or English language learners (ESL/Bilingual). Some other reasons to study elementary education include:

Sharing a Passion – Chances are, as someone who wants to teach the next generation, you have a love of learning. Pursuing a BA in elementary education is one way you can share that passion with others. Not only will you and your fellow students enjoy learning together, but you’ll also get the chance to pass that love of learning on to future students.
Flourishing in Educating – Educating includes more than just presenting information to an audience. To really flourish as an educator, it takes a high-quality education where you can learn historical issues, contemporary instruction, behavioral tendencies, and more. With all of these tools, you’ll become a better educator.
Getting in on the Action – Through the field and clinical experiences, as well as your experience in student teaching, you get in on the action of true teaching. You are able to apply some of the concepts you have learned, and you have a chance to see what it’s like in a real classroom. This also gives you direction on how you might organize a classroom.

Intakes

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description	IELTS (1.0 -9.0)	TOEFL IBT (0-120)	TOEFL CBT (0-300)	PTE (10-90)
Expert	9	120	297-300	86-90
Very Good	8.5	115-119	280-293	83-86
Very Good	8	110-114	270-280	79-83
Good	7.5	102-109	253-267	73-79
Good	7	94-101	240-253	65-73
Competent	6.5	79-93	213-233	58-65
Competent	6	60-78	170-210	50-58
Modest	5.5	46-59	133-210	43-50
Modest	5	35-45	107-133	36-43
Limited	4	32-34	97-103	30-36
Extremely Limited	< 4	< 31	< 93	< 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Job Opportunity Potential at Governors State University (GSU)

Chicago Proximity – Located near Chicago, a major hub for business, technology, healthcare, and logistics.

STEM & Business Careers – Strong demand for graduates in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Analytics, and Business (MBA, Accounting, Finance).

Healthcare Pathways – GSU is well-known for Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Health Administration, with excellent placement in hospitals and clinics.

Internships & Co-ops – Access to internships with Fortune 500 companies and Chicago-based firms in finance, consulting, tech, and manufacturing.

OPT & STEM OPT – Eligible programs provide up to 3 years of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation.

Teaching & Counseling – Education, Social Work, and Counseling programs prepare students for careers in schools, universities, and community organizations.

Government & Non-profit Careers – Public Administration and Leadership graduates often find roles in policy, community development, and NGOs.

Entrepreneurship Support – GSU’s Small Business Development Center helps students start and grow businesses.

Networking – Strong alumni network and career fairs connect students with employers in Illinois and nationwide.

On-Campus Jobs – Opportunities to work up to 20 hours per week while studying.

PSW Opportunity

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Official high school transcripts.

Minimum unweighted high school GPA ~ 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

ACT or SAT are optional; only taken if you want them considered.

If you studied in a non-English speaking country, you need credential evaluation by a NACES-member agency.

English / IELTS & Other Language Proficiency Requirements

If your previous education was in a country where English is not the foundational language, you must show English proficiency using one of these: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or equivalent test.
Minimum IELTS (Academic) score generally required is 6.0 for both undergrad and graduate admissions.
For TOEFL, minimum overall score for graduate applicants is 80 (internet-based).
For undergraduates, a lower TOEFL minimum is possible (e.g. 68 IBT) or similar, depending on program.
If you don’t meet the required English test scores, GSU offers an Intensive ESL Program as conditional admission / to improve your English before you start academic classes.

Governors State University

University Park , Illinois ,United States