An elementary school teacher bends down to assist two young students with their classwork during a writing activity in a bright classroom.

Elementary Education K-6 Program

Bachelor of Science

With a bachelor’s degree in K-6 elementary education, you’ll be ready to pursue teacher licensure and lead your own classroom.

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At a glance

Delivery

Online

Finish in as few as

4 years

Cost per credit

$464

Learn more about the cost of attendance.

B.S. in Elementary Education K-6

Learning that fits your life. In Bethel’s B.S. in Elementary Education K-6 program, you’ll earn your bachelor’s degree while completing the requirements to seek initial Minnesota teacher licensure. Designed for adults who want to begin a new career in teaching but have not yet completed a four-year degree, this program blends online coursework with multiple field experiences and student teaching. You’ll learn from experienced faculty, work alongside a mentor teacher, and apply what you’re learning in real time—preparing you with the skills and confidence to thrive as an elementary educator.

Program details

Bethel’s B.S. in Elementary Education K-6 program is designed for students who want to earn their first bachelor’s degree and qualify to seek initial Minnesota teacher licensure. Along with completing your general education requirements, you’ll take core elementary education courses that align with Minnesota’s Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) elementary education standards. You’ll complete evidence-based online courses that integrate learning with real-world experience. In-person seminar intensives throughout the program connect you, your mentor teacher, and Bethel faculty in reflective, hands-on learning designed to strengthen your teaching and prepare you to lead your own classroom with confidence.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, Bethel offers a licensure-only program and an M.A. in Elementary Education K-6.

Elementary Education K-6 Program Details

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Earn additional licenses. If you have a license and are looking to add additional teaching licenses, explore our teaching license programs.

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They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Program highlights

Learning you can apply right away

Your coursework aligns directly with what’s happening in elementary classrooms. You’ll plan lessons, manage classrooms, and support students while applying new strategies in real time—with guidance and feedback from Bethel faculty and experienced mentor teachers.

Real classroom experience

The B.S. in Elementary Education K-6 program is designed for adults working in school settings. You’ll apply what you’re learning directly in elementary classrooms throughout the program. Some students participate in Bethel’s yearlong residency pathway, working alongside a mentor teacher. Bethel’s residency model is uniquely approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, providing a strong foundation for licensure.

Residency pathway option

Some students choose to complete the program through Bethel’s yearlong residency pathway, working alongside an experienced mentor teacher in a full academic-year classroom placement. This immersive, cohort-based experience integrates coursework with daily teaching practice. Bethel’s residency model is uniquely approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, providing a strong foundation for licensure and long-term success.

Teacher resilience and well-being

Through Bethel’s Charting Hope series, you’ll explore twelve practical habits that strengthen teacher resilience, well-being, and long-term success in the profession. Grounded in research on hope theory and enriched by faith-informed practices, this distinctive element helps you flourish as an educator and leader.

Integrated residency seminars

Three required seminar intensives—in the first, fourth, and fifth semesters—bring together residents, mentor teachers, and Bethel faculty for reflection, feedback, and hands-on learning. Topics include classroom management, trauma-informed practices, and professional dispositions.

Faith-informed preparation

Your coursework and residency experiences are guided by a Christian perspective that values compassion, integrity, and service. You’ll explore how your beliefs and values shape the way you teach, lead, and serve, grounding your work in purpose that lasts.

License-ready structure

This program meets the requirements to seek an initial Tier 3 Minnesota elementary education K-6 teaching license. You’ll graduate prepared to step into your own K-6 classroom with the skills, experience, and confidence of a well-trained educator.

Grow Your Own funding support

Some partner schools offer external scholarships or Grow Your Own funding to support students while they complete the program. These funds come directly from participating school districts and can help reduce the cost of your education while you work in your local school community.

Upcoming Events

JUNE 16 2026

Refresh: A Gathering for Educators

8:30 a.m. Anderson Center Community Room

A retreat for teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to refresh and rejuvenate with good food, thoughtful activities, engaging connection with other educators, and an inspiring message from a joyful keynote speaker.

JUNE 18 2026

Camp Hope 2026

Lissner Hall

Camp Hope is a 3-day retreat designed to provide emotional and spiritual restoration for P-12 educators- come join us!

JUNE 19 2026

Camp Hope 2026

Lissner Hall

Camp Hope is a 3-day retreat designed to provide emotional and spiritual restoration for P-12 educators- come join us!

JUNE 20 2026

Camp Hope 2026

Lissner Hall

Camp Hope is a 3-day retreat designed to provide emotional and spiritual restoration for P-12 educators- come join us!

Grow as a resilient, hope-filled teacher and leader

Two college students in conversation at a classroom table, one pointing at a whiteboard filled with colorful handwritten notes and brainstorming ideas.

Bethel’s B.S. in Elementary Education K-6 helps you grow into a teacher who leads with purpose, compassion, and resilience. You’ll explore how your beliefs, values, and sense of calling can sustain you in a challenging yet deeply rewarding profession. Through Bethel’s program, every semester will provide you with hands-on opportunities to apply what you learn in real time. You’ll also develop practices of well-being and hope that strengthen both your teaching and your faith—equipping you to create classrooms grounded in care, curiosity, and confidence.

97%

of students would recommend their program to other teachers

- Recent Bush Exit Survey

Teachers describe Bethel's education master's students as “the best they see from the preparation programs.”

- Interviews from national accreditation process

Bethel University has allowed me to go back to school while working at a pace that is comfortable for me. I have enjoyed being a part of the online program and furthering my education.

Rachael Cappola '16
Current Job: 8th grade Math Teacher

This was an incredible, global educational experience. I was thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate online with peers across the world and I wouldn't trade this experience for any traditional learning program.

Evan Howard '15
Current job: Teaching Fellow - Athens College

This program blessed me so much! It gave me the opportunity to discover what it means to be a Christian teacher and leader. It also renewed my passion and equipped me with strategies to be more effective in my classroom.

Kristie Keenan '16

When I searched for master's in education programs, I knew I wanted something rigorous, engaging, and Christ-centered. This clearly structured program challenged me to continually exhibit God's love through the process of best teaching each student that enters my classroom.

Sarah Sobas '15
Current job: Teacher at International School of Qingdao (China)

Getting my master's at Bethel was convenient. All the classes were offered online, and I could choose a concentration. Also, I enjoyed the classes. They were a great study of best practices in education.

Patty Boettcher '15
Current job: 4th Grade Teacher at International School in Genoa, Italy

Career Outcomes

Outcomes

Our B.S. in Elementary Education K-6 program prepares non-traditional students to achieve initial licensure and gain the skills needed to be a confident teacher prepared to serve students, families, and communities.

Careers

Wondering what you can do with an M.A. in Elementary Education K-16? You'll be equipped with skills that apply to growing careers, including:

Licensed K-6 classroom teacher
Children’s ministry leader
Community education instructor
Youth and family program coordinator (YMCA, nonprofits, and more)

Skills

This program prepares you to grow as a teacher—and a leader—through an integrated curriculum and a full-year residency. You’ll be ready to:

Teach with confidence. Build strong foundations in academic content and instructional best practices.
Reflect and improve. Use assessment and reflection to continuously grow your impact.
Lead effectively. Plan and deliver standards-based instruction and manage your classroom with clarity and care.
Stay resilient. Practice proven strategies to support your well-being and long-term success as an educator.
Model compassion. Serve with integrity, guided by a Christian perspective that values each student.