Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Western Governors University

Program Details

WGU’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education prepares students to make a difference as teachers of young students. Our CAEP-accredited program is designed with experts in the field of education to ensure that graduates gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to gain licensure and embark on a successful and impactful teaching career. The program is mostly online, with courses covering topics including subject matter knowledge, classroom management, curriculum development and social/emotional learning. It also includes required in-person demonstration teaching, also called student teaching, to give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in the classroom with an experienced teacher mentor.

WGU offers low, flat-rate tuition that helps make earning a degree more affordable. Our programs are designed for working adults, delivering unparalleled flexibility and allowing students to complete coursework whenever and wherever works best for their schedules. Students also benefit from our competency-based learning model, which lets them complete most courses as quickly as they prove mastery of the material, making it possible to accelerate their progress and potentially graduate faster. Program mentors work one-on-one with WGU students, providing dedicated coaching, guidance, and support from enrollment through graduation and beyond.

% Online

100% Online

Program Accreditation & Licensing

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

School Accreditation & Licensing

Western Governors University is accredited by:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s “home” accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges.

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

High School or Equivalent

Application Requirements

Interview, Official High School Transcript/GED Score

Additional Info

  • The program includes a student teaching component

The WGU School of Education is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

Additionally, the teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU School of Education have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.