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 and winter 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.

Admissions Timeline

Application Term	Application Opens	Priority Application Deadline	Application Deadline	Term Begins
Winter	September 23, 2025	October 15	October 15	Early January
Fall	September 23, 2025	January 15	April 15	Late September

Additional Timeline Information:

After submission, your application will be reviewed by staff and faculty. We make every effort to communicate admissions decisions no later than three to four weeks after the application deadline. 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.
Résumé: Summarize your work, volunteer, and lived experiences to demonstrate your readiness for starting a teacher preparation program.
Essay or video: All candidates for the Elementary Education program are required to share a written (750–1000 words), audio, or video recording that answers the following questions. Provide examples where appropriate.
- Students successful in the Elementary Education program are open to learning, are responsible (i.e., they take ownership over their learning), caring, student-centered, collaborative, curious about–and committed to–equity; please provide examples of your experience with youth that demonstrate how you meet these dispositional requirements.
- What have you learned about youth, families, and communities from your experiences working with youth in and out of schools? How will your learning inform your approach to teaching?
- What strengths do you have that you think will help you be a successful teacher? How will those strengths help you?
- What is a teacher’s role in relation to diversity and social justice?

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 Requirements - 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.