Begin your journey to the classroom
Mercer’s Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Elementary/Special Education prepares students for initial teacher certification to teach children in grades P through 5. The program is designed for future elementary school teachers who do not hold a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring teachers who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education can explore Mercer’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education.
With a major in Elementary/Special Education, students learn how to understand young children from a holistic perspective and create classroom curriculum to support children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Through field experiences, students are immersed in diverse classroom settings to observe current teachers, participate in classroom activities, and gain experience in teaching elementary-aged children.
Successful completion of the program and passing scores on the appropriate GACE Content assessments lead to eligibility for Level 4 induction certification.
Earn an embedded endorsement
Successful completion of the three-course sequence of study within the program curriculum will lead to eligibility for an in-field Reading Endorsement and will provide the certified teacher with strengthened and enhanced competencies for teaching reading and literacy at the prerequisite certification level.
Designed for busy and working adults
Earning a bachelor’s degree at Mercer University while managing other priorities is possible. With the program’s flexibility, many of our students are able to continue working while earning their degree.
Students pursue the B.S.Ed. in Elementary/Special Education through a blended combination of online and in-person meetings at Mercer’s Atlanta, Douglas County, Henry County, or Macon location.
- The majority of each course is completed through both synchronous and asynchronous online instruction, and students only attend class in person twice per course.
- Most students register for two courses per eight-week session.
- Sessions begin five times a year in January, March, May, August, and October.
- Students are also required to participate in field experiences during the day.
Transfer your credits
We want you to get the credit you deserve toward completion of your B.S.Ed. at Mercer. That’s why we’ve made the process of transferring credits as seamless as possible.
Expand your knowledge
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to:
- Understand the young child from a holistic perspective with an emphasis upon the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, as well as the child’s environment
- Understand various curriculum models and best practices
- Demonstrate competency in developing and implementing a wide variety of diagnostic and assessment techniques and strategies
- Integrate technology into the curriculum
Learn more about our Elementary/Special Education major
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your personalized admissions counseling appointment, or contact Renee Slaton at 678.547.6500 or enroll@mercer.edu for more information.
Additional Steps
Keep planning ahead
Explore teacher candidacy
Effective July 1, 2022, students are no longer required to take the GACE Program Admission assessment.
Gain valuable field experience
Meet the Faculty
Mercer’s Tift College of Education is supported by faculty and staff who devote themselves to preparing students to become transforming educators within their communities and throughout the world.
Professional licensure
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia. If you intend to seek licensure or certification outside of Georgia, please review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for more information.