Admissions | Elementary Education Bachelor's

PSU’s Elementary Education bachelor’s degree offers you a direct path to become a teacher in Oregon — and gives you the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of children and their families.

In addition to being admitted to PSU, you must also apply separately to the Bachelor's in Elementary Education program. The Elementary Education program only admits students for a fall, winter, and spring start. We encourage you to start planning your application to the program in your sophomore year.

If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, your path to becoming an elementary teacher is through PSU's Master’s in Elementary Education.

Admission Timeline

Program Start	Fall - Sep 2025	Winter - Jan 6, 2025	Spring - Mar 31, 2025
*Priority Application Deadline	January 15	--	--
Final Application Deadline	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED
Prerequisite Deadline	By the start of the program

Priority Application Deadline

Applying by the priority application deadline will allow you to apply for scholarships offered by the PSU College of Education. You can find scholarship opportunities, including College of Education scholarships, through the PSU Scholarship Application.

Admission Decision Timeline

Students who apply by January 15th will receive a decision by March 1st
Students who apply by April 15th will receive a decision by June 1st
Decisions will be received via email from askcoe@pdx.edu

Admission Requirements

Admitted to PSU
Completion of 90 credits (junior standing)
Meet the course prerequisites (see below)
Interest in working with elementary-aged children

You should apply to the program so that you are ready to start once you have completed 90 credits, which includes the prerequisite coursework listed below. If you are not sure when you will have completed 90 credits or the best time to start the program, please connect with your academic advisor in the Society and Identity Pathway.

Required application materials

Below is the list of the materials and information you will need to provide as part of your online application into the program. We recommend preparing these materials in advance of submitting your application.

Transcripts: From your most recent term of attendance. These should demonstrate that you meet or will meet the admissions requirements by the time you begin the program.
Essay or video: Please upload EITHER a written essay, a video file, OR an audio file that shares:
- your experiences working with elementary-aged children,
- your reasons for becoming an elementary teacher, AND
- what you will bring to the profession.

How to Apply

Submit the Elementary Education Supplemental Application by the listed deadline

Apply to the Elementary Education Program

Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite courses are expected to be completed prior to the start of the program with at least a C- grade. You may be in the process of completing these courses while you apply to the program.

For example, if you apply for a winter 2025 program start, you will submit your application by October. You may still be completing your prerequisite courses during fall term.

In addition to the prerequisite coursework, you will need a minimum of a 2.75 GPA.

Required Prerequisite Courses - These must be completed by the time you begin the major
Prerequisite topic areas	Required prerequisite courses offered at PSU	Equivalent prerequisite courses offered at community colleges
MATH 211, 212, and 213	MATH 211, 212, and 213	You can substitute courses listed in Column B of the course articulation chart.
Intro/Foundations of Education	CI 116 Foundations of Education or ED 420 Introduction to Education & Society	You can substitute courses listed in Column C of the course articulation chart.
Learning/Development	PSY 311U Human Development	You can substitute courses listed in Column D of the course articulation chart.
Special Education	CI 169 Special Education and Inclusion or SPED 418 Survey of Exceptional Learners	You can substitute courses listed in Column E of the course articulation chart.
General Education Requirements	First Year Requirements (First Year Inquiry) Second Year Requirements (Sophomore Inquiry)	Transfer students are placed into University Studies courses based on the number of credits completed at the time they enter PSU.

Recommended Prerequisite Courses - We HIGHLY encourage students to complete these courses before starting the major, especially if they are attending full-time.
Prerequisite topic areas	Required prerequisite courses offered at PSU	Equivalent prerequisite courses offered at community colleges
Degree Requirements (BA/BS)	Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science
University Writing Requirement	University Writing Requirement
Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement	Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement	ED 259 Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning at Portland Community College OR other approved transfer options.

Contact

If you have questions about the application process, contact askcoe@pdx.edu.