Elementary Education, Certificate
Prepare to teach students in kindergarten through grade 8 with this undergraduate certificate. This certificate emphasizes equitable and inclusive teaching methods that support culturally and linguistically diverse learners and students with special needs.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Elementary Education undergraduate certificate description
In the certificate program in elementary education, you prepare to work with children in grades K-8 in an educational setting.
This certificate program can be added only to the following majors, granting you eligibility for dual teaching certificates when you complete your Bachelor of Arts in Education program:
- BAE in secondary education
- BAE in special education
You engage in innovative coursework grounded in theory-based strategies and evidence-based practices for teaching. Coursework is designed to support the development of instructional competencies, professional skills, content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in mathematics, science, English language arts and social studies.
This program has a strong focus on teaching and learning practices that foster equitable access and outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students, and learners with special needs and exceptionalities.
When you add this certificate to a bachelor's degree listed above, you're eligible to earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification in Elementary Education, K-8, as recognized by the Arizona Department of Education. To teach in an Arizona public school, you must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
Format option
This program is also offered via ASU Sync. ASU Sync enables you to attend live classes remotely via Zoom. Classes are designed to foster active collaboration and discussion in real time with faculty and peers. As an ASU Sync student, you must reside in Arizona throughout the duration of the program. If you have F-1 or J-1 immigration status, you're not permitted to complete courses via Sync and should speak with an advisor about other options to complete this program.
If you're seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs, you should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center regarding certain limitations.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Why earn an elementary education undergraduate certificate at ASU?
You'll gain expertise to support diverse learners and elevate inclusive practices with flexible pathways that meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
At MLFC, you join a community within a community. You participate in all the traditions and access all the resources available through ASU while also connecting with the more intimate college community of peers who share your passions and professional interests.
Additional details
You can get involved at ASU through community service, cultural and heritage events, fraternity and sorority life, intramural sports and fitness, Sun Devil traditions, Changemaker Central and much more. There is a place for every student at MLFC.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 20 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
This certificate requires 20 credit hours. |
||
| Required Courses | ||
|
EED 324 Social Studies Methods and the Arts
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
EED 411 Science in Elementary Schools
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
EED 412 Mathematics in Elementary Schools
4 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
EED 433 Writing in the 21st Century
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
RDG 413 Elementary Methods for Literacy Instruction and Assessment
4 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
TEL 331 Foundations of Literacy: The Science of Reading
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Execute an instructional cycle using research-based pedagogical practices and theories appropriate for a range of learners
- Create learning experiences that address the content disciplines to engage learners in accessible, relevant, and meaningful content to ensure critical thinking and mastery of the content.
- Create and maintain inclusive, equitable learning environments that support individual and collaborative learning experiences, utilize high leverage practices, and foster critical thinking, active engagement,and well-being for all learners
- Use multiple methods of assessment and sources of data to evaluate various aspects of learners
- Apply strategies for teaming to meet students’ needs
- Evaluate and recommend appropriate strategies to promote habits of mind
- Build and implement a professional growth plan using evidence and reflective practices
- Advocate for students, families, and communities with an understanding of the historical, social, local, or global context
- Self-reflect and assess personal contributions for shaping and supporting the mission of a school/organization's culture
- Apply expectations of the profession
- Analyze key ethical issues present in a prominent social or cultural problem in education, including the ways different ethical perspectives influence decision making related to the issue
- Analyze and acknowledge the local/cultural context, personal histories, and experiences relevant to problem(s) of practice
- Engage in cycles of inquiry in collaborative educational systems to imagine new concepts, catalyze ideas, and form new solutions, guided by principles and research that create positive change for learners
- Evaluate competing perspectives on a problem of practice within an educational context and present a reasoned analysis of the issue informed by major theories and evidence-based practices
- Implement an applied project, synthesize the findings and defend the significance and implications of the study as relevant to local, social and/or global contexts
Execute an instructional cycle using research-based pedagogical practices and theories appropriate for a range of learnersEnrollment requirements
This certificate is open only to students majoring in special education or secondary education undergraduate teacher preparation programs in the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Students are required to have a valid Arizona DPS Identity Verified Prints fingerprint clearance card.
A GPA of 2.00 is required for continued good standing. Students should contact MLFC for more information.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student but may not be eligible for an institutional recommendation for Arizona teaching licensure without additional preparation beyond the certificate.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this elementary education undergraduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates are highly sought-after teachers in public, charter and private education institutions. Many graduates with degrees in elementary education also work at community organizations that serve children and youth.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Division for Advancing Educator Preparation
|
ED 118
educationadvising@asu.edu
480-965-5555
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
