Elementary Education

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Certificates / Endorsements

In addition to elementary licensure, you can also earn add-on endorsements in music, art, physical education, technology and special education.

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Prepares you to teach math, science, social studies and reading/language arts in grades K-6

02

Offers courses that emphasize experiential learning across purposefully sequenced clinical experiences

03

Is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

04

Provides unique hands-on experiences at the Partnership Middle School, which is located on campus

05

Prepares you to make a positive, meaningful impact in educational and community settings

Core
Skills

  • Strong understanding of human development, learning theories and motivation
  • Insight into how cognitive, emotional and social factors impact learning and behavior
  • Practical experience applying learning theory principles and research-based instructional strategies

Sample
Jobs

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Reading Specialist or Literacy Coach
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • School Librarian
  • Educational Consultant

Successful Career Outcomes

MSU elementary education students have a 98% successful career outcome rate 2023-24 First Destination Survey Report

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Public and private schools across the U.S.
  • Department of Defense, which hires educators to teach internationally

Brag
Points

  • 100% of our teacher education students are placed in a student-teaching internship prior to graduation.
  • Our prestigious Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program provides full tuition, housing, dining, a study-abroad experience and more.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

- Partnership Middle School on MSU’s campus 
- Clinical experiences in at least two different public schools and two different grade levels
- Hands-on teaching that progresses from one-on-one instruction to small groups to full-class settings, while adding new subject areas along the way

Spotlight

After three years of teaching, educators can complete the National Board Certification process and earn a $6,000-$10,000 annual bonus in Mississippi public schools. We offer support to teachers seeking certification through our World Class Teaching Program.

Elementary Education

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

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Hands-On Learning

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Alumni
Success

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, or NBPTS, ranks Mississippi State No. 12 nationwide for number of National Board Certified Teachers, with 997 MSU alumni having earned the prestigious certification.

Student
Testimonial

“My time in Mississippi State's College of Education has greatly boosted my confidence in my academic and interpersonal skills, thanks to exceptional professors who mentored and encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone. Their guidance helped me earn a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship to conduct educational research in South Korea. I am grateful for my amazing experience and the relationships I formed within the College of Education!”
—Valencia Epps
Elementary Education | Starkville, Mississippi